Arzamas is one of the ancient merchant towns that has preserved its historical atmosphere. In 2022, the city center was fully restored, allowing it to regain its 19th-century appearance. Previously, Arzamas was often seen merely as a stop on the way to the Holy Trinity Diveevo Monastery, but today it has become an interesting tourist destination, attracting lovers of history, architecture, and culture.
In many Russian cities, churches and other architectural monuments that shaped their historical identity were destroyed during the Soviet era. However, Arzamas is a rare example of a city where most of its churches and temples have been preserved. Comparing early 20th-century photographs with modern ones, one can see that none of the churches around Cathedral Square were destroyed. This makes Arzamas a unique place where one can experience the spirit of an old Russian town.
History of Arzamas
A settlement on the site of modern Arzamas, located on the banks of the Tesha River, existed as far back as the Paleolithic era. However, the official founding date of the city is considered to be 1572, when the Arzamas Fortress was built here. The need for a large military stronghold arose after the conquest of Kazan in 1552. Tsar Ivan the Terrible actively expanded the borders of the Russian State, but the threat of raids by nomadic tribes persisted until the 17th century. The Arzamas Fortress played an important role in protecting the eastern borders of the state.
At the Arzamas Historical and Art Museum, one can see a plan of the fortress. It had three sides formed by the Tesha and Sorochka rivers, as well as a deep ravine. The fortress walls were made of wood, and in 1726, they were finally dismantled after another fire. The center of modern Arzamas is located on Cathedral Square, where the walls of the fortress once converged.
In 1779, Empress Catherine II declared Arzamas a district town of the Nizhny Novgorod Governorate. Thanks to its advantageous geographical location, the city became an important trade center. Arzamas merchants quickly grew wealthy, which was reflected in the city`s appearance. Various merchant guilds built churches and temples that became the pride of Arzamas. Construction reached its peak in the first half of the 19th century, which is called the "Golden Age of Arzamas."
Architectural Landmarks of Arzamas
The main attraction of the city is the Resurrection Cathedral, built in honor of the victory over Napoleon in 1812. This massive cathedral, located on Cathedral Square, impresses with its grandeur and beauty. Nearby are other churches, each with upper and lower altars.
The restorer Pomerantsev, who worked in Arzamas, noted: "In terms of church architecture, Arzamas is a city where temples of capital scale were erected in the 18th and 19th centuries, before which even Moscow churches of the same period seem provincial."
Among other significant landmarks of Arzamas are:
- St.Nicholas Monastery — One of the oldest monasteries in the city, founded in 1580.
- Church of the Icon of the Life-Giving Spring — A beautiful temple with a rich history.
- Annunciation Church — An example of Russian architecture in the Peter the Great Baroque style.
- Transfiguration Monastery — A spiritual center of the city, founded in 1555.
Arzamas Today
Arzamas is ideal for both a short visit and a longer stay. The main attractions are within walking distance around Cathedral Square. Shopping Mall Street, restored in the spirit of a merchant town from the early 19th century, allows visitors to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the past.
The city is located 110 km south of Nizhny Novgorod, connected by a four-lane road. The distance to Moscow is 470 km, but thanks to the construction of a high-speed highway, the travel time by car has been reduced to 4.5 hours.
Just 10 years ago, Arzamas was a small provincial town. Today, it has become one of the cultural and tourist centers of the Volga region. The city is part of the popular pilgrimage route "Arzamas – Diveyevo – Sarov." The Holy Trinity Diveyevo Monastery, located 60 km southwest of Arzamas, attracts thousands of pilgrims and tourists.
