Kostroma (Кострома́), Russia

View of Krostoma Kremlin
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Kostroma_kremlin.jpg
Author: A. Savin


Kostroma (Russian: Кострома́) is one of the cities of the Golden Ring, a string of cities to the northeast of Moscow. It is a historic city and the administrative capital of Kostroma Oblast. The city today has a population of 269,000 people (2012 estimate).

Kostroma was mentioned in writing for the first time in 1213, although it is widely believed to have been established earlier, in the 12th century. In 1238 it was plundered by the Mongols. It was ruled by Prince Vasily the Drunkard, who inherited it in 1271. His descendants ruled the town until the 14th century, when it was sold to Ivan I of Moscow.

Under the Grand Duchy of Moscow, Kostroma served as a retreat for its grand dukes whenever Moscow was besieged by enemies. This happened a least three times in history. Trade connections with England and the Netherlands in the 16th century fueled rapid development in the town. During this prosperous period, many of its monasteries were rebuilt in stone.

Kostroma was besieged by Polish forces twice in the 17th century. Its monasteries served as refuge for the imperial family, include the future Tsar, Michael Romanov, and the last Tsar, Nicholas II.

Today Kostroma has many beautiful historic buildings in the provincial Neoclassical style. They are excellent examples of 18th century town planning conducted after the fire of 1773. The streets radiate from a focal point near the river. According to legend, the design was based on Empress Catherine's fan. She dropped it on the map and told the architects to follow the design.

Church of the Resurrection, Kostroma
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Church_of_the_Resurrection_(Kostroma)_04.jpg
Author: Mvad

Visiting Kostroma

You can taka an overnight train from Moscow to Kostroma.

Places of Interest in Kostroma

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