Khvalynsk: sightseeing of the city

In 1556, near the Khvalynsky hills on one of the islands of the Volga, the Sosnovka guard post was founded. The task of this frontier fort was to protect the Russian lands from the robberies of small hordes that scurried across the boundless steppe open spaces. Later, opposite the town of Sosnovka, the town of Khvalynsk was formed. We will consider its sights in the article.

Historically, it turned out that these territories became a shelter for the Old Believers. Nowadays Khvalynsk is the regional center of the Saratov region. According to one version, the name of the city comes from the word "praise". So in ancient times called the people who lived, or rather roamed, in these parts. Others argue that the city received this name due to its proximity to the Caspian Sea, which at that time was called Khvalis.

Residents of Khvalynsk engaged in fishing, chalking, agriculture, especially famous for the local gardens.

Cretaceous mountains

What is interesting about Khvalynsk? Natural attractions here are very beautiful. Among them are the Cretaceous mountains. In addition to the fact that their slopes are covered with pine forest, there are deposits of gypsum, quartz sand, various types of clay, mineral dyes, limestone, phosphorites. On the territory of the Cretaceous rocks there are many springs.

Gallery

What is worth seeing for those who are interested in the city of Khvalynsk? The sights of this city are varied. In Khvalynsk there is a picture gallery named after Petrov-Vodkin. Here are the works of the famous artist, as well as paintings belonging to the brush of his friends-artists.

Undoubtedly, tourists will also like the exposition of old believe icons, works of masters of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. The building itself of the picture gallery also represents an artistic and historical value, at the end of the nineteenth century it concentrated the cultural life of the city.

Petrov-Vodkin House

In Khvalynsk there is a house, which in 1905 was bought by Petrov-Vodkin for his parents. This is an ordinary one-story building, in which there are three windows on one wall, an iron roof, carved shutters on the windows and a small porch, beautifully decorated with wooden carvings.

In 1995 the Petrov-Vodkin museum was opened in the house. Here are the personal belongings of the eminent artist. The interior of the house fully corresponds to the era in which the talented master lived and worked.

Trinity Monastery

What should I see those who are interested in Khvalynsk? Attractions, of course. In Hvalynsk there is a building of the Trinity Monastery. In the beginning, a stone church was built at the prison, and then the men's Transfiguration Monastery was formed. And all the prison buildings became the property of the monastery. Now only the reconstructed church building has been preserved, and in some buildings the departments of the local hospital are located.

Cross-Exaltation Church

What else can you call the sights of Khvalynsk (Saratov region)? In the city there is an Orthodox Cross Exaltation Church. A beautiful building with narrow, as if stretched windows. It is noteworthy that the murals inside the church were made by Petrov-Vodkin.

Here was the wedding of the artist. In 1931 the church was closed, barrels and crosses were barbarously cut, the structure was transferred to a canning factory. Since 1994 the cathedral is again functioning. In addition to the remarkable structure of the church, the garden is impressive, where many kinds of plants grow, everywhere convenient benches and beautiful sculptures.

Khvalynsky

Near the city is the National Park Khvalynsky. Here is a chapel on the Holy Spring. At the beginning of the twentieth century, the monastery of the Holy Trinity Monastery was located on this place, later a stone church was built.

However, over time, everything was destroyed. Survived only white-stone graceful chapel, which stands near the spring. According to the legend, the water in it is sacred. Therefore, near the chapel there is a font where you can make a bath. Nearby is the resort complex "Sunny Glade".

Monk's Cave

Not far from Khvalynsk, near the village Podlesnoe, is the cave of a monk. Here the monks lived in seclusion. They equipped two chambers in a chalky mountain. One was for prayer and rest, the other for other needs. Now only the distant rooms in which prayers were read were preserved. Old-timers remember stories about the last monk Serafima, who lived in these caves and helped the local residents, as he was an expert healer. Not far from this place was opened a sanatorium called "Monk's Cave".

Ski resort

The city of Khvalynsk, whose sights we are considering, is a wonderful place for those who like active leisure. Here is located the eponymous ski resort. This is one of the best resorts of the Volga region, built in 2004. In addition to the opportunity to ski, tourists can admire the magnificent landscape of the Cretaceous hills.

Conclusion

Now you know what makes Khvalynsk interesting. Sights, photos of which are presented for clarity in the article, will surprise any tourist. We hope that the information was helpful to you.