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For a long time, the Russian village was unreasonably forgotten. During this period, many rural settlements were completely abandoned or disappeared from the face of the earth. Since 2014, an association has appeared, the object of which is the most beautiful villages in Russia. Localities that meet certain criteria can participate in the competition. The natural landscape, historical value, appearance and population, which should not exceed 2 thousand people, are considered. There are at least 10 villages in Russia that can compete for the status of the most beautiful and culturally interesting.
10 Varzuga village
One of the most beautiful villages in Russia is located in the Murmansk region. Varzuga village has almost six hundred years of history and is an adornment of the Kola Peninsula. In the center of the settlement is the Assumption Church, which was built at the end of the 17th century without the use of nails. This building is a historical and cultural heritage, which is recognized as a monument of wooden architecture. In addition to the historical value, the village is famous for its tourism activities. Atlantic salmon migrate along the Varzuga River, and you can get permission to catch them and have a good rest in the bosom of nature. The village has long been chosen by the British for tourism.
9. Village of Nikolo-Lenivets
A settlement in the Kaluga region can rightly be called one of the most beautiful villages in Russia. Once it was a dying place with a small number of inhabitants. Thanks to the architect Vasily Shchetinin, Nikolo-Lenivets village turned into a creative gallery, in which every wall and fence is handmade from natural materials. This idea was picked up by compatriot followers and foreign architects. Currently, the village hosts an annual festival called “Arch-Standing”. Picturesque houses harmoniously fit into the original Russian landscape.
8. Esso village
The Kamchatka Territory has a harsh climate, but this does not affect the life of a beautiful and happy Russian village. Esso village is located in a fertile place where thermal springs are beating from the earth. They are used for heating houses, as well as for healing purposes in a local sanatorium. The village is separated from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky by 600 kilometers. The absence of civilization in the usual sense makes it possible for folk art to develop. Songs and dances can be seen and heard on national and rural holidays. The local Rotary Club handles the settlement’s pressing issues and has ties to a similar organization in Alaska.
7. Bogolyubovo village
In the Vladimir region, 10 kilometers from the city, there is Bogolyubovo villageleading its history from the 12th century. By the number of Christian shrines and their architecture, the settlement can be called one of the most beautiful villages in Russia. The basis for the settlement was laid by the Kyiv prince Andrei Bogolyubsky, who made this picturesque corner his fiefdom. The remains of the foundation of the ancient castle have been preserved to this day. The Church of the Intercession of the Holy Mother of God is built on a hill and during the flood it is surrounded by water. In this village, a boat is not a luxury, but a means of transportation in the spring.
6. Horodnya village
This pearl of Russian architecture is located in the Tver region and can rightfully be recognized as the most beautiful village in Russia. The atmosphere of this settlement brings people back to the pre-Mongolian period, when the domes of churches sparkled here and there, and the green meadows were virginally fresh. Of particular beauty is the Nativity Church, which was built in the 15th century and is still active. Once the Tver principality claimed primacy in a dispute with Moscow, and then it turned into a periphery of a great state. Its originality is preserved not only in the annals, but also in rural Horodnya.
5. Srostki village
In the Altai Territory, the settlement was lost, in which the famous writer and actor of our time Vasily Shukshin was born. Srostki village can be safely called the most beautiful village in Russia, since it is here that you can see real expanses covered with meadow grasses and grain crops. The village is considered to be the birthplace of the Polovtsy, with whom the Russian princes and their squads fought so bravely. The Shukshin Museum is located in Srostki. Literary readings and even a film festival are held in honor of the famous countryman. The Katun River looks very picturesque, and the houses located on its banks are harmonious.
4. Village Zhukovka
Moscow and the Moscow region are famous for their higher standard of living than the regions more distant from the center. Zhukovka became the most glamorous settlement in the entire country. Its streets have been turned into neighborhoods with fashionable boutiques, and houses abound with expensive and beautiful things. A professional architect Grigoryan worked on the appearance of the village, who created comfortable conditions not only for the local population, but also for fashion brands. Zhukovka has become so popular relatively recently, but why not the most beautiful village in Russia, especially since it is in favor with many wealthy and respected people.
3. The village of Big Kunaley
Settlement Big Kunaley is located in Buryatia on the banks of the Kunaleyka river. The village appeared at the beginning of the 18th century and since then it continues to exist and live its own life. Its population is just over a thousand people. Surprising in the Big Kunaley are the houses, which are all, as if by choice, painted red with blue windows and green fences. The appearance of the settlement resembles a cheerful children’s fairy tale. Bolshoi Kunaley can claim the title of the most beautiful and unusual village in Russia. And local residents are happy to support the unusual image of their native village.
2. Desyatnikovo village
There are a lot of bright and original settlements in Buryatia and Desyatnikovo village belongs to this category. All houses look very exotic because they are painted in bright colors. The surrounding nature is also inimitable: endless expanses, green hills and high blue sky are perfectly combined with the work of human hands. In the category of the most beautiful villages in Russia, the village of Desyatnikovo can take its rightful place. Residents preserve not only the appearance of their picturesque place, but folk traditions and crafts.
1. Vyatskoye village
In 2019 year Vyatskoye village was officially recognized as the most beautiful village in Russia. The locality managed to pass the competition according to all criteria and win this worthy title. Vyatskoye is located in the Nekrasovsky district of the Yaroslavl region. On its territory you can see 10 museums of various kinds and architectural historical monuments. Local residents constantly take part in various competitions and become their winners. Vyatskoye is not only a historical and cultural complex, but also a developing tourist destination in the region.