Rzhev is a historical city, founded in the 12th century, according to some sources this happened in the 11th century. It has a rich history and amazing sights.
The city is located 200 km from the source of the Volga, which has always made it a strategically important place in trade. During the reign of various kings, Rzhev was classified as a part of certain principalities: Galician, Toropetsk, Serpukhov. But in 1521 he finally gained a foothold in Moscow.
Before the expansion of Moscow's borders, the main strategic feature of the city was defense, and after that it acquired economic importance. Historically, the Volga divided the city into two parts. At the moment, Rzhev is part of the Tver region and forms the Rzhevsky district.
Rzhev is a major transport hub, the intersection of two major railways: Moscow-Riga, Torzhok-Vyazma. At a distance of 1 km to the south there is a federal highway. The population in 2016 was about 60 thousand people.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=97PbA3_7hls
Top 10 most interesting sights of Rzhev
Rzhev is a city with a rich history; it boasts many interesting sights. The table shows the top 10 most popular.
Main attractions of Rzhev
Sight | What is this place like? |
Revolution square | Has a unique beauty. According to historians, it is recognized as the most beautiful square in the Rzhevsky region. Turning to history, it received this name in 1920, before that it was called Horse. Which is easy to explain, fairs were held in the square, with a large crowd of people and horses. After the revolution, the new government decided to radically change the name. At the moment, the square is used for celebrations, rallies, and processions. It is located at the intersection of two streets and Leningradskoye Highway. The area has a non-standard rectangular shape. In the center of the composition rises a large fountain, and immediately behind it is a monument to revolutionaries. The decoration of the square is made in the style of antiquity: benches, trash cans, lanterns. Along the perimeter there are houses that have been preserved from ancient times, miraculously surviving during the Great Patriotic War. |
House of Obraztsovs | Previously, it belonged to a wealthy merchant family, built in the style of early classicism. Historians cannot determine the exact date of construction of the mansion; they assume that it was at the turn of the 18th-19th centuries. The house is located on the main square of the city - Sovetskaya. The first Rzhev Theater was created there in 1875. |
Banking House of the Ryabushensky brothers | The brothers became famous in 1908, after the opening of a branch of the banking house. The building is a cultural heritage site, located on the high bank of the Volga and surrounded by amazing landscapes. The mansion can be seen from afar due to its pointed head. At the moment, the premises are used financially; a cash settlement center is located in it. |
Staritsa caves | The length of the tunnels is more than 30 km. The caves are of natural origin, but since 1928 the development and extraction of white stone has been going on, so the length has increased significantly. During the Great Patriotic War, the tunnels were distinguished by the placement of a military warehouse. At the moment, there are more than a hundred stone quarrying sites, so only 6 sites are available for excursions, but their length is more than 5 km. The entrance is located in the town of Staritsa, 50 km from Rzhev. Scientists are sure that the caves contain interesting and unprecedented secrets. |
Estate Stepanovskoye-Volosovo | Previously, the building belonged to the famous princely family of the Kurakins. It is believed that the estate was built in the 18th century. It belongs to the cultural heritage of Russia and belongs to the monuments of early classicism. Each new owner of the mansion made his own changes and additions, which made the house amazing and beautiful. At the moment, the architectural complex consists of a main house, a utility building, a glacier, monuments and obelisks, a park built in the English style, and there are several artificial ponds on the territory. |
Chukovino Estate | Over its history, the building belonged to different families and underwent significant changes. In the 17th century, the estate belonged to the famous Rzhev boyar Sytin, but in the 18th century his daughter married a relative of Empress Elizabeth Petrovna. At this time, the building reaches the peak of reconstruction and this brings it popularity. An amazing and valuable park, the main house, a small outbuilding and the Vladimirovskaya Church have been preserved on the site. |
Lake Seliger | Amazing lake, the scenery and crystal waters will take your breath away. The lake is of glacial origin. The depth reaches 25 m, the area is 260 km2. A protected natural monument, as it is home to more than 30 fish populations. Located on the Valdai Plain, 150 km from the city of Rzhev. |
Train Station | It has operated continuously since 1901, connecting the city with the capital of the state. |
Monument to Rzhev railway workers | It represents the front part of a steam locomotive, made in full size. Dedicated to the memory of the feat of railway workers who fought during the Great Patriotic War. |
Rzhev prison | One of the oldest buildings in the city, it was built under Catherine II and was actively used until the Second World War. After all the destruction, the prison was rebuilt from bricks from a previously destroyed church. |
The main attractions of Valdai: TOP-3
Photographs of Valdai attractions, which will be discussed below, adorn the pages of advertising brochures and city guides. These objects are rightfully considered the calling cards of the policy.
Iverskaya monastery
The Iverskaya monastery is one of the most revered holy places in the Russian Federation. She was destined for a sublime mission - to become an example of Russian religious architecture. Therefore, Patriarch Nikon personally supervised the construction work and consecrated the main temple of the monastery. The architectural appearance of the complex was finally formed by the middle of the 17th century, although some buildings were rebuilt later. At the beginning of the 18th century, the monastery gradually lost its significance, and, after another century, it was generally in decline. With the Bolsheviks coming to power, the situation only worsened. The monastery is first transferred to the labor commune, then to museum structures, then to the Ministry of Health. In the era of legalized atheism, the main shrine, the miraculous icon of the Mother of God, is irretrievably lost. Only in the last decade of the last century did the authorities transfer the complex to the church. It takes almost 20 years to restore the monastery and not all work has yet been completed. What can an inquisitive traveler see here today?
The Assumption Cathedral, consecrated in 1655, resplendent with five golden domes, dominates the cult complex. The voluminous vaults of the majestic structure rest on six pillars, inspiring respect with their massiveness. The interiors of the temple are amazing. The internal surfaces of the domes and walls are covered with delightful frescoes, the floors are lined with Putilov slabs. The five tiers of the carved iconostasis are inlaid with gilding. The miraculous copy of the Iveron Icon of the Mother of God is kept in the shadow of the cathedral. The priceless relic attracts thousands of pilgrims to the temple.
The Archangel Gate Church is considered one of the most colorful buildings of the monastery. The building, with its impressive pink and white façade, is topped by an octagonal drum with a gilded dome above a green dome. The structure is connected to the Nikon Tower, which is easily recognized by its pointed tent and gilded single-headed eagle on the spire.
The gate church of St. Philip of Moscow is no less captivating. Tradition says that the saint, killed at the instigation of Ivan the Terrible, appeared in a dream to Patriarch Nikon and blessed the High Priest for the construction of the church. An elegant two-story building with an extensive passage arch is the main decoration of the western side of the monastery ensemble.
In addition, tourists will be able to admire here the Epiphany refectory and Borovichi hospital churches, a hipped bell tower, and a stone fence with impressive towers. The Treasury and Viceroyal buildings and other colorful buildings of the monastery complex are of great interest to connoisseurs of architecture.
Lake Valdai
If the famous Iversky Monastery is considered the main man-made attraction of Valdai, then the beautiful lake, which gave its name not only to the city, but also to the vast coastal region, tops the rating of natural pearls of the region. The area of the reservoir, formed thousands of years ago by melting glaciers, is close to 20 km, and the depths in some places reach 60 meters. The waters of the lake are clear, and the air around it is filled with the aromas of coniferous trees. In the forest kingdom of spruces and centuries-old pines approaching the shores, oaks, birches, and rowan trees feel great. The surrounding surroundings are amazingly picturesque. The delightful landscapes are complemented by a unique atmosphere of complete peace. That is why famous Russian poets, writers, and artists loved to relax and gain inspiration here.
Narodnaya Street
Transport stop "Freedom Square".
The architectural ensemble of the former Posadskaya Street, an iconic landmark of Valdai, took shape in the second half of the 19th century. It was then that stone mansions of local merchants began to appear here. Often, houses were added to each other without intermediate intervals. On the first floors of buildings, as a rule, shops and stores were located. The apartments of the owners of the mansions, in turn, were arranged in the premises of the second tier. This type of development is typical for most pre-revolutionary Russian policies, including provincial centers. The houses that once housed the Likins' piece goods store, Shakhov's tea shop and many other shops are well preserved. The historicity of the surroundings is sometimes violated only by the names of modern trade and service establishments.
Architectural objects and monuments of Rzhev
Rzhev, whose sights are included in the architectural heritage of Russia, can be visited by anyone. The city, founded in the 12th century, contains a large number of buildings with secrets and valuables. They are in demand for visitors of different age categories.
4 km from the city there is a house in which the leader of the USSR I.V. stayed during his reign. Stalin, during a visit to the Kalinin Front. The building was not immediately recognized as an architectural monument, but in 2015, residents of the village of Khoroshevo managed to obtain ownership of the building and, in collaboration with the military historical society, managed to create a museum complex.
Much was brought and donated to the museum by local residents.
It included:
- Library.
- Exhibitions dedicated to the leader.
- Memorial plaques in honor of the liberation of Orel and Belgorod, and a decree on mandatory fireworks in honor of this.
- Documents, photos, objects and personal belongings of the military. This is not always freely available for viewing; thematic exhibitions are periodically held.
- Rooms where films about the Great Patriotic War are shown.
The Rzhev Memorial Complex represents objects created at different times.
Currently it includes:
- German military cemetery.
- Cemetery of Red Army soldiers.
- Memorial in honor of the memory of fallen soldiers from Kazakhstan.
- Memorial pedestal and adjacent chapel in honor of Alexander Nevsky.
- A statue dedicated to the grief of parents.
- A monument dedicated to the memory of the innocent victims-prisoners of Jews who died in concentration camps during the Great Patriotic War.
The bulk of the dead soldiers were buried in mass graves located in this complex. Frequent guests are residents of Germany. The memorial complex is located on the outskirts of Rzhev, on Ostashkovskoye Highway.
Don't miss the most popular article in the section: Metro Nizhny Novgorod. Diagram, map, description.
Brief historical background
Rzhev is an ancient city. It was first mentioned in written sources (Novgorod Charter) in 1019; there is also a later date - 1216. There is no clear opinion among historians yet. Later it was part of the Principality of Toropets, and from 1225 it became the center of the appanage Principality of Rzhev. At the beginning of the 14th century, Rzhev entered the Moscow Principality. Then there was a period as part of the Tver and Lithuanian principalities, and in 1526 it finally went to Moscow and lost all sovereign rights. Later it was included in the Novgorod and then Tver provinces.
Rzhev suffered seriously during the Great Patriotic War. In the famous Battle of Rzhev, which lasted from January 1942 to March 1943 and included four offensive operations, the permanent losses of Soviet troops amounted, according to various estimates, to more than 400,000 people. Of the 20 thousand people who found themselves under occupation, on the day of liberation, March 3, 1943, only 150 people remained alive, together with the region - 362 people. Of the 5,443 residential buildings in Rzhev, only 297 survived... It is not surprising that in Rzhev there are many reminders of the war.
Historical monuments of Rzhev
The obelisk to the liberators of Rzhev was erected in 1963, the height reaches 25 m. Previously, a wooden Kremlin stood on this site, and it was from here that the development of the city began. But it suffered a fire, as did the temple, which was later built on this site. The obelisk rises on a granite slab, which is decorated with inscriptions and sculptures, and an eternal flame always burns nearby.
The monument to the liquidators of the Chernobyl accident was erected in 2011 in honor of those who died as a result of the accident and those who died from radiation sickness afterwards. The monument rises in front of the city house of culture.
Izba-museum I.V. Stalin.
Not far from the city, in the village of Khoroshevo, there is a small wooden house. He became famous after the only visit of the leader of the country. He stayed in this house when he went to the front during wartime. Most of this house is dedicated to the library. One of his teams serves as a museum, where there is a small collection dedicated to Stalin and his stay in these places.
Interesting museums in Rzhev
Rzhev, whose sights are represented by museums, makes a great contribution to the historical heritage. Many of which are included in the Moscow Fund. The city has several museums that hold unique exhibitions of local and imported exhibits.
Museum of Military History. The oldest one in operation, created in 1916 by the famous historian Simson. The museum developed over the years, soon after the military events of 41-45, exhibits were added to it.
The museum presents models of military equipment, and there is an area with a diorama dedicated to the Battle of Rzhev. All visitors can learn about the great exploits and unprecedented heroism of Russian soldiers. The museum is located on Krasnoarmeyskaya embankment.
Museum of Local Lore. It was opened a little later than the military one and occupied a historical building that previously housed a meeting of city deputies. The main exhibits were provided by the Moscow scientist Vorobyov, and some were provided by Simsonov.
The years of war did not spare the exhibits; much was stolen and destroyed. But already in the 60s of the last century, a local history exhibition was opened in the Okovets Church, and in the 70s it became part of the historian of the architectural museum.
Since 1998, the museum has been divided into two: peaceful life and everyday life, the war years. Located on the picturesque Krasnoarmeyskaya embankment. The exhibition hall, opened in 1988, the youngest museum, is located on the second floor of an old mansion owned by merchants. At the moment, it hosts exhibitions of artists, sculptors, and architects. Literary evenings are held.
The locomotive is a monument to Rzhev railway workers.
Another historical landmark, which is dedicated to all railway workers who performed many feats during the war. It was installed in 1973 in the park of the same name. It looks like a steam locomotive, namely its front part, which pulls a brick wall. The names of the heroes are carved on it. This monument attracts many tourists around it.
Temples and cathedrals of Rzhev
Rzhev, whose attractions are based on spiritual values, is especially loved by believers. The city has many churches and cathedrals dating back to different eras, thus representing not only spiritual, but also historical value.
- Okovets Cathedral. The majestic building was built in 1831, but faith was persecuted during the revolution, the cathedral was closed and used as a warehouse. During the Second World War, the church was destroyed, but it was restored, but it was not used for its intended purpose; it was given over to a local history museum, which was there for 20 years. In 1991, a decision was made to return the cathedral to the Tver diocese. After that, it was returned to its original appearance and services were resumed. The temple is made in the style of classicism, but has elements of ancient cathedrals.
- Church of the New Martyrs and Confessors of Russia. The temple was erected in 2004 at the insistence of Archpriest Oleg Chaika. The church became famous due to the presence of the relics of Thaddeus and the robe of Tikhon.
- Ascension Cathedral. The white stone cathedral was built in 1855 in honor of the Great Ascension of the Lord. In 1939 it was closed. And in 1985 it was opened as a temporary church at the insistence of city residents, during which time they managed to carry out work and completely restore and restore the temple with money from benefactors.
- The Church of Barbara the Great Martyr , after the destruction, could not be restored, but a wooden church was erected on the site of the former stone cathedral. She took an active part in the construction process.
- Church of the Intercession. One of the few Old Believer cathedrals in the country, built in the famous Russian style, in 1908. The only church that operated during the revolution.
- The bell tower of the Church of the Life-Giving Trinity , it served as an extension to the later destroyed church. It is a beautiful multi-tiered structure.
Rzhev temples
The history of Rzhev was turbulent. Enemy raids brought grief and destruction. Therefore, there are not many ancient temples here. But in the modern period, religious buildings were actively built. Therefore, admirers of temple architecture have something to see in Rzhev.
Cathedral of the Ascension of Christ
The Ascension Cathedral was once part of a large temple complex. The five-domed church enjoyed special veneration among parishioners, because the miraculous image of the Mother of God of Kazan was kept within its walls. The sacrilege of the Bolsheviks and the war turned the temple into ruins. The Orthodox relic was lost. The revival of the church began at the end of the last century. The rite of re-consecration of the cathedral took place in 1987. Today, the white stone building with high light drums of the domes looks wonderful.
Temple of Russian Confessors and New Martyrs
The colorful five-domed temple appeared in the city in 2004 and immediately joined the number of iconic sights of Rzhev. The cross of the main hipped dome of the church overshadows the polis from a 35-meter height. The bells for the belfry were cast in the Urals. The largest of them weighs 1.6 tons. The building, built on the model of ancient Moscow red brick churches, looks magnificent. The bell tower's light drum and faceted domes look especially elegant.
Intercession Church
Not many Old Believer churches have survived in Central Russia. One of them is located in Rzhev. The rite of consecration of the Intercession took place in 1910. The appearance of the brick church corresponds to the Old Russian canons. The main tent dome covers the traditional octagon, around which domes with miniature onions are erected. The interior of the temple is ascetic. Its only decoration is the iconostasis with images painted at the beginning of the 19th century.
Church of Barbara the Great Martyr
To everyone who sees the elegant wooden temple for the first time, it seems that the building was built many decades ago. In fact, the church was erected in 2004. It was built according to the canons of Old Russian architects. Therefore, the building-teremok is very similar to the religious buildings of Kizhi or Valdai. From a distance, the colorful temple seems like a toy. Tourists love to take memorable photographs against the backdrop of the church.
Rzhev belongs to the category of quiet provincial towns for which central Russia is famous. Here you can have a great weekend or a week of vacation, forgetting about the hustle and bustle of big cities. Local attractions will make a wonderful impression on travelers.
Parks and gardens of Rzhev
Rzhev is surrounded by greenery; there are many squares and park areas throughout the city. The largest is the city park. A quiet and peaceful place for family walks, many benches allow you to sit down and hide from the hot sun in the shade of spreading trees, read a book, and enjoy nature. In the summer, exhibitions, master classes, and fairs are held.
In 2008, by order of the authorities, the Alley of Heroes of the Soviet Union was laid out and opened in honor of the 65th anniversary of the defeat of the fascist invaders. The alley is a paved road, which is surrounded by granite pillars with the names of famous heroes of the USSR.
Monument to General A. N. Seslavin.
This man is known for participating in major military battles during the First World War. The hussar acted as a partisan and passed on important information to his allies. The monument was erected in 2012. This is a bust that flaunts on a high marble pedestal. There is also an oak tree growing not far from it. It was planted by the man’s father himself.
Modern objects interesting to visit
For those who want to relax and spend the weekend profitably, below is a list of places that a modern person can visit:
- Entertaining , it has an interesting history; many people, when they see the building, cannot even think that a couple of years ago it was being prepared for demolition, but was bought and restored.
- GoodZoone, the only representative of bars in the city, is distinguished by the presence of several zones: a dance floor, a karaoke bar, a bar and cozy places to relax.
— Marina Ivanovna, by profession you are a nurse, dermatocosmetologist, technologist, and by vocation you are a volunteer. How did this happen?
— I am a volunteer with twenty years of experience. Since childhood, I have collected, treated, and given homes to stray animals whenever possible, and I continue to do this to this day. I have also been helping people with disabilities and the elderly for more than 20 years.
After graduating from medical school, I looked after lonely pensioners, gave injections for free, everyone in the area knew me. Then she worked in a beauty salon as an eyebrow specialist, doing manicures and pedicures. I always enjoyed studying and received a qualification as a cosmetologist nurse.
Grandmothers came to the salon with a request to treat complex nails, such a procedure was not listed in the price list, and they were required to charge for a full pedicure... For this reason, I went “free swimming”, opened an office where I received such clients for free and at the same time worked on the project for free services for people with limited mobility. But not a single landlord agreed to modernize his premises to create an accessible environment, so my husband and I sold our apartment in the city and went to live in the village, and with the proceeds from the sale we bought a premises for a salon.
I spent a long time doing renovations, got into debt, it was very difficult both mentally and physically, I gave up more than once, but I lived the dream that there would be such a salon, and I walked towards my goal. My husband accepted me for who I am and supported my ideas, which from the outside seemed crazy.
We opened in 2016 as a commercial hair salon, and immediately began accepting wheelchair users free of charge. I worked as a pedicurist and did not charge my grandparents for services. Gradually I recruited a team, and during interviews with candidates for masters, I announced: we give haircuts to representatives of low-mobility groups for free. Workers came, tried, and left for various reasons... I don’t blame anyone: not everyone can work like that. I was engaged in arranging an accessible environment and believed that there were people with the same attitude towards life as mine, and they would definitely come to me. Everything worked out. Now there are 20 people in our team, three employees with disabilities: wheelchair users and a hearing impairment. I managed to gather like-minded people around me, my team is unique, I say this with pride and I am proud of my team.
— In addition to modernizing the premises, the area around also required improvement: convenient, accessible access to the salon, entrance. How much effort and resources are needed to provide for everything!..
— It took five years to landscape the area: they changed everything, from the electrics to the steps and doorways, they removed the uneven asphalt, built a canopy, they brought earth in KamAZ trucks to make a front garden next to the salon...
The entrance to the salon is convenient and accessible to a person in a wheelchair; there is a ramp and removable ramps. Our staff will always help.
Word of mouth quickly spread rumors about the opening of the salon, and with it the charity project “Care”. We began to receive numerous calls asking us to provide assistance to people in specialized institutions (orphanages, psychoneurological boarding schools, nursing homes) and at home.
When they started going to nursing homes, they noted that many of the grannies living there were wearing headscarves. We ask: why? It turned out that for convenience they cut their hair short, almost bald. It should not be. A person wants to be beautiful and well-groomed at any age.
In 2022, having taken out another loan, our team of six people flew to Kazakhstan for three days, to an orphanage: they cut 200 children’s hair for free and exchanged experiences with colleagues; they returned very satisfied with the results of the trip. During the pandemic, when all the salons were closed, we went to the homes of the elderly and disabled to clean their apartments for free; we brought all the necessary cleaning products and sanitary supplies with us. We are still asked for similar help now.
Over time, we made many friends and like-minded people. I have learned from my own experience: the world is not without good people, it is difficult to do anything alone, but I have the gift of uniting people, attracting people like me.
Now they not only turn to us for help, but also offer to participate in our projects, this is very cool!
Over several years of work, we have provided more than 15 thousand free services: haircuts, pedicures, manicures, eyebrow shaping, cleaning (a set of cleanliness measures - editor's note). Two years ago I graduated from the school of social entrepreneurship and received the status of a social entrepreneur.
— The average person has well-known associations with the word “entrepreneur”...
— Social business is not about money. Last year we finally paid off our debts and made a small profit. We have no sponsors, we are self-sufficient. Understanding the difficulty of the financial situation, in 2022 I registered a charitable foundation so that I could apply for grants. As a non-profit organization began to participate in competitions, support appeared. We earn money and are already investing in our projects. But we are still the only social hairdressing salon in the Tver region, and there are a huge number of requests for help; it is still very difficult for us.
— Not everyone can be an entrepreneur, and doing social entrepreneurship is all the more responsible...
— I believe that anyone who wants to try to do their own business and show their talent can become an entrepreneur. Social entrepreneurship is a calling when you go to help everyone, regardless of the request. There are no weekends or vacations in this kind of business, your phone rings day and night, you look for and find people who are ready, like you, to get help. There are many nuances, the main thing is not to leave a person alone with trouble - this is my way of life!
And to young, aspiring entrepreneurs, I always explain plausibly, without embellishment, what a social direction in business is. You cannot start helping people if you doubt whether you have enough strength and patience, if you are ready to give up everything at the first difficulties. Social business is about people who need us so much.
— Marina Ivanovna, last spring you initiated and organized a beauty contest for women in wheelchairs “Stylish in Spirit”, in which Rzhevityanka also participated...
— His idea appeared when I began to communicate with people with limited mobility. For me, they are all cosmos, they have different dimensions of life, a different worldview. My world, already not at all ordinary, has changed even more. I wanted to tell everyone about them - talented, bright, beautiful. A person reveals himself in interaction with others. One can and should learn patience, perseverance and fortitude from these people. Their every day begins with overcoming, they smile, joke, and support us with their optimism.
We began preparing for the competition two years before it was held. The name was decided through a competitive selection, the winner is Alexey Li, also a person in a wheelchair.
Yes, a lot of people came together to prepare the competition - volunteers, entrepreneurs, artists, journalists, politicians. It is extremely important that as many people as possible be involved in this process, learn about the problems of people with disabilities, and think about them. We must not just show such people, but do something that will change their lives for the better. Through such things we ourselves change. Mashenka Grezneva and Katyusha Mikheeva are beautiful, talented girls. Masha's paintings radiate a special magic and attraction, Katya found herself in making others beautiful. Her makeup is special; she successfully notices the notes of human character and reveals beauty through them.
— The word “disabled people” always bothered me, you replaced it with “shadow heroes”...
— Yes, that’s what I called my YouTube channel, where I talk about people with disabilities. When I say “shadow heroes,” I focus not on the physical condition of a person, but on the attitude towards him in society. A person in a wheelchair on the street is a rarity. Without outside help, most of them find it difficult to leave their entrance. We don’t know and don’t strive to find out how such people live; we need to do something with such information: help, participate in their lives, but we ourselves have enough problems.
When I feel really bad, I go to them for tea. I talk with my wise, strong-willed older friends, recharge with their energy - and again into our real, sometimes cruel world.
— The attitude towards charity and charitable foundations in society is also ambiguous...
“And they tell us unpleasant things, sometimes you’re amazed at how much evil and envy there is around.” My team learns not to hear it, and if something comes through, we attribute it to loneliness, the person’s misfortune, and invite them to our projects.
You cannot learn mercy, either you were born this way or it is not yours. If you have at least once helped someone with a good deed, this is a huge plus, it means that the soul remembers goodness and strives for it.
— Marina Ivanovna, life and professional experience like yours must be shared!
— I am a member of the Tver regional public organization of wheelchair users “Crystal”, a mentor at, a curator at the social school of the Moscow Foundation “Create your own business”.
I have many original social projects. There are currently two in the process of implementation: “Zabota” and “Elektrichka” - a center for the repair and rental of technical rehabilitation equipment. This project provides for the creation of jobs. Three guys will work in the center - disabled people in wheelchairs.
I teach the younger generation and I myself am still learning mercy, selflessness, how to maintain honor, and not lose faith in sincerity and goodness.
Interviewed by Olga ZHDANOVA
Excursion routes
Rzhev, the sights of which can be explored by booking a tour, boasts historical and architectural monuments, spiritual heritage, the city is imbued with the spirit of antiquity.
Travel companies organizing excursions around Rzhev offer many options, the most popular of which are:
- A look through the centuries.
- Rzhev - “dove heart”.
The organizers of the first tour offer a one-day tour that includes:
- Sightseeing tour of the city, including the main attractions. Cathedral Mountain, Obelisk to the Liberators, Alley of Heroes, Old Believer Church of the Intercession, merchant estates, monuments to famous figures of Rzhev.
- Museum of Military Glory.
- Folklore and ethnographic center. Where you can taste Rzhev sweets.
The cost of the route is 2000 rubles.
Rzhev – the “dove heart” of Russia:
- A sightseeing tour allows guests to look down on the Volga and its stunning landscapes.
- Excursions to the main temples and cathedrals.
- Museum of local lore and viewing of the diorama “Battle of Rzhev”.
- "Visiting the Rzhev Turmans."
The cost of the tour is 1900 rubles.
"Forever in the people's memory..."
“I was killed near Rzhev...” It is these lines that almost every Russian associates with the City of Military Glory and reminds of the terrible battles and atrocities of the Nazis during the occupation. Rzhev was destroyed almost to the ground, and of the 20 thousand inhabitants who were there at that time, only 362 remained alive at the time of liberation. The Red Army lost in the battles of Rzhev, according to various sources, from several hundred thousand to two million people.
The memorial complex, symbolizing timeless grief and historical memory of the horrors of war, is located on the outskirts of the city. It consists of two memorial cemeteries: Red Army soldiers and German soldiers. And in the city center in V.V. Park. The Gratsinsky war heroes are glorified by a special alley along which you can walk, bowing along the way to the defenders of the Fatherland, all the way to the Mound of Glory (Cathedral Mountain on the left bank of the Volga), where the obelisk to the liberators of Rzhev rises with bas-reliefs on the pedestal and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the foot.
The “Steam Locomotive” monument is dedicated to the courage of railway workers during the war, and the liberation of the city from occupation is glorified by the ZIS-2 cannon monument and the T-34 tank. Until recently, near the Kholynka River there was also a monument to the MiG-17 aircraft, now sent for reconstruction.
Top 5 places suitable for holidays with children
Many couples go on excursions or vacations to Rzhev with children, they also need to be entertained, so below are the top 5 places where you can take your child in the city:
- An amusement park located near Sovetskaya Square. Has a large selection of carousels and swings. This place will charge your child with fun and positivity.
- There is a wooden children's playground in the city park; admission is free; for a fee, you can leave your child under the supervision of animators.
- Shopping centers. Equipped with areas for children of different ages, animators and many cafes will make the day more fun.
- Cinemas.
- Excursion programs. But it is worth considering that if the tour is custom-made, then the child must be over 7 years old.
Economy
Rzhev produces most of the cranes used in the construction of apartment buildings and shopping centers in Moscow.
Transport
The railway connecting Moscow and Riga passes through Rzhev. Another railway connection is Torzhok with Vyazma via Rzhev, crossing it from north to south. There is a passenger rail service.
The M9 Highway connecting Moscow with Riga also passes through Rzhev. Two other roads connect Rzhev with Tver via Staritsa and with Ostashkov via Selizharovo. There are also local roads along which buses depart from Rzhev.
The Volga is navigable, but there is no passenger navigation.
Self-guided walking route
For those who do not want to use ready-made tours, but prefer walking, a special route has been prepared for exploring the main attractions of Rzhev in one day on foot.
It is more convenient to start your mini-trip from the monument to railway workers, which is located on Mira Street, then the path runs to Kalinina Street, where one of the few Old Believer cathedrals is located. Not far from it you can see a monument to military equipment; it is dedicated to armored vehicles of the Great Patriotic War.
Krasnoarmeyskaya embankment is a must-visit; it houses several of the city's main museums, and everyone can enjoy the beautiful view of the Volga. The local history and local history museum, which displays more than 1,500 exhibits, will attract attention for a long time. “Rzhev - Hero City” stele is dedicated to the memory of bloody battles.
Within walking distance there is a monument to the military commissar who died during the Civil War in a battle with the White Guards. On Gratsinsky’s grave you can see the place where a shell hit.
After this, you can relax a little and take a walk along the Alley of Heroes, where wars are buried. The most famous names are engraved on granite pillars that are located on both sides of the road. If you walk through the park, you can find yourself on a hill from where you can see an amazing view of the Volga carrying its waters.
Not far from the picturesque place is the Church of the New Martyrs and Confessors of Russia, you can attend the service. You can finish your route in cozy cafes on the banks of the Volga River.
Okovets Cathedral.
One of the main religious attractions was built in the 19th century. During Soviet rule, the cathedral was closed. There was a warehouse here, and then a museum. Then the building was completely abandoned. In the 90s, complete restoration of the temple began. Its appearance is significantly different from the surrounding buildings. The massive snow-white columns and domed roof immediately catch your eye.
Interesting Facts
- Russian writers often visited the pigeon city of Russia. In Rzhev there was Ostrovsky, Bednoy, Shishkov.
- The Black Swamp has given rise to many rumors and legends around itself. It got its name due to the disappearance of people. At the moment, it has been drained, but according to local residents, the swamp sometimes appears behind victims.
- Many old-timers believe that Lieutenant Rzhevsky, famous in Russia for the huge number of anecdotes about him, is their fellow countryman.
- Since 2011, by presidential decree, the coat of arms and a panorama of the Volga have been decorated with a commemorative coin of the Bank of the Russian Federation.
- For a long time, Rzhev has been given an unofficial name - the City of the Pigeon Heart of Russia. According to residents, it appeared thanks to a song about tourmalines.
Rzhev is an ideal option for those who want to discover Russia from a different side, to understand what exactly the Great Patriotic War meant for the country. Museums, merchants' houses and other attractions of the city will complement and diversify the trip, and churches will immerse tourists in history and show how much faith means to the Russian people.
Author: Lina Dobraya
Article design: Mila Friedan
Recommendations
Okovets Church View of Rzhev
Notes
- ^ a b c d f f
Law No. 34-ZO. - ^ a b
Federal State Statistics Service of Russia (2011).
“All-Russian Population Census 2010. Volume 1" [All-Russian Population Census 2010, vol. 1]. All-Russian Population Census 2010 [All-Russian Population Census 2010]
(in Russian). Federal State Statistics Service. - "26. The size of the permanent population of the Russian Federation by municipalities as of January 1, 2022.” Federal State Statistics Service. Retrieved January 23, 2022.
- ^ a b
State Committee of the Russian Federation on Statistics.
Committee of the Russian Federation for Standardization, Metrology and Certification. No. OK 019-95 January 1, 1997 “All-Russian classifier of objects of administrative-territorial division. Code 28 248”, Ed. changes No. 278 / 2015 dated January 1, 2016. (State Committee of the Russian Federation on Statistics. Committee of the Russian Federation on Standardization, Metrology and Certification. No. OK 019-95 January 1, 1997 Russian Classification of Administrative Objects (OKATO). Code 28 248
As amended by Amendment No. 278/2015 dated January 1, 2016). - ^ a b c d
Law No. 4-ZO. - "On the calculation of time." Official Internet portal of legal information
(in Russian). June 3, 2011. Retrieved January 19, 2022. - Post office. Information and computing center of OASU RPO. ( Post office
).
Search for postal facilities ( Search for postal facilities
) (in Russian) - Federal State Statistics Service of Russia (May 21, 2004). “The population of Russia, the constituent entities of the Russian Federation as part of federal districts, urban settlements, urban settlements, settlements, settlements is 3 thousand or more people” [Population of Russia, its federal districts, constituent entities of the federation, districts, urban settlements, rural settlements - administrative centers, rural settlements with a population of more than 3000 people] (XLS). All-Russian Population Census of 2002 [All-Russian Population Census of 2002]
(in Russian). - “All-Union Population Census of 1989. The actual population of the union and autonomous republics, autonomous regions and districts, territories, regions, urban settlements and villages of Novgorod and Lithuania: Border situations of the 13th-15th centuries” (in Russian). Moscow State University. Retrieved May 29, 2015.
- ^ a b
Information on changes in the administrative-territorial division of the Tver region - Kalinin region (in Russian). Archives of Russia. Archived from the original on February 29, 2012. Retrieved March 1, 2014. - ^ a b
Vorobyov, M. V. (1993). G. V. Tufanova (ed.). Administrative-territorial division of the Smolensk region (in Russian). State Archive of the Smolensk Region. pp. 118–133. - ^ a b
Malygin, P. D.;
Smirnov, S. N. (2007). History of the administrative-territorial division of the Tver Region
(PDF). Tver. pp. 14–15. OCLC 540329541. - Brumfield, W. (24 January 2022). "Rzhev: Provincial beauty, resurrected from the ashes of war." Russia is beyond the headlines. Retrieved January 29, 2022.
- “The Rzhev Memorial to the Soviet Soldier will open on June 30.”
- Monuments of history and culture of the peoples of the Russian Federation (in Russian). Ministry of Culture of Russia. Retrieved June 2, 2016.
- Rzhev Museum of Local Lore (in Russian). Russian Network of Cultural Heritage. Retrieved June 14, 2015.
- Kots, Alexander; Dmitry Steshin (June 10, 2015). In Rzhev they want, but are afraid to open a museum-hut of Stalin (in Russian). TVNZ. Retrieved June 14, 2015.
- The seed for safe communities in Russia has been sown, and the future will show how it will grow Archived October 6, 2011 Wayback Machine