Cathedral Square in Arzamas is the main attraction of the city, its historical and architectural center. Located in the heart of Arzamas, the square is a unique ensemble of architectural monuments. They reflect the rich history and cultural heritage of the city. Cathedral Square has preserved its historical appearance to the present day.
Arzamas, founded in 1578, became one of the most important cities in the Nizhny Novgorod province by the 18th century. Its advantageous geographical position at the crossroads of trade routes contributed to its economic and cultural flourishing. During this period, active construction began in the city, and Cathedral Square became the center of urban life.
The formation of the square began in the late 18th century, when Arzamas was experiencing its heyday. Key architectural structures were erected here, which still define the city`s appearance today. The main dominant feature of the square is the Resurrection Cathedral, built in 1814-1842 in honor of Russia`s victory over Napoleon in the Patriotic War of 1812. This majestic temple, designed in the classical style, is considered one of the most beautiful in Russia. Its monumental forms, strict lines, and rich decor make the cathedral a true architectural masterpiece.
Next to the Resurrection Cathedral is the Church of the Icon of the Holy Virgin Mary "Life-Giving Spring". It was built in 1792. This church, designed in the Baroque style, is distinguished by its elegant forms and rich decor. It is an important part of the architectural ensemble of the square. The church is surrounded by Lenin Garden, a small cozy park near Cathedral Square in Arzamas. It was laid out in the early 20th century. After the October Revolution of 1917, the garden was named in honor of Lenin.
In the Soviet period, a monument to Lenin was installed here, but during the reconstruction of Lenin Garden, this sculpture was moved to another location. The park area is now called Monastery Garden, although the city`s residents still refer to it as Lenin Garden.
Another significant building on Cathedral Square is the Arzamas Town Hall, built in the mid-18th century. This building, designed in the classical style, served as the center of city government and is now an architectural monument. Previously, the Arzamas Town Hall housed the Museum of the Russian Patriarchate, but in 2023 it was relocated to the lower premises of the Resurrection Cathedral. Near the Town Hall begins Shopping Mall Street, which was the main trading street of Arzamas in the 19th century. Here, people can see what a typical merchant street in Arzamas looked like.
There are also churches of St.Nicolas Monastery in Arzamas in the Cathedral Square. The monastery was founded in 1580 by Feodor Ivanovich, the son of Ivan the Terrible. The facade of the Epiphany Church of the St.Nicolas Monastery faces the square directly, and above it rise the domes of the Cathedral of St. Nicholas and other churches of the monastery.
Cathedral Square has always been the center of public, cultural, and spiritual life in Arzamas. Fairs, folk festivals, church holidays, and important city events were held here. In 2022, Cathedral Square was completely reconstructed.
