The Leaning Tower of Nevyansk was built between 1722 and 1732 and deviates 2.2 metres from the vertical towards the southwest. Its construction period and measurable lean provide two concrete points of reference for exploring its architecture. The tower clock is also part of the town’s character: its carillon is described as sounding every 15 minutes, with music every three hours. If you would like to hear it, check in advance whether the clock is currently playing.
Icon Art and Church Architecture
The house of merchant Dozhdev has three exhibition halls: one for old icons, one for contemporary icons, and the “Silver Hall”. This brings different themes together under one roof. Visits are by prior appointment, so plan your visit by arranging a suitable time in advance.
The subject of icons extends beyond the exhibition: the three iconostases in the Transfiguration Cathedral in Nevyansk were executed in the Baroque style. An iconostasis is an architectural feature that plays its own distinctive role in church architecture. The Baroque style is a shared feature of the three structures, while the Dozhdev house displays old and contemporary icons in separate halls. Those interested in religious art will therefore find two different perspectives on the subject in Nevyansk.
Industrial History Beside the Leaning Tower
The Museum of the History of the Nevyansk Region is located in the historic centre, next to the Leaning Tower. It is housed in a former factory power station, an industrial monument of early 20th-century industrial architecture. The tower dates from the 18th century, while the former power station belongs to a considerably later period: the two buildings mark the time gap between these chapters of the town’s history. The museum’s location is paired with a building whose former industrial use is part of its architectural history.
Sightseeing Routes and Excursions
The Nevyansk Historical and Architectural Museum offers sightseeing routes to the Leaning Demidov Tower. It also lists excursions outside the town to the Transfiguration Cathedral in Nevyansk and St. Nicholas Church in the village of Byngi. The church was built in the 18th century. These are different types of offerings: a sightseeing route to the tower and excursions to two churches. Confirm the current arrangements before your visit if you plan to take one of these options.
Wider Context: Sverdlovsk Oblast
The wider destination of Sverdlovsk Oblast also offers cultural and technical attractions. In Verkhnyaya Pyshma, the Museum Complex of Civil and Military Equipment has more than 15,000 exhibits, including over 2,000 items of civil and military equipment. The collection also includes railway and mining equipment. The collection figures may change.
A list of approved road tourism routes in Sverdlovsk Oblast, published in 2026, includes the Demidov Route between Yekaterinburg, Nevyansk and Nizhny Tagil. Also listed is “Otkryvaya Ural: priroda, istoriya, legendy” between Yekaterinburg, Irbit, Turinsk and Tavda. Check the route information before setting off.
Discover more destinations: Serov, Kungurka, Tavda, Verkhnyaya Pyshma, Kushva, Nizhniye Sergi, Malysheva, Krasnoglinnyy.
For the wider travel guide: Sverdlovsk Oblast.
