Sergach
Sergach has long been called the «bear corner»: its residents were so skillful in training bears that those animals entertained people all over Russia and beyond. Now you will find a bear only on the coat of arms and in the museum of local history. However it is worth visiting Sergach because of its ancient architecture, original culture and picturesque nature on the banks of the Pyana river.
A FEW FACTS
The Nikon Chronicle
The first mention of a settlement located on the site of modern Sergach dates back to 1382 — the Nikon Chronicle says that in the vicinity of Sergach there is a place where, according to one version, a Pyana battle took place on August 2, 1377. Then the Horde army attacked the united Russian troops, caught them by surprise and completely defeated them. This allowed the Horde to plunder the Nizhny Novgorod Principality and conquer Ryazan.
«The Yellow Tree»
The name of the town comes from the name of the Mordovian bee-hunter Sargas, or from the Turkic word «Saraagach», that is, a «yellow tree». This name comes from the fact that the surroundings of the Pyana river were almost completely covered with oak and lime forests abundant with wild bees.
Potash and Bast Shoes
In the XVII century, Sergach became the center of potash production. Local potash, used for making window glass, soap and leather dressing, was considered the best and was in great demand. In addition, very good bast shoes were made in Sergach.
Trained Bears
Residents of Sergach were professionally engaged in bear training. Sergach trainers could be seen all over the country and even beyond its borders — in Poland, Germany, France and, Italy. Bears could dance to a drum and a musical box. They could walk on their hind legs and beg for alms, pretend how boys steal peas and how a drunken merchant staggers around the market. «Bear training» as a business existed until the beginning of the XX century.
Coat of Arms of Sergach
The coat of arms of the city is also associated with bears, its description is as follows: «In the upper field there is the Nizhny Novgorod coat of arms; in the lower one there is a black bear in a golden field, meaning that there are many of that kind of animals in the vicinity.» Bears near Sergach were attracted by berries and, in particular, raspberries, of which the area was always rich.
Shchusev's Project
One of the main architectural attractions of Sergach is the railway station building, designed by the famous architect Alexei Shchusev, who designed, among other things, the Lenin Mausoleum and the Kazan Railway Station in Moscow.
Pushkin's Visit
In the autumn of 1830, Alexander Pushkin came to Sergach. It is unknown whether he stayed here, but according to local legend, Pushkin was visiting his friends in St. Petersburg, the Priklonsky landowners.
The Center of the Tatar Community
Sergach district is one of the main centers of the Tatar community in the Nizhny Novgorod region. The Tugan Yak newspaper is published here; the Tatar language is studied in all schools located in Tatar settlements, Sabantuy and other holidays are celebrated annually. There are a total of 12 mosques in the area.
WHAT TO DO IN THE CITY
01
Visit the local history museum
The house of merchant Vysokosov hosts one of the most interesting local history museums in the region, where you can see extraordinary exhibits: for example, French counting tokens of the XVIII century, a projecting camera, commemorative mugs and an 1896 medal in honor of the coronation of Emperor Nicholas II; entomology fans will definitely appreciate a large collection of butterflies.
02
Visit the railway station
The monumental Sergach train station was built in 1914 based on to the project of the famous architect Alexei Shchusev. It was he who erected the Lenin Mausoleum and the Kazan Railway Station in Moscow among other buildings. Here, on the platform, there is also L-0530 series steam locomotive, or «Lebedyanka», released in 1953. You can use it as an example, if you want to get acquainted with the locomotives of the past.
03
Check out the antique shops
Sergach is rich in interesting architecture: many pre-revolutionary buildings have been preserved here, especially on Sovetskaya street, which was a trade center in the past. Walking along the street, you will find a number of small stone-built merchant shops and former mansions decorated with small towers and other ornate elements. There are contemporary retail outlets in those buildings now.
04
Walk through the Yavleika Arboretum
There are more than two hundred species of trees and plants on the territory of this natural landmark including Manchurian walnut, white acacia, barberry and a very rare evergreen Douglas fir. The arboretum, of course, looks most spectacular during flowering period, but it is beautiful here at any time of the year. You can find wooden statues of animals, including the local symbol — the bear.
05
Get acquainted with the Tatar culture
Sergach district is considered one of the main centers of the Tatar community in the Nizhny Novgorod region. The local newspaper Tugan Yak («Native Land») is published here; there are more than a dozen mosques — for example, in Kamkino, Anda, and Kochko-Pozharki. If you have found yourself in Sergach in summer, be sure to visit Sabantuy — the holiday of the end of spring field work with performances, contests, sports competitions, and degustation of national dishes.
06
Explore the local shrines
If you are interested in religious architecture, you definitely need to see the Church of the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God in Sergach, erected in honor of the victory over Napoleon in the Patriotic War of 1812. It is distinguished by its classic style, a portal decorated with massive columns and dark blue domes with a bell.
07
Find the «Pushkin» place
In the autumn of 1830, Alexander Pushkin came to Sergach to prepare documents for the ownership of the Kistenev village that was part of the Sergach uyezd. Then the poet was visiting his distant relatives, the Priklonsky-Dobrolyubov landowners. The sign on the house on Gaidara street mistakenly indicates that Pushkin stayed here, but the house was built only in the middle of the XIX century. Most likely, the poet really stayed in Sergach, but not here, because the Priklonskys owned two other buildings.
08
Remember the traditions
On the way out of the town, take a look at the sacred «Silver Springs» located near the same-named recreation and spa center. According to legend, in the old days, healed people threw silver coins into the water as a sign of gratitude. It is believed that the water still retains its curative properties.
WHERE TO GO AND WHAT TO SEE
The Church of the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God
Sergach, 54 Sovetskaya str.
The church, built in the classical style in honor of the victory over Napoleon in the Patriotic War of 1812. A special feature of the church is the huge blue bell.
Sergach railway station
Sergach, 7 Stantsionnaya str.
The railway station, built in 1914 by the famous Russian architect Alexei Shchusev.
Monument to the steam locomotive
Sergach, 7 Stantsionnaya str.
The steam locomotive of the L-0530 series, or «Lebedyanka» can be seen on the territory of the Sergach railway station.
The Yavleika Arboretum
Sergach, Kazakova str.
A natural monument with more than two hundred trees and plants. You can also see there the keepers of the forest — wooden statues of animals.
Hall of Culture
Sergach, 49 Sovetskaya str.
The Main Hall of Culture was opened in the 1960s. Now, it hosts concerts, master classes and events for children.
Vyacheslav Gromov’s Museum of Local History
Sergach, 33 Leninskaya str.
The museum, named after its founder, teacher and local historian Vyacheslav Gromov, is located in a former merchant's house. The exhibition features many unique artifacts: coronation souvenirs from 1896, French counting tokens of the XVIII century, a camera projector and a rare collection of butterflies.
Working hours
Monday - Thursday - 08:00-17:00;
Friday 08:00-16:00;
Saturday - Sunday - by appointment
Retail shops
Sergach, Sovetskaya str.
Stone houses on one of the central streets of the city were used as retail shops with a variety of goods at the beginning of the XX century.
Silver Springs
Sergach
The sacred spring, where, according to legend, the healed people threw silver coins — the water has preserved useful properties to this very day. There is a Silver Springs spa retreat not far from the spring.
