One of the most ancient and beautiful cities of Russia, Staraya Russa goes back to remote 1167. The origin of the settlement’s name is enveloped in mystery, but local residents believe Staraya Russa got its name after the Rus, a warlike Slavic tribe, living on the shores of the Ilmen Lake long before Rurik and his squad came to reign.
Located just 99 km away from Novgorod the Great, this town is a real treasure-trove, full of exquisite jewels: gorgeous medieval temples and monasteries, memorial museums of famed Russian writers, lovely boutique hotels, and giant industrial buildings of the early 20th century never fail to produce strong impressions on travelers.
But wonders of Staraya Russa do not end here. In fact, the city boasts one of the oldest salt health resorts in the world. On its territory, there are 7 mineral springs, whose healing properties can be compared to those in Germany and the Baltic states. Near the springs, there are fascinating lakes – the source of unique Old Russian sulfide ooze mud which is highly sought-after thanks to its biologically active substances.
Entertainments and Highlights
In 2015, Staraya Russa celebrated a millennial anniversary. Rich historical and cultural heritage of Staraya Russa attracts admirers of ancient architectonics and classical architecture.
Adrenaline-seekers can visit a fantastic entertainment complex called “The Estate of a Medieval Russhanin”. It is basically an interactive museum-reconstruction of a medieval mansion, allowing tourists to plunge into the atmosphere of an ancient Russian city, listen to live folk music, see warriors’ fights, and enjoy extreme fire shows. Aimed to popularize ancient Russian culture, this museum often hosts folk festivals, and its territory is often used to shoot historic films. Expansion of the museum exhibition area never stops.
The oldest and grandest landmark of Staraya Russa is the Cathedral of the Transfiguration of the Saviour founded in 1192. Apart from a long history, the Cathedral is famous for its thorny destiny: many times, was it ravaged and destroyed during the raids of the Swedes and Lithuanians, but each time, the devoted churchmen restored the shrine, recovering its beauty and sumptuousness literally from scratch.
Staraya Russa also features a house-museum of Fyodor Dostoevsky – a noble Russian author, whose works are included in a list of 100 best books of all time. This Great Russian writer came to Staraya Russa in 1872 and was so enchanted with its loveliness that decided to live here during summer and winter holidays. There are personal possessions, documents, and books that once belonged to the writer in the museum. It is also the place where Dostoevsky wrote his cult novels The Karamazov Brothers and Demons.
“Staraya Russa Resort” is a modern spa center where patients are cured with mud and mineral waters. Treatment in this center helps people struggling from different diseases of the digestive, endocrine, genitourinary, respiratory, musculoskeletal, and nervous systems.
Another interesting attraction of Staraya Russa is the Muravievsky Fountain, opened in 1854. It is a 10-meter spout of mineral (say healing) water gushing out from the earth!