In this article I will tell you about the Ryazan region, how it can attract travelers, about interesting places and festive events that periodically take place in various settlements of the Ryazan region. For me, the Ryazan region is associated with the most beautiful endless fields, the bend of the Oka, steep banks with water meadows. Ryazan nature personifies the typical landscape of central Russia. But that’s what makes her so sweet to me. The guide will tell you about the most interesting sights of the Ryazan region, including beautiful churches, estates and simply beautiful natural places.
There are truly remote places here that can unexpectedly surprise you with some amazing architectural masterpiece. The Ryazan region is a small homeland for dozens of outstanding people, such as the poet S.A. Yesenin, scientist K.E. Tsiolkovsky, author of the music of our country's anthem A.V. Alexandrov, opera singers the Pirogov brothers, creator of the Sochi arboretum S.N. Khudekov, breeder I.V. Michurin and many others. Almost all the villages where these famous people were born now have museums dedicated to them.
Ryazan
Ryazan is one of the oldest cities in Russia.
Almost a thousand years of history is reflected in its cozy streets and unusual museums. Today's Ryazan is very multifaceted. On the one hand, it is a modern city with a developed hospitality and entertainment industry, attracting youth groups, family travelers, and business tourists. And on the other hand, there is a kind of nature reserve, where you can find the ancient manor house of academician Ivan Pavlov, meet the legendary Evpatiy Kolovrat and the mysterious crying baroness, try the favorite delicacy of all children - the famous lollipop “cockerel” on a stick.
Here you will definitely find something close to you!
Territory of the Ryazan Kremlin
Museum-reserve of S. A. Yesenin in the village of Konstantinovo
The complex takes you into the atmosphere of Sergei Yesenin’s childhood and youth. Manuscripts, photographs, and household items tell how the poet’s relatives and friends lived, how his most famous works were created.
The local landscapes deserve special attention: water meadows, the steep bank of the Oka and endless blue distances.
House of Sergei Yesenin in Konstantinovo
St. John the Theologian Poshchupovo Monastery in the village of Poshchupovo
This is the only monastery in the Ryazan region, known since the 12th century - pre-Mongol times. An ensemble of buildings from the 17th–20th centuries has survived to this day. The temple-tomb of St. Seraphim of Sarov, where there is a fraternal ossuary, built according to the model of those on Mount Athos, makes a great impression.
You should also definitely see the oldest frescoes in the Ryazan region and a unique faience iconostasis. Another local miracle is the Holy Spring.
St. John the Theologian Poshchupovsky Monastery
There is a whole string of rest days ahead, for which workers thank the holidays of May 1 and 9.
I would like to believe that not all of them will be spent by Ryazan residents on planting potatoes or cooking barbecue - there will be time left to visit interesting places near their home, in the Ryazan region, of which there are so many around.
So which of these attractions are the most suitable for May excursions?
Along the Pavlovka River from the village of Ekimovka to the winter resort of Semeno-Oleninskoye, about a dozen ponds and backwaters were created with the help of dams, surrounded by sprawling meadows and copses.
12th place: ponds on Pavlovka near the village of Rozhok
The road from the Ryazan-Mikhailov highway towards Ekimovka runs past the village of Rozhok (16 km from Ryazan), surrounded by two holiday villages that have arisen in recent years.
From the hill near Rozhk there is a stunning view of the winding floodplain of Pavlovka and the bridge across it.
11th place: Fefelov forest on the dunes in the Oka Valley
2.5 kilometers from the outskirts of the Kanishchevo microdistrict, on the Oka meadows, there are sand dunes covered with pine forest - Fefelov Bor. At the beginning of the 20th century, excavations were carried out here and a settlement of primitive people was found.
Today, vacationers like to walk and drive here: they go down from the Transfiguration Church in the village of Kanishchevo to the meadows and cross the Bystritsa stream along a small bridge. 200 meters from the forest the Oka flows, and behind it stands the village of Korostovo.
10th place: abandoned missile silo near Pronskaya road
2 km from the village of Malinishchi, Pronsky district, closer to Ryazan, not far from the Ryazan-Pronsk highway, there are abandoned 100-meter hangars, in which, during Soviet times, elements of the S-200 long-range anti-aircraft missile system were located.
When the outdated equipment was removed from combat duty, the military unit was relocated to another location. Now parallel to the ground and inclined mines are visited by numerous lovers of abandoned objects.
9th place: “Dancing Forest” in Shilovsky district
Many trees standing nearby with trunks bent and rounded in different directions is a sight that is found in different countries of the world. But in the Ryazan region this forest, located almost on the banks of the Oka River behind the village of Tyrnovo, Shilovsky district, is alone. They call him either “dancing”, sometimes “dancing”, sometimes “drunk”.
Having a selfie taken here and posted on a social network is considered mandatory for any Ryazan partygoer who has a car and money for gasoline to Tyrnov (140 km from the regional center).
8th place: Ryazan “Leaning Tower of Pisa” in the village of Belskoye
Wooden bell tower of an old church in the village of Belskoye. The village belongs to the Spassky district, but there is access there both from the south through Veretye and from the north through Deulino. The Belsky temple is more than 100 years old, but its restoration has not begun, since the few villagers will not be able to maintain it.
The bell tower has tilted and is threatening to fall. About 200 photos of this structure appear on the Internet every year.
7th place: Starozhilovsky stud farm
A factory for raising breeding horses was created at the end of the 19th century on the outskirts of the village of Starozhilovo by landowner Pavel von Derviz, who commissioned the architect Shekhtel to build a complex of buildings in the neo-Gothic style. In 1920, the future Marshal Zhukov studied here at the Red Commanders Course.
The plant museum tells about him and Marshal Budyonny, who often visited Starozhilovo. Visitors can ride horses mainly in the warm season and in good weather (since the internal arena is not working due to a partial collapse of the roof).
6th place: Iberd Sophronius Monastery
In a clearing in the middle of the forest, 17 km from Ryazhsk, 17 km from Ukholov and 17 km from Korablin, on the bank of a stream ringing in the thicket, there is a monastery, to which a single winding road leads through the thicket. This monastery was built in the 19th century by Elder Sophrony, who first went to live in the wilderness, and after himself left the church and house as a legacy to the nuns.
300 meters from the monastery there is a spring with healing forest water. The revival of the monastery began in 1996, and for a long time the monks managed just fine without electricity and gas supplies.
5th place: Svezhenkaya village divided in half
It is difficult to get to Svezhenkaya via the only road, but trains from Sasov go to Svezhenkaya station and back two or three times a day. The village is located simultaneously in two subjects of the Russian Federation: in the middle of it lies the border between the Ryazan region and the Mordovian Republic.
In the village there are two village administrations with different flags, between which a sawmill, a school, a store, and a stadium are divided. Residents of Svezhenkaya have the best knowledge of mushrooms and berries in the Ryazan region - many live by collecting and selling them.
4th place: Holy spring in Poshchupov
One kilometer south of the famous St. John the Theologian Monastery, a spring emerges from a clay-sand mountain, which then turns into a stream and runs down into the Oka. The spring water, percolating through eight natural “filter” layers, acquires extraordinary purity and taste. The healing power of the spring has been known since the 1820s, when monks began to record the recovery of patients after drinking the water.
In the 1990s, a church and large baths were built on the stream below the spring, where those who wish can plunge into the water, which has a temperature of 4 degrees Celsius all year round.
3rd place: “Devil’s Bridge” in the village of Kiritsy
The manor house in Kiritsy was built by Sergei von Derviz, who spent a significant part of his father's inheritance on the construction of this palace with Gothic spiers, ancient Russian tents and crenellated towers. According to legends, it was on its stairs that scenes of the Soviet film fairy tale “Cinderella” were filmed, and viewers saw a computer copy of the old “Devil’s Bridge” in the park in the film “Night Watch”.
This year, funds were allocated for the repair of the dilapidated arched bridge, and today’s spring is probably the last chance to see it in romantic desolation
2nd place: Kuzminsky hydroelectric complex
On the Oka River, opposite the villages of Kuzminskoye and Aksenovo, a few kilometers from Konstantinov, the birthplace of Sergei Yesenin, an impressive dam and sluice were built in 2013 - 2015.
The new Kuzminsky hydroelectric complex, replacing the previous one, which had been in operation for 99 years, is designed to maintain a water level in the Oka between Kuzminsky and Beloomut sufficient for safe navigation. Ships bypass the dam itself along the lock channel.
1st place: Forest lakes outside the village of Laskovo
Laskovskoye, Segdenskoye and Urzhinskoye lakes (25-35 km from the exit from Ryazan), thanks to good asphalt roads leading to them, have become the most favorite summer holiday destination for Ryazan residents in the last 20 years.
Late spring is a time when only the bravest dare to swim in the lakes, but there is a chance to breathe the cleanest air of Meshchera and see animals and birds settling in after the winter.
Kasimov city
Kasimov is a Russian-Tatar city on the banks of the Oka, founded by Yuri Dolgoruky, and glorified by the Tatar Khanate.
Today the mosque with its snow-white minaret and the tekke of Shah Ali remind us of bygone times. At the same time, city landscapes may well serve as an illustration to the stories of Russian classics: quiet streets, merchant mansions, temple domes and ringing bells.
Kasimova Street
Iberd Alexander Nevsky Sophronius Monastery
A monastery with a rich history, founded in 1892 by Elder Saphronius . Located in a quiet wilderness, where Elder Saphronius went to live. His goal was to build a temple and a nunnery for girls, orphans and women with a difficult fate, where they could devote themselves to the work of prayer. In 1892, the temple was consecrated in honor of Prince Alexander Nevsky . Afterwards, the temple and monastery were completely destroyed in 1949. Nearby is the cemetery where Saphronius was buried, who was canonized in 2000. In 1996, the monastery was restored, and a temple was built nearby, which now houses the relics of Saphronius. Not far from the temple there is a holy spring with healing water.
The city of Skopin and the famous Skopin ceramics
Skopin came a long way from a small fortress on the Zasechnaya Line to the largest pottery center. Skopinsk ceramics became famous in the 19th century, when local craftsmen began making unusual crafts from clay.
The fishery continues to develop actively today. The products of Skopino craftsmen are an excellent, beautiful, and often useful souvenir from the Ryazan region.
Making Skopino ceramics
Solotcha village
Ship pines, intoxicating air, water meadows and quiet rivers... This is all the Solotcha resort.
It was these places that the writer K. G. Paustovsky loved very much. Today, a tourist route has been created in Solotch “in the footsteps” of the writer.
Another important and interesting attraction is the Solotchinsky Convent, the ensemble of which was built in the Naryshkin Baroque style.
Sosnovy Bor in Solotch
Meshchersky National Park
Just an hour's drive from Ryazan, and you find yourself in the untouched Central Russian taiga. According to Konstantin Paustovsky, this region is the best expression of Russian nature.
To get to know different parts of the park, a whole network of eco-trails has been prepared, which you can walk along independently or as part of an excursion group.
River Pra
Laskovskoe Lake
One of the favorite lakes for vacationers. Located 30 km from Ryazan , near the village of Laskovo. There are other lakes nearby that are suitable for swimming, but Lake Laskovoe is popular. The water is dark in color due to the peat content in it. A dense dense forest grows around the lake, adding to the beauty of the landscape. In summer it is quite crowded, the southern coast is great for family holidays thanks to the grassy soft beach and smooth entry into warm water.
Oksky Nature Reserve
The most famous inhabitants of these places are bison and cranes. The reserve is famous for the fact that here, for the first time in the world, a conservation system for Siberian cranes was created.
During the excursions, guests are told about the flora and fauna of the reserve, including interesting stories, for example, how cranes are taught to walk, fly, and get food. There is also a nature museum. After the excursions, you can relax on the banks of the Pra, the cleanest river in Europe.
Bison in the Oksky Nature Reserve
What to see with children
Some museums in the Ryazan region are specially designed for young travelers. Interesting excursions for children are held at the Toy Museum in the village of Poshupovo and at the World of Candy Museum in Ryazan.
In many places, children are taught the basics of folk crafts and are given original master classes in making rag dolls, embroidery, beadwork and pottery. Interactive classes with children can be visited in the ethno-cultural village of Shilovo and in the Skopinsky center of folk arts and crafts.
John the Theologian Monastery in the village. Poshupovo
Not far from Spas-Klepikov, in the village of Lunkino, a large museum of wooden architecture has been opened. This place is loved by children of all ages. In a spacious clearing there are several wooden houses in which carved sculptures, panels, root plastics and beautiful straw products are displayed. Arriving in Brykin Bor, you can visit the nature museum with your children, ride horses, feed bison in the nursery of the Oksky Nature Reserve and attend a master class with the famous potter Olga Alekseevna Shirini.
Assumption Vysha Convent in the village of Vysha
The monastery became widely known thanks to Theophan the Recluse. It was to Vysha that Bishop Theophan went in search of solitude, peace and quiet in order to devote himself to spiritual works. The saint more than once emphasized that the Above can only be exchanged for the Kingdom of Heaven, calling it “the dwelling of God, where God’s heavenly air is.”
Now the monastery ensemble consists of three churches: the Kazan and Nativity Cathedrals and the Assumption Church. Let us note that the Kazan Cathedral was “built according to a plan that was taken from the Sarov Assumption Cathedral.” Several icons painted by Theophanes were placed in the iconostasis. The cathedral houses the greatest shrines: the miraculous icon of the Mother of God of Kazan Vyshenskaya and the relics of Theophan the Recluse. In 2010, the Epiphany home church of St. Theophan, the Recluse of Vyshensky, was restored. A museum has been opened in the cells where Saint Theophan lived.
Assumption Vyshensky Convent
Estate of von Derviz in Kiritsy
The picturesque fairytale castle was built in 1889 . It was designed by architect Fyodor Shekhtel. There were bridges hanging over ravines, a horse yard, a system of ponds, entrance gates, and grottoes. To this day, many of the buildings have not survived, but there are amazing and beautiful places that you can look at. Now there is a children's sanatorium here.
Old Ryazan
One of the largest cities of Ancient Rus', the first capital of the Ryazan principality, Russian Troy, the only medieval Russian city that turned into a classic “dead city” - all this is Old Ryazan.
Today, Old Ryazan is the largest archaeological site in Russia, where many treasures were found, objects from which can be found in the Ryazan Historical and Archaeological Museum-Reserve.
Every year archaeological expeditions, scientific camps and, of course, excursions for the curious are held here.
Settlement Old Ryazan
Come to Ryazan! We will advise the best, find a guide, answer questions, give advice and help. Information provided by the Tourist Information Center of the Ryazan Region
Memorial "Battle of Vozha"
A monument-stele was founded in honor of the 625th anniversary of the victory of the Battle of Vozha, in which the Russian army under the command of Dmitry Donskoy fought with the army of the Golden Horde on August 11, 1378 . This first victory over the Tatars was very significant and showed the vulnerability of the Tatar cavalry. Every year celebrations take place here, with historical clubs reenacting the battle. Anyone can dress up, shoot a bow, throw a spear, put on a helmet and chain mail, and learn how to wield a sword.
