Most modern people love to travel. In their personal list of favorite cities you can find New York, Paris, London, Barcelona, Moscow and many other world famous settlements. Have you ever heard of Spas-Klepiki (Ryazan Oblast)? Or maybe even lucky enough to go there? Not? But in vain ...
Today we’ll talk about this amazing place.
Section 1. Getting to know or general information about the village
The city of Spas-Klepiki is a district center, which is rightfully considered the smallest settlement in the Ryazan region. Geographically, it is located in the middle of the Meshchera Lowland, in its northeast side, at a distance of 67 km from the regional center of Ryazan. It should be noted that there are two rivers at once. Almost the entire city lies on Sovka, and only part of it lies on the left bank of the Pra (a tributary of the Oka). The population is quite small. In 2013, it amounted to only 5788 people. Spas-Klepikami, the settlement began to be called at the beginning of the 20th century, and in 1920 it received city status.
Section 2. History
Historians claim that in the place where Spas-Klepiki are now located, the village was formed in the 14th-15th centuries, although it was first mentioned in writing only in 1676. Then the name was a little shorter - Klepiki. The town received its name from the word "rivet", which is translated from the Old Russian language means "knife for cleaning fish."
Over time, the second part of the name arose - “Spassky”. This happened in the XIX century due to the opening of the Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord. By the way, there are two legends about the origin of the church. According to one of them, it is known that in the distant past in these places there was a crossing through which trade convoys passed. The impassable swamps and dense forest made the crossing a hotbed for robbers, among whom the Klepikov brothers became very famous. After the brothers got rich on the robbery, they repented, and therefore built a church in honor of the Savior. The second legend says that the robbers were beheaded, and the Church of the Savior was built by merchants in honor of getting rid of the robberies.
But one way or another, and a modest settlement played a huge role in the history of the formation of the country. Why? The fact is that through the Spas-Klepiki in the 17th century very important trade routes were laid: one led from ancient Ryazan to Vladimir, and the second from Yegoryevsk to Kasimov. Crafts actively developed. In the second half. A 17th century linen factory was already operating here. Thanks to such circumstances, the village became the subject of interest for wealthy merchants and turned into a fairly large center. Merchants in the center of the city built their houses, forming a square square, from which streets with less wealthy houses stretched with rays. Artisans, petty officials, and artisans lived there.
In the early nineteenth century, the settlement became quite large. It had several dozen small shops, two churches, a pharmacy, a zemstvo hospital, a post and telegraph office, three schools and a hotel. Among other things, in Spas-Klepiky there were fifteen cotton factories producing cotton wool and tow, tanneries and soap factories. A narrow gauge railway was also built here, which connected Ryazan and Vladimir by the beginning of the 20th century.
A few years ago, in 1999, there was a big fire. It burned down the railway bridge over the river Pra and the station. To the great joy of the locals, the museum of wooden architecture was saved from the fire .
Spas-Klepiki now does not have its own railway station. The nearest is located in the village. Tuma, 25 km from the town.
Section 3. What does the city live now?
Today, the Interlock factory producing shoes is actively functioning and provides jobs here. But it is famous not only for its excellent quality, but also for its low price. That is why often dishonest suppliers give the factory products for Italian or French, thereby raising prices several times. Also in the city there are textile-knitting, sewing and cotton mills. In addition to the above production, Spas-Klepiki also established the production of plumbing hoses. The construction of a factory for the production of plastic windows is underway. Not far from the city, in forest land, timber and peat are mined.
Section 4. Main Attractions
The city has several museums of cultural interest:
- military and labor glory;
- wooden architecture;
- branch of the museum-reserve of the famous poet Sergei Yesenin.
Until today, stone buildings of the 19th century have been preserved, including the church and teacher school where the brilliant Yesenin studied. At the school building and on the street. Enlightenment installed his bust.
The city has the Meshchersky National Park, which every tourist should definitely visit. Here you can be alone with nature, have a picnic, read or take a walk with the children in the fresh air. Three times a day in the park guided tour. Experienced guides will be happy to tell you about the memorable places associated with the park, as well as about several unique plants that have been preserved here thanks to the caring leadership of the city of Spas-Klepiki.
Three kilometers from the village is located the village of Polushkino, in which there is a recreation center known in tourist circles. From it you can go hiking along the Klepikovsky Lakes and along the Pra River.
In the city park in honor of the fiftieth anniversary of the victory in the Second World War, a genuine L-29 fighter was installed on a pedestal.
Section 5. Interesting Facts
- In the school of Spas-Klepikov in 1909-1912, the brilliant poet S. Yesenin studied.
- K. Paustovsky in his numerous stories, for example, “The Australian from Pilevo Station”, “Meshcherskaya Side”, “Road Talk”, sang precisely the nature of the Meshchera National Park.
- Young people will like the fact that the town is considered the birthplace of the now-famous thrash metal band called Sledgehammer.
- By the way, you can get to know the settlement closer on TV. In 2006, the shooting of the film "Graffiti" directed by Igor Apasyan took place here.
Section 6. How to get there
Intrigued? Want to be here in person? Well, then remember the road: buses from Ryazan and from the Schelkovo bus station go to Spas-Klepiki . In addition, the following routes pass through the city: Yegoryevskoye Shosse (P105) and 67 km of the Ryazan - Spas-Klepiki (P123) road. From Moscow to Spas-Klepikov can be reached in about three hours on the Z105, P105, M5 motorways.