A section of the Tatar Rampart lies in Devitsa; the protected Prudy Devitski landscape area is two kilometres east of the village. This means there are two different themes to consider when planning your trip: historic fortifications in Devitsa and the ponds and meadows in the surrounding area. If you are looking for a holiday apartment, you can first decide which of these you would like to shape your stay most.
The Tatar Rampart and Historic Traces
The section of the Belgorod Defensive Line in Devitsa is also called the Tatar Rampart. The Devitsky Ostrog stood on the Usman earthen rampart, which dates back to the 17th century. These two historical references are part of the village’s character, but describe different aspects of the fortification. Centuries-old pine trees can be seen near the Tatar Rampart. There is a watchtower at this section; its observation platform offers views of the city and the Voronezh Biosphere Reserve. If you plan to visit the platform, check the current access arrangements in advance.
Landscape in the Surrounding Area
Prudy Devitski lies two kilometres east of Devitsa. The protected landscape area includes an artificial pond on a small tributary of the Devitsa, as well as adjoining meadows. In the wider area, the Devitski Pond is also used for fish farming and recreation, including fishing and spending time on the shore. If you plan these activities, check the specific access arrangements in advance. This allows you to consider the landscape as a distinct focus alongside the village’s history.
Route and Current Planning
The bus excursion route “Usman. Circular Tour”, described in 2021, goes as far as Devitsa and is described as passable year-round. A section of the Tatar Rampart is located there. Before your trip, check whether the tour is currently being offered before including it in your plans.
More Places to Discover in Lipetsk Oblast
Lipetsk Oblast also offers its own distinctive landscape. The Galichya Gora Nature Reserve consists of six separate sections surrounded by developed and agricultural land. It protects characteristic forest-steppe communities and groups of rock-dwelling plants on Devonian limestone outcrops in the valleys of the Don, the Bystraya Sosna and their tributaries. The Devonian limestone cliffs on the right bank of the Don, in the centre of Lipetsk Oblast, have been shaped by water and wind.
The Lipetsk Regional Museum of Natural History is located on the central estate of the nature reserve. Its open-air area includes a garden of alpine plants and rare species, a breeding station for birds of prey and a medicinal herb garden. Check current visitor access before making plans. Another landscape and recreation park is Kudykina Gora, located in Zadonsky District of Lipetsk Oblast. There you will find the 15-metre-high sculpture “Zmei Gorynych”, with three heads, a pointed tail, claws and scales.
The Yelets lace tradition is part of Lipetsk Oblast’s cultural heritage: it is one of the region’s seven traditional crafts and customs included in the Register of Intangible Cultural Heritage. The Romanov Toy Art Centre is located in the village of Troitskoye. The “Zvonari” bell-ringing festival is held annually in Solidarność, bringing together leading masters of this art. Check the dates for the current edition before travelling.
Discover more destinations: Gryaznoye, Sreznevo, Gryazi, Skornyakovo, Dankov, Chaplygin, Krasnoye, Utkino.
For the broader travel overview: Lipetsk Oblast.
