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Gorodets in 3 Russian words

Vladimir Pesnya/Sputnik
It’s one of Russia’s oldest towns, renowned for its gingerbread, folk crafts and museums. Here are three of its main symbols.

1. «МУЗЕЙНЫЙ КВАРТАЛ» (The ‘Museum Quarter’)

This unique complex comprises eight museums housed in historic estates. Visitors can learn about the history of Gorodets, Nizhny Novgorod Region, the Russian samovar, Gorodets gingerbread and much more. The Museum Quarter’s collection, meanwhile, numbers around 20,000 artifacts.

2. ГОРОДЕЦКАЯ РОСПИСЬ (Gorodets painting)

Vladimir Pesnya/Sputnik

Gorodets wood painting originated in the mid-19th century. Artisans created colorful depictions of scenes from peasant and merchant life, framing their paintings with a profusion of bright floral motifs. There are also some highly unusual works, such as ‘An American Steamboat Sank a Fishing Boat’.

3. ГОРОДЕЦКИЙ ПРЯНИК (Gorodets Gingerbread)

Vladimir Pesnya/Sputnik

Gingerbread baking began in Gorodets in the second half of the 18th century. These treats stand out from similar confections, due to their impressive size, intricate patterns and the fact that they are glazed on both the top and the bottom. The town is home to a museum dedicated to this gingerbread.