The Don Cossacks have a long and glorious history, full of feats of arms, which can be found if you visit its capital - Starocherkassk. The sights of this village are incredibly interesting and deserve to get to know them.
History of Starocherkassk
The first mention of the Cossack town located on the right bank of the Don River is found in a document from 1593. However, the famous Russian historian Vasily Tatishchev in his main work reports that the “city of Cherkassky” was founded under Tsar Ivan the Terrible. Be that as it may, throughout the 17th century this locality played an important role in the defense of the southern borders of Russia mainly from the Turks, and in 1644 the main Don army was transferred there. Having become the capital of the Cossacks, Cherkassk began to develop rapidly, and its Maidan, which was located next to the wooden Voskresensky Cathedral (not preserved), often became the place where the most important issues determining the fate of the Don lands were decided on the Army circles.
In the second half of the 17th century, all of Russia learned about Cherkassk, since it became the place where the famous uprising of Stepan Razin began, and a century later a temple was built there, consecrated in the name of the holy apostles Peter and Paul. Starocherkassk, the sights of which are recognized as the property of mankind, remained the capital of the Don until the fire of 1744, after which it was never able to recover to its previous level. As a result, it was decided to establish a new administrative center for the Don Army, which Novocherkassk became in the early 19th century, and Cherkassk got its modern name. Thus, the city lost its significance and by 1900 became a village.
“Cossack” Starocherkassk: attractions
As already mentioned, in the past few years, the city’s authorities have been doing everything possible to turn it into one of the main tourist centers of the Rostov region and attract travelers from other regions of Russia and from abroad. In addition, since 1973, the Starocherkassk Museum-Reserve has been operating on the territory of the village, the initiator of the creation of which was Nobel Prize winner writer Mikhail Sholokhov. The reserve covers an area of 180 hectares and is included in the list of UNESCO cultural heritage sites. On its territory there are many architectural monuments of the 17-19 centuries related to the history of the Don Cossacks, therefore, thousands of tourists visit this tourist site annually. In particular, the Maidan complex is of great interest, on which are stored the trophies of the Cossacks that they acquired during the siege of Azov — Turkish cannons, wickets, the gate of the fortress gates and a huge rocker from city scales.
Temples of Starocherkassk
The Cossack capital of the Don is also known for its temples. In particular, in this city is the first in the Rostov region stone Resurrection Wax Cathedral. It was built in the Ukrainian Baroque style and until 1805 was the main place where the Don Army was blessed. Despite its modest appearance, the Resurrection Cathedral impresses with its magnificent huge iconostasis, consisting of 149 icons of ancient letters. In addition, it is notable for a tented bell tower about 46 m high, which is architecturally unique in the south of Russia. Another attraction of the Resurrection Cathedral - shackles, which, according to legend, ataman Stepan Razin was chained before execution.
Starocherkassk, a map of which will help tourists to navigate when choosing an excursion route, is also known for another church - the Church of the Don Icon of the Mother of God. It is located on the Ephraim family compound and was consecrated in 1761. In general, this manor and the palace located on its territory deserve special mention. In particular, the former residence of the chieftain Danila Efremov was built in the St. Petersburg style, and today it houses a museum, which contains many interesting exhibits.
Another church of Starocherkassk - the church of Saints Peter and Paul mentioned above - is notable for the fact that in infancy one of the future heroes of the Patriotic War of 1812 - Ataman Matvey Platov was baptized.
House Kondratiya Bulavina
Going to Starocherkassk, whose sights are known not only in Russia but also in the world, be sure to visit the hen of one of the most famous atamans of the Don Army. We are talking about Kondratia Bulavin, who at the beginning of the 18th century raised a Cossack rebellion, which lasted two years and ended with the loss of Don’s independence. Kuren is a fortress house in the traditional Cossack style and is of great interest to those who are interested in ethnoarchitecture.
Tourist complex "Cossack Don" (Starocherkassk)
In 2004, with the blessing of the Russian Orthodox Church, the construction of a new cultural and historical complex was started in the village of Starocherkasskaya. With its appearance, rest in Starocherkassk acquired a cognitive direction as well. “Cossack Don” is located at: st. Embankment, 6, and on its territory is located the Holy Protection Church chapel. According to the idea of the creators of the complex, during their stay there, guests should get a complete picture of who the Cossacks were, how they lived in peacetime and what customs were followed. Throughout the tourist season, “Cossack Don” organizes a variety of cultural events. In addition, with this recreation center there is a horse farm and a subsidiary farm. Therefore, guests of the complex can practice horseback riding and try fresh, natural food products that are made directly at Cossack Don. By the way, judging by the reviews of tourists, this is where one of the cleanest and most well-groomed beaches of the Rostov region is located.
Rest in Starocherkassk and its environs
In general, Rostovites have no shortage of places where they can spend their summer holidays and weekends. In particular, many residents of this regional center prefer to go on picnics to Starocherkassk. The recreation centers located in this village and its environs offer a lot of options for active pastime. In addition, you can have a great weekend on the shores of the Blue Lakes, where there are covered gazebos and barbecue grills. And, of course, Starocherkassk is an excellent place for organizing chic fishing on the banks of local reservoirs and the Don River. Moreover, some avid fans to sit with a fishing rod even argue that such a “hunt” in these parts is no worse than in Astrakhan.
Festival "No more free Don Quiet"
Every year in the summer months, many amateur and professional groups from the Krasnodar and Stavropol Territories, Rostov and Volgograd Regions come to Starocherkassk. The festival "No more free than Don Tikhi" is held on the last Sunday of June, July and August and gathers a lot of spectators who want to get acquainted with Cossack folklore and become a participant in workshops on the production of traditional dishes and various crafts from clay, wood and straw. And during festival events in Starocherkassk, you can buy a variety of souvenirs, for example, samovars, which, as local craftsmen assure, are no worse than Tula.
Golf Club
Starocherkassk, whose recreation centers at the height of the tourist season do not lack vacationers, is also considered one of the best places in our country in order to play professional golf. More recently, a large resort and sports complex Don Golf Resort was built there. His pride is the magnificent 18 hole golf course. There is also an academy in the center, where anyone can join the secrets of this sport, and a children's golf school.
The main reason why tourists come to Starocherkassk is excursions and relaxation “in Cossack style”. So do not miss the opportunity to touch the most interesting cultural traditions and expand your horizons.