Sights of Zaraysk

The Moscow region is rich in places of interest to domestic and foreign tourists. One of them is Zaraysk. The first mention of this small provincial town dates back to 1146. The period of economic prosperity of Zaraysk lasted from the 17th to the mid-19th century. For more than two centuries, the Russian city played the role of a major trading center of three administrative territories: Ryazan district, Moscow and later Ryazan provinces.

Now, in 2021, in Zaraysk, which occupies an area of 20.5 square meters. km, home to 22.77 thousand people. The compact city has 12 industrial enterprises, 4 museums, 2 cathedrals, 4 churches, an ice palace and 10 sculptural monuments. Zaraysk, administratively part of the Moscow region, is located 138 km southeast of the Russian capital.

The city is separated from the Moscow Ring Road by 117 km. The distance from Zaraysk to the border with the Ryazan region is 10.5 km. Tourists visit the city to see with their own eyes several objects of interest to curious travelers:

Zaraisky Kremlin;
ancient merchant houses dating back to the 17th–19th centuries;
museums and monuments of Zaraysk;
natural and sacred attractions of the city and surrounding areas;
the historical center of Zaraysk, where you can feel the almost unchanged way of life of the 18th–19th centuries.

Beautiful temples and churches in Zaraysk

The main function of the churches of Zaraysk is religious activity, but besides this, ancient buildings play the role of monuments of architecture and history of the city.

White well

Coordinates on the map are 54.767246, 38.865263.

The main shrine of Zaraysk, the already mentioned St. Nicholas Church, arose in 1225, when the icon of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker was presented to Prince Fyodor. In memory of this event, the ruler ordered the construction of a well in the place where he received the gift. This instruction was destined to come true.

The source is still active today. It is located in a park area, in a low area, to which a wide white staircase leads. A small log chapel was built next to the well, where baths are located. The water in the source is clean and cool, some believe that it is endowed with healing properties.

Church of the Annunciation

Address – Komsomolskaya, 28a.

The Annunciation Church is a building built in the second half of the 17th century in the Baroque style. This is a classic single-domed church consisting of three tiers. Its stone walls are painted white, and its roofs and domes are azure blue.

Adjacent to the temple is a high bell tower topped with a sharp spire; it dates back to the mid-19th century.

The Annunciation Church became one of the few religious institutions that did not cease its activities during the Soviet years. The temple was never subjected to destruction or looting, thanks to which ancient relics survived.

St. John the Baptist Cathedral

Address: Zaraisky Kremlin.

This cathedral is a monument marking the place where the church-mausoleum stood in the 13th century. Within its walls lay Prince Fyodor Yuryevich with his wife Eupraxia and their young son. The mausoleum was destroyed during the Time of Troubles, and the tomb was plundered.

The Cathedral of the Beheading of John the Baptist was rebuilt several times. The way we see it now, it became in the 20th century. The last perestroika was sponsored by the Bakhrushin merchant family. Then, on the foundations of the previous church, a new parish was built in the classical style.

In appearance, this is an unusually elegant building with luxurious decoration. Its appearance is decorated with columns, geometric patterns, arches and domes lined with green tiles. The interior decoration resembles a museum or a palace: vaulted ceilings, paintings on the walls, tiles, massive chandeliers and gilding.

Next to the Temple of John the Baptist there is a memorial chapel dedicated to the memory of Fedor, his wife and their son. During the years of the USSR, the church was subjected to total looting, but was later completely restored.

Church of Elijah the Prophet

Address: Krasnoarmeyskaya, 36a.

Elias Church is very old, it was first built of wood on this site in 1612. The classic building that tourists and parishioners can see today was built in 1835. In 1860, the cathedral suffered a fire, as a result of which the temple dome collapsed.

Like other churches, the Church of St. Elias under the USSR was closed from the late 1930s, and its last rector was shot. It housed various administrative structures. Since 1996, the parish has finally been returned to parishioners, and services are held there.

Church of the Life-Giving Trinity

Address - pl. Revolutions, 16.

The church is a complex of buildings made in the classicist style. The architectural ensemble is a single-domed white-stone church connected to the bell tower by an oblong building. The construction dates back to 1808. Under the USSR, the church building was given over to a cinema, creative studios and even warehouses.

For a long time, a branch of the Zaraisky Kremlin museum operated here. When the building was redeveloped in the 1930s, the exhibits were moved to a safe location, which contributed to their preservation. In the 1990s. the church was returned to the believers, the museum exhibition returned to its “Homeland” and continued to attract guests of the city.

Church of Seraphim of Sarov

Address: Revolution Square, 2.

Another temple building of the Zaraisk Kremlin. The Seraphim Church is a new build, as it was erected in 1995. The last building located in its place dates back to 1864. The church indicated in the subtitle is a baptismal church, where the sacraments of baptism are performed. It is a one-story building with a white facade, without domes, adjacent to the Former Zaraysk Theological School, another famous landmark of Zaraysk.

Natural attractions in the vicinity of Zaraysk

The nature of Zaraysk inspired many writers and artists. While the city grows and becomes more and more modern, its natural surroundings retain their natural appearance and remain as the ancestors of the 21st century Zarayans saw them.

Sturgeon River Dam

Coordinates: 54.758357, 38.864382.

The dam was built in the last century. Its goal is to reduce spring floods by increasing water levels upstream. This is one of the most picturesque places in the city that you can see on your own.

The Sturgeon River runs along green banks with birch groves and lush thickets of flowering bushes. A wide variety of fish are found in the waters of Sturgeon: sterlet, ripus, pike, perch, and so on. Fishing is allowed in sections of the river where the current weakens.

Waterfalls on Gremukha

Address: Bolshie Belynichi village.

Gremukha is a small river, a tributary of the Osetra. Its flow line passes through rapids and ground cascades, due to which streams and waterfalls are formed. The maximum height of the waterfalls is 2 meters. Noisy streams, whipped into white foam, break off the stone piles and break into thin crystal streams. Along the banks of the river there is a deciduous forest, which is especially beautiful in autumn.

Farm-zoo "Svyatopol"

Coordinates: 54.759952, 38.753968.

Svyatopol is a farm where husky dogs are bred and where you can go with your child. Children and adults can have plenty of fun playing with active, friendly animals, feed them and even ride the famous dog sleds. Huskies are known to be sled dogs. A group of six or twelve animals are harnessed to a sleigh with wide runners, and tourists set off on a snowy journey.

In addition to dogs, two stallions live here: Kefir of the Oryol breed and curly-haired Cappuccino, originally from Transbaikalia. The horses are allowed to be fed and petted; they do not bite and behave very peacefully. However, horse riding services do not exist in Svyatopol. The zoo often hosts entertainment events, competitions and various games. You can also rent a wigwam and spend a quiet evening by the fire.

Don't miss the sights of other cities in the Moscow region:
Klin, Balashikha, Korolev, Zelenograd, Domodedovo,
Podolsk, Krasnogorsk, Vereya, Lyubertsy, Stupino, Dolgoprudny,
Khimki, Chekhov, Dmitrov, Voskresensk, Pushkino, Taldom,
Shchelkovo, Naro-Fominsk, Noginsk, Bronnitsy, Lobnya,
Kolomna, Volokolamsk, Serpukhov, Ramenskoye, Reutov,
Yegoryevsk, Odintsovo, Elektrostal, Sergiev Posad.

Each tourist has his own goal. Some travel to learn something new from the history of our country and expand their horizons. The second wants entertainment and fun. And still others long to feel the breath of nature and dissolve in its beauty. Whatever the wishes of the guest of Zaraysk, the city will satisfy them and respond in the heart with a warm urge to return again.

Shopping arcades

Zaraysk has always been a trading city; goods from all over the country were brought here; many merchant families lived here. That is why, while sightseeing in Zaraysk, you need to visit the shopping arcades.

Built in the 18th century, the complex is a square structure made of stone under a hipped roof. There were several dozen shops selling food, textiles, spices, souvenirs, etc. here. In the gluttonous aisle there was the smell of borscht, pies, and roast. Residents of Zaraysk could sell their belongings at a flea market located next to the Trading Rows.

War memorials

Zaraysk has seen many wars in its lifetime, each of them left its mark on the city, if not in the form of destruction, then in the form of memorable monuments - sad, but at the same time proud.

Cenotaph

Address - pl. Revolutions.

The memorial is installed in the city center, on Revolution Square. It consists of two parts: the first is a bronze sculpture of an unknown soldier.

The fighter is depicted in full growth, holding a rifle in his hands, and an army cloak falling from his shoulders. Behind it is the second element of the complex - a tall obelisk with the inscription “No one is forgotten, nothing is forgotten” and a silver five-pointed star in the center.

At the foot of the obelisk, an eternal flame burns, wreaths and red carnations laid by the townspeople are colorful.

Alley of Heroes

Address - pl. Uritsky.

The Alley of Heroes stretches along Uritsky Square. In the middle of a deciduous grove, granite slabs with engraved portraits of heroes of the Soviet Union, whose homeland was the Zaraisky region, are lined up in rows. In the center of the Alley stands a bronze bust of V. Leonov, a native of Zaraysk, twice awarded the title of Hero of the USSR. Victor was a saboteur and naval intelligence officer, and also participated in the war with Korea. His bust is mounted on top of a columnar pedestal with a commemorative inscription, two stars and an image of an anchor.

Monument to the heroes of the Russian-Turkish war

Address - st. Karl Marx.

The Russian-Turkish War lasted from 1877 to 1878. Many residents of Zaraysk took part in it, some of them managed to survive the bloody battles, others did not return from the battlefield. The monument dedicated to the heroes of that war is located on the territory of the military registration and enlistment office and is a low wall made of brick. It is decorated with bas-reliefs of Fyodor Keller and Nikolai Mezheninov, brave warriors who lived here. Next to the portraits there are stone slabs with a brief biography of the heroes.

Monument to the soldiers of the 140th passage

Address: Uritsky Square, 1.

Another monument to the events of the Russian-Turkish War is located on Uritsky Square, not far from the Walk of Fame. This is a three-meter stele made of white stone. Its upper part is decorated with the stone Order of St. George the Victorious, and the lower part is decorated with a memorial note dedicating the monument to the soldiers of the Zaraysk infantry regiment who fought for the liberation of Bulgaria and later joined the proletarian uprising at the beginning of the 20th century.

Grave-mound of the militia of 1608

Address: Dzerzhinsky, 68a.

In March 1608, the Polish-Lithuanian army attacked Zaraysk. Volunteer squads from Ryazan and Arzamas . The price for the liberation of the city was the lives of hundreds of soldiers.

Their ashes were buried under the mound, where gravestones are installed today. The memorials were erected in the spring of 1998. There are three of them in total, each with a unique memorial inscription carved containing words of sorrow and gratitude.

Excursions to the museums of Zaraysk

The main cultural centers of Zaraysk are its museums and theaters. Their visit serves not only as a pleasant pastime, but also as education and deepening into the history of this city.

Museum of Local Lore

Address: Revolution Square, 16.

The museum is located in the building of the Trinity Church, its exhibition occupies two halls. The first is an art gallery displaying works by painters such as Repin, Molinari and Bakst.

In addition to paintings, old books about the history of the Zaraisk region, furniture from the 17th-19th centuries, as well as decorative elements: vases, glass and bronze figurines, watches and porcelain dishes are stored here. All these items were taken from local noble mansions.

The exhibition in the second hall is dedicated to the development of the lands of Zaraysk and its history, starting from ancient times. Here you can see mammoth tusks, the skull of a woolly rhinoceros, fragments of the skeleton of cave bears and traces that the first settlers of these lands left behind: a hearth of a dwelling, shards of ceramics, stone arrowheads.

The special atmosphere of the museum is given by compositions depicting the life of primitive people and recreating the situation in their homes. Interactive screens with historical films and clips are installed on the walls of the premises.

Open-air museum “Darovoe Estate”

Address: Darovoye village, 1.

Darovoye is an amazingly beautiful place in the vicinity of Zaraysk, where the estate of Fyodor Dostoevsky’s family once stood. The famous Russian writer said that this small and inconspicuous corner was deeply dear to his heart, that throughout his life he continually turned his thoughts to it.

The main building of the estate did not survive, but the natural landscape remained as Dostoevsky remembered it from childhood. Linden and birch groves, centuries-old oaks, meadows overgrown with tall grass, flowering gardens and alleys of fruit trees - this was the future writer’s first acquaintance with the pure beauty of nature.

Such attractions of Darovoye deserve special attention from tourists as

An outbuilding of the building in which the Dostoevskys lived. Now it houses a branch of the Zaraisky Kremlin museum;
Monument to F.M. Dostoevsky. The bronze sculpture depicts the writer in old age, sitting on a bench and thoughtfully looking into the distance. It seems that, having come a long way in life, Fyodor returned to his native place to look into his childhood for the last time.
A picturesque pond laid out by Maria Feodorovna, Dostoevsky’s mother.

Bakhrushin Theater Museum

Address: Krasnoarmeyskaya, 51.

The Theater Museum was founded in 1894 by Alexei Bakhrushin and became the largest museum of its kind in the world. The establishment is located in Alexei's former mansion. This is a one-story manor of the late 19th century, decorated in the English Gothic style.

The museum's collection was compiled by Bakhrushin himself. In order to search for exhibits, he more than once went on long trips around the country and returned with a variety of theatrical rarities, national costumes and pieces of furniture.

While abroad, Alexey often visited antique shops, where he purchased new exhibits. From France, Bakhrushin brought things that belonged to the artist Mademoiselle Mars, and from Italy - comedy theater masks and rare musical instruments.

The museum currently hosts several exhibitions:

The archival-manuscript exhibition contains unique documents that record important events in the history of the development of Russian theater from the 18th century to the present. Personal letters, manuscripts and drafts of famous theater figures are also collected here.

"Decoration and visual materials." This exhibition consists of scenery, stage costumes and props used in iconic theatrical productions, for example, in the ballet “Swan Lake” of the early 20th century.

“Photo-negative documents.” Photographs of famous artists and chronicles of well-known performances related to Russian and world theater are stored here.

“Posters and Programs” is the largest collection, consisting of 600 thousand exhibits. It contains pre-revolutionary posters, tickets and programs.

The “Memorial Fund” stores items collected by the founder of the museum. These are costumes, medals, talismans that belonged to outstanding actors, dancers and singers of theaters around the world.

Visits to the museum are carried out both individually (by tourists on their own) and as part of an excursion. The extensive museum collection does not allow you to explore it entirely at once, so it is better to divide the walk into two days.

Architectural sights of Zaraysk

Zaraysk was founded in 1146. Its architecture has preserved the outlines of each of the eras through which the city had to go.

Water tower

Address - Gulyaeva, 3.

The 30-meter Water Tower was erected in 1916. This is an octagonal brick structure that provided water to several nearby streets for many years. After the end of the period of operation, it was abandoned for a long time and gradually began to collapse.

The residents of Zaraysk did not allow the majestic architectural monument to disappear. In 2021, on their initiative, the building was restored and given a new life.

The tower is located in a very favorable location - at the highest point of the city, thanks to which its building became an ideal place for opening an observation deck.

A steep spiral staircase leads to the top, and the reward for overcoming it is a stunning panorama of Zaraysk and its surroundings. From a height you can see objects located 30 km from the viewer. The water tower is a striking landmark of the city of Zaraysk; not a single sightseeing tour can do without it.

Bakhrushin House

Address: Dzerzhinsky, 64.

Alexander Bakhrushin was an honorary citizen of Zaraysk, a benefactor, and the founder of shelters and hospitals. He and his family lived in a mansion that still stands today. This is a beautiful two-story building made of stone and painted pinkish. The façade is decorated with carved ornaments, and the roof has gently sloping mezzanines. During the Soviet years, the building was given over to a hostel; as a result, the previous interior decorations of the house did not survive.

Yartsev's House

Address – Krasnoarmeyskaya, 35/8.

The house is a typical provincial dacha of a merchant family of the late 18th century. Nikolai Yartsev made a significant contribution to the development of Zaraysk: at his expense, the Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker was erected, libraries and parish schools were opened. The merchant lived in a modest two-story house.

The white stone building was rebuilt several times. Initially it was made in the Baroque style, then converted into an Empire style. The lower floor was intended for servants, and the upper floor housed the personal apartments of the Yartsev family. Currently, municipal institutions operate in the building.

Rest

In addition to beautiful landscapes and historical architectural monuments, there are opportunities for active recreation.

Shopping

You can go shopping in the Vertical shopping complex, which is located on the street. Meretskova, 23. There are more than 30 stores here, selling everything from men's and women's clothing, shoes to toys and furniture.

The territory of the center is well-groomed and has:

ample parking;
cafe;
restaurants.
Leisure

Leisure

In the equestrian club "Angel" on the square. Uritsky has the opportunity to engage in horse riding. They offer horse riding lessons and provide horses for special events and photo shoots. The club team organizes horseback riding trips for 1 or several days. On holidays, “Angel” organizes enchanting horse shows.

Raccoons live here along with horses. The club is open from 9:00 to 21:00 seven days a week. Event prices should be clarified in advance. On the street On the Right Bank, near the Kremlin, there is the Elling boat station. Here you can rent boats or catamarans. For extreme sports enthusiasts, there is the opportunity to ride a wakeboard. The Boathouse is open during the warm season, seven days a week, from 11:00 to 19:00.

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Pastila City

A policeman in an old uniform greets tourists on Lazhechnikov Street in Kolomna.
Photo: Mikhail FROLOV On the way to Zaraysk we stopped in Kolomna (you can get there by train from the Kazan station). City-holiday, city-puff pastille. Remains of high fortress walls and towers of bright red brick on the banks of Kolomenka. Historical temples. A pedestrian center with colorful houses with carved frames. It’s like rewinding a century back here. The big-faced policeman who meets tourists at the barrier on Lazhechnikov Street adds immersion into the leisurely past.

The first day is for some light zen, looting souvenir shops and pastille stores, and in the morning we hit the road again.

From Kolomna to Zaraysk is less than 50 kilometers. We decided to take a taxi. By the way, in Kolomna, a new tariff suddenly appeared in my Yandex.Taxi application. I didn't see him in Moscow. “Start” is cheaper than “Economy” by 20-25 percent. What's the trick? An unbranded car arrives for your order. Don't be surprised if it's not a new Lada. You can ride around the city for 80-90 rubles. From Kolomna to Zaraysk “Start” offered a price of 800 rubles. But in the end we chose Economy. 1100 rubles, but the car is more decent.

Buses leave from Kolomna bus station to Zaraysk almost every hour. Ticket 131 rubles. The journey takes 70 minutes. It's about 20 minutes faster by car.

Sculptural compositions of Zaraysk

City sculptures are dedicated to outstanding personalities who played a significant role in the formation of the city and its history.

Monument to Dmitry Pozharsky

Address: Pervomaiskaya, 51.

The monument is a bust of the national hero in military uniform, clutching the hilt of a sword. In the first half of the 17th century, Vasily Shuisky appointed Dmitry Pozharsky as governor of Zaraisk, considering him a gifted and trustworthy person.

And Pozharsky justified the trust: in 1611-1612. he played a vital role in two people's militias, the goal of which was the liberation of Moscow from the Polish-Lithuanian invaders. The memorial to the defender and liberator was erected in 2003 by sculptor Yuri Ivanov.

Monument to Kirov

Address: Reders Park.

Sergei Kirov was a famous revolutionary and political figure in Russia and the USSR. A monument dedicated to him is located on Pervomaiskaya Street. The bronze statue, covered with silver paint, is mounted on a cubic pedestal.

Kirov is depicted standing with his hands in the pockets of his unbuttoned coat. In his pose one can read the confidence and steadfastness of the convictions that he possessed during his life.

Despite its age (the sculpture was installed in 1950), the composition is in excellent condition. Next to it there is a park area with a paved path and well-groomed flower beds.

Monument-stele to Blagoev

Address: Dimitar Blagoev Street.

Dimitar Blagoev was a Bulgarian theorist and teacher who took part in political movements of the first half of the 20th century. A stela in his honor was installed in the park area. This is a rectangular monolith in which a portrait of Blagoev is carved. The monument is located on a dirt platform, surrounded by flower beds.

Lenin statue

Address: Sovetskaya Square.

A bronze sculpture of Vladimir Ilyich Lenin adorns the square of Dzerzhinsky Street. The leader stands on a high pedestal made of stone slabs. He looks into the distance, raising his head high and leaning forward.

He hides his left hand in his pocket, and bends down the lapel of his coat with his left. The monument was erected in the 1980s. and is preserved in good condition: the metal parts are not damaged by corrosion, and the pedestal is clean from traces of vandalism.

Church of the Annunciation

Address: Zaraysk, Komsomolskaya st., building 28A.

The Annunciation Church with Baroque elements was built in 1777. The classic three-tier bell tower was added to the church later, in 1825. The Church of the Annunciation is one of the few churches in the Moscow region that retained its religious purpose under Soviet rule. The church houses an ancient banner with the icon of Our Lady of the Annunciation depicted on it.

Bakhrushin mansion

Address: st. Krasnoarmeyskaya, 51. Opening hours: Wednesday-Sunday from 12.00 to 17.00.

The Bakhrushins were a merchant family of the late 19th – early 20th centuries, known for their charitable activities throughout the Russian Empire. In Zaraysk, entrepreneurs owned an old two-story mansion, which currently houses a branch of the Bakhrushin Theater Museum.

In the museum you can see exhibitions of paintings, theatrical artifacts, and posters. Creative meetings, theatrical performances and master classes take place here.

How to get there

Zaraysk is located 150 km southeast of Moscow. You can get here by bus No. 330, departing from the Kotelniki metro station. Travel time is 2.5-3 hours. Zaraysk is also connected by bus to Kolomna and Ryazan. From the latter it is separated by 74 km, which can be covered in an hour.

To get to Zaraysk from Moscow by car, you need to take the M-5 Novoryazanskoe highway through Lukhovitsy or the M-4 Don highway through Stupino. You can leave your car in a free parking lot near the Kremlin. The second free parking lot is located at the bus station (southern part of Gostiny Dvor).

Hotels

15 km from the center of Zaraysk, in the town of Lukhovitsy, there is a farm house Aviafarm “Clear Dawns”. There is free Wi-Fi and rooms come with a kitchenette. In the morning, guests are provided with a continental breakfast. The hotel has a children's recreation area. The cost of living in a double room will be 1,500 rubles. per day per person.

On the street Krasnoarmeyskaya, 46 there is a Guest House. Each room has a bathroom with shower. Wi-Fi is available to guests. There is a garden on site. Guests are provided with a continental breakfast. Accommodation in a standard room will cost 1,700 rubles. per day per person. Zaraysk Trade Hotel Complex is located on the street. Oktyabrskaya, 4a.

The hotel has 6 categories of rooms. All rooms are equipped with a private bathroom. The rooms have a TV, bath amenities and a minibar. There are restaurants in the building, from which food can be ordered to your room. Prices for hotel accommodation are 1600 rubles. per day per person.

For children under 3 years old, an extra bed is provided free of charge. The distance to the main attraction of the city, the Kremlin, is 1 km.

Author: Anna Dmitrieva

Article design: Oleg Lozinsky