5 things to do in Cherepovets, the ‘city of metallurgists’
1. Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of a noble estate
One of the main attractions and the most recognizable building in the city is the Galsky Estate. This majestic sky-blue mansion stands picturesquely on the bank of the Sheksna River.
In Soviet times, the noble estate was nationalized and used as a dormitory and a technical college, but, after perestroika, the manor house was restored to its 19th-century interiors.
2. Enjoy the river view & the port
Cherepovets is an industrial city situated at the confluence of the Sheksna and Yagorba rivers. In tsarist times, it was a vital hub for river transport, located on the route from the Baltic Sea to the Volga River, not far from the Rybinsk Reservoir.
The river port there never sleeps. While strolling along the new embankment, you can watch the bustling cranes, observe cruise ships and barges and take impressive photos. Afterwards, you can watch the sunset relaxing in one of the local cafes. You can also take a boat tour on the Sheksna River to see the city from the water.
3. See the place where the city was born
Near the pedestrian embankments is Sobornaya Gorka (‘Cathedral Hill’). This is precisely where Cherepovets began. In the 14th century, disciples of Sergius of Radonezh, Feodosy and Afanasy, founded the Voskresensky (‘Resurrection’) Monastery on this spot. A settlement grew around it, which was then granted city status by a decree of Catherine the Great in 1777.
The 18th-century Resurrection Cathedral, the oldest building in Cherepovets, stands there today. Notably, the church remained open even during the Soviet era.
4. Stroll down its modernized avenue
Sovetsky Prospekt (literally ‘Soviet Avenue’), the city's main street, leads directly to Sobornaya Gorka. Despite its archaic name, it's lined with many of Cherepovets' most modern spots. You'll find pedestrian zones, cozy benches, cafes with verandas, stunning red-brick buildings, as well as numerous museums.
For example, the Art Museum houses an impressive collection of ancient icons and Russian paintings from the 18th-20th centuries.
Nearby is the Kamerny (Chamber) Theater, located in an early 20th-century building, which still stages performances for both adults and children.
5. Discover the history of Russian metallurgy
Cherepovets is known as the 'city of metallurgists'. In 1955, the Cherepovets Steel Mill, one of the largest in the country, opened there and remains in operation today.
At the interactive ‘Center of Metallurgical Industry’ museum complex, you can trace the history from the first metal smelting to modern high-tech processes and even take a virtual tour of the production using augmented reality.