Would you like to visit an old Russian city that has still retained its originality? Then plan your vacation in order to visit Myshkin. This is one of the smallest cities in Russia, compact and comfortable. The sights of Myshkin will surprise and delight the whole family, so feel free to take your children with you.
Historical reference
The first settlement appeared here in the XI century, for some time the town was devastated by the raids of the Tatars, but after that it was reborn again, like a legendary phoenix from the ashes. In the XVII century there is mention of a village belonging to the monastery. And finally, in 1777, the settlement received its modern status and name - Myshkin. The history of the city has several options, but most of all the townspeople like the legend about the prince whom the mouse saved.
The heyday of the city can be attributed to the XIX century. It has become a center for trade in food and textiles. Many sights of Myshkin date from this period.
The secret of popularity, or How a provincial town has become a tourist center
Everything is very simple, such an atmosphere can never be found in large cities. This is the bewitching charm of antiquity. It should be noted that people here also live special, real enthusiasts and patriots. They have collected unique collections of the most ordinary things, and now tourists visit their city, bringing considerable income. Especially when you consider that there is practically no industry here. Of course, it plays a role where the city of Myshkin is located. The distance from Moscow is only 250 km, so the influx of people tired of the bustle of the metropolis is ensured all year round.
Surrounding landscape
If you are lovers of outdoor recreation, and the sights of Myshkin pass only in the background for your weekend, then you will also be satisfied. The city is located on the high left bank of the Volga. The river itself is worthy of admiration: its leisurely flow, many sleeves and backwaters, magnificent fishing, which will delight. On the shore there are special areas for making a fire and cooking kebabs.
Suburban area - a transition to the forest. Huge territories north of the city are occupied by a pine forest, this is a kingdom of light and fresh air, from which dizzy. Further, the city of Myshkin is framed by a deciduous massif. Here, herbalists collect unique raw materials, locals harvest mushrooms and berries.
Tourist complex "Myshkins Chambers"
It is also called the Mouse Palace. This is a real adventure that you can experience, especially this entertainment is liked by children. You are met by a formidable guard who will not miss without a password. Chatty maid of honor can help, who are happy to scratch their tongues and guide you through the back streets of the palace. In the main hall you are met by the mouse king and queen.
The crown of a fun trip is a small zoo, where 40 live mice live. Arriving in the city of Myshkin, do not forget to visit this charming palace.
Unique museum of boots
This is the pride of the city of Myshkin. Yaroslavl region is famous for a breed of long-haired sheep, they are bred here. The museum is at the same time an advertisement for the craftsmanship of the local craftsmen and a monument of antiquity, therefore it is included in the sights of Myshkin.
Here you will see the whole exposition made of felt boots: a large family, a cactus on the windowsill, a samovar on the table, a house and wattle, a mouse pilot in an airplane ... The guide will tell how wool is sheared and washed, passed through a woolly machine, and then wrinkled hands like plasticine. The workpiece is boiled in boiling water, then molded with clappers on a block and dried in an oven. The simplest boots are ready. But the masters go further, they shave them to smoothness and decorate them in various ways. Having seen what kind of felt boots are, you will forever change your mind about them. With embroidery and lace, beads, lacing and intricate pictures, winter and summer. Of particular interest are boots with eyes and mustache, in the form of mice, houses and other figures.
A sample of the machine is also present in the museum, and they will show you the soft felt cloth that it gives out. From it make curtains and various figures.
Here you can visit the flax museum. You will hear a lot of new things about how this plant is grown and harvested. What stages does the stalk go through to become a thread, and that, in turn, is a fabric. From it sewed clothes, tablecloths and curtains, bedding, made dolls for children.
The famous symbol of the city
This, of course, is a mouse museum in the city of Myshkin, one of a kind. Here you will meet so many mice that you never dreamed of. Among the exhibits are tailed representatives from all over the world: Singapore, Japan, England, India and other countries. You will learn many interesting stories about the mouse-gifts of great people.
A separate exhibition presents mouse travelers. Yes, yes, it was they who accompanied the first sailors and were necessarily present among the crew of the submarine. The fragile organism of animals served as a predictor of weather changes, and a relatively reliable instrument for measuring air purity.
Mice are the heroes of fairy tales, cartoons and legends, they are also not forgotten. In total, you will see about 1000 funny animals. In the souvenir shop you will be offered many copies that you can take home.
Ethnographic Museum of Kaskara
This is the whole world of peasant life. Museum staff made every effort to recreate a full-fledged picture of past years. It consists of three huts, the construction of which dates from the beginning of the XX century. Visitors can go inside, see the furniture, listen to a lecture on the life and work of local residents. In the compound, as in the old days, geese, sheep and horses live. Katsk’s five-wall huts are typical of Russia, but today it is almost impossible to see them in full old furniture.
"Miller's house"
Probably, everyone read in books about the work of mills in the villages. The life of their inhabitants often depended on this. It was thanks to the miller that the aroma of fresh bread spread throughout the village. Today you can visit the house of the owner of a mechanical mill. The largest (of those that worked in Myshkin) is perfectly preserved, its mechanisms are being restored and ready for launch. Here you will be shown how the miller’s everyday life went. The whole process of turning grain into flour will appear before you as living.
Museum of Wooden Architecture
Wood is the main building material of Russian masters. Huts were built from it, various household appliances, furniture, dishes, and decorations were made. Fine examples of carpentry art exhibited here reveal the true talent of the masters of their time.
The guide will also tell you about the arts of art: cooper and oil mill, weaving and carving.
St. Nicholas Cathedral
The city has many old, wooden buildings, with intricate carvings and outbuildings on the roof. But this cathedral is made in stone. It was built in the XVIII century, namely in 1766, in the village from which 10 years later the city of Myshkin grew. The sights of many large cities fade before its greatness. The very realization that the building is more than two hundred years old, and services are still being conducted there, fills with trepidation.
Museum dedicated to Russian Vodka
More precisely, to its creator, P. A. Smirnov. This is a simple peasant who was born and raised here, but thanks to his invention he “spoiled” an entire nation and became a millionaire. His small house-museum tells the story of the greatest entrepreneur, reveals the life and secrets of success.
Museum of Living Crafts
Have you ever wanted to personally witness the work of a blacksmith or a carpenter, inhale the smell of fresh wood or hot metal? And to take mastery lessons from them and, perhaps, craft something useful for the home together? The creators of the fabulous center of masters set this goal. It is located just 5 km from the city of Myshkin.
Three workshops work: forge, pottery and carpentry. Crowds of tourists are going to see how a piece of clay or metal comes to life, listen to the secrets of the master and try yourself as a craftsman. All hand-made souvenirs can be taken with you.
Technical Museum
The entire period of a person’s life on Earth is the invention of various mechanisms and devices to facilitate his life. The museum includes the most diverse equipment produced in the 19th century. Will your son enjoy looking at an old locomotive? And lemonade and sausage machines of the end of the 18th century will surely bring a smile.
Later samples include agricultural and military vehicles, there are even river vessels. Some instances still work, they are allowed to sit behind others, imagining themselves in the thick of events of the past.
Assumption Cathedral
Back in 1777, when the city of Myshkin was formed in the Yaroslavl region, this architectural monument was already listed in the construction plans. At the beginning of the 19th century, it was built, and by 1830 the wall painting was completed. The five-domed temple with a three-tiered bell tower in a tiny city impressed with its grandeur. Today, the painting has been preserved only partially, but still this magnificent building is worthy of the highest praise.
Picture gallery
It would seem that there is nothing to surprise. No, this is a truly unique city. With a population of about 6,000 people, it has its own gallery. Located in an old wooden building, it includes more than 200 works by the famous artist G. A. Tatarinov.
Here they do not forget about young talents, the gallery constantly hosts exhibitions of artists, sculptors, photographers.
Grieving Church
This building, rare in beauty, was built at the expense of Chistovy merchants. It is an architectural structure in the neo-Renaissance style. Typically, such creations were created in the capital's centers, but here the church stands at the entrance to the old cemetery. Built in 1866, it is valid today.
Transport
This is an amazing feature of Myshkin, the only city transport is the ferry that will transport you across the Volga. Many tourists note a raid of frozen Russian antiquity. It was as if the legendary Charon had transported them to another world, through the looking glass. It is for the sake of this exciting feeling that many come back every year.
Where to stay for a tourist
If you intend to visit the city of Myshkin, hotels should be chosen in advance. This is especially true during traditional Russian holidays. All canons of celebration are honored and observed here, so the days off are really bright. In the city center you can choose the “Cat House” hotel, the Mousetrap restaurant located in it is especially popular. In addition, there is the “Mouse Compound”, if you need cheaper, then “Mouse Mink” is at your service.
Since the city is located next to a luxurious forest, there are several remote hotels that will allow you to enjoy the smells and sounds of the forest all night. This is “Forest Tale” (formerly “Golden Bor”) and “Forest Island”.
In addition to those described in the article, other sights of Myshkin are waiting for you. It is truly amazing that the abundance of historical and artistic values, simply beautiful buildings and things is located on a tiny piece of land. Such a journey is a budget vacation and gaining new knowledge. Gather this weekend in the city of Myshkin, museums will open their doors to you and reveal all the secrets.