What to SEE and DO in the ancient town of Borovsk?

It's hard to imagine that this small, charming town in Kaluga Region was once an important defensive outpost and one of the country's religious centers. 

Archaeologists have found artifacts there dating back to the 11th century, but the first written mention of the town only appears in the 14th century. The title ‘Borovsk’ most likely comes from the word ‘bor’ (‘бор’ in Russian), which means ‘forest’ and the town is, indeed, surrounded by forest on all sides.

Today, you can still take walks among such natural beauty. In Borovsk, take a moment to look at modern street art, have some Russian-style lunch and buy some souvenirs. Here's what else you absolutely should do when visiting this town – in more detail!

Visit the Pafnutyev Borovsky Monastery

The Pafnutyev Borovsky Monastery

The Borovsky Monastery is, probably, the most famous place in town. It was founded in the year 1444 by Pafnuty of Borovsk. He was a monk for more than 60 years and, for this, he was canonized in the 16th century. For half of that time, St. Pafnuty served as abbot of the Intercession Monastery in Borovsk and then founded his own, which today bears his name.

The Nativity Cathedral in Borovsk monastery

The monastery is located outside the town, on a hill and surrounded by powerful monastery walls. For many years, it prospered and was considered one of the richest in the whole country. The famous medieval artist Dionisy completed his early frescoes in the monastery.

Drink tea with a view

A view from the tea room 'Na Vysokom'

A wooden church built in 1621 stands on the high bank of the Protva River, not far from the monastery. There’s an observation deck with an incredible view of the town near this masterpiece of ancient Russian architecture. And, right there, a ‘Tea Room’ serves monastery pastries and other Russian-style treats.

See the place where the famous Boyaryna Morozova died

Vasily Surikov. ‘Boyaryna Morozova’, 1887

Many people surely know the famous painting by Vasily Surikov, ‘Boyaryna Morozova’, from the Tretyakov Gallery. She was an Old Believer and was exiled to Borovsk for her faith. There, she died (by starving to death in an earthen pit-prison by order of the tsar).

A monument to Feodosia Morozova

Today, a chapel stands on the supposed site of her death. It can also serve as a landmark for finding the Borovsk hillfort, the former site of the Borovsk Kremlin. The wooden fortress in Borovsk was built for defense against the Horde, but now, nothing remains of it.

Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of old merchant Russia

The ‘Merchant's Drawing Room’ museum

The ‘Merchant's Drawing Room’ museum tells about the famous local merchant families. It recreates a typical 19th-century interior with authentic furniture and decor from that time.

Portrait of Napoleon

Taking the guided tour in the museum, you will discover how Old Believers lived in Borovsk, how Napoleon stopped in the town (twice: during his advance on Moscow and during his flight from it!) and how books and bricks were made in the old days.

Visit a real prison castle

Entrance gate into the Prison Castle

Not only Old Believers, but also criminals were exiled to Borovsk. Therefore, in the 19th century, a prison castle was built here. Now, this building houses a museum that tells about the living conditions of prisoners in Russia, about torture and about global prison practices.

Stroll around the town

The Annunciation Cathedral in Borovsk

In Borovsk, you can organize a walking quest through various places adorned with street art. Vladimir Ovchinnikov's graffiti has already become a calling card of the town; the artist is known locally as the ‘local Banksy’. 

Vladimir Ovchinnikov's graffitti portraing Russian scientist Konstantin Tsiolkovsky

Here's a hint on where to look for them: carefully examine Kommunisticheskaya Street and Lenin Square. On the latter, don't miss the ‘House of Happiness’ (Дом счастья), an atmospheric souvenir store from which you definitely won't leave empty-handed!

‘House of Happiness’ souvenire store

How to get to Borovsk from Moscow:

• By car, taxi or car sharing service, about 1.5 hours along the Kievskoye Highway;
• By suburban train from ‘Kievsky’ railway station to the town of Balabanovo, then by bus (Nos. 101, 221), about 4 hours, in total.