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Travel portal
Nizhny Novgorod region
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Dzerzhinsk

An industrial city that is worth going for its magnificent architecture, walks through the pine forests in the suburbs, and for the Shukhov Tower!

A FEW FACTS

Almost 500 Years of History
Almost 500 Years of History
The first mention of a settlement on the site of present day Dzerzhinsk dates back to 1548, when the then abbot of the Trinity-Sergius Monastery made an appeal to Ivan the Terrible to request that he grant to the Kirzhach monastery the villages that had been deserted during the Kazan War. Among these settlements was the village of Chernaya Rechka (the Black River), which was therefore given a new lease of life, and later became the village of Chernoe.
Chernaya Rechka, or Rastyapino
Chernaya Rechka, or Rastyapino
Chernorechye (i.e. Black River) is the previous name for the territory, due to the fact that the soils of the riverbed were rich in peat, turning the water of the river black. There was another name in the city’s history: from 1927 to 1929, the workers' settlement bore the name of Rastyapino like in Saltykov-Shchedrin story. It acquired city status in 1930, and at the same time, at the request of the workers, it received its current name of Dzerzhinsk.
«The Yalta of Nizhny Novgorod»
«The Yalta of Nizhny Novgorod»
In the south-west of Dzerzhinsk there is a large recreational area featuring lands with forests and reservoirs. At the beginning of the last century, this space, with its birch and oak groves, coniferous forests, and thickets of berries was called «The Yalta of Nizhny Novgorod». This was a genuine resort, and many families built cottages here.
Cottages for Writers, Architects and Inventors
Cottages for Writers, Architects and Inventors
The writers Maxim Gorky and Vladimir Korolenko, radio inventor Alexander Popov, architect Leonty Benois, and many others have vacationed in the suburban villages of Chernorechye over various periods.
St. Petersburg Motifs in the Architecture
St. Petersburg Motifs in the Architecture
Almost the entire city center was constructed after the Second World War, according to the master design of Alexey Kusakin, the city’s chief architect. Kusakin was an adherent of the St. Petersburg school of architecture, and designed the city in accordance with its traditions. In addition to the St. Petersburg motifs, one can also find in Dzerzhinsk features that are reminiscent of the southern Ural city of Magnitogorsk, where Alexey Kusakin began his architectural career.
Football and Rugby!
Football and Rugby!
Professional sports are well-developed in Dzerzhinsk: in addition to «The Khimik» («Chemist») football club, which plays in the third most important division of the Russian championship, you also can go and see a rugby team of the same name that plays in the top league of the Russian rugby championship.
The Mayakovsky Monument
The Mayakovsky Monument
No one will be surprised by monuments to Lenin or, in the case of Nizhny Novgorod, Maxim Gorky, but in Dzerzhinsk you can find a monument to the writer Vladimir Mayakovsky, taking pride of place on the square of the same name: there are not so many of them in the country!

WHAT TO DO IN THE CITY

01
Begin your visit to Dzerzhinsk with a study of Stalinist architecture
This imposing architectural style appeared here largely thanks to the city’s first chief architect, Alexei Fedorovich Kusakin. Classic Stalinist features include a house with a spire, an ensemble of residential buildings with a court d’honneur (parade ground) on Klyukvina Street, a puppet theatre in the public park, the Chemists' Hall of Culture, and a «collective farm» house on Lenina Avenue with 17 entrances. Just leave yourself some time to take pictures and admire.
02
Visit the local history museum
It may have recently turned 90 years old, but despite its age, the museum is highly interactive, with sound installations and, of course, traditional sections covering nature, archeology, and history.Highlights include a fragment of the skull of an ancient bison, a watch built by the self-taught inventor Kuzma Bochkarev, a huge stuffed moose, rooms with restored interiors from both the XIX century and the 1960s, and a large-scale model of pre-war Dzerzhinsk. This is the best way to learn about the city’s history!
03
Take in the Soviet mosaics and murals
The city is literally strewn with them, whether it is large-scale works such as «The Underwater World» at the Central Pool, «The Athletes» sgraffito at The Khimik stadium, or small works, for example near the children's art school No.5, or at The Mercury mall.
04
Visit «Dom Knigi» (the House of Books), easily recognized by the giant cosmic mosaic
This is the central city library, with a free entry, which is stunningly beautiful: to take just one example, in the third floor lobby you can see a unique fresco depicting outstanding scientists and writers. Make sure you also visit the interactive Romanov Dynasty exhibition or The Art Panorama exhibition hall with items by artists, photographers and masters of the applied arts. If time permits, take a tour around the book depository, which houses the library's book collections, complete the quest and get to know the library «ghost».
05
The best place for a walk is the new park «Utinoye Ozero» (Duck Lake)
Here you will find pine trees, nature, duck-themed weathervanes, a fun fair, children’s playgrounds, and workout areas. Breathe in the fresh air and relax!
06
Take a ride on the Ferris wheel in the city's Park of Culture
You can just take a walk in the park, or you can enjoy bird's-eye views of the city from the Ferris wheel, where a ticket will set you back 150 rubles.
07
Dzerzhinsk’s most renowned street artist is Ilya Spichenkov
Spichenkov combines his work as a rescue firefighter in the Ministry of Emergency Situations with creativity. He decorates the city with works on the theme of major global masterpieces, including works by Warhol and Magritte, as well as Van Gogh's «Starry Night», and da Vinci's «Mona Lisa». Look for his works in the area of Lenina Avenue and Klyukvina Street.
08
If you have already been to Dzerzhinsk, go for a walk to Zhelnino!
Here you will find pine forests, the River Oka, and beauty all around. The best place to stay is The Chaika country hotel, where comfortable rooms, spa treatments, barbecue, bicycle rental, a Russian sauna, and animators for the children are at your service.
09
Relax by the Shukhov Tower
No trip to Dzerzhinsk from Nizhny Novgorod would be complete without a stop-off to admire the world's only surviving hyperboloid power line support tower, made in the form of a mesh shell by the famous engineer Shukhov. With a height of 128 metres, and looking over the picturesque coast of the Oka, it is a superb photo spot. Today the tower is fenced off, and it will not be possible to get close to the tower itself, but it is still worth the trip to admire such a colossus.

WHERE TO GO AND WHAT TO SEE

The Collective Farm House
Dzerzhinsk, 49 Lenina ave.

The longest residential building in Dzerzhinsk, boasting as many as 17 entrances and 240 apartments! The building also features the Pushkin Library, and the museum of the poet Nikolai Rubtsov.

The former building of The Oka restaurant
Dzerzhinsk, 1 Dzerzhinskogo ave.

In days gone by, this imposing building, with its main facade facing Dzerzhinskogo Avenue and a four-column frontage, housed the city's first restaurant, The Oka, with its grand staircase and luxurious dining hall.

The House with a Spire
Dzerzhinsk, 14 Mayakovskogo str.

The city’s main architectural symbol, also known locally as the local «Eiffel Tower».

The building of the former Udarnik Movie Theater
Dzerzhinsk, 64 Lenina ave.

In Soviet times, this building with its two hexagonal towers housed Dzerzhinsk’s first cinema, which subsequently became a nightclub, while today cafes and other establishments have taken their place.

The Nikolai Rubtsov Literary Museum
Dzerzhinsk, 49 Lenina ave.

A museum dedicated to the memory of the poet Nikolai Rubtsov, whose poems formed the basis of many hit songs, including «I Will Ride a Bike for a Long Time» or «It's Light in My Room».

«The Underwater World» Mosaic
Dzerzhinsk, 6 Dzerzhinskogo sq.

A large and unique work on the facade of the Dzerzhinsky public swimming pool. Not a single element of this mosaic is repeated!

Dom Knigi (the House of Books)
Dzerzhinsk, 21Г Tsiolkovskogo ave.

Dzerzhinsk’s Central Library, which holds regular exhibitions, and where you can sign up for a tour of the book depository, has one of the city’s iconic mosaics entitled «Space Age» on its facade.

The Houses with a Court d’Honneur
Dzerzhinsk, 6, 8, 8A Klyukvina str.

An ensemble of low-rise residential buildings with an unusual architectural element - a «court d’honneur», or parade ground, in which there is a small white fountain.

The Central Park
Dzerzhinsk, 66A Lenina ave.

First opened in the 1940s, this park is one of the favourite places for citizens to take a walk, where, in addition to the beauty of nature, you can enjoy the fun-fair and go for a ride on the Ferris wheel.

Monument to Vladimir Mayakovsky
Dzerzhinsk, Mayakovskogo sq.

This monument to the main rebel of Russian poetry, created by the sculptor Alexei Anisimov, has stood in the square of the same name since the 1960s.

The Dzerzhinsk Museum of Local History and Folklore
Dzerzhinsk, 8/5 Dzerzhinskogo ave.

In addition to the extensive permanent exhibitions on archaeology, the history of Chernorechye and Dzerzhinsk, and exhibitions by contemporary artists, concerts and creative workshops are also held here.

Working hours
Monday - Thursday — 10:00-18:00;
Saturday - Sunday — 10:00-17:00;
Friday - closed
The Houses on Lenina Avenue
Dzerzhinsk, 59, 61 Lenina ave.

Majestic houses in the style of Stalinist Empire architecture, which Dzerzhinsk has in abundance.

The House of Communications
Dzerzhinsk, 4 Dzerzhinskogo ave.

An architectural ensemble in the classical style with a lavishly decorated facade, designed by the architect Alexei Kusakin in 1955.

The Chemists' Hall of Culture
Dzerzhinsk, 62 Lenina ave.

One of the key cultural institutions of Dzerzhinsk built in the style of Russian neoclassicism: large concert and lecture halls, marble decor and parquet floors, with a huge seven meter-long Russian flag fluttering from its top.

The Dzerzhinsk Puppet Theatre
Dzerzhinsk, 66A Lenina ave.

In this building, where the drama theatre was once located, ever since 1948 you can see delightful and fabulous puppet shows, while for the youngest spectators there is even a «theatre on pillows».

Street Art by Ilya Spichenkov
Dzerzhinsk, Lenina ave., Klyukvina str.

Dzerzhinsk’s most renowned street artist rethinks masterpieces from around the world, and includes the city’s major attractions in the works of Van Gogh and Da Vinci.

«Isolde's Porch»
Dzerzhinsk, 4 Zhukovskogo lane

A mini-exhibition dedicated to the Soviet actress Isolde Izvitskaya, who spent her early years in this house.

The former Sputnik Movie Theater
Dzerzhinsk, 78A Tsiolkovskogo ave.

This cinema, built at the end of the Soviet period, is no longer in operation, but its architecture in the spirit of the Soviet avant-garde remains intriguing and futuristic.

The Shukhov Tower
Dachny Village

On the left bank of the Oka stands is the world's only surviving hyperboloid power line support, made in the form of a mesh shell, and standing 128 metres high.

The Dzerzhinsk Red Army Chemical College
Dzerzhinsk, 79 Lenina ave.

A modern educational institution, which has been located in this brick building, a monument to constructivism, since 1932.

The Communal House
Dzerzhinsk, 3A, 5A Uchebny lane

Known popularly as the «ship house», this constructivist building was once used as a communal dormitory for students. The glazed-in passages connecting the residential areas give its architecture a special expressiveness.

The Dzerzhinsk Drama Theatre
Dzerzhinsk, 28 Mira blvd.

For nearly 80 years, this theatre has remained one of the city’s main cultural institutions, whose repertoire includes, for example, «Viy» and «Without a Dowry».

St. Nicholas The Wonderwoker Church
Dzerzhinsk, 76B Tsiolkovskogo ave.

Right next to this new and vivid church stands is a monument to Nikolai Chudotvorets (Nicholas the Wonderworker), one of the most revered of all the Orthodox saints.

Mosaics on the buildings of The Mercury mall and the Russian Post Office
Dzerzhinsk, 78 Tsiolkovskogo ave.

On the buildings of The Mercury trading house and the post office, you can see two beautiful Soviet mosaics by Vyacheslav Osipov, which depict cosmonauts and doves.

The C-shaped houses
Dzerzhinsk, 12, 14, 18 Petrishcheva str.

According to the original idea, the plan of these famous residential houses was to spell out the letters of the USSR, but by the time of the Soviet Union’s collapse in 1991, the fourth house had not been completed.

«Utinoye Ozero» (Duck Lake) Park
Dzerzhinsk, Pushkinskaya str.

A modern landscaped park where you can walk along quaint bridges, spend some quality time with your kids at the playground and, of course, watch the ducks.

The Oka Embankment
Dzerzhinsk, Popova str.

This coastal area close to the city center offers a beautiful view of the Dzerzhinsk backwater and the high bank of the Oka.

«The Athletes» sgraffito
Dzerzhinsk, 1 Uritskogo str.

This unique work on the wall of The Khimik Stadium reflects one of the most popular subjects for Soviet monumental art that is sport.

The Fire Protection Museum
Dzerzhinsk, 12/14 Chkalova ave.

In this museum, you can learn about the history of fire protection, starting from the XIX century, as well as seeing unique exhibits including antique fire extinguishers and scale-models of Dzerzhinsk.

Working hours
Monday, Wednesday, Friday — 10:00-14:00;
Tuesday, Thursday — excursions;
Saturday - Sunday — closed
The Dzerzhinsk Arboretum
Pushkino Village, Sadovaya str.

A quiet place outside the city, where you can see more than 500 plant varieties, beautiful glades with oaks and maples, as well as take a walk along the Svyatoye lake or the Volozhki river.

The Chaika Country Hotel
Zhelnino Village, 32E Chkalova str.

The hotel is situated in the village of Zhelnino, where the country houses of Maxim Gorky and other representatives of the Nizhny Novgorod clerisy used to be located. Take a walk along the embankment overlooking the Oka and through the fragrant pine park.

The Rancho 636 Country Club
Zhelnino, 8 Zhelninskoe highway

The grounds of this hotel complex set in the pine forest feature everything from steam baths, spa areas, and a swimming pool to restaurants and a fitness club: ideal for relaxing with your family or throwing a noisy party with your friends.

Dzerzhinsky Square and the Dzerzhinsky Monument
Dzerzhinsk, Dzerzhinskogo sq.

The central square of the city, which has been decorated since 1948 with the imposing monument to «Iron Felix», created by the sculptor Sergei Merkulov.

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