Tourist guide: Sights of Kargopol

493 km from Arkhangelsk, on the left bank of the Onega River, the city of Kargopol is located. It covers an area of only 13 square kilometers. Km. The population in 2016 was about 10 thousand people. The city itself is small, but its history is rich in interesting facts.

Briefly about the city

For the first time in the ancient Russian chronicles Kargopol is found in 1447 under the name "Cargo field", and already in the next century this settlement becomes a major point of sale. In 1765 in the city there was a fire of huge proportions, which incinerated many houses and cathedrals, because of what was almost completely rebuilt. Some architectural landmarks of Kargopol were completely destroyed by fire.

Now the city is a small town with a lot of churches, cathedrals and other buildings, which must certainly be visited by a person who is interested in the history of Russia and the Orthodox religion.

The unique Cathedral of the 16th century

In Kargopol is located more than a dozen objects of cultural heritage of Russia, attracting the attention of Russian and foreign tourists. Guests visiting this city for the first time mainly turn their attention to the Nativity Cathedral.

This structure is a five-headed ensemble of white stone, built in the XVI century. The interior of the church is made up of numerous icons, including the "Nativity of Christ" and the "Rise of the Virgin", written by the best masters of iconography of Kargopol.

The Annunciation Church

If you study the sights of Kargopol, then you must visit the Annunciation Church. It is a landmark part of the ensemble of the present Red Army Square.

The church has a strict square shape of the perimeter, not characteristic of the Orthodox religious building. It, like most churches of Kargopol, is built of white stone, and its top is marked by five domes. Peter I personally contributed to its construction, allocating 100 rubles in 1689.

Church of John the Baptist

This church belongs to more modern monuments of architecture. It was erected in the 18th century. The building is built according to all the canons of the Baroque style. This structure has a distinctive feature. It consists in the use of an interesting architectural solution. Decorate the Church of St. John the Baptist special double domes and octagonal windows. It is the highest in the city (the height of the spire is 35 meters).

The Church of Zosima and Savvathia

Virtually all the variety of Kargopol churches is united in one large state historical, architectural and art museum, founded in 1919. Here is an exposition devoted to the heritage of the city. The site for the museum is one of the richest in the interior of the churches of the city - the church of Zosima and Savvatia. The period of its erection fell on 1814-1819. Despite the fact that two centuries have passed since the construction, this building is one of the newest sights of the city, which once again emphasizes the rich historical heritage of Kargopol.

House-museums

In addition to many beautiful churches, in Kargopol there are several monuments of architecture, not belonging to any religion. This is a two-storey merchant mansion Veshnyakova. In it on the second floor is now an exhibition "Doll House". This exposition is sure to please people who decided to see the sights of Kargopol together with the child. Also, parents with children are advised to visit the Sheveliev family's house museum. Here you can enjoy the art of clay toys, which is a national craft in the Arkhangelsk region. Do not ignore the large ethnographic collection, which is located in another museum, located in the building of the merchant's house. It is about the house of Nikolai Fedorovich Annin.

Sightseeing in the vicinity of the city

Arriving in Kargopol, do not forget that beautiful places are not only in the center of this village, but also on its outskirts or even beyond the city limits. They are so interesting that they must also be looked at. For example, to the west of the city, in the village of Liadiny, there is a whole complex of temples built exclusively of wood and most recently restored.

Remarkable architectural monuments are in the village of Oshevenskoye, which is located to the north of Kargopol. There you can see the Alexander-Oshevensky Monastery and the wooden tent Bogoyavlensky Church. Last though is a historical monument, preserved since the XVIII century, but does not belong to museums. The church now meets parishioners from all surrounding settlements.

Let's sum up the results

Kargopol is a city that has preserved the richest spiritual and architectural heritage. Every step taken on this land accompanies every tourist with beautiful views of the Russian treasure, to which I would like to touch. Sights of Kargopol will not leave indifferent any person who appreciates the history of his native country.