Interesting routes of the Mari El Republic

Streletskaya Chapel in Kozmodemyansk

Destination

Republic of Mari El, Kozmodemyansk, Lenin St., 32

The Streletskaya Tower in Kozmodemyansk is one of the oldest stone buildings in Mari El. It was built at the end of the 17th century according to the vow of the Streltsy who returned from the Azov campaign of Peter I. The small building preserves the memory of Russia's military history and has been welcoming guests on the Volga coast for more than three centuries.

The history of the Streletskaya Tower in Kozmodemyansk

The history of the Streletskaya Tower is connected with the fate of the city itself. Kozmodemyansk was founded in 1583 as a fortified prison during the Third Cheremis War. It became an important point on the Volga and the center of the Gornomariysky district.

In 1696-1697, 240 archers from Kozmodemyansk participated in the Azov campaigns of Peter Alekseevich. Before leaving, they made a vow: in case of a safe return, they would build a stone chapel on the banks of the Volga. On December 3, 1697, a royal charter was issued with a building permit. The document mentions the Archers Petrushka Sapozhnikov and Luka Yelin.

The structure was erected next to the then Spasskaya Tower of the city fortifications. Over time, the chapel became known as the Streletskaya Tower. It was assigned to the Spaso-Yunginsky Monastery, and after its abolition in 1767, it was transferred to the Trinity Church.

In the 19th century, the building was covered with a dome. During the Soviet period, a kerosene shop was located here, then the building fell into disrepair. Restoration began in the 1980s. The architects discovered the remains of an octagonal tent and restored its original appearance. Today, the Kozmodemyansk Streletskaya Tower is an object of cultural heritage of regional significance.

Architecture of the Streletskaya Tower

The Streletskaya Tower is a one-story rectangular building made of locally fired bricks. The walls are built on lime mortar. Inside there are vaulted ceilings and a basement.

Architectural features:

arched entrance with half columns
brick window frames
forged metal door
basement window with grating

Initially, the interior was decorated with murals and icons. Among the shrines there was an image of the Savior Not Made with Hands of the 17th century, as well as icons of John the Baptist and John the Warrior. Before being sent down the Volga, boatmen and rivermen served prayer services here.

Now the building is located on an open square near the descent to the Volga. The tower is clearly visible from the water and is considered a kind of "business card" of the city.

Interesting facts about the Streletskaya Tower

royal charter of 1697 was preserved in the church archive and was published in the Kazan Provincial Gazette in 1851.
During the 1984 restoration, experts found traces of the original tent-like completion.
Kozmodemyansk is considered the prototype of Vasyukov from Ilf and Petrov's novel "The Twelve Chairs", and the Streletskaya Tower is one of the historical symbols of the city.
In Soviet times, a kerosene shop operated in the building.

Practical information for tourists

External inspection is available daily, around the clock.

How to get to the Streletskaya Tower

By car: It is about 104 km from Yoshkar-Ola. During the navigation season, the route passes through the Volga river crossing (the ferry runs regularly).
From Cheboksary: the journey takes about 1.5 hours by car. By
public transport: intercity buses to Kozmodemyansk, then on foot to the city center.

Parking: available in the surrounding streets, free of charge.

Tips for tourists

best time to visit is the warm season, when navigation along the Volga is open and the city accepts cruise ships. It takes 20-30 minutes to explore, but it's worth taking more time to stroll through the historical center.
Take comfortable shoes: the descent to the river is paved with paving stones. Photography in an open area is allowed. Nearby there is a museum of local lore and ancient merchant houses – it is convenient to include them in the route "what to see in Mari El". When
planning a trip to Kozmodemyansk, pay attention to the annual colorful festival of satire and humor "Vasyuki Fest". During the festival, Ostap Bender and the children of Lieutenant Schmidt pull off their machinations to the delight of the residents and guests of the city.

The Streletskaya Tower in Kozmodemyansk is a rare monument of the 17th century associated with the era of Peter the Great and the military history of the country. Small in size, it stores a lot of memory. If you are planning a trip along the Volga, be sure to include it in your itinerary.

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