The Tver region has extraordinary natural, historical and cultural potential. This is one of the most popular regions of Russia among tourists. Its historical heritage is unique. The natural beauty of the region is amazing, and the abundance of historical and cultural monuments make it interesting and attractive. The sights of the Tver region are directly related to the history of the region, with its outstanding and famous people who lived on this land at different times.

On the way “from the Varangians to the Greeks”

The Tver region has always occupied an advantageous geographical position. The most ancient trade routes passed through its territory: the Volga-Baltic and “from the Varangians to the Greeks,” and its location between the two capitals greatly contributed to the possession of the richest cultural, historical, and architectural components. The main tourist centers on its territory are Lake Seliger, Tverskoye Poozerie, the system of lakes in the Upper Volga region, Bezhetsky Verkh, and Toropetsky Territory. Particularly interesting cities are Tver, Vyshny Volochek, Staritsa, Torzhok, Toropets, Kalyazin, Rzhev and others. A number of ancient villages stand out: Ivanishchi, Gorodnya, Bernovo, Mednoye, Kushalino, Vydropuzhsk, Rogozha.

Historical background

It is not for nothing that the Tver region is called the heart of Russia. One of the most ancient Russian cities - Tver - has been known since 1135. The emerging Great Principality of Tver, being the main center for the creation of the Russian state, existed as an independent state entity until the end of the 15th century. The region’s rather rich and glorious historical past and the modern life of the region, full of interesting events, are reflected in numerous historical and cultural monuments. Despite the significant variability of urban and rural landscapes, among the new life, ancient sights of the Tver region remain as living islands of history, revealing their beauty. These are wooden churches, Slavic mounds dating from the 12th-14th centuries, and many others.

Historical monuments

The national shrine of the Tver land is considered to be Nilova Pustyn. This is the most famous monastery in the region, founded in the 16th century. The region is also famous for its monuments of manor culture. So, having visited Torzhok, it is worth visiting the estates of Mitino, Nikolskoye, Raek, recognized as masterpieces of Russian provincial classicism. Noble nests of various sizes and architecture are also represented in other areas of the region. These are the estates of Podgorodnee, Kuropatkina and Mikhailovskoye in the Toropetsk district, the estate of the architect A. S. Khrenov in the Bologovsky district and others. The Gornitsy estate, located in a small village in the Kuvshinovsky district, is interesting to visit. Here you can see a well-preserved unique stone Vladimir Church.

In Tver itself, among the architectural masterpieces, it is worth highlighting the Tver Imperial Travel Palace, built in the 18th century and designed in the style of classicism with the inclusion of baroque elements. Its main purpose was to provide rest for members of the emperor's family along their route from St. Petersburg to Moscow. Now the palace houses what is called the main treasury of the city.

The Travel Palace is located on the territory of the former historical center of the city - the Tver Kremlin. In the City Garden you can see the preserved ruins of the fortress moat. The Kremlin itself was never rebuilt after the last fire in 1763.

Among the majority of regional centers in the Tver region, the pretty town of Kimry especially stands out for its architectural appearance. This is the most striking example of a “town of provincial Russian modernism.”

Temples of the Tver region

In any, even the smallest, town in the region you can find genuine historical attractions, among which churches in the Tver region occupy a significant place. Thus, Red Hill is interesting for its preserved shopping arcades of the 19th century and churches of the 18th-19th centuries. The Anthony Monastery, built in the 15th century, is also located here.

Based on a system of canals and islands, such famous sights of the Tver region as the Transfiguration Church and the Kazan Convent are presented. The most famous cathedral in Torzhok

From a tourism point of view, the picturesque town on the Volga Staritsa is interesting. The Tver region presents attractions here in all its ancient glory. Numerous church ensembles and individual temples are distinguished by some kind of unique architecture that clearly does not correspond to the established canons. Among the stone architectural monuments in Staritsa, the Assumption Monastery, founded in 1297, stands out. The shrine, surrounded by a solid stone wall, has been preserved with all its buildings. The city's architectural monuments of the 18th century also deserve attention: the Pyatnitskaya Church with elegant rotunda chapels, located at the foot of the old settlement, the Baroque Ilyinskaya Church, and the St. Nicholas Church, which fits perfectly into the coastal panorama of the Volga. A special attraction of the town is also Aptekarsky Lane, a unique street that cannot be found anywhere else in Russia.

“The city of the Russian heart”, the exact silhouette of which is formed by the local river meandering around a small ancient town, is called Kashin. The Tver region's attractions are demonstrated here in a vibrant variety. The famous resort has preserved many architectural monuments. Among them are the Ilyinsko-Preobrazhenskaya (1778), Frolo-Lavrovskaya (1751), Peter and Paul (1782) churches and others. The “Cathedral House”, which served as the house of priests of the Resurrection Cathedral in the 18th-19th centuries, the Gostiny Dvor and the former Public Offices dating back to the 19th century, also stands out.

The most ancient temple on the territory of Tver is the White Trinity Church, consecrated in 1564. The temple once belonged to the Trinity-Sergius Monastery and was exempt from paying taxes to the local bishop, for which it allegedly received its name.

The Assumption Cathedral, built in 1722, is interesting. This is the only building in Tver that has survived from the ancient Otroch-Uspensky Monastery, founded in the 13th century. St. Catherine's Church (1774-1781), made in the Baroque style with original extensions in the classicist style, is considered one of the unique masterpieces of Tver's religious architecture.

Museums of the Tver region

You can visit many interesting museums while traveling around the region. In Tver itself, this is the M.E. Saltykov-Shchedrin Museum, opened on the 150th anniversary of the satirical writer in the mansion where he lived while serving as vice-governor of the city. This and opened in 1866. Its unique exhibitions tell about the history of the region. As well as the Museum of Tver Life and the Museum of Military Traditions, the exhibitions of which include collections of ancient Russian weapons of the 4th-16th centuries.

The only natural history museum in the region is the Museum of Nature of the Seliger Region, opened in 1986.

In the village of Emmaus, not far from Tver, there is the Memorial Art Museum of V. A. Serov, a representative of the art of socialist realism. The basis of the exhibitions are original works of the master, telling about his life and creative path.

In Torzhok, the Open Air Architectural and Ethnographic Museum and the All-Russian Historical and Ethnographic Museum deserve special attention.

Natural monuments

When thinking about what to see in the Tver region, what else this region can attract, do not forget that this is a land of numerous lakes, rivers and picturesque forests. This is where the Volga originates. Its source is a unique natural monument of global significance. In the Volgoverkhovye you can visit the Spaso-Preobrazhenskaya Hermitage, founded in 1849, a museum dedicated to the great Volga.

The natural attractions of the Tver region are unique and irreplaceable. There is a lot to admire here. The incredible beauty of the region’s nature inspired the artist I. I. Shishkin to paint the famous paintings “Morning in a Pine Forest” and “Ship Forest”.

One of the most beautiful and famous natural attractions of the region is Lake Seliger. This is a whole system of lakes, forming reaches and numerous bays. A beautiful view of the lake opens from the bell tower of the Nilova Monastery.

The largest island of Seliger is Khachin. This protected area is covered by a network of inland lakes. In autumn, a real miracle of nature is called the rowan grove, located on another island of Seliger - Klichen.

The Tver land will leave pleasant memories for a long time. No wonder she has always attracted the creative intelligentsia of Russia with her charm.

The Republic of Armenia is nestled between Western Asia and the Armenian Highlands. This country is considered to be an open-air museum, which is completely justified, since Armenia has about four thousand cultural and architectural monuments, majestic mountain peaks, religious complexes of extraordinary beauty and much more.

It is worth noting that in Armenia the subtropical climate is only in the southern and northeastern parts of the country, while in the remaining regions continental and temperate climate prevails.

Natural and cultural attractions

A tourist who decides to visit Armenia for the first time will find it difficult to resist all the beauties and the wide selection of attractions that this amazing eastern country offers. Undoubtedly, it’s worth starting from the capital - Yerevan, the oldest city in which the bulk of the country’s cultural heritage is concentrated.

The Grand Cascade is a long staircase made of milky tuff connecting the lower and upper parts of the city - one of the most unusual attractions of Yerevan. There are fountains on the stairs, flower beds are laid out, and in the evenings everything around begins to sparkle thanks to the intricate illumination. The observation deck at the top of the stairs offers amazing views of the city and the pearl of Armenia - Mount Ararat.

In your walking route, be sure to include the city center and some of its outskirts: the Museum of the History of Armenia, Republic Square, the art gallery, the Government House, the unique Cathedral of St. Gregory the Illuminator and the Blue Mosque.

Speaking about natural attractions, we can and should mention the mountainous landscape. The biblical Mount Ararat and the unique Lake Sevano, the transparency of which is the subject of legends, and the shores are decorated with man-made monuments from different times. In the village of Araks there is a large memorial complex - the Sardarapat ethnographic museum, which has collected thousands of relics telling about the history of the Armenian people, from ancient times to modern times.

Temples and monasteries are located literally at every step.

It is impossible not to mention such objects as the pagan temple in Garni - an architectural monument from Hellenic times; Tatev Monastery is a laconic architectural complex, which in the Middle Ages was considered the intellectual center of Armenia. You should also pay attention to the Zvartnots Temple, which rightfully occupies a leading position in the list of the most visited places and which is considered one of the greatest treasures of ancient world architecture; Khor Virap Monastery is the main decoration of the Ararat region; and in the southeast of Armenia, in the Vayots Dzor region, near the gorge of the mountain river Arpa, there is the Noravank monastery, special in that in the 12th-14th centuries. was the throne of the bishops of the Syunik region.

Cultural characteristics

The Armenian people managed not to lose in the storm of historical events such national characteristics as hospitality, the strength of family ties, respect for the older generation and spiritual wealth.

Armenian hospitality is not just words. Any guest becomes welcome, and it is impossible to turn away from a glass or snack, since refusal is considered disrespect and is regarded as wishing misfortune on the hosts.

The ethnic identity of Armenians is another national feature: even if a person was born outside the country, does not know the Armenian language and has never been to their historical homeland, he still identifies himself with his ancient people, knows the history of the country and sacredly honors the memory of his ancestors.

National holidays

• 1 - New Year;
• January 6—Christmas;
• January 7 - All Souls' Day;
• January 28 - Army Day;
• February 14 - Terendez;
• March 8 - Women's Day;
• April 7 - Motherhood and Beauty Holiday;
• April 24 - Day of Remembrance of the Victims of the Genocide;
• May 1—Labor Day;
• May 8 - Yerkrapah Day;
• May 9 - Victory and Peace Holiday;
• May 28 - First Republic Day;
• June 1—Children's Rights Day;
• July 5—Constitution Day;
• 98th day after Easter - Vardavar;
• September 1 - Day of Knowledge, Writing and Literature;
• September 21 - Independence Day;
• December 7 - Day of Remembrance for Earthquake Victims;
• 8 weeks before Easter - Vardanants Holiday;
• Sunday 64 days after Easter is the Feast of Holy Etchmiadzin.

National cuisine

Armenian cuisine is a separate attraction of the country, along with Mount Ararat and Lake Sevan.

The basis of all culinary delights are greens, meat, cheese and pita bread. Many dishes are sprinkled with all kinds of herbs, and various sauces, mostly spicy, become an addition and finishing touch.

The cult of shashlik in the country is characterized by a wide variety of ways to prepare this dish: on the grill - karsi-khorovats, in a saucepan - khazani-khorovats, with fat tail fat - iki-bir, and in general, there are several dozen varieties of shish kebab.

First courses are also common in Armenia: yayni with dried apricots and beef, poch made from tomatoes, hot peppers and beef, chulumbur apur made from milk, rice and onions, etc.

Naturally, Armenian feasts are accompanied by the famous local cognac and delicious homemade wines.

Shopping

From a trip to Armenia, you will definitely want to bring something that will remind you of your trip for a long time.

Local shops provide a wide range of souvenirs, so you definitely won’t leave without gifts for yourself and your loved ones.

Pay attention to the hand-woven carpets with national patterns, as well as tablecloths and bed linens.

Local craftsmen make original paintings from stone or wood, figurines and dishes, boxes and ceramics, including dishes that are used to prepare national dishes. It is also worth paying tribute to silver and gold jewelry, which are distinguished by their extraordinary elegance.

Finally, bring as a gift the famous Armenian cognac and delicious wines, homemade cheese and local sweets that you are unlikely to find in your homeland.

Store opening hours: from 10.00 to 19.00, some are open longer.

Ecology of life: Especially for you, we have collected 10 of the most beautiful natural monuments, which are among the specially protected...

The UN Specialized Agency for Education, Science and the Arts oversees the conservation of cultural heritage sites around the world. This category includes both the most outstanding architectural structures created by man and nature reserves - in the second case, UNESCO specialists have to make a lot of effort to protect unique natural phenomena from plunder and destruction by our freedom-loving race.

Especially for you, we have collected 10 of the most beautiful natural monuments, which are among the specially protected.

St Kilda

Scotland

This unique, isolated archipelago was inhabited by a small Gaelic population - all evacuated during the Second World War. Now home to a militarized base and several teams of scientists, St Kilda is home to rare species of birds and animals.

Wulingyuan Mountains

China

This mountain system is located in the north of Hunan Province. The mountains owe their appearance to the weathering of sandstones. It was here that Cameron filmed his “Avatar” - one of the peaks was subsequently renamed by the provincial authorities to “Hurray, Avatar!”

Wadden Sea

North Sea area

Wattom is the name given to the shallow sea area, of which there are dozens. Natural processes function here without the slightest human intervention; almost the entire territory of this unusual sea is covered by three national parks.

Giant's Causeway

Northern Ireland

The unique area consists of more than 40,000 basalt columns. They connected with each other as a result of a volcanic eruption, and the ancient tribes had already come up with a legend that trolls would follow these pillars to Ragnarok.

Rapa Nui National Park

Chile

The whole world knows this place thanks to the unique moai statues: Easter Island is considered almost the most mysterious place on our planet.

Galapagos Islands

Ecuador

It was here that Charles Darwin first thought about the theory of evolution: the abundance of flora and fauna still makes the Galapagos a place of pilgrimage for every self-respecting natural scientist.

Socotra Archipelago

Yemen

Four islands and a couple of rocks: one of the world's most isolated archipelagos, located near pirate Somalia, boasts an abundance of endemic fauna and flora found nowhere else in the world.

Yosemite National Park

USA

Three thousand square kilometers of unique mountain landscapes, granite cliffs, waterfalls and redwood trees: Yosemite is rightfully considered one of the best National Parks in the country.

In Russia, many priceless natural and cultural monuments are recognized as World Heritage Sites.

They are under the close attention of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO - United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization). We present to your attention the most protected UNESCO sites in Russia.

Moscow Kremlin and Red Square

Real symbols of Russia, which are known throughout the world and are considered the main cultural attractions of the planet. The Moscow Kremlin and Red Square were included in the UNESCO heritage list in 1990.

Almost the oldest monument in Russia with numerous buildings reflects the centuries-old history of the Russian people. Unique examples of Russian foundry art are exhibited on the territory of the Moscow Kremlin - the “Tsar Cannon” weighing 40 tons and the “Tsar Bell” weighing over 200 tons and with a diameter of 6.6 m.

Lake Baikal

A unique natural monument of Eastern Siberia, Baikal was included in the UNESCO heritage list in 1996. The lake is the deepest in the world and contains 19% of the planet's fresh water. When viewed from above, the lake resembles a crescent moon, covers an area of ​​over 3 million hectares and is fed by more than 300 rivers and streams.

The water in the lake has a high oxygen content, and thanks to its transparency, it is possible to discern a depth of up to 40 m. The age of the ancient lake is especially impressive - more than 25 million years, the complete isolation of which contributed to the development of a unique ecosystem in it.

Natural Park "Lena Pillars"

Included in the UNESCO National Heritage List in 2012, the Lena Pillars Park is the site where priceless finds from the inhabitants of the Cambrian period were discovered. The park is located in the center of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) near the coast of the Lena River, occupying 1.27 million hectares.

The park is home to 12 species of fauna listed in the Red Book. Due to its antiquity, the park is of particular geological interest: the natural monument is distinguished by its relief dotted with caves, stone spiers, towers and niches.

Architectural ensemble of the Kizhi Pogost

The unique architectural complex of wooden architecture of the 18th-19th centuries was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1990 and is an ensemble of two wooden churches and a bell tower in Karelia.

The Kizhi State Historical and Architectural Museum is located here, with many objects of wooden religious architecture, including an eight-wing windmill from 1929 and the Church of the Transfiguration, built without a single nail.

Novgorod historical monuments

The architectural complexes of Veliky Novgorod and its environs were included in the UNESCO National Heritage List in 1992. The number of cultural sites includes such significant Orthodox buildings of antiquity as the Znamensky, Antoniev, Yuryev, Zverin monasteries, as well as the churches of the Nativity of Christ, the Savior on Nereditsa, and the Novgorod Detinets Kremlin.

Nature Reserve Wrangel Island

The reserve was included in the UNESCO list in 2004. The unique protected area is known for its virtually untouched natural ecosystem dominated by the largest population of polar bears, walruses, and more than 50 species of birds.

The territory of the reserve is located beyond the Arctic Circle, including Wrangel and Herald Islands and the waters of the Chukchi and East Siberian seas. Despite the harsh conditions of the Arctic waters, more than 400 species of plants can be seen here.

Curonian Spit

The famous sand spit stretches for 98 km with a maximum width of up to 3.8 km, located on the dividing line of the Baltic Sea and the Curonian Lagoon. The natural attraction was included in the UNESCO heritage list in 2000 and is interesting for its unique anthropogenic landscape, which is represented by a variety of reliefs - from deserts to swampy tundras.

The spit is of great importance during the migration of 10 to 20 million birds and serves as a haven for them during rest. Only here you can find dunes up to 68 m in height, the width of which sometimes reaches 1 km.

Novodevichy Convent in Moscow

Since 2004, the monastery has been included in the UNESCO list, which since 1524 was one of the defensive structures of Moscow. In 1926, a historical museum was founded in the building of the monastery, and in 1980, the residence of the Metropolitan of Krutitsky and Kolomna was located. In 1994, the convent was officially approved. There are more than eight hundred monasteries in Russia. ABOUT the most beautiful temples you can read in our article.

Komi forest

The Komi forest area is recognized as the most pristine forests in Europe with a total area of ​​32,600 square meters. km, which belong to the territory of the Pechero-Ilychsky Nature Reserve and occupy part of the YugydVa National Park. The number of volcanoes in Kamchatka totals more than a thousand

The exact number of volcanoes on the peninsula is still unknown. The highest volcano is considered to be Klyuchevskaya Sopka with a height of 4835 m. The editors of the site also invite you to learn more about the most beautiful places in Russia.
Subscribe to our channel in Yandex.Zen