As a tourist destination, Kostroma is not included in the list of the most popular cities. However, it is part of the classic Golden Ring route. This is one of the centers of religious and ethnographic tourism, and charming carved huts have been preserved in the heart of the city to this day. To the question of what Kostroma is famous for, it is possible to give a fully expanded answer to several pages. This is what we will do right now.
What is Kostroma famous for? Briefly about the main thing
It is enough to read only the reviews of tourists about this city to understand how beautiful it is. Kostroma is a unique Russian town in which the present and past centuries are intertwined in the best possible way. This is the homeland of Ivan Susanin, the cradle of the Romanov dynasty, the residence of the Snow Maiden. A provincial quiet, cozy, charming and nice town, which you must definitely visit.
Before you find out what Kostroma is famous for, it would not be bad to get acquainted with its history. It dates back to the XII century - it is believed that it was then that the city was formed as an outpost of the north-eastern borders of Russia by Yuri Dolgoruky.
The history of Kostroma is invisibly intertwined with the history of our state. Just think: it was here that Mikhail Romanov was elected to the throne in the Ipatiev Monastery. And this event is inextricably linked with the feat of Ivan Susanin. Also in Kostroma there are a lot of ancient Orthodox churches, carpentry is still flourishing here, and there is also the only elk farm in Russia.
The main attractions of Kostroma: description and photo
What is this city famous for? The main attraction of Kostroma is the Holy Trinity Ipatiev Monastery already mentioned above. It is located at the confluence of the Kostroma and Volga rivers. This is an Orthodox male monastery, in which at one time the exiled Mikhail Romanov found refuge. And here, as was said, he was elected to the royal throne.
An interesting historical architectural monument of the 19th century is fire tower, made in the classical manner according to the design of P. Fursov. At one time, she was recognized as the most beautiful in the territory of the Russian Empire.
Also, to the question of what Kostroma is famous for, local residents, without hesitation, will answer with the help of malls. These are ancient merchant premises that are located on the left bank of the Volga. Their construction was carried out for more than a hundred years. The project of German-born architect Karl von Claire was realized only at the beginning of the 19th century.
Guardhouse is another historical monument of architecture of the 1800s. It is located on Susaninskaya Square, in the city center. Here the punished military men were serving their sentences. Then the museum was located in the building, and then it was used under the registry office and the library. Today it houses the military-historical branch of the city museum-reserve.
In addition, in Kostroma there are many churches and museums.
Interesting museums and monuments
This is the next answer to the question of what the city of Kostroma is famous for. It is recommended to visit the following museums:
- House Borshchova.
- Romanovsky Museum.
- Noble assembly;
- Museum-Reserve "Kostroma Sloboda".
- Monument to Ivan Susanin.
- Museum of Nature of the Kostroma region.
- Terem Snegurochki.
- Museum "Forest Wizard".
- Manor Sledovo.
- Museum of Jewelry.
- Museum of Flax and Birch Bark.
Reviews of each of these objects make it clear that their visit will be not only pleasant and will give a lot of positive emotions, but also useful. After all, this is the history of the city and to some extent Russia. And in no case should one miss the opportunity to look at the most famous monument in Kostroma - Ivan Susanin.
Churches and temples
In addition to the famous Ipatiev Monastery, the charming Church of the Resurrection on Debre deserves attention. This is the only Posad temple, preserved from the XVII century. In the same period, the Church of the Nativity of Christ was built, which also bears the name of Elijah the Prophet. If the first one looks luxurious, striking with fantastic painting and emerald domes, then the second is very strict. Which, however, does not prevent her from being elegant. Also in Kostroma there are such churches:
- John Chrysostom - the Peter and Paul Fortress served as a prototype.
- John the Theologian - it seems that the landscape of the “Moscow Courtyard” is recreated here.
- Transfiguration of the Lord - one of the few surviving to this day, Old Believer churches.
What you need to do when you are in this city
Reading reviews of visiting Kostroma, you begin to think more and more about planning a trip. Before visiting this city, you must definitely make a list of pleasant things to do. Tourists who already know what Kostroma is known for, definitely recommend the following:
- Visit the Ipatiev Monastery to take a trip to the past. Namely - to visit the coronation of Mikhail Romanov.
- Visit the Ostrovsky gazebo. Here you can recall the scenes from The Cruel Romance.
- Visit the Museum of Wooden Architecture. Here you can admire the craftsmanship of ancient carpenters.
- Visit the house of the Snow Maiden to find out all her secrets. By the way, in Kostroma and outside the tower there are a lot of attractions from the country's most famous granddaughter.
- Visit the village of Susanino, so that leaning on a memorial stone, sing: "Chu-u-u-u-yu pra-a-avdu-u-u ...".
- Visit Sumarokovo elk farm to touch the “plush” nose of this cute animal.
- Visit the Epiphany – Anastasiin Monastery. Here the Orthodox can bow to Our Lady of Fedorov.
- Well, of course, buy souvenirs for yourself and loved ones. We will talk about this a bit later.
What you should definitely try in Kostroma
Visiting any city, even in their native country, I always want to taste traditional dishes. For some tourists without gastronomic pleasure, the trip will not be so bright. What to try in Kostroma? In local cafes and restaurants, tourists will find very tasty dishes of traditional Russian cuisine, as well as European, Japanese, etc. But reviews often recommend trying exactly what is unlikely to be found elsewhere - these are dishes for which the “raw material” itself supplies Mother Volga. These, of course, are fish delicacies. You will also remember the taste of borsch with pies, pancakes with various fillings, jams, gingerbread cookies, kulebyak, cereals and many other dishes.
What to bring from Kostroma? Best keepsake gift ideas
They will help to remember forever what Kostroma is famous for, souvenirs. Here is a list of gifts that you must bring from this charming city:
- Linen. It is not in vain that Kostroma has the unofficial status of the linen capital of Russia. Tourists unanimously say that the most diverse flax can be found here. More precisely, products from it: with strong fiber and thin, long and short, large and small, embroidered and plain, etc.
- Cheese. It began to be produced here in 1878. Kostroma is not only the linen capital, but also the “cheese” center of Russia. The city has more than ten factories for the production of this product. And it is valued no less than European.
- Moose milk. Another product that, unlike the previous one, is not found in every store. In addition, moose milk is very useful for diseases of the stomach and duodenum, as well as for the body as a whole. Are you worried about freshness? Not worth it, because it can be stored frozen for up to six months.
- Black salt. This kind of bulk product can only be found in Kostroma. Therefore, you definitely need to buy it and try it.
- Clay toys. Kostroma ceramics has a rich history. Peter's clay toys are known throughout Russia - these are the same funny whistles in the form of birds, animals and the Slavic goddess Makoshi. They are also unlikely to be found anywhere else.
- Felt boots. A tourist may deny himself the pleasure of buying flax, cheese, moose milk, black salt and clay toys. But true Russian people will never refuse boots. They are not only very beautiful and stylish, but also have such a unique quality as heat preservation. Therefore, they will be especially useful for people with diseases of the muscles and joints.
- Bast shoes. Rather, it’s just a nice souvenir that you can hang on the wall to admire it and remember a pleasant trip.
- Slavic doll. Her name is Kostroma. And this is the most thematic gift of all presented. She personifies the ancient folk tradition of sacrifice to the god Yarila. This is a very powerful amulet that only brings good to people and also protects them. So be sure to buy Kostroma for yourself and your loved ones.
- Gifts from the Snow Maiden. Here you can find a variety of souvenirs from the country's most famous granddaughter. Go to her tower - there you will find many interesting things.
The unique and charming city of Kostroma is the place to visit at least once in a lifetime. And this is said not only by local residents, but also by tourists who had the good fortune to walk around its sights and buy many interesting little things.