Bely Gorodok lies at the confluence of the Volga and the Khotcha. This riverside location gives the town a clear geographical setting. Its history, meanwhile, can be traced through specific turning points: its earliest recorded mention, its former role as a small fortified town, and the construction of a church in the 19th century. The town’s history, church, and waterside setting therefore come together as key themes for a stay.
Local history and riverside setting
The earliest recorded mention of Bely Gorodok dates to 1375. In the past, it was a small fortified town and belonged to a prince of Tver. During the war between Tver and Moscow, Bely Gorodok was destroyed by the troops of the Moscow prince Dmitry Donskoy. The fortified town and its destruction mark different periods in the town’s history and provide a historical context.
Church and local cultural life
Near the confluence, by the water, stands the stone Church of the Jerusalem Icon of the Mother of God. It was built in 1825, in the first half of the 19th century, and is active. The dates 1375 and 1825 refer to different milestones: the first is the earliest recorded mention of the town, and the second is the year the church was built. If you would like to visit the church, check in advance whether visits are possible.
The local history corner “Starina-starinushka” is located at the local library. If you are planning a visit, it is advisable to check in advance whether it is accessible. Bely Gorodok also has a children’s circus troupe that has won awards at many festivals and competitions. The local history corner and the troupe add their own dimensions to local cultural life alongside the town’s architectural history.
More places to explore in Tver Oblast
The following examples relate to the wider travel destination of Tver Oblast, not to Bely Gorodok itself. They showcase other regional themes, distinct from Bely Gorodok’s riverside setting and local history.
Guided tours are offered along the “Tayny Okovskogo lesa” and “Lesnaya azbuka” ecological trails in the Central Forest State Nature Biosphere Reserve. The “Boloto Staroselskiy mokh” educational trail passes through a picturesque raised bog with wide open expanses completely covered in moss and unusual plants. Visitors travel in their own vehicles on excursions to the “Staroselskiy mokh” raised bog. Bear this transport requirement in mind if you plan this excursion.
Another option in the reserve is a hike to the “Barsuchikha” forest ranger station. It can be taken as a day trip or with an overnight stay in a forest cabin. Along the way, you can see southern taiga forest and a raised bog. You can choose between a day trip and an overnight stay for this hike.
In Torzhok, Verkhnee gorodishche is an archaeological monument of federal significance and a tourist attraction in the historic center. The “Blin s Pripyokom” and “Kuzminki v Torzhke” festivals are held annually in the Novotorzhskiy kremlin. If you would like to plan your trip around one of the festivals, check the dates for your preferred period. The Novotorzhskiy Borisoglebskiy Monastery was founded in 1038 and is one of Russia’s oldest Orthodox monasteries.
Discover more destinations: Pechki, Zaplavye, Biryuchyovo, Ostashkov, Nerl', Kolesnikovo, Konakovo, Zelenyy Bor
For the broader travel overview: Tver Oblast.
