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Sights of the region

Kovernino

Kovernino is considered the birthplace of Khokhloma; this craft, known throughout the country, was originated here. You can learn a lot about the Khokhloma painting here, but apart from that we recommend you to go to Kovernino for nature and the Uzola river, ancient monasteries and the local specialty — green cabbage soup.

A FEW FACTS

The Cradle of Khokhloma

Despite Semenov brand, the birthplace of Khokhloma painting is the Kovernino district. The craft originated in the XVII century in settlements on the banks of the Uzola river, and in the ancient village of Khokhloma (with emphasis on the first syllable) the largest trade fair was held, where folk craftsmen sold their products — hence the name of the Khokhloma painting.

Yermilovo Toys

The production of wooden household items and tableware was launched in the village of Yermilovo in the early 1940s, but it became famous for its bright and elegant toys. These cones, bears, cockerels and dogs always were decorated with «grass» — an ornament of large and small blades of grass. This craft is almost forgotten now, but you can see these original figures in the Kovernino museums.

Green Cabbage Soup

A number of Russian folk sayings are dedicated to the cabbage soup. They have a special meaning for the Kovernino people: green cabbage soup has been cooked here since ancient times, and is considered a local signature dish. You can try it cooked using various recipes at the festival «Green Cabbage Soup is Good!» that takes place in Kovernino.

Meteorite Fall

The Kovernino district is located on the territory of the Puchezh-Katunsky crater that was formed about 190 million years ago after the fall of a meteorite. It is considered the second largest crater in Russia and stretches for a distance of 80 kilometers. Unfortunately, the landing site is covered with forests and rocks, so no traces of a cosmic body can be noticed!

The Forest Land

In the novel «In the Woods» by Pavel Melnikov-Pechersky, the Kovernino district was described as «a flat, wooded, swampy place, with many rivers». This is a correct description as 70% of its territory is occupied by forests, where Old Believers monks firstly settled. There is a part of the «Nizhny Novgorod taiga» in the northeast - the Kovernino natural reserve, where red Book animals and plants live.

WHAT TO DO IN THE CITY

Start with a visit to the Folk Art Museum

A completely new museum (it is only a year old!) is located on the site of the XIX-century house of the merchant Timofey Zabaluev. The exhibition is dedicated to the history of Khokhloma painting. Here you can learn about the ancient manufacturing technology of Khokhloma, see the items made by outstanding craftsmen and artisans of the late XIX century and get amazed by the details of the Kovernino Khokhloma.

There is a factory «Promysel» (Craft) next to the museum, where guide will show you all stages of the wooden souvenirs production; you can visit all the workshops and see with your own eyes how carpenters, finishers and artists work. Be sure to take the master class on painting a cutting board or a magnet. Souvenirs at affordable price can be bought in the large store at the factory.

Get amazed by the merchant Malyshev’s house

The house of the late XIX century, which once belonged to the merchant Malyshev, is one of the most beautiful buildings in Kovernino and its signature landmarks. The first floor made of stone was reserved for a store, and the merchant himself and his family lived on the second floor. The district Council of Farmers’ and Workers' Deputies was located here from 1918 to 1922; until recently there was a police station in the building, now there is the migration service here. The house is partially abandoned, but the exterior is still beautiful. Just look at these gorgeous architraves!

Visit the exhibition at the Otchina Center

In the museum and exhibition center there is exposition dedicated, of course, to Khokhloma. Also you may want to pay attention to the works of the artist Fyodor Bedin, who experimented with the Khokhloma pattern, improved the ornament, and was constantly looking for a new style of painting; his works are absolutely unique. Also in the center you can see examples of the famous Yermilovo toys originated in the Kovernino district; exhibitions of Nizhny Novgorod artists are regularly held here as well.

Test yourself by walking over the Suspension Bridge

It is difficult to call the suspension bridge in Kovernino an attraction, but there are not so many suspension bridges in the region, so tickle your nerves and walk across the shaky bridge over Uzola - it is quite an entertainment for a tourist. However, it is very stable - locals say that even motorcycles ride on the bridge occasionally.

Find an unobvious natural landmark

A mysterious place with many legends. Old Believers have come here to pray, and it is rumored that a real treasure is buried somewhere here. Now three pine trees that grow close to each other are a spectacular location where beautiful photos are guaranteed. This place is also chosen by historical reenactors who hold their tournaments here.

Get to the monastery

Standing on the banks of the Utrus river, the Vysokovo Dormition Monastery amazes with its spectacular architecture: its buildings are located on three levels. The complex include the Dormition Cathedral with a number of heavy columns, St. Nicholas Church with the spirit of early classicism, as well as a tall and beautiful bell tower.

Get to the convent

Belbazh Trinity Convent was founded in 1708 on the left bank of the Belbazh river, where Volga Old Believers' monasteries used to be. In the early 2000s, the convent began to revive, and now you can visit two temples and a museum here and stay in a hotel for pilgrims. The atmosphere here is incredible, so you can come and absorb some vibes of this place.

Taste green cabbage soup

This traditional Russian dish is not easy to meet in restaurants or to cook on your own. But in Kovernino, it is cooked in every family and is considered a local specialty. The secret of this recipe is in its ingredients, and the most important of them are the lower leaves of cabbage. They are fermented and stored in a cold room. These leaves are the basis for the cabbage soup that is cooked during the whole winter. The gastronomic festival «Green Cabbage Soup is Good!» takes place in Kovernino every autumn, so you can come and try the soup cooked using different recipes.

WHERE TO GO AND WHAT TO SEE

Museum of Folk Art

Semino village, 1 Priuzolskaya str.

The museum is dedicated to the history of Khokhloma painting, which is considered to be the born in Kovernino district. The exhibition presents the products of craftsmen of the XIX-XX centuries. You can learn about the contribution of famous craftsmen — the Krasilnikov brothers and Fedor Bedin — to the craft development, and see the local Yermilovo toys as well.

Promysel Factory

Semino village, 1A Lugovaya str.

You can take a tour and see all stages of creating wooden products: from the blanks processing to the art workshop where painting takes place. Also. you can take a master class and buy a beautiful jewelry box or any other souvenir.

Merchant Malyshev's House

Kovernino, 18 Sovetskaya str.

The merchant's house of the late XIX century is considered to be the most beautiful building in Kovernino due to the carved architraves on the windows. After the revolution, the district Council of Farmers’ and Workers' Deputies was located here.

Otchina Museum and Exhibition Center

Kovernino, 44 Kommunistov str.

The museum has an extensive collection of items with Khokhloma paintings by Kovernino artists, an exposition displaying peasant life, as well as exhibitions of contemporary artists. And don't forget to take a photo with the two-meter wooden spoon!

Suspension Bridge

Kovernino

A suspended wooden bridge across the Uzola river in the picturesque place of Kovernino.

Three pines

Kovernino, 57 Rybnaya str.

The place with many legends; according to one of them, an ancient treasure is buried here. Even if you cannot find it, the photos against the background of these trees will be very spectacular.

Soviet statues

Bolshye Mosty village, Kommunistov str.

On the way out of Kovernino, you can see several statues of traditional Soviet images: a worker, a collective farmer and pioneers.

Khokhloma Factory

Sukhonoska village, 15 Proizvodstvennaya str.

Khokhloma got its name thanks to this village, where a large trade fair of craftsmen was held in the old days. The manufacturing of Khokhloma paintings was established here in the 1970s, and on the tour around the factory, you can see the artists at work, comprehend the originality of the craft, and purchase the factory's products.

Local History Museum

Sukhonoska village, 11/2 Proizvodstvennaya str.

A museum with an exposition telling the history of the area is located in a wooden house decorated with carvings.

Church of the Life-Giving Trinity

Skorobogatovo village, 7

A brick church built in the early XIX century in the tradition of classical architecture. The church is located on a hill with a picturesque view of Uzola and dense forests.

Vysokovo Dormition Monastery

Vyselok Uspensky settlement

Standing on the high bank of the Utrus river, the monastery amazes with its spectacular architecture: its buildings are located on three levels. The complex include the Dormition Cathedral with a number of heavy columns, St. Nicholas Church with the spirit of early classicism, as well as a tall and beautiful bell tower.

Belbazh Trinity Convent

Belbazh village, 60 Sovetskaya str.

The convent was founded in 1708 on the left bank of the Belbazh river, where the Old Believers' monasteries of the Volga Region used to be. In the early 2000s, the convent began to revive, and now you can visit two temples and a museum here and stay in a hotel for pilgrims.

Where to eat

Otlichny Vkus Cafe

Kovernino, 63 50 let VLKSM str.

Sakura Cafe

Kovernino, 1A Shkolnaya str.

Mir Vkusa Cafe

Kovernino, 32 Kommunistov str.

How to get there

By car

Heading along the M-12 highway through Vladimir, take the exit to the M-7 highway, then turn to the 22P-0152 highway and, passing through Gorodets, follow the 22K-0015 highway until you arrive in Kovernino. The distance is 530km.

Travel time

~ 7 hours

By train

Go to Nizhny Novgorod by Lastochka high-speed train, then make a transfer to the bus «Nizhny Novgorod-Kovernino» at the Kanavinsky bus station.

Travel time

~ 6 hours

Cost

₽2500

By car

Leaving Nizhny Novgorod, take the highway 22P-0159, turn to the highway 22K-0022, passing through Gorodets, and follow the highway 22K-0015 until arriving to Kovernino. If you drive, the distance to Kovernino is 127 km.

Travel time

~2 hours

By bus

To get to Gorodets by bus, reach the Kanavinsky bus station; minibuses to the Kovernino bus station start from there.

Travel time

~2 hours

Departure time

Every 2 hours

Cost

₽470