According to Health VV, the city of Kineshma is located on the banks of the Volga River, 100 km northeast of Ivanovo.
Nothing is known about the time of the foundation of the settlement on the territory of modern Kineshma. The first mentions date back to 1429, when the Tatars came here. Kineshma was a small settlement whose inhabitants were engaged in fishing. Later, Kineshma became a district town of the Kostroma province. From the beginning of the 18th century, linen production began to develop in the city, the products of which were actively traded by local residents, both in nearby cities and abroad. On May 29, 1779, according to the decree of the Senate, the coat of arms was granted to the city. In Kineshma fairs were constantly held on a special square, its trading rows have been preserved to this day. With the advent of Soviet power, trade in the city ceased.
Of the sights of Kineshma, one can single out the complex of the Assumption and Trinity Cathedrals. The Assumption Cathedral was erected in 1745, and in 1798 a high bell tower was added to it. The Trinity Cathedral was built later – in 1838. This complex is an excellent example of Kostroma architectural traditions. Interesting Ascension churches, the construction of which began in 1760 with the Church of St. John Chrysostom. In 1779, the Church of the Ascension was erected nearby. Kineshma Museum of Art and History opened
in Kineshmawith natural history, archaeological, numismatic and art collections, the Art Gallery and the Museum of History and Local Lore with the historical exposition “Kineshma. History and Fate”. Be sure to go to the Drama Theater named after A.N. Ostrovsky, which was opened at the end of the 19th century. For 20 years, the outstanding Russian writer Alexander Nikolayevich Ostrovsky drew inspiration and wrote his works in an estate in the village of Shchelykovo, 20 km north of Kineshma. With the support of the Ostrovsky family, a theater was created, in which each new season opens with a production of one of the plays by A.N. Ostrovsky. In addition, in memory of the writer in the village of Shchelykovo, the Memorial and Literary Museum of A.N. Ostrovsky.
Kirovsk, Murmansk region (Russia)
Kirovsk is located on the shore of Lake Bolshoy Vudyavr. It is surrounded on three sides by the Khibiny Mountains, the highest mountains in Russia beyond the Arctic Circle. Kirovsk is the center of skiing in Russia. For skiing, the northern and southern slopes of the Aikuaivenchorr mountain range (1010 m) and the slope of Kukisvumchorr mountain (1141 m) are mainly used.
For beginners, Sparrow Mountain near the city of Apatity is a good place for skiing. Ski lifts are located on the Aikuaivenchorr and Kukisvumchorr mountains. There are many trails of varying difficulty. On the northern slope of Aikuaivenchorr, the slopes are varied in steepness and relief. The total length of the trails is 30 km. There are 28 tracks in total, of which 3 are green, 10 are blue, 10 are red and 5 are black. Most of the trails are 1.5-2 km long and the elevation difference is 450-600 m. There is a chair lift and 5 ski lifts.
For beginner skiers there is a ski school. In addition to the main ski slopes, there is a mogul track, freestyle jumps, 70 and 90-meter jump jumps, a ski stadium, and an ice rink. The southern slope of Aikuaivenchorra is the most modern ski base in the Khibiny. The trails are about 3 km long, the elevation difference is 550 m. The slope of Kukisvumchorra is more sporty and extreme. The highest point in this area is 890 m, the elevation difference is 520 m. There are three drag lifts. The main advantage of this route is low prices for equipment rental, housing and meals. The disadvantage of all trails is poor lighting.
In the Khibiny, conditions have been created for fans of extreme skiing. This is a climb up the mountain – on foot or delivery by helicopter, accompanied by an experienced instructor, and then descending along untouched virgin snow.
Climbing routes to the Khibiny Mountains also start from Kirovsk, there are about 150 of them in total. In these mountains there are many passes, lakes and a variety of flora and fauna, which can be found in the Polar-Alpine Botanical Garden.
Numerous rivers, with rapids and rifts, flow down the slopes of the Khibiny. Rafting on catamarans and kayaks on these rivers is very popular among tourists. In addition, fishing is possible here. Usually the catch consists of such fish as whitefish, trout, brown trout, grayling, perch and pike.
