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Sights of the region

Gagino

Breathtaking nature with oak forests, the meandering River Pyana, and a real expanse for fishing enthusiasts, the birthplace of Lenin's grandfather, and the «baronial» lands — there are many interesting things to see in the Gagino district.It is here that some of the most popular and beautiful estates in the Nizhny Novgorod region are located. Those which belonged to the Pashkov nobles and the French Baron Jomini, are a mere ten kilometers from each other. The journey from Nizhny Novgorod to the Gagino district is not the shortest: almost three hours on the road, but well worth it for all that you will see!

A FEW FACTS

A Mordovian Settlement

We do not know the exact date of the founding of the village of Gagino; depending on the source, it happened either on June 29, 1586, or in 1588. Historically this is a Mordovian settlement, and the Russians came here only in the middle of the XVI century.

Ivan Gagin

In 1552, Ivan the Terrible, after a campaign against the Kazan Khanate, granted the area to the warlord Ivan Gagin, and the village he founded was named in his honor. The name of the governor probably came from the nickname «gaga», i.e. «the laughing man».

The River Pyana

Gagino stands on the Pyana River, known for its meandering course and sharp turns. There are several versions for the origin of the river’s name (which means «drunk» in English). For example, Melnikov-Pechersky wrote that it was «nicknamed for her staggering, she swings in all directions, exactly like a drunken woman.» Although according to linguists, the name came from the Finno-Ugric word «pien», which just means «small».

Famous Residents

In the Gagino district, there are the villages of Vetoshkino and Yurievo, which at one time belonged to representatives of the illustrious lineages of the Pashkovs and the Golitsyns. What’s more, an ancient settlement dating back to the 2nd millennium BC was found in the village of Yurievo.

The Baron's Farm

A village with an unusual name for the Nizhny Novgorod region, Baronsky Khutor (Baron’s Farm), got its name because of the wealthy Jomini estate. Most likely, it was founded in the early 1870s by Nikolai Jomini, leader of the nobility of the Vasilsursky district and grandson of the famous military theorist Baron Henri Jomini.

The Arzamas Region

For four years, between 1954 and 1957, the Gagino district was part of the Arzamas region. Few people know that such a region even existed, but it occupied the entire south of the present Nizhny Novgorod region!

WHAT TO DO IN THE CITY

Visit the stone-cutting factory

The Buturlino district is located on the border with the Gagino district. We will begin our journey from there, or more precisely from the village of Bornukovo. The Bornukovskaya Cave stone-cutting factory is located there, a place where unique handmade stone sculptures are created. Andrigite, or «Bornuk marble», has been mined since the XVIII century. Today, only a few people in the Nizhny Novgorod region still retain the skill of artistic stone working. The company organizes excursions, so that you can see all the stages of how the sculptures are created and cast your gaze over the most interesting exhibits in the museum. Be sure to buy a souvenir: all these charming sculptures with bears, hares, owls and other animals are sold here at a very reasonable price!

Admire the architecture of the Church of the Resurrection

It is believed that the emergence of the village of Yurievo, located on the banks of the River Pyana, is connected with the campaign of Ivan the Terrible against the Kazan Khanate at the end of the XVI century. In the 1820s, the owner of the village prince Alexander Golitsyn built the stone church of the Resurrection of the Living there. The design of the church was developed by Mikhail Korinthsky, one of the finest Volga architects of the XIX century. The temple has not been preserved in its original form, but you can still admire its wonderful architecture, with its rotunda and classically styled pilasters.

Visit the Pashkov family estate

In the village of Vetoshkino, in the grounds of an ancient natural park, surrounded by centuries-old oak trees, stands the ruined manor of the Pashkov noble family. It was built in the 1860s in the architectural tradition of European Romanticism. Many years ago, this was a real manor estate, which included a manor house with more than a hundred halls, a servants' wing, a winter garden, wine cellars, a stud farm, and other buildings. All this luxury could not be preserved, but the estate lives on. Today you can stay at the guest house, and take an excursion to visit the museum, see the Grafsky pond, learn about the history of this place, and take a stroll through the English park.

Feast your eyes at the estate of Baron Jomini

The construction of this estate, which had been granted to Baron Antoine-Henri Jomini by Emperor Alexander I, began in 1813. The first thing that every guest of the estate sees is an «ethnic village», where there is an apiary, a flourmill, a medicine woman's house, and other fairytale characters. The manor house itself, which has survived through to the present day, with its lavishly decorated balcony, is located on a hill, offering a magnificent view of the tree-lined alley. Today, a small lake with bridges, and a garden filled with vineyards have also been restored here. As part of the tour, guests are invited to take a stroll through the park’s alleys, to taste some mead and take their rest in the gazebos, all in the finest traditions of noble recreation.

Learn about the Gagino district’s past in the Museum of Local History

This museum has traditional permanent exhibitions that will help you to find out more about the history of the Gagino district. Here you will see archaeological finds, the costumes and jewelry of the Erzya people, artefacts of the lives of both the peasants and the local merchants, as well as unique exhibits belonging to the Pashkov nobles, such as a logbook, or a desk that is over two centuries old.

Marvel at the church of the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God

Superstition is connected with the history of this church, the construction of which began in the 1820s: according to legend, its builders were doomed to perish as soon as all three of the temple’s thrones (and there were indeed three of them) were consecrated. In the event, the prediction did not come true, but the final finishing touches to the temple were completed only in the 1860s. Today, much of this church, which was constructed according to the Russian-Byzantine style, has fallen into ruin, but its main space, with its arched vaults, the dome space, and part of the bell tower, have been preserved. Most amazing of all is its interior decoration, where instead of an altar and thrones, you can see only icons and holy images hung on the walls by locals.

WHERE TO GO AND WHAT TO SEE

The Bornukovskaya Cave factory

Bornukovo village, 16 Tsentralnaya str.

A stone-cutting factory where craftsmen carry on the tradition of decorative stone working, known in Bornukovo since the XIX century. On the tour, you can see an extensive collection of hand-made stone sculptures, visit the production workshops, and treat yourself to a souvenir.

Church of the Resurrection

Yurievo Village

A now-derelict temple, built in the 1820s in the classical style. The preserved pilasters and interior decoration serve as a reminder of the former opulence of the church’s architectural features.

The Church of the Life-Giving Trinity

Kakino Village

An abandoned stone church in the village of Kakino, built in the Russian-Byzantine style at the end of the 19th century. It is curious that one of the entrances to the temple is now reminiscent of a matryoshka doll in shape.

The Church of the Life-Giving Trinity

Osinovka Village, Shotova St.

The main attraction of the village of Osinovka, the wooden Church of the Life-Giving Trinity was built in the 1830s, near the Kirzhen River.

The Church of the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God

Utka Village

An old XIX century church has not been preserved in its original form, but you can still admire for its beautiful arched vaults and domed space.

The Baron Jomini Manor

Baronsky Village

One of the most popular and beautiful estates in the Nizhny Novgorod region is the estate of Baron Antoine-Henri Jomini. The construction of began in 1813. Sadly, you will not be able to see the manor house from the inside, but you can go down to the small lake, or walk over the suspension bridges and along the leafy alley, before looking in on the «ethnic village» next door, where fabulous creatures live.

The Pashkov Family Estate

Vetoshkino Village

The ruined XIX century manor of the Pashkov noble family, once a majestic European-style castle. Legend says that a secret passage to the Pyana River was dug here. Today, you can still see several buildings of the manor complex, marvel at a large collection of teapots, walk along an alley lined with ancient oaks, or relax in a gazebo.

The Gagino Museum of Local History

Gagino village, 1 Shkolnaya str.

A museum featuring six halls dedicated to different periods of the history of the Gagino district. Here you can see ancient tools, items of peasant life, and an entire collection dedicated to Mordovian culture.

How to get there

By car

Leave Nizhny Novgorod on the M7 highway through Kstovo, Malinovka, and Buturlino, then head for Kommunisticheskaya Street and follow the signs for the city center.

Travel time

~ 3 hours

By bus

You can get to Gagino by bus from the Shcherbinki bus station.

Travel time

2.5 - 4 hours

Departure time

Between 5 minutes and 4 hours

Cost

₽714