The town of Kimry is located on the Volga River in Central Russia, the Tver Region. The history of Kimry as a town is not that long. Before the revolution of 1917 this tiny village was well-known in Russia for its outstanding shoemakers. It was first mentioned in the manuscripts dated back to the 16th century, to the times of Ivan the Terrible.

What is so particular about Kimry?

It is not included in the Golden Ring of Russia. Which means that you stand small chances of meeting other foreign tourists. Since foreigners drop in very rarely the town is not infected with a charge-them-double germ. There is not much to see in Kimry but if you really want to breathe the genuine Russian air this place is worth seeing. The town publishes four local newspapers, runs a drama theatre and plants you‘ll never guess what - ginseng.

The town preserved its originality. This is real Russia, where ancient and Soviet traditions form a harmonious union - strange as it may seem. Luckily, it was not disfeatured by the communists. Sure, they blew up a couple of churches but it did not dramatically change the one-/two-storey image of the town. The oldest church to survive was the Voskresensky (Ressurection) Cathedral built in the early 19th century. To my mind, the most picturesque building in Kimry stands in its central square. However, it needs a fresh coat of paint badly.

If you are crazy about aircraft building this is the right place to go. Brilliant Russian aircraft designer, founder of the Tupolev design office was born here. The central square boasts his typical Soviet-style monument. To be more precise, what remains of it - a rusted sophisticated installation with dust-covered metal letters on it.

Lenin. Kimry has a Lenin‘s monument. If you once traveled across Mother Russia you might have noticed that Lenin left his traces everywhere, be it a huge city or a small village. You can hardly find a Russian locality having no Lenin‘s monument. Big cities like Moscow used to have tens of them. Kimry was lucky to have one. He still stands in the downtown eyeing the inevitable future with his right hand showing the way. Pigeons hate Lenin. Lenin hates pigeons.

Behind his granite back is an obelisk installed right after the end of the Great Patriotic War in what once was Victory Park. You won‘t find victors here. Instead you will be greeted by local teenagers relaxing on the park benches. They look menacing. In terms of drug addicts Kimry is among the leaders in Russia.

Kimry has a fantastic bridge across the Volga River. The only one in town. It is in a very poor condition. However, if you weigh slightly less than a truck loaded with bricks does there is nothing to be afraid of. You won‘t become a news-maker. But do pay attention to numerous warnings on the bridge. I bet you won‘t find so many anywhere else.

The bridge offers you a great view of Kimry which lies on both banks of the Volga. A splendid view. You will definitely spot a ship approaching the town in the rays of the setting sun. You will feel the boundless Russian lands and the might of the Volga River.

By the way, the might of the Volga is best observed at the hydro power plant some 20 kilometers away from Kimry. If you rent a car and read the map correctly you will definitely pass it on your way from Moscow. Stop there. It‘s worth it. If you have been to Egypt you surely visited the Temple of Karnak. It is impressive. Just like a giant statue of - right, Lenin standing in front of the plant with his hands deep in the pockets facing the expanse of a reservoir! Just glance at him and you will realize - the ancient skills of sculpture building were not lost! Ancient Egyptians simply passed them to the Soviet workers.

The trip will take you one day. There‘s no point in staying in Kimry for more. But you will remember this day forever. That‘s for sure.