At Staritsa’s hillforts, archaeological traces combine with views of the Volga and the Holy Dormition Monastery. Churches, museums and a waymarked cycle route add their own distinctive touches, ranging from religious architectural history to tea traditions and hands-on crafts.

Churches, Monastery and Earthworks

The Boris and Gleb Cathedral, rebuilt in the 18th century, stands on the New Hillfort. It is on the high left bank of the Volga in the historic old town; from its elevated position, you can look out over Staritsa. There is also a mass grave on the New Hillfort. The hillfort offers views of the Volga and the Holy Dormition Monastery.

The Staritskoye Hillfort is an archaeological site dating from the 9th to 10th centuries. The layout of an old kremlin survives, with earth ramparts, foundations and the outlines of old ditches. The Old and New Hillforts are also surrounded by earth ramparts, which rise in places to almost 80 metres above the level of the Volga. Thus, both the buildings and the landforms shape Staritsa’s historic landscape.

The Pyatnitskaya Church, also known as the Church of the Nativity of the Most Holy Mother of God, is at 6 Lenina Street. Unrestored frescoes have been preserved there; their restoration status may change. The Church of Paraskeva Pyatnitsa has three chapels: one in the Byzantine style, one in the Late Classical style and one in the Baroque style. Two accounts also coexist at the St. Dormition Monastery for Men on the Volga: according to one, the white-stone complex was built in the 16th century under Prince Andrei of Staritsa; according to another, the monks Trifon and Nikandr founded the monastery at the beginning of the 12th century.

Museums, Tea Culture and Crafts

The Tea House Museum exhibition explores the lives, daily routines and traditions of people around the turn of the 20th century, as well as Russian tea traditions. There is a tea room on the ground floor, where you can sample various teas with freshly baked goods. Check the tea room’s current offerings before your trip.

The Porcelain Museum displays porcelain, glass and ceramic items dating from the 19th century to the present day. At the Free Pharmacy Museum, historic furnishings and authentic objects tell the story of pharmacy in Staritsky Uyezd. The collections cover a range of subjects, from tea culture and everyday life to pharmacy and ceramics.

If you would like to work with clay yourself, you can try your hand at pottery and make your own ceramic piece at the Sokol pottery workshop at 42 Lenina Street. Check the current arrangements for visits before you go.

Walking Tour and Cycle Route

The “Nasha Staritsa” audio guide has 12 stops and is designed for a 60-minute walking tour. Check whether the audio guide is available before your trip.

The waymarked “Staritskaya Zemlya” cycle route starts in Staritsa and runs through Krasny Klyuch, Kholokholnya and Tolpino to Penturovo. In one direction, the route is 21.5 kilometres long, has 110 metres of elevation gain and is rated as challenging. Route conditions may vary.

Discover more destinations: Nastasino, Emmaus, Pererva, Brekhovo, Kolesnikovo, Petrikovo, Toropets, Zhirnosovo.

For the regional travel overview: Tver Oblast.