Kostroma in 3 Russian words
This ancient city is famous for its architectural monuments, cheesemaking and textiles and jewelry industries. Here are three of its main symbols.
1. КОСТРОМСКОЙ СЫР (Kostroma Cheese)
This hard, 45% cheese has a tart, sour flavor, reminiscent of Dutch Gouda. It has been produced in Kostroma since the second half of the 19th century. In 1880, at the ‘World's Fair’ exhibition in London, it earned rave reviews from the jury. The name ‘Kostroma’ itself began to be attributed to the cheese during the Soviet era, when it gained popularity throughout the country.
2. ПОЖАРНАЯ КАЛАНЧА (Fire Tower)
Built in the 1820s, the fire tower is one of the main symbols of Kostroma. It has become an outstanding monument of the classical era. Even Emperor Nicholas I, visiting the city, admired it: "I don't have anything like it in St. Petersburg!" Throughout its history, the watchtower was used for its intended purpose and only in 2005 was it transferred to the local museum-reserve.
3. БЕСЕДКА ОСТРОВСКОГО (Ostrovsky's Gazebo)
During his visits to Kostroma, famous Russian playwright Alexander Ostrovsky loved to spend time in a wooden gazebo, which offered a magnificent view of the Volga. It hasn't survived to this day, but, in 1956, a new one made of stone was built in its place.
