Vorotynets
«Vorotynets is everyone’s breadwinner!». This saying gained popularity in the second half of the XIX century, when the town became a center of the grain trade. These days, people are more likely to come to the Vorotynets district to buy fish, and to see the incredible beauty of the village of Vasilsursk, which has turned 500 years old recently. It is quite a way from Nizhny Novgorod, but it's well worth it.
A FEW FACTS
Historical Name
The village’s historical name is Vorotynesk, most likely in memory of the former capital of the Vorotynskoye principality (now part of the Kaluga region), the ancestral land of the Vorotynsky princes.
The Vorotynsky Family
The only monument in Russia to the princely Vorotynsky family, which was considered one of the most eminent noble families of the Tsardom of Russia, was erected in Vorotynets.
A world famous industry
For many years, the main industry in Vorotynets was the production of potash, or potassium carbonate, which is obtained from burning deciduous and coniferous trees. At one time it was among Russia’s main exports, packed in barrels and transported through Vologda to Arkhangelsk, and then mainly to England, where it was used in soap making and tanning.
«Vorotynets is everyone’s breadwinner»
Following the abolition of serfdom, the largest grain markets in the Nizhny Novgorod province began operating in Vorotynets, giving rise to this popular saying.
Apple Orchards
In the second half of the XIX century, Vorotynets grew a vast number of apples for export, and apple orchards existed here until the bitterly cold winter of 1941.
Vasilsursk and the Surrounding Area
In the Vorotynets district stands the village of Vasilsursk, a picturesque place where, among others, the artists Ivan Shishkin and Isaac Levitan came to work. Before the founding of Vasilsursk in 1523, the residence of the Mari rulers, the city of Tsepel, was located here. The Mari settlements and sacred groves in the vicinity of Vasilsursk have been preserved to this day.
WHAT TO DO IN THE CITY
01
Visit the lilac capital of the region
Bykovka was once the fiefdom and ancestral home of the «iron kings» of Russia, the industrialists of the Demidov family. There are two famous XIX century churches, Znamenskaya and Rozhdestvenskaya, where you can find the remains of the Demidov necropolis. Interestingly, Bykovka is considered the lilac capital of the Nizhny Novgorod region: an incredible number of varieties grow here, and every spring the village is literally awash with flowers, and the best time to come here is in May for the Demidov Lilac Festival.
02
Discover the derelict Obolensky manor
In the village of Krasnaya Gorka, you can find what remains of the former beauty of the estate of the renowned Obolenskys. All that remains of this grandeur today are the walls, but you can still take a stroll around the park and imagine how it once used to be here. It was truly incredible: here, they bred horses, grew fruit trees, and the owner was the first person in these parts to own a car. Every spot of this place tells a story!
03
Visit the fish market
If you have ever travelled to Cheboksary or Kazan by car, then you have definitely passed by the famous Vorotynets fish market, which is located at the bus station. The assortment here is vast, and the prices very reasonable. The sellers will assure you that any fish will survive even a long trip, so you can start your journey through the Vorotynsky district with a spot of shopping.
04
Take the ferry to Vasilsursk
You can’t get to this beautiful place just like that: take your trip in the summer, as in spring and autumn the village is cut off from the mainland. It is best to take the ferry to Vasilsursk. Only 15 minutes and you are there, while if you take the road from Chuvashia, it will take you two hours at the very least. The ferry departs four times a day from Lysaya Gora.
05
Visit the museum of local history
Vasilsursk is called the Switzerland of the Volga as it is located at the confluence of the Volga and Sura. Many famous historical figures used to come here for inspiration, including Pushkin, Gorky, Shishkin, and Levitan. The best way to learn about the history of this place and to get yourself inspired to go for a walk is at the village’s museum of local history.
06
Savour the beautiful views from the «Eagle's Nest»
The highest point of the village, and Maxim Gorky's favorite relaxation spot: here once stood a house where he used to stay. Now, there is a monument to Gorky here. Gorky once wrote to the artist Georgy Yartsev: «Bring a hundredweight of paints with you, no less, and a lot of canvas...Local views almost emerge onto the canvas by themselves.»
07
Enjoy the views of Cape Shishkin
Cape Shishkin is named after the artist Ivan Shishkin, who was inspired by the nature of Vasilsursk and painted here. The views are properly astounding! Isaac Levitan also painted several of his works here, but the saddest thing is that the places which the artist depicted no longer exist: the overflowing Cheboksary reservoir has now swallowed up both the lower bank of the Volga and the coastal part of the town.
08
Visit the sacred Mari grove
Vasilsursk is located right on the border between the Nizhny Novgorod region and the Republic of Mari El, so there are many Mari people here. In the sacred Mari grove, you will find the Suprotivniy Spring, so named because its water flows against the sun, that is, it flows to the north rather than to the south. Mari people still come here to this day: they tie ribbons to trees, leave coins, and ask for help in their business affairs.
09
Visit the church before leaving
You can complete your journey through Vasilsursk at the church of the icon of the Kazan Mother of God. This is the only surviving temple in the village, built back in 1708. A long staircase leads to the church, and the view from that height is simply unbelievable.
WHERE TO GO AND WHAT TO SEE
The Demidov Necropolis
Bykovka Village
The family tomb of a wealthy family of noblemen and entrepreneurs, with around thirty graves, two churches, and a huge cross surrounded by larches.
Rozhdestvenskaya Church
Bykovka Village
A church in the classical style built between 1818 and 1830; located on the territory of the Demidov necropolis.
The Demidov estate
Bykovka Village, 68 Shkolnaya str.
The first manor house to be built in Bykovka, which once belonged to the Demidov family. The museum of local history is located here now.
Fish market
Vorotynets, 9 Kazanskoye Highway
A market with a bewildering assortment of fish from the Volga is considered the main attraction of Vorotynets.
The Obolensky estate
Krasnaya Gorka Village
A ruined three-storey manor house, built at the turn of the XX century in the form of a castle with turrets, large cellars, and a terrace.
Lysaya Gora — Vasilsursk ferry crossing
Vorotynets
The easiest way to get to Vasilsursk and back — just 20 minutes journey time, enjoying stunning views, and you're there!
Working hours
From Vasilsursk: 07:00, 09:00, 13:00, 17:30
From Lysaya Gora: 07:30, 09:30, 13:30, 18:00
Extra sailings on Fridays:
19:30 — from Vasilsursk
20:00 — from Lysaya Gora
The Eagle's Nest
Vasilsursk
An observation deck with stunning views of the Sura River, where the monument to Maxim Gorky is located, and you can relax in the gazebo.
Monument to Maxim Gorky
Vasilsursk
Here, in Vasilsursk, the famous writer stayed in 1899 and finished his first novel «Foma Gordeyev».
Church of the icon of the Kazan Mother of God
Vasilsursk
An ancient temple built in 1708, the only one preserved in Vasilsursk.
Cape Shishkin
Vasilsursk
An observation deck overlooking the confluence of the Sura and the Volga, where Ivan Shishkin and Isaac Levitan spent their leisure time and painted.
The Museum of Local History and Folklore
Vorotynets, 2 Sovetskaya sq.
A museum where you can see exhibits of archaeology, photographs of the county town, paintings by local artists, and learn about the history of the Vorotynets district.
Working hours
Tuesday - Friday — 09:00-16:30;
Sunday — 09:00-14:30
Suprotivniy Spring
Vasilsursk
A spring in the sacred Tsepelskaya Mari grove, revered by both pagans and Orthodox Christians.
The Pier
Khmelevka Village
A pier located at the mouth of the Khmelevka River, which flows into the Volga, with the lands of the Mari very close by.
