Romanov: a journey to the real Russian hinterland

At 50 km from Yaroslavl up the Volga on two high banks is cozy ancient town - Tutaev.

Tutaev is a modern name. Until 1918, the city was called Romanov-Borisoglebsk. And even earlier it was two towns – left-bank Romanov and right-bank Borisoglebsk. In fact, they are now two different cities. There's no bridge between them. In summer there is a ferry, and in winter from one part to another can only be reached by ice.

The right-bank part, although it traces its history almost from the XIII century, is nothing special, except for the majestic Resurrection Cathedral of the XVII century. In the rest - typical multi-storey buildings.

But the left-bank Romanov is like a living illustration to the painting by Boris Kustodiev “Walking on the Volga”. By the way, the artist wrote this work in Romanov. Time here seems to have frozen in the XIX century. There are preserved stone merchant mansions and wooden houses of wealthy Romanov citizens of the XVIII-XIX centuries. Though shabby and even dilapidated, but so attractive in its simple beauty. And, of course, churches! In a small area of the town there are seven temples. And everyone with their own amazing story.

The tour begins on the way from Yaroslavl to Romanov. It is about an hour by car on the left bank of the Volga. On the way, I will tell you about the history of the founding of the city, about the famous Romanov sheep, Romanov red bow, Romanov sheep and romance ships.

But in the city itself it is better to walk leisurely.

We will visit the ancient Leontiev cemetery, where the famous elder Archimandrite Pavel Gruzdev is buried.

Let’s see one of the oldest churches of Romanov, the Holy Cross Cathedral, “that in the ramparts.” It is located on the territory of an ancient settlement. From here began the city of Romanov.

And next to it is the estate of the XIX century “House of Nobles Zacepin”.

Crossing the “Italian bridge” across the river Medveditsa, we get to the old streets. Here are the mansions of Romanov merchants. Each is original in its own way.

Moving on, we go to the central square. It is called Lenin Square, of course. Our attention, of course, will attract the fire tower (you can climb it) and the shopping arcades. If not for the modern signs of shops, it seems that he got into the XIX century.

Nearby is a small park in the style of the 50s of the XX century with a mandatory monument to Lenin and plaster sculptures of girls. And the cinema "Screen" of Soviet times.

Nearby is the provincial bank museum. Unfortunately, it will not be possible to get inside, so it is under reconstruction.

Further along the way, the Transfiguration-Kazan Church is a kind of visiting card of Romanov. It descends to the Volga, and the lower tier is at the very edge of the water. From this place there is a wonderful view of the Resurrection Cathedral on the right bank of the Volga.

A few minutes walk and we are at the Archangel Church.

And a little further - the Intercession Church. This is the only church in the left-bank part of the city, whose services did not stop even in Soviet times. In the Church of the Intercession is kept a particularly revered and widely known outside the city image of the Mother of God "Adding mind." According to legend, it was written by a mentally ill person, who in the moments of enlightenment was the Virgin. When the icon was completed, he was completely healed. The image is especially popular among negligent schoolchildren and students and their parents, who believe that by praying to this icon, you can achieve academic success.

Another temple is the Trinity Church. The church is also called Trinity on the churchyard, since there was a cemetery around it before. Its remains with ancient tombstones and the stone crypt of the Romanov notary Masloka have survived to this day.

When visiting temples, women must have a headscarf or scarf on their heads, men, on the contrary, must be without a headdress.

If you wish, you can cross by motorboat across the Volga to the right bank and visit the Resurrection Cathedral of the 17th century, in which there is a unique icon of the All-Merciful Savior.

Important! The tour is held only in the warm season (April to October)!

Guide services.

Tour by personal transport of tourists or I can book a transfer (paid additionally).