Since the 13th century, Staritsa, located near Tver, has served as a fortress, a trading city, and a district center. Today, its churches, temples, mansions, and the Holy Assumption Monastery bring Russian history to life.

Staritsa was the last bastion of freedom and a support for Ivan the Terrible, possibly hiding his famous library. It is the birthplace of the first Patriarch of All Russia and one of the oldest Orthodox monasteries. Here, 'marble' was mined for the white-stone Moscow. This land inspired Pushkin, who valued the local nature and culture. Staritsa, a picturesque area in the upper Volga, has retained its almost pristine appearance. This is just a part of what can be said about Staritsa.

History of Origin

Staritsa was founded in 1297 by Prince Mikhail Yaroslavich of Tver, who built a fortress called New City here to protect the southwestern borders of his principality. From the late 14th century, the city began to be called Staritsa.

The Holy Assumption Monastery has its history dating back to 1110. According to legend, it was founded by monks Tryphon and Nikandr, who came from the Kyiv caves. Destroyed by the Mongol-Tatars, the monastery was restored in the 15th century at a new location by the river, opposite the Kremlin.

The founder of Staritsa, Mikhail of Tver, competed with Yuri Danilovich of Moscow for supremacy in Russia. In 1317, Mikhail defeated a combined army of Muscovites and Tatars, capturing the wife of the Moscow prince, who soon died. Mikhail was summoned to the Horde, accused of her poisoning, and executed. He was later canonized.

The high bank of the Volga, forming a cape at the confluence of the Staritsa River, was ideal for a fortress. Surrounded by a water-filled moat and high ramparts, it seemed impregnable. At the center stood the Kremlin with the prince's palace, cathedrals, and a marketplace.

The End of Russian Freedom

Staritsa was repeatedly ravaged by foreign invaders and Russian princes. In the late 15th century, Ivan III subdued the Tver principality and Staritsa, but it remained an independent appanage granted to his son Andrei Staritsky.

Andrei restored the Holy Assumption Monastery, building the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and other buildings. His fate and that of his son Vladimir turned out to be tragic. Andrei fell out of favor with Elena Glinskaya, who suspected him of treason and starved him to death. His widow and son were imprisoned but later released. Vladimir became a companion of Ivan the Terrible but was later accused of treason and killed.

Staritsa, which appealed to Ivan the Terrible, was included in the Oprichnina. There is a version that Ivan the Terrible's library might have been hidden in Staritsa.

Ivan the Terrible built the Introduction Church in the monastery and made Staritsa his temporary headquarters during the Livonian War. A temporary peace was concluded here with the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.

Time of Troubles

During the Time of Troubles, Staritsa became a center of resistance against impostors. The first Patriarch of Moscow, Job, spent his last years in the Assumption Cathedral. In 1609, Staritsa was ravaged by False Dmitry II.

The patriarchate in Russia was established under Fyodor Ivanovich, the last of the Rurik dynasty. The first patriarch, Job, began his path in the Holy Assumption Monastery.

A fire in 1637 destroyed the Kremlin and fortifications of Staritsa. The border of Russia moved westward, and the need for a fortress disappeared. The townspeople began to develop the riverbanks.

Merchant City

In the 18th century, Staritsa became a trading port on the Volga-Baltic waterway. The city became a major trading center with developed crafts. Catherine II made Staritsa a district city of Tver province.

The coat of arms of Staritsa, created during Peter I's reign, depicts an old woman with a staff. This is the only depiction of a woman among old Russian coats of arms.

By the end of the 19th century, Staritsa was a wealthy merchant city with cathedrals and stone mansions built in the late classical style.

Pushkin's Places

Staritsa was home to estates of famous noble families. Pushkin often visited these places, drawing inspiration from nature and local girls. Here he wrote many of his poems.

Not far from Staritsa is the village of Krasnoe with the Transfiguration Church, built in the likeness of the Chesme Church in St. Petersburg. This village belonged to Alexander Poltoratsky, who introduced Pushkin to Anna Kern.

In the winter of 1829, Pushkin visited Staritsa and caused a stir among the local beauties. Pushkinists believe that some local girls became prototypes for the heroines of his works.

Many outstanding figures of the Russian army and navy, such as Vice Admiral Vladimir Kornilov, hailed from Staritsa.

Main Attractions

This area is called Staritsa Switzerland for its unusual relief. The Volga here is not wide yet, but lively and genuine. The city is located on picturesque hills.

Staritsa did not suffer much during the war; many ancient temples and churches have been preserved. The Church of the Prophet Elijah greets you at the entrance to the city.

The Volga divides the city into two parts, connected by an arch bridge. On one side rise the towers and cathedrals of the Holy Assumption Monastery, on the other, the remnants of the Old Settlement.

In the Old Settlement, there are several ancient churches and temples. The Borisoglebsky Cathedral was rebuilt in 1820, and nearby is the Church of the Savior Not Made by Hands. The unique Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, known as the Friday Church, is the hallmark of Staritsa.

The hills are cut by the White Stone forges built in the 18th century. Of the 50 forges, only 7 have survived.

The old part of Staritsa has retained its merchant character: mansions, trading rows, and wooden huts. If Staritsa were restored, it could become a tourist gem.

The city has a Museum of the Russian Oven and Baking. Here you can get the recipe for the exquisite pastries of Wulf, which captivated Pushkin.

The house of merchant Filippov, where Pushkin danced at balls, has been preserved. In the local history museum, created by Evgeny Klodt, you can learn more about the city.

Ancient Caves

Around Staritsa are quarries where limestone was mined for construction. Mining continued until the late 1920s, creating labyrinths of caves.

The most visited cave, 'Seltso,' is the longest, while 'Badger' is the most famous, and 'Ice' is known for its legends and myths. The caves cannot be visited without a guide.

Enthusiasts continue to explore these underground labyrinths in search of treasures and riches. The caves resemble 'gnome mines' and hold many secrets.

Staritsa is located in the Tver region in the upper Volga. You can reach it from Moscow via the Leningrad or Novorizhskoye highways. The temples of the Holy Assumption Monastery are visible right on the banks of the Volga.