Kostroma region

Kostroma region is a picturesque land in Central Russia. It is rich in natural resources,' unique monuments of architecture, cultural traditionsand hospitable inhabitants. This place can attract the most demanding travellers. This is a wildlife sanctuary, a great number of architectural monuments and people, whose talent, creativity and heroism glorified and continue to glorify this land. The regional centre Kostroma founded in 1152 is located 320 km from Moscow.

Everybody knows the famous Russian playwright Alexander N. Ostrovsky. But few people are aware that Ostrovsky's homeland, country estate Shchelykovo, is located in Kostroma region. Shchelykovo has been perfectly preserved: the picturesque nature, the pacifying atmosphere of this Russian country estate and the inhabitants inspired the playwright to create the beautiful romantic fairy tale "The Snow Maiden". In Shchelykovo, one can walk along quiet alleys, visit the Blue House of the Snow Maiden, climb up to the two-storeyed Snow Maiden's rotunda, or scoop some ice cold waterfrom the Blue Spring.

Shchelykovo is not the only place in Kostroma region closely linked with Father Frost's fairy tale granddaughter. In the picturesque park called Berendei Kingdom in Kostroma there are wooden huts, in which according to the fairy tale of Snow Maiden the Berendeis - kind and cheerful people -lived. These huts served as the scenery to the movie version of Ostrovsky's "Snow Maiden"shot in Kostroma region.

The Snow Maiden's fairy-tale House is located on the picturesque bank of the Volga river. The owner of the House welcomes her visitors there, acquaints them with her fairy-tale friends, and shows them the magic mirror and the desk where she writes letters to children. When saying good¬bye to you the Snow Maiden sprinklessome snowon you, you will have good luck the whole year. By the way, you can celebrate the New Year at the Snow Maiden's House not only in winter but in any season!

An annual contest called Kostroma Snow Maiden is held in Kostroma on the eve of the New Year, where clever and beautiful girls, who come from all over Kostroma region and the neighbouring areas, show the talents and skills. The winner of the contest is awarded an honourable title of Kostroma Snow Maiden. In Kostroma region there are a lot of other museums. All the year round fascinating events and interactive programs take place there for visitors of any age, where the Snow Maiden and other characters of fairy tales participate.

The appearance of Fedorovskaya icon is also connected with Kostroma. It is placed in Bogoyavlenskaya church.

You should also visit the suburbs of Kostroma, settlement Krasnoe-na-Volge, where the traditions of jewellery occupations are keeping. You are sure to find out much information about great writer Ostrovsky in his museum in Shchelykovo. In settlement Susanino you know everything connecting with feat and death of I. Susanin.

Arriving in Kostroma you find yourselves in a real magic fairy-tale atmosphere, which delights children and takes adults in the forgotten childhood for a short time, and this fairy tale will remain in their hearts forever!