In 1556, a guard post Sosnovka was founded near the Khvalynsky hills on one of the Volga islands. The task of this frontier fort was to protect the Russian lands from robberies of small hordes that scurried along the vast expanses of the steppe. Later, the city of Khvalynsk was formed opposite Sosnovka. We will consider its sights in the article.
Historically, these lands became a haven for Old Believers. Nowadays, Khvalynsk is the district center of the Saratov region. According to one version, the name of the city comes from the word "praises." So in ancient times they called the people who lived, or rather roamed, in these parts. Others argue that the city received this name due to its proximity to the Caspian Sea, which at that time was called Hwalis.
Residents of Khvalynsk were engaged in fishing, chalk extraction, and farming, and the local gardens were especially famous for it.
Chalk mountains
What is interesting Khvalynsk? Natural attractions are very beautiful here. Among them stand out chalk mountains. In addition to their slopes overgrown with pine forest, there are deposits of gypsum, quartz sand, various types of clay, mineral dyes, limestone, phosphorites. On the territory of the chalk cliffs there are many springs.
Gallery
What is worth seeing for those who are interested in the city of Khvalynsk? The attractions of this city are diverse. In Khvalynsk there is a picture gallery named after Petrov-Vodkin. Here are the works of the famous artist, as well as paintings belonging to the brush of his friends, artists.
Undoubtedly, tourists will also enjoy the exposition of Old Believer icons, the work of masters of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. The building of the art gallery itself is also of artistic and historical value, at the end of the nineteenth century the cultural life of the city was concentrated in it.
House of Petrov-Vodkin
In Khvalynsk there is a house that in 1905 was bought by Petrov-Vodkin for his parents. This is an ordinary one-story building, in which there are three windows on one wall, an iron roof, carved shutters on the windows and a small porch beautifully decorated with wooden carvings.
In 1995, the Petrov-Vodkin Museum was opened in the house. Here are the personal belongings of the eminent artist. The interior of the house is fully consistent with the era in which the talented craftsman lived and worked.
Trinity Monastery
What should be seen by those who are interested in Khvalynsk? Attractions, of course. In Khvalynsk is the building of the Trinity Monastery. At first, a stone church was built at the prison, and then the Transfiguration Monastery for men was formed. And all the prison buildings became the property of the monastery. Nowadays, only the rebuilt church building has been preserved, and in some buildings the departments of the local hospital are located.
Holy Cross Exaltation Church
What else can be called the attractions of Khvalynsk (Saratov region)? The city has the Orthodox Church of the Exaltation of the Cross. A beautiful building with narrow, as if elongated windows. It is noteworthy that the paintings inside the temple were made by Petrov-Vodkin.
Here the wedding of the artist took place. In 1931 the temple was closed, domes and crosses were barbarously cut off, the structure was transferred to the cannery. Since 1994, the cathedral is again operational. In addition to the wonderful structure of the church, the well-groomed garden is impressive, where many types of plants grow, everywhere convenient shops and beautiful sculptures.
Khvalynsky
Near the city is the Khvalynsky National Park. Here is a chapel in the Holy Spring. At the beginning of the twentieth century, the monastery of the Holy Trinity Monastery was located on this site, later a stone church was built.
However, over time, everything was destroyed. Only the white stone elegant chapel that stands near the spring has survived. According to legend, the water in it is sacred. Therefore, near the chapel there is a font where you can take a bath. Nearby is the resort "Solnechnaya Polyana".
Monk's cave
Not far from Khvalynsk, near the village of Podlesnoye, there is a monk's cave. Monks lived here in solitude. They equipped two rooms in the chalk mountain . One was for prayers and rest, the other for other necessities. Nowadays only distant rooms in which prayers were read have been preserved. Old-timers remember the stories of the last monk Seraphim, who lived in these caves and helped the locals, since he was a skilled healer. A sanatorium called the Monk's Cave is open not far from this place.
Ski resort
The city of Khvalynsk, the sights of which we are considering, is a wonderful place for lovers of outdoor activities. Here is the ski resort of the same name. This is one of the best resorts of the Volga region, built in 2004. In addition to the opportunity to ski, tourists can enjoy the magnificent landscape of the chalk hills.
Conclusion
Now you know why Khvalynsk is interesting. Sights, photos of which are presented in the article for clarity, will surprise any tourist. We hope you find the information useful.