Just a couple of hours drive from Moscow is the small provincial town of Kolomna. The city is small, but with a very rich history and an abundance of attractions. In the past, he had to endure many significant events, including tragic ones. All this left its mark on the appearance of Kolomna.
- Epiphany Staro-Golutvin Monastery
- Museum Factory of Kolomna Pastila
Tourists come here for one or a couple of days. The city is perfect for a short independent holiday. The distances here are small and it is a pleasure to overcome them while walking along the historical streets. These walks are especially good in the summer, when everything around is literally surrounded by greenery.
Kolomna is a great option for the weekend
At the same time, in addition to standard sightseeing, you can also attend the festivals for which Kolomna is famous. Various events are held here for literature fans, music lovers, and those who are passionate about history. Tourists who visit the city note its well-groomed and comfortable environment, and also call it a creative place where talents live.
What to see in 1 day
The beauty of Kolomna is that all the main attractions are located compactly. It’s quite possible to visit them all in one day on your own, especially if you arrive in the city in advance and start walking in the morning. You’ll have just enough time to see all the most interesting things, and even check out the museums, many of which are no longer open in the evening.
The central object of the city is the Kolomna Kremlin
. Tourists can freely walk around its territory, since this attraction is at the same time a city quarter. The area of the local Kremlin is quite impressive and you can study it for quite a long time. But, in principle, the inspection can be completed in a couple of hours, if you do not delve too deeply into the study of each historical object of the complex. There are about 40 such objects here. Among them are houses, churches, monuments, towers and other architectural attractions.
After walking around the Kolomna Kremlin, you will still have enough time and we recommend devoting it to trips to local museums. If you think that they feature standard historical exhibitions, you are mistaken. The museums in this city are special and themed. Pastille, soap, toys, samovars - these are some of the items that the exhibition halls are dedicated to. Moreover, some museums organize original excursions in the format of theatrical performances. When planning your route around Kolomna, expect that studying one thematic exhibition will take you about an hour.
Weather, best time to travel
Kolomna has a normal climate, which is suitable for traveling at any time of the year. The weather here varies from month to month, since the city is located far from the equator. Summer in Kolomna can be hot.
The following table will help you see the average temperature and precipitation by season:
| Season | Temperature | Sunny and rainy days |
| Spring | Average temperature in April: +11 °C. | There are about 10 sunny days and about 4 rainy days in a month. |
| Summer | Average temperature in July: +28 °C. | More than 20 sunny days and about 4 rainy days. |
| Autumn | Average temperature in October: +6 °C. | About 7 sunny days and 2 rainy days. |
| Winter | Average temperature: -12 °C. | There are no sunny days and 1 rainy day. |
Tourists begin to actively come to Kolomna in May. During this period, the air in the city warms up to +20 °C. The peak season is in August. This month Kolomna is visited by the maximum number of holidaymakers and the weather is usually excellent, warm and sunny. Since September, the flow of tourists has decreased significantly.
Sights of the Kolomna Kremlin
Naturally, the greatest interest of tourists is attracted by the main historical attraction of Kolomna - the local Kremlin. In fact, this is one of the city's districts. That is why you can get to the Kremlin at any time on any day of the week. It was erected in the 16th century during the reign of Tsar Vasily III
and at that time it was considered a fairly large fortress. The defensive function of the structure was to defend the city from Tatar raids. The walls of the fortress stretch for almost a couple of kilometers, and in some places their thickness is an impressive 4.5 meters. Some of them were dismantled at the end of the 19th century. Other buildings were also damaged at the time. For example, not all the Kremlin towers survived. The tallest surviving one is the Kolomenskaya Tower. It rose 31 meters above the ground. Nowadays, large-scale work has been carried out to restore ancient masonry and sections of previously destroyed walls.
Cathedral Square
This square arose on the territory of the Kremlin in the 16th century, when the construction of two palaces was underway: the episcopal and the grand-ducal. In the 18th century it was transformed and it is in this form that it has survived to this day. Around it there are temples and churches, including the Assumption Cathedral with a separate bell tower. This is the oldest building in the square. The cathedral was built in the 17th century. New objects include the monument to Cyril and Methodius, which appeared here in 2007.
Cathedral Square - the heart of the Kremlin
Assumption Cathedral
The dominant feature of the Cathedral Square ensemble is the main Kolomna Cathedral - the Assumption. Initially, there was a temple on this site, founded in 1379 under Dmitry Donskoy. According to some sources, the famous icon painter Theophanes the Greek had a hand in painting that building. The temple stood for almost 300 years, but its condition constantly deteriorated and eventually it became clear that it could not be restored. Therefore, on the site of the former church, in the second half of the 17th century, a cathedral was built, which we can see on the square today. The construction of the temple was led by Meletiy Alekseev.
Marinkina tower
Along with Granovita, this is one of the two most famous towers of the Kolomna Kremlin that have survived to this day. There are many legends around the Marinka Tower, which is perhaps why it arouses the greatest interest among tourists. It got its name based on one of the legends. History says that the wife of False Dmitry I, Marina Mnishek, lived in this tower until her last days. There is also a completely mythical legend, allegedly the prisoner of the tower did not die, but turned into a magpie and flew to freedom through the window of the loophole.
Kuprin's house in Kolomna
When you find yourself on Cathedral Square, your attention will certainly be attracted by a small wooden house with a mezzanine. And if at first it arouses your interest from an architectural point of view, then you will be captivated by its history. In this house, which has been very well preserved since its construction in the 19th century, the relatives of the famous writer A.I. Kuprin lived. Kuprin himself was also here, often visiting his loved ones. Moreover, he lived in this house on a permanent basis for two years. It is no coincidence that the building eventually received the name “Kuprin House”. It is curious that it did not become a museum. Now there is a small hotel with modest interiors, but with preserved historical details.
Pyatnitsky Gate
This is the front gate of the Kolomna Kremlin. At the moment this is the only passage tower of the fortress. Outwardly, it is similar to the Spasskaya Tower of the Moscow Kremlin. Previously, not far from the gate, there was the Paraskeva Pyatnitsa Church, and that is why they received the name Pyatnitsky. Today, on the site of the church there is a Pyatnitskaya chapel. The Pyatnitsky Gate itself was kept in good condition thanks to regular restoration work.
Temples and monasteries of Kolomna
Epiphany Staro-Golutvin Monastery
On the outskirts of the city there is a monastery, which was founded in the 14th century. According to historians, the abbot of the monastery was initially a student of Sergius of Radonezh himself. Fragments of the original foundation of the monastery can now be seen in the foundation of the Epiphany Church. It was built in the 18th century and is currently the oldest building of the monastery.
Bobrenev Monastery
This monastery is popular among pilgrims who come to see the icon of the Theodore Mother of God
. She is considered miraculous and has a reputation that she can help resolve family issues and is also capable of healing. The monastery was built in 1381, a year after the Battle of Kulikovo Field. Such a significant age of the monastery allows us to call it the oldest in Kolomna. It is located where the Vladimirsky tract previously passed
Church of the Conception of John the Baptist in Gorodishchi
There are only two surviving churches built in the 14th century in the Moscow region. This is one of them. It passed through the centuries unchanged, unlike many similar structures that were demolished over time in order to build new, stronger and more spacious ones in their place. This temple even preserved Batu’s seal, which is an image of a certain mythical animal. The seal can be seen on the northern wall of the temple.
Church of St. Nicholas on Posad
The location of this church is Posadskaya Street. Actually, that’s why part of its name sounds like that – “on Posad”. This temple was built at the beginning of the 18th century. The style of construction is Moscow patterned. The church has a very interesting architecture, which makes it stand out from other buildings. The upper part of the temple is formed by 105 kokoshniks, which are topped with five domes. Some of the decorative elements were restored by restorers during the Soviet Union. At the moment, the temple is run by Old Believers.
Church of the Exaltation of the Cross
Right behind the Pyatnitsky Gate of the Kolomna Kremlin is the Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. It was built in the 30s of the 19th century. The temple architects chose classicism as the main style. The church is crowned by a large domed rotunda. The temple building is connected to the nearby bell tower by a high passage.
Temple of the Tikhvin Icon
In 1776, a temple appeared in the city, the creation of which was contributed by the local merchant Ivan Meshchaninov. This religious building was built on the Cathedral Square of the Kremlin, and it was named in honor of the Tikhvin Icon of the Mother of God. Almost 100 years later, another Kolomna merchant, Tupitsyn, took care of the church. His funds helped expand the temple. Since 1861, the temple became five-domed. With the advent of Soviet power, the decoration of the church was seriously damaged, and its heads were demolished. Much later, already in the 90s of the last century, the temple was restored, including its internal paintings. Adjacent to the temple building is a bell tower, on which you can see a massive two-ton bell.
Church of St. John the Evangelist
Once upon a time, the church of the same name stood at the very gates of the Kolomna Kremlin. It was built of wood and therefore simply burned down during the fire. At the same time, it was decided to restore the temple, but from stone and in a different place. Now this place is the Square of Two Revolutions. Construction of the stone church was completed in 1756. However, only more than 70 years later the work on painting the walls and rebuilding the building came to an end. The temple has a 67-meter bell tower.
Brusensky Monastery
In 1552, a monastery was founded in Kolomna. Until the mid-17th century, all buildings on its territory were made of wood. Nowadays the monastery is for women. It has the status of a cultural heritage monument, and at the same time is considered an active religious center.
Museums of Kolomna
Museum Factory of Kolomna Pastila
Do you like sweets? Then you will definitely enjoy visiting one of the most popular tourist places in Kolomna. This is not just a museum, but a factory with real marshmallow production, which you can watch. Ancient technologies are observed here and there is even a special laboratory for the reconstruction of tastes.
Pastila has been produced at this factory since 1852. Initially, it was a family production - then the enterprise belonged to the merchants Chuprikovs. They discovered a new dessert for Russia.
Huge assortment of pastilles
The history of the creation of the sweet is reminded to all visitors by the merchant Chuprikov himself, who meets them at the entrance. This recreated historical figure will help you master the skills of making marshmallows, and also takes you into the underground part of the estate. There the housekeeper and gardener will join the theatrical performance. They will also tell you a lot of interesting things. What about tasting? - you ask. You can taste the famous sweet in a local cozy cafe, where marshmallows of various types are presented.
Museum "Kolomenskaya pastila"
There is another interesting place in Kolomna where you can get acquainted with the history of the famous local dessert. The Kolomenskaya Pastila Museum is located on Posadskaya Street next to the St. Nicholas Church. In 2009 it opened in the building of the Suranov merchants' mansion. Its exhibition reflects the main points in the history of Kolomna pastila, which is almost 800 years old. Some tastes and smells that seemed to have already been lost are being revived within the walls of this museum. The excursions here are not simple, but interactive. There are also theatrical performances and various festive events organized here.
Inside the museum
Museum "Kalachnaya"
Continuing our walk through museums of edible exhibits, let’s take a look at the Kalach Museum. Officially, its history began in 2013, when it opened its doors to visitors. But up to this point, researchers have done a lot of work to find and restore ancient recipes. Museum guests can take part in a theatrical excursion, during which they will learn about the history of making local kalachi, and then cook and taste the baked goods themselves.
Kolomna Kalach
Museum-residence "Artkommunalka"
There is also a very unusual museum in Kolomna. On the one hand, it seems to be historical, but on the other hand, by historical exhibitions we usually mean something else. Immediately you will immerse yourself in the atmosphere of a real “communal apartment” of the Soviet era, and feel the spirit of dissidence. You will have the opportunity to walk along Kolomensky Arbat
", and this is not a street at all, but a long corridor of a communal apartment. That's what the local residents called it. Now these premises house a workshop where contemporary artists create works. This is where their creations are put on display.
Soviet atmosphere in the museum
It is noteworthy that this apartment is associated with the name of the writer Venedikt Erofeev
.
Tram Museum in Kolomna
Did you know that Kolomna is the birthplace of the first Russian electric tram? It was here that its production began, which has not stopped to this day. The museum, where you can get acquainted with the history of the development of the tram, is located in a building built in the 19th century and more than 200 models will appear in it. How did they all fit in one building? These are simply models made in miniature 1 to 87.
Museum exposition
Kolomna Local Lore Museum
Naturally, there are also classical museums in the city. The main one is located on Lazhechnikov Street in a merchant complex of the 19th century. He settled in this place in 2006, and before that he changed several places of registration. Initially, the local history museum was opened in 1932 in the Marinka Tower. Once you enter the new museum building, the first thing you will find is an exhibition dedicated to the nature and life of ancient man.
Exhibits of the local history museum
Museum of your favorite toy
In 2014, a museum opened in Kolomna, which turned out to be interesting for both children and adults. Its founder, Irina Kulikova, makes toys herself, namely soft teddy bears. At the same time, she restores old toys.
The museum will immerse you in childhood
In this museum you will find not only plush products, but also board games, little soldiers, a children's railway and much more. But the main part of the exhibits are dolls brought from different parts of the world.
Museum-Estate “House of the Samovar”
Would you like to stop by for a tea party at the House of Samovar? Already from the name it is clear what exhibits are presented there. In the museum you will see a private collection collected by the Burov family. They collected here not only samovars, but also cast iron irons, kerosene lamps and much more. There are more than four hundred exhibits in total.
The entire history of samovars is presented in the museum halls
If, after seeing enough of the rarities, you want to have something similar at home, then a souvenir shop is at your service. There is also a small cafe in the museum where you can taste delicious pastries and home-cooked dishes.
Museum of Military Glory
The Museum of Military Glory has been operating in the Memorial Park since 2010. Its exhibition halls display exhibits reflecting the military history of Kolomna. The collection also includes items collected by the townspeople themselves. Also at one of the exhibitions there is an electronic Memory Book. Among the most interesting objects, we highlight a diorama with a mortar, which was made according to the drawings of a local engineering bureau.
The museum will be of interest to both adults and children
Hotels
There are many hotels in Kolomna to suit every budget.
The table will allow you to get acquainted with them:
| Name | Peculiarities |
| Central estate | Inexpensive hotel on the bus stop. Umanskaya street. Room prices start from 1 thousand rubles. There are even simple rooms for 4-5 people with single beds. The hotel has a swimming pool and parking. The rooms have air conditioning |
| 40th Meridian Yacht Club 3* | Hotel on Beregovaya street, 48. The cost of a single room is from 3.5 thousand rubles per night. The hotel has a swimming pool and gym |
| Master | Located at Oksky Prospekt, 132. This is an inexpensive, but very popular hotel among tourists. The cost of a room per person here averages 1.5 thousand. It also includes meals. |
| Travel | Another hotel on Oksky Prospekt (no. 60). The cost of an overnight stay per person here averages 2 thousand rubles. Do the rooms have air conditioning |
| Model house | This is a hotel on the street. Modelnaya, 21. The cost per night for 1 person here starts from 5.5 thousand. |
Where to go for a walk in Kolomna
Square Saucer
This square with a cute, good name is located on the territory of the Kolomna Kremlin. It is believed that this particular place is the oldest in the city. This version is based on the results of excavations carried out here. In the course of archaeological work, scientists discovered evidence that an ancient settlement was located on this site in the Iron Age. It later laid the foundation for the development of the entire city. Nowadays, residents and guests of the city love to stroll along the “Saucer”. Why did the park get this name? In the 19th century, it began to be called that for its saucer-like shape.
The square is a place for a relaxing holiday
Memorial Park
The park was opened in 1970 on the territory of mass graves. The remains of those killed at the front and those who died in the city hospital during the war are buried here.
Now the Eternal Flame burns in the park as a reminder of that tragic period in history. There is also a Walk of Military Glory in the Memorial Park. Walking along it you can see monuments to local heroic residents, those who died in World War II and other military conflicts.
Peace Park
Attractions and walking areas, a cafe and a 26-meter Ferris wheel, trays with sweets and a fountain. All this is in the Peace Park, which is considered one of the main places for leisure in Kolomna. It is big and has a lot of greenery. There are convenient walking paths throughout its vast territory, which makes walking especially enjoyable.
Peace Park - fun for the whole family
How to navigate
There is no metro in Kolomna. But public transport is active. You can easily get to any point in the city from 6 am to 11 pm. These are mainly trams and buses.
After 11 pm, public transport begins to run here intermittently. Therefore, it is better to take a taxi. The cost of the latter services starts from about 200 rubles. On average, you will have to pay 300-500 rubles for a trip around the city.
The city of Kolomna has many interesting sites for tourists. There are museums, churches, parks, and a variety of cafes and restaurants. Some of them you can watch on your own in 1 day.
Monuments and sculptures
Monument to Vodovoz
An amazing question: why am I a water carrier? This line of an old song will probably come to your mind when you see the sculpture of a water carrier on the banks of the Moscow River. And at this moment the phrase “spin the drum” will sound in your head, because the author of the monument made the character’s face look like the face of the popular TV presenter Leonid Yakubovich.
Monument to Vodovoz
Where the sculpture now stands, local water carriers used to fetch water. It was a difficult profession that became a thing of the past with the advent of plumbing.
Shevlyaginskaya basin
By the way, about the plumbing. At the beginning of the 20th century, its function was performed by water dispensers. In Kolomna before the revolution there were six such structures - swimming pools. They were created with funds allocated by philanthropist Maria Shevlyagina and therefore began to be called “Shevlyaginsky”.
The Shevlyaginskaya pool, which can still be seen today, is located not far from the Museum-Marshmallow Factory. This is a fairly old building, but it is still functioning. The pool is connected to the city water supply, which allows it to be used as a source of water. You can quench your thirst or just get some water.
Monument to steam locomotive L-0012
There is an unusual monument near the city railway station. It is dedicated to the first mainline freight steam locomotive that was built in this city. In fact, the monument is a real locomotive. Over the 10 years since 1945, approximately 4 thousand locomotives of this class were produced. The model was considered successful, and its developers were even awarded the Stalin Prize. And the name of one of the authors of the project was immortalized in the very name of the locomotive. “L” meant “Lebedyansky”.
Monument to Cyril and Methodius
There are also monuments in the ancient city that were built not so long ago. These include the monument located on Cathedral Square. This is a monument to Cyril and Methodius - the creators of the Slavic alphabet. The composition consists of two figures of saints and a cross rising above them. Cyril has an alphabet scroll in his hands, and Methodius has the Gospel.
What to see in the vicinity of Kolomna
Bobrenev Monastery
In order to get to this attraction, you will have to drive 3 kilometers from Kolomna by car. There is no exact date of foundation of this monastery, but a number of historians believe that it is 1578. In the 17th and 18th centuries, stone cathedrals and churches were built on the territory of the monastery. Nowadays, most of the buildings of the monastery have already been restored. The appearance of the Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary, which is famous for its special acoustics, has also been restored.
Museum-workshop of Nikolai Abakumtsev
Even further from Kolomna there is the next interesting object. The museum-workshop of the sculptor is located in the village of Peski. It is more than 20 kilometers from the city to here. This museum presents the works of Nikolai Abakumtsev. They are located not only in the building itself, but also in the territory that surrounds it. Right out in the open.
Creations of Nikolai Abakumtsev
Guests of the workshop are always ready to be treated to aromatic tea from a samovar, prepared with herbs and pine cones.
Petting Zoo "Gorki"
At one time, it was decided to convert part of the Maksheevsky farm into a petting zoo. Comfortable enclosures have appeared here, which are now home to more than 50 species of animals and birds. Among them are ostriches and peacocks, ponies and llamas, as well as other representatives of the fauna. Animals are allowed to feed them and even play with them. Children will especially like this leisure option.
Kuznechnaya Sloboda
A small museum with one hall with an interesting exhibition - forged products of different sizes and purposes, the work of many master blacksmiths of more than one generation. The guide's informative story will reveal the essence of each item: armor and weapons, scales, irons, and other ancient everyday items.
Where to go with a child in Kolomna
What else will children like in Kolomna? In general, all excursions around the city will appeal to both adults and young tourists. Interesting buildings, between which you don’t have to travel long distances, tasting of sweets and much more - make Kolomna an ideal place for family walks.
Start with a visit to the Kremlin, where you and your whole family can witness some interesting event.
Then head to the Museum of Your Favorite Toy. Who, no matter how children, will be especially curious to look at the collection of dolls, trains and teddy bears. Most of the exhibits, those that are not rarities, can be touched with your hands.
Have you played? Now you can taste sweets at local marshmallow museums. Little tourists will be delighted with the taste of this signature Kolomna delicacy.
Another tasty excursion is worth going to Kalachnaya. There you can cook and eat kalach.
If you come to Kolomna in the summer, then after walking around the sights, you can accommodate the whole family on the banks of the Moscow River and have a picnic.
Author of the article: Nikitin Anatoly
Architectural structures
Kolomna, which will be interesting for the whole family to see in 1 day on its own, is famous for its large number of noteworthy architectural structures. In general, even ordinary city streets are interesting to look at here.
Bobrenevsky Bridge
Tourists usually don’t get to this place, although they should. The bridge is a pedestrian and drawbridge, which is located across the Moscow River. It is located close to the Kremlin described above in the article.
While the boats are passing, the bridge is opened - the parts are moved away from each other. There is no specific time set for this. The divorce occurs at the request of the ship's captain via radio communication. Going down to the pier closer to the bridge, you can see the flood scale and the Vodovoz monument.
Estate of the Lazhechnikov merchants
This estate on the street. The October Revolution belonged to the famous writer and merchant Ivan Lazhechnikov. Now the building has become a cultural and historical museum.
At this estate, the guide will give you an interesting tour and tell you interesting facts about this place. You can also attend a silent film session based on Lazhechnikov’s work “The Ice House”.
