- August 29, 2018
- Attractions
- Alla Sergeeva
Novocherkassk - the capital of the Don Cossacks in the Rostov region - was founded in 1805 by the will of the hero of the Patriotic War of 1812, the legendary ataman Matvey Platov, on the spacious Biruchekutsky hill between the Tuzlov and Aksai rivers according to the plan of the French architect Franz Devolan. The reason for its creation was the annual flooding of Cherkassk (now the village of Starocherkasskaya) - the old capital of the Don Army Region - by the overflowing waters of the wide Don.
Patriarchal Ascension Cathedral Military Cossack Cathedral and Ermak Square
The main attraction is located in the city center - the Patriarchal Ascension Cathedral of the Cossack Military Cathedral, the third largest in Russia. The height of the cathedral is 74.6 m . The beginning of construction is the year the city was founded.
They designed and tried to build the cathedral twice. But due to weak soils and the presence of groundwater at shallow depths, the construction of such a massive structure could not be completed. Each time the cathedral collapsed; under the weight of its own mass it sank into the ground. The Cossacks decided to make the third and last attempt according to the project of A.A. Yashchenko. Construction was completed in 1904, and in 1905 the cathedral solemnly opened its massive carved doors in the presence of Nicholas II.
The cathedral is active, services are held in it, and the temple is beautifully decorated on church holidays. At night, the facades of the cathedral are illuminated by architectural lighting depicting scenes from the Bible. The main cross is decorated with rock crystal. In the basement of the cathedral, which has two tiers, baptisms are performed and the tomb is located. Marble sarcophagi store the remains of the founder of Novocherkassk M.I. Platov and other personalities significant for the history of the city. The interior of the cathedral is impressive: frescoes, paintings, and stained glass windows depict biblical scenes and pictures from the life of the Cossacks. Excellent acoustics can be enjoyed during festive services, which are accompanied by the singing of the church choir.
The cathedral is located on Ermak Square, paved with stone. There are also three monuments here. The first one, on the side of Ermak Avenue, is a monument to Ermak, the famous Don Cossack and conqueror of Siberia. It was opened in 1904 and has remained unchanged to this day.
On the other side of the cathedral in 1911. A monument to the hero of the Caucasian wars, Lieutenant General Ya.P. was opened, brought from St. Petersburg. Baklanov. His ashes are also kept in the cathedral crypt. The monument was heavily damaged during the First World War, but was completely restored in 1995.
On the side opposite the main entrance of the cathedral in 2005. a monument of reconciliation and harmony was erected, symbolizing the unity of the Cossacks and their reconciliation with their enemies.
Location: Ermaka Avenue.
Monuments of Cathedral Square
Ermak Square is also called Cathedral Square by local residents. It is surrounded by several significant sights of the city of Novocherkassk:
- Monument to Ermak - with the crown of Siberia and a banner in his hands, erected in 1804; authors M. Mikeshin, V. Beklemishev.
- The monument to Baklanov - in honor of the lieutenant general, the “thunderstorm of the Caucasus”, an outstanding military ataman, was erected according to Gavrilov’s design in 1911 in the form of a granite rock with a battle banner, a Cossack cloak, a hat and a hero’s saber.
- The Monument of Reconciliation and Harmony is a monument to modern history (2005) by A. Sknarin and I. Zhukov in the form of memorial plates with the names of Cossack regiments and a woman with a boy soldier in the center, symbolizing the unification of Cossacks with different political views.
- The Platov Monument is one of two monuments to the founder of the city; The equestrian statue was erected for the 250th anniversary of the birth of the great leader of the Don Army, authors A. Sknarin, I. Zhukov.
Triumphal arches
On the western and northern sides of the city, by order of Platov, two identical arches were built in the style of late classicism. Since the city was located on a hill, from the north side you can clearly see the city’s microdistricts (villages) and the river. In addition, the arch is beautifully illuminated at night. The northern arch is located on the street. Herzen, and separates the central part of the city from the villages.
The second arch is located near the Azov market. From this place you can admire the Aksai hills and the villages adjacent to the city.
Ataman Palace
A small two-story building in the city center located at the intersection of Platovsky Avenue and Moskovskaya Street. Made in classicism style. On the façade there is an elegant balcony with cast lattice and open portals at the entrances. The palace was designed and built by I.O. Valprede in 1863.
The Ataman Palace was the residence of high-ranking officials, including the emperor during his visit to the city. Now it is a branch of the Museum of the Don Cossacks. On the first floor there is an exhibition of various museum exhibits, on the second floor a gallery of interiors is recreated with impressive beauty and richness of decoration: state rooms, the ataman’s office, a dining room, a large living room. In front of the palace there is a small park with a fountain.
Location: Dvortsovaya street - 5a.
Novocherkassk
Story
The history of Novocherkassk is inseparable from the history of the Don Cossacks as a whole. As you know, the Don Cossacks never knew serfdom and were a reliable support for the fatherland, capable of providing well-armed and combat-ready units for its defense in the shortest possible time.
The city was built precisely as the future capital of the Don Cossacks according to the project of the city planner Devolan in the best European traditions, with wide streets and boulevards, spacious squares with an indispensable church, and an abundance of greenery. Novocherkassk was founded on May 18 (30), 1805. Its founder and first chieftain was Matvey Platov, a future hero of the Patriotic War of 1812; Cossack regiments under his leadership reached the walls of Paris. The memory of the ataman was immortalized by his contemporaries in a number of monuments.
The further history of the city was quite dramatic. In the post-revolutionary period, the city changed hands several times and became the center of the white movement. The pavements of Novocherkassk perfectly remember both the clatter of hooves of the red horsemen and the cavalrymen - the White Guards. In January 1920, the city finally passed into the hands of the Bolsheviks and became a regional center. Since 1991, the process of reviving Novocherkassk as a historical and modern center of the Don Cossacks began, and in 1993 it was recognized as the world capital of the Cossacks.
Despite a very complex history, the occupation during the Great Patriotic War, Novocherkassk managed to preserve to this day the historical center of the city in the form in which it existed in the 19th century. Thanks to this, it can rightfully be classified as a museum city. It amazes with the abundance of various cathedrals and churches, which are kept in excellent condition, and monuments to their famous fellow countrymen. Among them, the monument to Don Ataman Ermak Timofeevich, created according to the design of the famous sculptor Mikeshin, stands out. The names of many outstanding writers are associated with Novocherkassk, the leading place among them belongs to Mikhail Sholokhov.
Attractions
Most local attractions are associated with the history of the Cossacks and the formation of the southern city.
Museum of the History of Viticulture and Winemaking
This museum is located at the Institute of Viticulture, on Baklanovsky Prospekt, at the exit towards Rostov. Here you can hide from the summer heat and refresh yourself with a glass or two of wine. The museum contains documents telling about the history of winemaking, as well as various recipes for preparing this drink. Naturally, there is a tasting room.
Old quarters
Novochek has preserved old quarters, which make the city a kind of open-air museum. Here you can see palaces, small mansions, and a beautiful square. The surrounding area is full of greenery, in the shade of which pensioners and loving couples hide.
Monuments
Monuments are literally scattered throughout the city. They are mainly associated with the Don and the Cossacks. The largest are the monument to the founder of the city, Count Platonov, the Cossack Ermak, and the hero of the Caucasian Wars, General Baklanov.
Most of the monuments were erected in the USSR in honor of the heroes of the revolution and civil war. Among them are monuments to Platov, as well as to Podtelkov and Krivoshlykov - these are the leaders of Soviet power in the Don.
Ascension Military Cathedral
This cathedral is a real decoration of Novocherkassk. It was founded in 1805, but it turned out that construction took a hundred years. It stretches 75 meters in height and is the third largest cathedral in Russia, behind the Cathedral of Christ the Savior and St. Isaac's Cathedral.
The cathedral is beautiful and inspiring with its splendor. In 2011, its domes were covered with gold sheets, and a rock crystal stone was inserted into the cross, which reflects the stars. At night the cathedral is illuminated and looks fantastic.
Ataman Palace
The Ataman Palace looks, as they say in the South, rich. Inside there are vaulted ceremonial halls, carved furniture, stucco moldings and paintings. In the courtyard there are paths, flower beds and a carved wooden gazebo.
Tsars and heirs to the throne stayed in the Ataman Palace. In Soviet times, government agencies such as the department of public education and the department of physical education were located here. In the 90s of the last century, everything unnecessary was removed from the palace and restoration was carried out.
Now on the first floor there are museum exhibitions, on the second there is a living room, a dining room, and the ataman’s office. The authorities plan to recreate the house Simeon Church, where materials about the work of the Don diocese will be placed.
Triumphal arches
There are two of them in the city: one is in the northeast, the other is in the southwest. They were built at the beginning of the 19th century in memory of the participation of the Don Cossacks in the Patriotic War and in foreign campaigns.
An unofficial version says that the arches were erected in honor of the arrival of Alexander I in the city. Since the Cossacks did not know which side he would enter Novocherkassk from, they played it safe and built two at once.
Accommodation
There are no ultra-exquisite hotels in Novocherkassk, but small hotels of the 2-3 “star” level are quite sufficient. Business class facilities offer luxury and junior suites with the necessary furniture, communications and a minibar. Hotels provide transfers, luggage storage, and secure parking. Here you can have lunch in the restaurant. Accommodation will cost from 1.5 to 3 thousand rubles per day.
Simpler hotels will cost about 1-2 thousand rubles. For example, Novocherkassk can accommodate 280 people. Such hotels are mainly located in quiet places in the city, which is very convenient - no noise, no fuss.
Nutrition
There are quite a few good cafes in the city; some of them are similar to restaurants in their interior and variety of dishes. Prices are low, even in establishments that operate in the center of Novocherkassk. That is, you can have lunch for 250-300 rubles.
Basically, the cafe offers dishes of European and Don cuisine. There are a variety of business lunches available, served from 1 to 3 p.m. It is worth trying Cossack cuisine in the city. For example, fish soup cooked with vodka, pies with fish and meat, various alcoholic liqueurs.
Transport
Novocherkassk is one of the first cities in the Rostov region where a tram appeared. There is a unique transport triangle here: the tram turns around and goes back, like a car, along one side of this figure.
There are also buses and minibuses in the city. Travel costs from 10 to 14 rubles, tram costs 8 rubles. Transport connects all areas of the city, traffic is good, without major congestion.
Souvenirs
In the souvenir shops you can find products made of wood and ceramics. Basically, these are mugs, saucers, plates with images of city attractions. There are towels with embroidered designs on a Cossack theme. Cossack caps and various military clothing are sold for men.
How to get there
Novocherkassk lies next to the Aksai and Tuzlov rivers, which divide the city in half. It borders on small rural areas, and at a distance lie Shakhty, Rostov, Bataysk and Novoshakhtinsk. Actually, from these cities you can get to Novochek.
The most convenient transport is a bus. For example, you fly or arrive by train to Rostov-on-Don, and from there you take a minibus or bus to Novocherkassk. You'll be there in an hour.
Alexander Garden and Mound of Glory
The Alexander Garden is located behind the Ataman Palace. It was founded by Ataman M.G. Khomutov in the early 1850s. Now it is a cozy city park. On the territory there are attractions for children, a cafe, a water park, and a small pond.
For the 35th anniversary of the Great Patriotic Victory, the Mound of Glory was built in the park on the hill, which served as a platform for exploring the surrounding area before the revolution. Four bayonets around the eternal flame symbolize four years of war. On the outer hemisphere of the monument, hero cities and data on the losses of city residents in the Great Patriotic War are listed.
Top 10 Novocherkassk attractions
The most important attraction in Novocherskassk is the Cathedral of the Ascension of the Lord. The Cossacks began its construction along with the foundation of the city, which was to become their capital.
In addition, there are many other interesting places in Novocherkassk:
- museums;
- parks;
- palaces;
- arches, etc.
Before traveling to Novocherkassk, it is better to plan in advance what to see and where to go. To make it easier for you to plan your route, I have prepared a list of the most popular attractions that you can visit in 1 day.
Cathedral of the Ascension
Construction of the Ascension Military Cathedral began in 1811, but the first visitors entered it only in 1905.
The domes of the temple are decorated with red gold, the main cross is decorated with rock crystal. Because of this, at any time of the day the cathedral seems to radiate light. In Russia, the temple is considered the third highest dome - they are located 74.6 m above the ground.
The floor of the cathedral is covered with marble, which in the past was delivered from Italy and France. The temple clock and interior have been preserved in the same form as they were originally.
Nizhny Pokrovsky Church
The tomb, in which there are marble sarcophagi, is called the Lower Church of the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Matvey Platov, the founder of the city, is buried here. Vasily Orlov-Denisov and Pyotr Baklanov - heroes of the war of 1812 - also lie in this tomb, as do the remains of Archbishop John.
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Baptist Church
In the 18th century Many Germans began to come to Russia for permanent residence. They needed a religious building, which was erected.
The Lutheran Church is different from Christian churches. According to the beliefs of Lutherans, not only services were held in the building - concerts were also held here. Since the 70s XX century the church was left without parishioners. But 20 years later, the Baptist community of Evangelical Christians restored the building. Services are now held here.
Ataman Palace
After its construction in 1863, the Palace of Atamans of the Don Army was used for its intended purpose. From here the management of the Cossack region was carried out. In 1918, Ataman Kaledin committed suicide in the palace.
Now the building houses a museum. All rooms of the palace have been reconstructed. The collections and historical documents placed will help you learn not only about the atamans who served the Fatherland in these parts, but also about their life.
Museum of Viticulture and Winemaking
The place was visited by Thor Heyerdahl, Sienkiewicz, cosmonaut Leonov and Marshal of the Soviet Union Grechko. The history of local winemaking began during the Khazar Kaganate.
Pushkin praised the wines produced on the Don in his works. Local craftsmen have received awards from our country and won international competitions.
Triumphal arches
The Don Cossacks accomplished many feats during the Patriotic War of 1812. Alexander I, in order to personally thank the heroes, went to their capital - Novocherkassk. He could only enter the city from both the northern and western sides, so Ataman Platov decided to erect 2 triumphal arches.
In the USSR, these monuments were considered of no interest to anyone, but now they have been completely restored according to the original drawings. Now they decorate the capital of the Don Cossacks. Everyone who comes here loves to take photographs.
Memorial "Mound of Glory"
In 1980, a memorial was solemnly opened in Alexander Park in memory of all who fought for our Motherland during the Great Patriotic War. The monument reminds that no one should forget the feat of the Soviet people and individual heroes.
Grove "Red Spring"
The history of this beautiful corner of nature began at the end of the 19th century. Then the first trees appeared here. They were landed by order of Ataman Krasnokutsky. Under Soviet rule, the place began to be called “Red Spring”.
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The grove is located near Novocherkassk in the west. Nowadays it has been given the status of a natural monument. Citizens spend their free time here on weekends. On the territory of the grove there are 2 sports grounds and a play area for children.
Alexander Garden
In 1850, Ataman Khomutov decided to build a park on the territory of Gostinodvorskaya Square. In the Alexander Garden there is a mound from which a beautiful view of the surrounding area opens.
Emperor Alexander III, after whom the garden is named, loved to come here and visit the observation deck. Moreover, the Ataman Palace, where Russian royalty stayed, is located nearby. You can walk here and have a photo shoot today.
Park "Cossack"
Initially the park was called “Pervomaisky”. It was built by townspeople working on subbotniks. The park was opened in 1970 on the May holidays in the hope that it would become a favorite place for children.
Now the name has been changed to “Cossack”. It has the largest number of interesting attractions in the city and is crowded not only on weekends, but also on weekdays.
Museum of the History of the Don Cossacks
It is one of the oldest in the southern part of Russia and large in the number of relics and exhibits (about 115 thousand) related to the life, service and traditions of the Cossacks. It was formed in 1899 at the expense of public donations and the Cossack treasury. The museum displays a collection of paintings by famous Russian artists.
The scientific library contains about 15 thousand rare copies. In addition to the Ataman Palace, the following branches operate at the museum: the house-museum of the artist I.I. Krylov, museum of the poet V.G. Kalmykov, house-museum of the artist M.B. Grekova.
Location: Atamanskaya street - 38.
Cossack Drama Theater named after. V.F. Komissarzhevskaya
The theater began operating in the city in 1825. During its existence, it moved many times, and there was a fire in the theater three times. Since 1965, Atamanskaya Street has been the permanent location of the theater.
The great Russian actress Vera Komissarzhevskaya began her career on the stage of the drama theater in 1893. The theater received the additional name “Cossack” in 1991, during the active revival of Cossack culture.
Location: Platovsky Avenue - 72.
Monument to Franz Pavlovich de Volan
The opening of the monument took place in 2003. Franz Pavlovich de Volan - military engineer, lieutenant general, according to whose design the city was built. It is because of the similar layout of the two cities that Novocherkassk is called “little Paris”.
The “beams” of the main streets extend from Ermak Square: Platovsky and Ermak Avenues, Krasny Descent. Ermak Avenue abuts Trinity Square, from which Baklanovsky Avenue, Herzen Descent, Troitskaya Street, and Moskovskaya Street also radiate.
Location: Platovsky Avenue.
History of creation
The idea of moving the capital was not immediately supported by the Cossacks, who did not want to move from their homes to the steppe 20 miles from the Don shores. In addition, the high ground for the new settlement was devoid of suitable drinking water due to the turbidity of the surrounding rivers. However, Emperor Alexander I supported Platov, the Don people began to build up the new city strictly according to plan and turned it into the center of the Cossack elite - military atamans and officers. Until the end of the 1860s, the “non-service” population was prohibited by the highest decree from buying land and real estate in Novocherkassk, as well as from building industrial enterprises closer than 20 miles from it.
The natural relief of the high tract Biryuchiy Kut was successfully used in the development plan of Novocherkassk. The main elements of the design of the city center were the following avenues: Ermakovsky, Platovsky and Baklanovsky, connected by vast squares with streets radiating from them, which emphasizes the expressiveness of the ensemble solution and does not allow chaotic construction. The combination of buildings of classical styles with elements of Cossack pomp characterizes the original architectural appearance of the city. The sights of Novocherkassk include 200 officially recognized historical and architectural monuments.
Monuments to M.I. Platov
In Novocherkassk there are two monuments dedicated to M.I. Platov. One is installed opposite the main entrance to the cathedral on Platov Avenue. The bronze monument, where the ataman is on horseback, was opened on the 250th anniversary of his birth, in 2003.
The second monument, where M.I. Platov is represented standing on a pedestal, which is the first sculptural monument in the city. Opened in 1853, during Soviet times it was dismantled and melted down. The reconstruction of the monument in the same place took place in 1993. The monument is located in front of the Ataman Palace.
Location: Platovsky Avenue.
South Russian State Polytechnic University
The abundance of educational institutions in Novocherkassk has given it the name “city of students.” The Polytechnic University is the first and main educational institution in the south of Russia. In 2021, the university will mark 110 years since its founding. This is a magnificent ensemble of educational buildings in the neoclassical style.
The buildings are located along the perimeter so that they form a courtyard, park and stadium inside. In the main building of the university, which is located on Prosveshcheniya Street, there is an indoor courtyard - a large space inside the building with a transparent ceiling. Exhibitions and special events take place here.
Location: Prosveshcheniya Street - 132.
What to see in Novocherkassk in one day
Tourists need a lot of time to get to know all the sights of Novocherkassk in detail. But if you are in this city for just one day, then for a walking tour you need to use approximately the following route:
- Start your tour from Ermak Square in the center of Novocherkassk. Here you will see the main Cossack temple - Ascension Cathedral .
- Opposite the cathedral on Platovsky Avenue you can see a monument to the founder of the city N.I. Platov .
- The next point of your journey around the city is the Don Cossacks Museum located on Atamanskaya Street.
- After getting acquainted with the exhibits, go to the next attraction - Ataman Palace , which is located just a 15-minute walk from the museum, on Dvortsovaya Street.
- the Alexander Garden located next to it , go to the city's triumphal arch on Platovsky Prospekt.
- The best option to end the excursion would be a walk in Tolokonnikova Park , where you can relax and enjoy exotic plants.
Important! Most of the proposed route runs along Platovsky Prospekt. On this street, in addition to the places mentioned, you can see many other attractions.
Michael the Archangel Church
Novocherkassk has always been and is a stronghold of the Russian Orthodox faith. This is evidenced by a large number of temples and churches. Michael the Archangel Church, built in 1870, is located on Azov Square, not far from the western triumphal arch. Made in Russian style with onion domes.
Location: Platovsky Avenue - 79a.
Alexander Nevsky Church
It is located right behind the Alexander Garden. It was founded in 1851 according to the decree of Nicholas I, in memory of the appointment of his son, Alexander, as the august chieftain. The church was built in 1896 in the Russian-Byzantine style, the stone bell tower was added in 1902. The church was called the ataman church, since it was often visited by military atamans who lived next to the temple.
Location: Alexandrovskaya street - 78.
Where to go in Novocherkassk
Tired of sightseeing in Novocherkassk, you can diversify your active leisure time by visiting:
- water park "Oasis" in the historical center of the city on the territory of the Alexander Garden, accommodates 500 people;
- Pride family entertainment center with a climbing wall of varying difficulty and children's playrooms;
- Higher Level paintball club with the latest equipment, various fields and comfortable recreation areas;
- amusement park Regatta;
- Tolokonnikov's private Ginkgo Park in an abandoned clay quarry;
- a variety of cafes, restaurants and karaoke clubs.
Temple of Constantine and Helena
Initially it was wooden, in 1906 it was decided to build a stone temple in the Old Russian style. Construction took three years, and in 1909 the church was consecrated. In the 1990s, the crosses and domes in the church were gilded. The choir sings during services. The church is located on Sennaya Square, which offers a beautiful view of the city's microdistricts.
Location: Sennaya Square.
