Remember how Alexander Sergeevich Pushkin did?
The prince opened his eyes;
Shaking off the dreams of the night
And marveling at myself
He sees the city is big,
Walls with frequent battlements,
And behind the white walls
Church domes sparkle
And holy monasteries.
About the same can be said about Sviyazhsk. The city is on an island. It was built by Ivan the Terrible during the capture of Kazan. A wooden church, built in 1552 without a single nail, has been preserved here. There are monasteries with stone walls 3 meters thick. We will not describe the history of the island; everything is written perfectly in the links below. We highly recommend reading it. We will tell you how to get there on your own and what to see, and also show you the optimal route so that you can see everything. And, of course, how much does it all cost? For convenience, the story will be told on behalf of one of our team members. Well, you took Kazan, now Sviyazhsk?
How to get to Sviyazhsk from Kazan on your own
On a boat: route Kazan - Sviyazhsk. and the procedure for purchasing tickets.
By train: Suburban railway station of Kazan, western direction of electric trains (for example: Kanash, Bua, Albaba, Sviyazhsk railway station), then 15 km by car. There are no buses from the station, only taxis. The cost is approximately 150-200 rubles. Schedule to Sviyazhsk station and prices.
By bus or car: Federal highway M7 "Volga" (Gorkovskoe highway). Kazan - Sviyazhsk (up to 70 kilometers, after the bridge over the Sviyaga River and the next police post (the village of Isakovo) a road junction was built - turn left, then signs.
You will find a little history of what Sviyazhsk is and what it is eaten with on Wikipedia or a short note on MyJane. We will tell you about the best route around the island so that you have time to see everything and be satisfied.
Sail to Sviyazhsk by boat
So, the beginning of the journey is at the ticket office of the river port. Having paid for the ticket, we headed to the pier. Why did you choose this type of transport? It’s elementary, because you can do it this way, and you can get there in just 2.5 hours. Flights are regular, according to the schedule, they are not canceled often. To help you find your way around the riverport ticket offices, here is a detailed map:
Having bought a ticket and boarded a pleasure boat, we went to Sviyazhsk. The journey takes about 2.5 hours by water. If you don't feel like sleeping, the path looks a little tiring. Along the way, the boat stops and drops off and picks up people at various coastal villages. Therefore, it is better to think in advance what you will do.
Upon arrival in Sviyazhsk we are greeted by a pier and a renovated port. In 2013, a complex of restoration work was carried out on the island, and the entire island was restored and decorated. As of today, all the work has already been completed and you will see a new, renovated city on the island.
Walking route around Sviyazhsk or how to see everything and not forget anything
We’ll immediately show you a plan diagram of the island with a transcript. And the most pleasant travel route, although you can create your own. We think it will be little different. The route itself is marked with a red line. Yellow marks are places to stop to see temples, museums and monuments.
What you can see on the island:
1. Assumption-Bogoroditsky Monastery. a) Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary (1560). b) St. Nicholas Church (1556). c) Abbot's building (XVII century). d) Fraternal Corps (XVII-XVIII centuries). e) Monastic school (XVII-XVIII centuries).
2. Household yard of the Dormition-Bogoroditsky Monastery (XVII-XVIII centuries).
3. John the Baptist Monastery. a) Trinity Church. b) Sergius Church (XVII century). c) Cathedral of the Icon of the Joy of All Who Sorrow (1896-1906). d) Monastic refectory (1890). e) Corps of the Mother Superior (1830). f) Cells (1820). g) Chapel and cells (1897).
4. Treasury, government offices, prison castle (1838-1840).
5. Barracks of the Sviyazhsk convoy team (XIX century).
6. Complex of the Zemstvo Hospital (1870s).
7. District school building (1830s)
8. Complex of buildings of the Sviyazhsk vocational school and fire train (mid-19th century).
9. House of merchants F.T. and V.F. Kamenevs (late 19th century)
10. City gymnasium building (1913-1914).
11. House of Illarionov - Brovkin - Medvedev (early 19th century).
12. Church of Constantine and Helena (late 16th century).
13. House of the mayor F. M. Polyakov (late 19th century).
14. Almshouse building (late 19th century).
15. Wall of the Communards: The site of the execution of the Red Guards on August 6, 1918.
16. Grave of prisoners executed on Tatarikha Island.
17. Temples destroyed in the 1930s.
Of course, it is better to visit such a place with a guide or guide who can show you the best delicacies and tell you the history of the island. Believe me, there is something to listen to there. You can book an excursion to Sviyazhsk from ours, or take part in a group tour from any travel agency.
We’ll post a few photos and a couple of comments so you can admire the beauty of the ancient Russian city and decide whether you should go there or not.
Port meets. First Church
As noted above, the island’s port is new. There is a cafe and a ticket office for the return trip (although most often a return ticket is purchased when boarding the boat on the way back). When we were there, the cafe, unfortunately, was not open. And the first thing that seemed interesting to us was Peter’s boat, which stands on the square in front of the port building.
Our path lies uphill. You definitely can’t go wrong with the direction - everyone will go there.
The renovated Church of Constantine and Helen greets all visitors. A monumental building with wide walls, it’s cold inside even in hot weather. This is the only parish church that remains on the island. The rest, alas, were lost. If you want to baptize someone in Sviyazhsk, this is where you need to go.
Merchants' houses and Lazy Torzhok
Most of the houses have been restored. Some were lost due to disrepair, and new ones were erected in their place. By the way, there are 2 hotels on the island where you can stay. They are located in ancient merchant houses.
There was also an entertainment program. One of these entertainment places is called “Lazy Torzhok”, where, in the form of an old wooden fort, various entertainments for visitors are hidden. Here you can take pictures in royal attire, try on Senka’s Monomakh hat, and be beaten here (for a bribe, of course). Do you want to feel like a king? No question, sit on the throne, you will be king and ruler.
You can see how master blacksmiths work. They will forge funny things in your presence that you can buy right away. Or go to an igloo. Why it was placed here is a mystery, but it adds charm. Or shoot a bow, swing a sword or an ax. Don't know how to wave? It doesn’t matter, the local warriors can teach you military skills. Overall we liked it, it was funny and interesting. But we must go further.
Assumption Monastery of Sviyazhsk
One of the pearls of the island is the Mother of God Assumption Monastery. A very beautiful place. This is a working monastery, so visiting it must comply with all the canons (men without hats, women in skirts and with their heads covered. At the entrance there is special equipment for those who have forgotten. But it’s better not to forget to take yours). The Sviyazhsk Mother of God Assumption Monastery was founded in 1555 simultaneously with the establishment of the Kazan diocese. In the 16th-18th centuries, the monastery was the richest in the Middle Volga region and was among the 20 richest in Russia. During Soviet times, the territory of the monastery was occupied by a psychiatric hospital, which was withdrawn in 1994. In 1997, the Sviyazhsk Mother of God Assumption Monastery was officially revived.
It was a little cloudy, but that didn't stop us from seeing the monastery and the street leading to it. Here, by the way, is the Sviyazhsk Museum, where you can visit the exhibition and book an excursion.
The most famous churches of the monastery are the Assumption Cathedral and St. Nicholas Bell Tower. The first of them is considered the place where a whole complex of wall paintings from the era of Ivan the Terrible has been preserved (there are 2 such churches in Russia, the other is in Yaroslavl). The temple is very richly decorated and the inside is very beautiful. There is an interesting fresco of St. Christopher - a man with a horse's head. There are 3 such frescoes in the world, and one of them is in Sviyazhsk.
Wander around the territory of the monastery, it is very soulful and beautiful there. And don't forget to buy a monastery bun with cheese! Delicious. If you leave the territory of the monastery, you can go to the observation deck to see the waters of the Volga and Sviyaga. Picturesque landscapes.
What to eat?
Speaking of buns. We recommend. Lots of cheese and delicious. At the time of our visit, such a bun cost 50 rubles, there is a bakery behind the monastery cells, you need to go behind them, closer to the wall. If you see a bunch of people and a smell, go right.
Craft settlement
We've watched half of it, let's go watch the second. Near the monastery there is another iconic place - a craft settlement and a stable yard. It’s very interesting and fun here; you can buy something more substantial than just a bun. If you are traveling with a child, they will definitely be interested here. Potters, blacksmiths, tanners. Yes, what is there? You can not only try to do something with your own hands (for example, forge your own coin), but also buy souvenirs for all your relatives.
And for the bravest ones, you can ride horses or book a horseback ride around the island. Quite a fun diversion.
St. John the Baptist Monastery or church without nails, built in 1552.
Another dominant feature of the island is the St. John the Baptist Convent of Sviyazhsk. It is here that the Trinity Church, which was built under Ivan the Terrible, is located. The design of the iconostasis has been preserved since the time of the king. Believe me, it's really worth seeing. By the way, it was built without nails.
Like the previous monastery, it is active. Follow the rules of dress and good manners. And be sure to go to the Temple named after the icon of the Mother of God “Joy of All Who Sorrow.” The latest construction of the island, in the Byzantine style. We also recommend going to the temple named after. Rev. Sergius of Radonezh. It is located on the right side of the Byzantine temple. There is one of the most accurate copies of Andrei Rublev's Trinity.
Landscapes and ruins of the island
There used to be more temples and churches on the island city. However, under Soviet rule, when there was persecution of the church, some churches were lost. Now these places are preserved, you can walk around them and imagine the buildings that were here. However, you will see everything for yourself.
We send you back to the pier, because our boat is leaving soon. Many people are coming with us. And we say goodbye to the island, and we promise that we will return again to again feel the sense of regularity and tranquility that the island gives.
Is it worth going? You decide. But the indescribable atmosphere of the outback, ancient monasteries and temples, do their alluring work. By the way, many who came there found ancient coins and other antiques just walking along the shore. Maybe you are the lucky one who will find something? Who knows:)
In contact with
Many are sure that it is the prototype of the fabulous island of Buyan, described by Pushkin in “The Tale of Tsar Saltan”. Tourists from all over Russia and other countries of the world come to this place at any time of the year.
Story
Ivan the Terrible himself decided to build a fortified city after a series of failed operations to capture Kazan. It was necessary to create a stronghold to support the army. The island was washed on three sides by the waters of the Shchuka, Sviyaga and Volga rivers, from the elevated area - Round Mountain - distant approaches were visible, and most importantly, the island was located at a distance of a day's march from the capital of the Kazan Khanate.
The fortress was built unnoticed by the enemy. First, fortifications were built near Uglich. After that, they were dismantled and, with the onset of spring, the logs were floated along the Volga to the island, then dragged to the foot of the Round Mountain. It took one month to reassemble the fortress. The construction was led by the famous Russian architect of that time, Ivan Vyrodkov.
The city consisted of eighteen towers, residential buildings and an Orthodox church. The fortress fully fulfilled its purpose: a year after its foundation, Kazan was taken.
History of the name
Initially, the settlement was called “Novograd Sviyazhsky”. The name of the town comes from the Sviyaga River. Over time, the original name was shortened.
The city's coat of arms was approved only at the end of the 18th century. It is a shield depicting a city sailing on a ship with fish underneath. This emblem fully reflects the amazing history of the construction of the town.
After the conquest of the capital of the Kazan Khanate, the town lost its military significance. Soon the island became a quiet monastic place. With the advent of Soviet power, the history of the town changed dramatically. It was almost completely looted. Over time, prisons and correctional camps were built on the site of temples and monasteries.
Nowadays, the island of Sviyazhsk has been turned into one of the key attractions of the Republic of Tatarstan. Travelers are greeted by white stone monasteries and golden domes of temples. The miracle island hospitably welcomes tourists. Sights attract travelers from all over our country.
Attractions
The city has a rich history. On its territory there is a huge number of religious Orthodox buildings. Be sure to visit:
There are also many unpreserved religious buildings in the town. The places where they were located are marked with signs. Most of these churches look like ruins today. The destroyed churches include the following: Sophia and St. Nicholas churches, the Church of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Annunciation Parish Church, the Gate Church of the Ascension, the Brethren Corps and the Church of St. Herman. Almost all of them were destroyed in the first half of the 20th century by the Bolsheviks.
The city is associated with a legend about a monument allegedly discovered on the territory of Soviet Russia Judas. The installation of the monument was supposedly personally directed by Leon Trotsky. This famous revolutionary was sometimes called the "demon of the revolution."
According to legend, the format of the monument to the main biblical villain was approved by Lenin himself. It is believed that Trotsky initially wanted to erect a monument to Lucifer himself. However, Lenin banned this project, since the installation of such monuments would indirectly confirm faith in God. The project for a monument to Cain was also rejected by the leader of the world proletariat. Therefore, the revolutionaries converged on a monument dedicated to Judas.
According to legend, the opening of the monument took place with an orchestra and a parade of two Red Army regiments. After the fabric was torn from the monument, the amazed residents of the city saw a full-length stone human figure. The Judas monument depicted a crouching biblical antagonist with his arms raised. Rumor has it that the prototype of the monument was Trotsky himself.
Of course, this story is 100% fiction. Similar rumors were spread by former White Guards who were forced to immigrate from the country after the Bolshevik victory. There are quite a few references to the existence of monuments to Judas in Soviet Russia. In particular, the famous Danish diplomat Henning Koehler writes about the monument in his memoirs. He claimed to have witnessed its installation in 1918.
Let us note that many contemporaries fully trusted such rumors, since they were hostile towards the Bolsheviks. In particular, the famous Russian writer Ivan Bunin believed the information about the installation of the monument to Judas. Naturally, nothing like this ever happened.
There is a completely logical explanation for these rumors. The commander of the Red Army who took Kazan was the famous leader of the Latvian riflemen. His name was Yan Yudin. During the fighting, this officer was killed. Moreover, the date of his death approximately coincides with the time of installation of the “monument to Judas.”
In fact, they were talking about the funeral of Yan Yudin. A monument was actually erected to him. It is known that he died from an accidental shell fired by the White Army artillery. The Dane Köhler could well have confused the consonant surname with “Judas”.
Location, how to get there, opening hours of the museum.
You can get to Sviyazhsk from Kazan in the following ways:
- Personal car. You can get there by car by driving along the M7 highway in the direction of the capital of Russia. You need to get to the village of Isakovo and then follow the sign to the city. The journey by private car will take no more than sixty minutes.
- Steamboat. Ships to the island depart from the river station of the capital of Tatarstan. The journey takes no more than two hours. You can board the ship from 6.00 to 20.00. One hour before the ship's departure, you can purchase tickets. In summer, ships depart daily. From the first autumn month to October 16, you can only get to the attraction on weekends.
- Bus. At the bus station of the capital of Tatarstan it is possible to buy a ticket to the town. The route and number of stops may vary for different flights. But most bus routes purposefully take tourists to see the beauty of the city and plunge into the enchanting world of Russian antiquity. Bus tickets are quite affordable.
- Electric train. You can also get to your destination from the capital of Tatarstan by rail. However, you should know that the Sviyazhsk station is located several kilometers from the city itself. The railway junction is located in a neighboring village called Nizhnie Vyazovye. From there you can quickly hitch a ride to the village.
Excursions. Prices for museum tickets.
Most museums in the city operate as usual from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The cost of visiting, as a rule, does not exceed eighty rubles. Tourists also have the opportunity to purchase a single ticket to all museums in Sviyazhsk. Such a purchase is profitable because it saves up to twenty percent.
A visit to the attraction will be interesting for both adults and children. On the territory of the Horse Yard there is an opportunity to ride a horse. Children will also enjoy the cultural center "Lazy Torzhok", stylized as a medieval town. Here you can compete in archery and try on real armor. On weekends, staged knightly battles and spectacular shows are held on the territory of the center.
You can have lunch at the art cafe "Fisherman's Compound". This place looks like an old fisherman's hut. It offers excellent views of the river. There is also a cafe "Buyan" in the town. The "Tavern" is located on the territory of the Horse Yard. Each of the listed establishments has delicious food and affordable prices.
Guests can stay overnight at the Sviyaga Hotel, located in an old almshouse from the 19th century. Price - from 1000 rubles per day.
The best time to visit the town is summer. But a trip to this amazing place can be made in winter. At this time he looks especially beautiful and interesting.
You can also visit the fabulous island by bus.
The main attractions of the island-city of Sviyazhsk are, of course, the monasteries. There are three of them on the island. In addition to visiting them, there will also be a walk around Sviyazhsk and, as usual, a lot of photos.
Continuation of our walk around Sviyazhsk. Beginning in the article: where I wrote in detail about the history of Sviyazhsk, how to get to it from Kazan and about the Mother of God Dormition Monastery, located at the entrance to the island town.
It's time to look at the sights that are located in the depths of the island.
It is interesting that until 1917 it was female, and from 1917 to this day it has been male.
The monastery was founded in the 16th century, giving it the name Rozhdestvensky. At first the buildings were made of wood, then of stone and brick, but the ancient buildings were lost due to frequent fires (1795, etc.) and reconstruction.
Active work was carried out in 1796, when the bell tower and the St. John the Baptist chapel of the St. Sergius Church appeared.
The monastery experienced difficult times under Soviet rule and closed in 1919. However, its entire territory is declared a museum-reserve of history and architecture; in 1959, the restoration of the central cathedral took place.
The red brick domes of the Cathedral of the Icon of Our Lady “Joy of All Who Sorrow” are visible to all guests of the island from afar. The architectural features are reminiscent of the Kronstadt Cathedral in St. Petersburg, which also has a hemispherical dome.
Construction of the cathedral took place from 1898-1906. according to the project F.N. Malinovsky, the luxurious building is made in the New Byzantine style.
Restored interior of the Cathedral of the Icon of Our Lady “Joy of All Who Sorrow.” The painting is mainly done with oil paints.
Trinity Church, Sviyazhsk.
The oldest building on the territory of the monastery and the whole of Sviyazhsk is the Trinity Church, made of wood in 1551. This temple is one of the most unique objects of historical and cultural significance. Minor reconstructions were carried out only in the 19th century, when a roof and dome made of iron and a plank covering instead of a hipped roof appeared. The interior decoration has preserved the three-tiered iconostasis made of carved wood, although most of the iconographic treasures were taken to museums or to an unknown location in Soviet times.
The history of the construction of the Trinity Church is very interesting: along with the materials for the construction of the Sviyazhsk fortress, logs for this church were brought in 1551. They assembled the church within one day, as they say, “without a single nail.”
Legends call the founder of the Trinity Church Prince Nikita Serebryany, a contemporary of Grozny. There is evidence that Ivan the Terrible prayed here on the eve of the capture of Kazan.
On the territory of the monastery there is another ancient building - the Church of St. Sergius of Radonezh, or briefly the St. Sergius Church with one dome and a small belfry, built in 1604. The temple belongs to the type of refectory. Its special value is explained by the frescoes preserved on the porch, which depict Sergius of Radonezh and Alexander Svirsky. The fresco is unique, as it is a wall enlarged copy of Andrei Rublev’s work “Trinity”.
Churches, temples and cathedrals of Sviyazhsk.
Sergievskaya Church. The two-story white stone church was consecrated in 1604 in the name of Sergius of Radonezh. This building has an unusual layout: during its construction, there were utility rooms and monastic rooms on the ground floor, and the church premises themselves were on the second floor. The church has three altars, each altar is in its own chapel. Inside the church you can see a well-preserved fresco painting from the 17th century depicting the Trinity, Patriarch Nikon and Sergius of Radonezh.
Cultural and natural landscape of Sviyazhsk.
Comprehensive restoration and reconstruction work in the fortress and cathedrals has been carried out in Sviyazhsk since 2010 under the “Renaissance” program; at the same time, the city’s housing stock is being updated, new premises are being built for cultural institutions, hotels, etc.
In 2017, an application was submitted for inclusion in the list of sites under the protection of UNESCO, the Assumption Monastery and the Trinity Church.
Sviyazhsk today.
There are many buildings in Sviyazhsk that appeared in the 20-21st century, but are stylized as antique. Due to the large number of new buildings, the so-called “new build,” the island city cannot receive the status of a historical and cultural museum-reserve.
Hotel "House of Merchant Kamenev".
Some buildings from the 19th and 20th centuries have been preserved on the territory of Sviyazhsk.
The territory of the island is landscaped and beautiful, visitors feel like they are in a fairy tale on the island of Buyan.
The historical and reconstruction complex "Lazy Torzhok" consists of shopping arcades and craft shops.
Church of Constantine and Helena, Sviyazhsk
At the very shore there is the parish Church of Saints Constantine and Helena. It is visible first of all when you approach the island on a boat.
The church was built at the end of the 17th century. At first the belfry was a separate building, but over time it was connected to the church, with a refectory built between them.
During Soviet times, the church did not work; it opened only in the 90s. 20th century as a space for exhibition events. The church currently hosts baptisms.
In the foreground is the building of the girls' gymnasium, built in 1913-14, which still houses the school.
Sviyazhsk is a sparsely populated rural settlement. In 2016, its population was only 259 people.
Houses of Sviyazhsk.
In Sviyazhsk, as well as in many cities of Tatarstan that are of historical value (Bolgar, Chistopol, Elabuga, Bugulma, etc.), there is a project “Cultural heritage: the island-city of Sviyazhsk and ancient Bolgar”, in accordance with which it is allowed to build new houses only for 5 standard projects: a house with an attic, a house with a mezzanine, a one-story house with 5 windows facing the street, etc.
The appearance of Sviyazhsk must correspond to the historical one; the houses must have dimensions and proportions in the spirit of ancient buildings.
In the process, we are developing other standard projects that will not limit the inhabitants of the island, but will help preserve the stylistic unity of the ancient city.
And behind the golden gates of the Skazka children's leisure center, interesting games and quests are held for preschool and school-age children.
Museum of Sviyazhsk.
The “Devka’s Head” cannon, recreated from ancient images, is installed in front of the entrance to the Museum of the History of Sviyazhsk. The museum houses rich exhibitions dedicated to the history of the island, including stories about the activities of the saints revered here, as well as archaeological and military history. The museum has halls for conducting interactive classes, they are equipped with a soldier's hut, an official's office, a monastic cell, a gymnasium classroom, models of ancient houses and steamships, etc. are presented. All exhibits of the interactive space are available to visitors who come here for thematic classes and game meetings.
At the end of the street is the Gate Bell Tower in the Sviyazhsk Mother of God Assumption Monastery, which means that we have walked around Sviyazhsk and are returning back to the car.
We are leaving the island of Sviyazhsk - an amazing museum-reserve. This is just a small dot on the map of the Republic of Tatarstan, but it is an important and eventful period in the history of our country.
Sviyazhsk official website.
Detailed information about the city, excursion routes and travel companies is available on
