Lyskovo
Georgians, a town trade fair, eclecticism, breathtaking views — Lyskovo has all this and much more. We advise you to take a trip around this district by car and take a tour to the most outstanding places, and of course, do not miss the opportunity to take the ferry to Makaryevo.
A FEW FACTS
An Ancient Town
Lyskovo is one of the most ancient towns in the Nizhny Novgorod region, first mentioned in the chronicles back in 1410. During the wars with the Kazan Khanate in the first half of the XVI century, a wooden fortress was built in Lyskovo on Olenya Gora, but after the Khanate joined Russia, it lost its significance.
The Makaryev Monastery
The history of Lyskovo is closely connected with the Makaryevo Zheltovodsky monastery.According to legend, it was founded in 1434 by the priest Macariy, who was later canonized. Patriarch Nikon (Nikita Minov), a famous reformer of the Orthodox Church, once lived and worked in the Makaryevo monastery, and according to some versions, it was under the influence of his life in Makaryevo that Nikita decided to devote his life to serving God.
Nizhny Novgorod Priests
As a result of the church reform that Patriarch Nikon carried out from the 1650s to the 80s, a split occurred in the Russian Orthodox Church. Interestingly, the leader of the opponents of the reforms, the Old Believers, was also a Nizhny Novgorod priest, Archpriest Avvakum, who came from the village of Grigorovo (now Bolshemurashkinsky district).
The Makaryev Fair
One of the most striking phenomena in the history of this area is the Makaryevo Fair, which has been held since the XVII century near the walls of the monastery. It was located in the middle of the vitally important Volga river trade route, along which trade between Asia and Europe took place.
The Makaryevo Variety
It was said of the Makaryevo Fair, «Lyskovo canvas, crosses, rings and earrings, Kerzhenets canvases and dishes, Zavolzhye hats and felt boots, Murashkino mittens, hats and furs were brought to this place in abundance.»
A New Fair
In 1816, the merchant center that hosted the fair burned down (in fact it was set on fire), and partially because of this incident, the fair was moved to Nizhny Novgorod by order of Emperor Alexander I.
The Brewery
A brewery has been operating in Lyskovo since 1860. Actually, it is the oldest brewery in the Nizhny Novgorod region. In 1903, Lyskovo beer was awarded the Grand Prix at an exhibition in London. Today, in addition to beer, the plant also produces soft drinks such as lemonade and kvass.
Lyskovo Crafts
A whole range of crafts were developed in the village of Lyskovo, notable among which are embroidery, vine weaving, and pottery. Additionally, products by local artisans such as music boxes, chests, locks, and other products made of copper, silver and gold were in great demand at the Makaryev Fair.
The Town’s Churches
Before the revolution, Lyskovo had nine churches. Only Nizhny Novgorod itself, Arzamas, and Balakhna had more of them.
WHAT TO DO IN THE CITY
01
Visit the estate of the Prince of Georgia
Back in the XVIII century, title to the village of Lyskovo was transferred to the descendants of the Georgian tsars who had moved to Russia. Arts and crafts flourished here: Balagurov locks, Persian boxes, brewing, and the famous Makaryevo Fair was widely known well beyond the Volga. The main house and two outbuildings have been preserved from the estate of Georgy Gruzinsky, also called the Lyskovo Local Tsar. One of them used to house the estate’s theatre, and now it is a center for folk crafts, art and tourism, where you can take master classes, buy souvenirs, and visit the exhibition.
02
Visit the Cathedral of the Transfiguration
The oldest cathedral in Lyskovo, where the Georgian family tomb is located, which was discovered only as recently as the 1980s.
03
Take a look at the shop of the merchant Pisarev
At the beginning of the twentieth century, the merchant Pisarev built a haberdashery store in the town’s center; once it was one of the most famous shops in the town. Today it is earmarked for restoration, and it will soon house the museum of the Persian box, once made by Lyskovo’s masters, and bought at the Makaryev Fair mainly by Persians. For now, you can look at the building itself, which combines the features of late eclecticism and Art Nouveau.
04
Visit the Lyskovo Museum of Local History
Take a look at the museum of local history located in the grounds of the Kudryavtsev estate. For example, here you can visit an exhibition of locks, samovars and chests made by the artisans of Lyskovo.
05
Take a walk on Lysaya Gora (Bald Mountain)
According to one historical version, the name of the city of Lyskovo derives from the name of the mountain. People have come to walk here for many years, it’s a place where vistas of the Makaryev Monastery and the Volga itself open up before your very eyes. This place is also known popularly as the "Cape of Love": if a young man brings a girl here, then he is obliged to marry her.
06
Enjoy the views from Olenya Gora (Deer Mountain)
In addition to the wonderful views, somewhere deep down below, there are underground wells containing a real sea — the Devonian Sea, preserved here deep underground, with a salty spring flowing from it. The Devonian is the oldest sea on the planet, and it now lies deep below the earth’s surface; although thanks to the spring everyone can taste its water. In the Soviet period, when they were prospecting for oil across the country, they also searched for it in Lyskovo, and found instead a sea of salt water that stretches all the way to Moscow. It is said that in the past, whenever there was a salt shortage, the locals took Devonian water from the oil wells to salt cucumbers. By the way, the water can also be used for medicinal purposes. Don't miss out!
07
Buy local lemonade
The Nizhny Novgorod region’s oldest brewery, founded back in 1860, is located right here in Lyskovo. The local brewery produces not only 17 beers, but also kvass and lemonade, so be sure to sign up for a tasting tour. If you are short of time, you can buy lemonade at the brewery shop. A great souvenir from Lyskov with a retro design at a very affordable price!
08
Take the ferry to Makaryev
A proper river trip to the Lyskovo district’s main attraction. The voyage is more than just a hop — it will take you 40 minutes, but you can use the time to enjoy the magnificent views and delight in life on the water.
09
Visit the ostrich farm
An amazing place that children will enjoy for sure! African ostriches, rare chickens, peacocks, turkeys and pheasants live on the ostrich farm and in the Makaryevo contact zoo. You can not only look at these exotic creatures, but also feed them and make photos with them. Be sure to pay a visit to the farm shop, where you can buy farm products, and even a giant ostrich egg.
10
Take a walk around the grounds of the Makaryev Monastery
The monastery was founded in the XV century by the elder Makariy Zheltovodsky. You can see this gorgeous XVII century snow-white ensemble from a far away. Makaryevo is known primarily for the fact that the famous Makaryevo Fair it was here. Afterwards, it was moved to Nizhny Novgorod, and the city became a «coin-purse of Russia». But the roots of this trading tradition are right here in Makaryevo. Women are required to bring a skirt and a shawl to visit.
WHERE TO GO AND WHAT TO SEE
Olenya Gora (Deer Mountain)
Lyskovo, Bolshaya Sovetskaya str.
A picturesque place where a fortress was once located in the XVII century. Today, you can walk over the bridge to the sacred spring in the chapel, climb to the top and look down at the Makaryevo monastery and the countryside around Lyskovo.
The estate of the Gruzinsky-Stogovs
Lyskovo, 7 Kadushina lane
This manor complex once belonged to Prince Georgy Gruzinsky, who was the owner of the village of Lyskovo at the end of the XVIII century. Now the Rassvet centre of folk arts, crafts and tourism is located there.
Working hours
Monday - Friday — 08:00-17:00;
Saturday-Sunday on request.
The Cathedral of the Transfiguration of the Savior
Lyskovo, Krasnaya Gora str.
Lyskovo’s oldest church, built in 1711.
The Cathedral of the Ascension
Lyskovo, 7A Shaposhnikova lane
A cathedral built in the classical style at the beginning of the XIX century. On its grounds, you can find several churches, a chapel, a shopping complex, and other buildings.
Merchant Pisarev's Shop
Lyskovo, 4 Maxima Gorkogo str.
The commercial building of the merchant-haberdasher Ivan Pisarev, built in the style of late eclecticism.
Lysaya Gora (The Bald Mountain)
Lyskovo
A picturesque place, dubbed the «Cape of Love» by locals. It offers the best view of the Volga and the Makaryevo Monastery.
The Lyskovo Brewery
Lyskovo, 25 Michurina str.
The oldest brewery in the Nizhny Novgorod region, where beer and other drinks have been produced since 1860. Be sure to buy them at the factory shop.
Working hours
Visit by prior appointment
The building of the merchant Kudryavtsev hotel
Lyskovo, 12 Maxima Gorkogo str.
One of the former merchant buildings dating from the late XIX century, distinguished by its unusual window decor.
Galaktionov’s house
Lyskovo, 4 Internatsionalniy lane
A striking example of Lyskovo’s brick-based architectural style at the turn of the XX century.
The Lyskovo - Makaryevo ferry crossing
Lyskovo, 56.04590, 45,03723
The ferry connecting Lyskovo with the Makaryevo Monastery.
Working hours
From Lyskovo: 06:15, 08:15, 12:15, 15:15, 18:15
From Makaryev: 07:00, 09:00, 13:00, 16:00, 18:00
The Makaryevo-Zheltovodsky Convent of the Holy Trinity
Makaryevo, 1 Naberezhnaya str.
Originally a monastery founded in the XVI century and razed by the Golden Horde. A trade fair operated on the monastery’s grounds until 1816. In 1883, the monastery was been restored as a convent.
The Museum of the Loom
Makaryevo, 1 Sovetskaya str.
A museum dedicated to the ancient craft of weaving, where you can learn its history, hold a photo shoot in folk costumes, and try to make something on the loom yourself.
Working hours
Visit by prior appointment
The Fomin Family Fairy Tale Museum
Makaryevo, 15 Sovetskaya str.
A museum dedicated to the life and work of the photographer of the late XIX-early XX century Fyodor Fomin and his son, the artist Boris Fomin.
Working hours
Visit by prior appointment
The Church of the Nativity
Petrovka Village
A brick church with a lofty tower built in the early XIX century.
The Belavin-Zybin estate in the village of Chernukha
Chernukha village
The manor complex, built in the XIX century, where a school was located in one of the buildings in Soviet times. A lime alley stretches nearby.
Makaryevo ostrich farm
Makaryevo, 25 Lesnaya str.
Contact zoo, where you can see African ostriches, peacocks, pheasants, and other rare birds. Here, you can find local cosmetics production site.
Working hours
By appointment
