The ancient Russian city of Spas-Klepiki, the sights of which we will consider in the article, is first mentioned in chronicles in the middle of the seventeenth century. The title is interestingly interpreted. "Rivets," scientists say, is a knife for cutting fish. And the word “saved” was already attached to the name after the construction of the Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord in the nineteenth century. Some folk legends claim that the robbers built the church as a sign of remorse for the crimes committed. Other legends say that the temple was built by local merchants for a miraculous deliverance from the persecution of robbers. Since ancient times, one of the main industries of the inhabitants was fish. No wonder the fish, along with a cross and a feather, is depicted on the emblem of the city.
The small provincial town of Spas-Klepiki (Ryazan Oblast) with a population of less than six thousand does not have high-rise buildings. There are mainly one- and two-story houses. Some buildings are well preserved, others have a very well-groomed appearance.
Yesenin Museum
G. Spas-Klepiki is the birthplace of the talented Russian poet Sergei Yesenin. Therefore, the citizens consider the museum of the genius of Russian poetry the main attraction.
It is located in the building of the former church teacher's school. This is a modest two-story building under an iron roof, fenced with a low openwork brick fence, with wooden lattice, low gates and a wicket. That was the school in which S.A. studied Yesenin. Here you can hear a lot of interesting things about people, one way or another connected with the poet’s adolescence, teachers, see the desk at which he sat, household items characteristic of that era.
Another museum dedicated to the genius of Russian poetry is located in the village of Konstantinovo. Travelers claim that it is him that should be visited first, because here Yesenin was born and spent his childhood.
Also in Spas-Klepiky, on one of the streets, a bust was set up for Sergei Yesenin. And in the town there is an unusual plaster sculpture of a girl who feeds from the nipples of two cubs.
"Forest Fortress"
What is interesting to see when visiting the Spas-Klepiki? Museum of wooden architecture "Forest Fortress". He is very young, founded only 10 years ago. The exhibits in it are simply unique.
These are various figures of animals and fairy-tale heroes made of wood. Some of them are painted, some are not, which in both cases gives the products a special charm. Magnificent carvings and table clocks can also be seen here. The building of the museum itself is already remarkable in the form of a fabulous tower, richly decorated with wooden carvings.
There are also courses on decorative wood processing.
Lakes
What else can you see when you come to Spas-Klepiki? The sights of the town are really interesting. The most amazing and fascinating is the homeland of Yesenin, so this is the unsurpassed beauty of nature, marvelous landscapes. It is not without reason that the famous writer Konstantin Paustovsky devoted his literary works to the land. It is here that the Meshchersky National Park is located. His pride is water resources. These are the valleys of the Pra river, many large and small lakes, swamps. The unique landscape is given to the park by the famous Great Klepikovsky Lakes. They are interconnected by channels and seem to be lost among the forests. Mirror lakes, with sandy beaches, surrounded by mighty trees, are the pride of Russia.
This is one of the cleanest ecological areas. The White Lake (Spas-Klepiki, Ryazan region) is famous for its special beauty. In addition, it is an ideal place for fishing, because there are many species of freshwater fish. Karst lake, very deep. In some places up to 100 meters. The largest, of course, is the Great Lake (Spas-Klepiki) with an abundance of various representatives of flora and fauna. It has eight very picturesque islands.
Spas Klepiki Attractions
In addition to the wonderful nature, there are archeological monuments in the park. This is Deulinsky burial ground and Tyukov town. Even tourists can admire the well-preserved churches built in the nineteenth - early twentieth centuries. Now they are part of the National Park. The park staff developed several tourist routes. Those who wish can choose a route not only by topic, but also by way of transportation: on foot, by boat or by car. In addition, for the convenience of holidaymakers, several tourist camps have been created where people can relax in nature and put up a tent. At the service of those who love a comfortable stay, a number of tourist centers and pensions. For example, Sergeevo, Meshchera, Polushkino and others. The park has a healing spring.
Sights of the Ryazan region
The amazing story of the Church of the Trinity Life-Giving in Tuma. Like the vast majority of churches, it was closed in Soviet times. But it was returned to believers in 1945. The church building dates from the mid-nineteenth century. The architectural style of the temple is mainly classicism, with rich decor of walls and windows. The spire of the multi-tiered bell tower is about eighty meters. The interior of the temple is very rich. It contains the work of Italian masters, as well as ancient paintings, icons and frescoes, made according to the sketches of outstanding Russian artists of the century before last.
At the entrance to Tuma, you can see a worship cross. It was installed recently, but a hundred years ago such crosses were not uncommon at the entrance to the village. They appeared before the weary traveler as a symbol of the fact that he had safely reached his destination and could give praise to the Almighty for this.
In the village of Ilyino, travelers can see a small, surprisingly beautiful church of the Icon of the Mother of God “Smolenskaya”, built back in 1838. The building is wooden, with an iron roof and domes. One can say about the nature of the structure that simplicity and dignity prevail in it.
While in Spas-Klepiky, you should definitely visit the village of Ushmore, which is nearby. There is a very well-kept park complex. Its pearl is a round beautiful rotunda surrounded by neat lawns and beautiful flower beds. It is the place for honeymoon photo shoots. And not in vain. This private estate will satisfy the most sophisticated esthete.
Aircraft L-29 and the narrow gauge railway museum
In Spas-Klepiky near the old buildings there is an unusual monument to the plane. It was installed in honor of the 50th anniversary of the Victory. On the pedestal is the Czechoslovak training aircraft L-29.
Not far from Spas-Klepikov is probably one of the last narrow-gauge railways in the country. The depot in the village of Bologne is just an operating museum of this endangered mode of transport. A museum of narrow gauge equipment was founded at the Tumskaya railway station. Tourists will be able to see with their own eyes a plow snowplow, an old passenger and freight wagon, a platform wagon that are no longer used for modern railways. All these technical innovations are now forgotten and preserved only in this museum.
Opinion of tourists
Reviews of tourists about this ancient city are very mixed. Some consider it dying, somewhat abandoned, which causes painful feelings. Others admire the hospitality and hospitality of the local people, calling them very sincere people. Both those and other tourists are united in one thing: this is a terrifying state of roads and the amazing beauty of nature.
Where to stop and eat?
In the city itself, it is worth staying at the Va-Bank hotel complex. As for the catering establishments, the tourists highly rated the Hemingway restaurant. Some believe that his cuisine and level of service is an order of magnitude higher than in some metropolitan restaurants.
Conclusion
Now you know what the city of Spas-Klepiki is interesting for. Its sights are worth seeing for tourists. We wish you a pleasant stay in this small town.