Buturlinovka is a city (since 1917) in Russia of district
subordination, the administrative center of the Buturlinovsky district
of the Voronezh region and the urban settlement of Buturlinovka.
Population - 24,397 people. (2021).
Spaso-Preobrazhensky Cathedral
The five-domed Cathedral of the
Transfiguration of the Lord stands on Voli Square at 36 Voli Square and
is the town’s main landmark. Designed in 1885 by Vladimir Stoynovsky of
the Voronezh provincial building office, with D. V. Znobishin and S. L.
Myslovsky, it was built in 1886-1893 on the site of an earlier stone
church of 1809. Local merchants, above all the Kashchenko family, funded
the work. Architects still rank it as the largest and most complex
19th-century church composition in Voronezh Governorate: a cross-plan
brick building about 50 m high, with a three-tier bell tower reaching 72
m. Archbishop Anastasy Dobradin of Voronezh and Zadonsk consecrated it
over three days in July 1893. Closed in the Soviet period, it was
returned to the Church in the early 1990s and remains active, with
Sunday school and library.
Kashchenko Estate (28 Lenin Street)
The merchant estate of the Kashchenko family, one of the richest trading
houses in the sloboda, includes the residential house and adjoining
production buildings. The family ran a steam mill from 1896, invested in
the railway station and sidings, and paid for the Transfiguration
Cathedral in memory of their father. The complex is a protected
architectural monument and a reminder of late-imperial merchant
patronage.
Parish school (early 20th century)
A surviving
church-parish school building of the early 1900s. Several such schools
once stood next to the town’s churches (including those attached to the
Transfiguration and Theodosius churches). The brick structure later
became housing but still marks the old parish educational network.
Zemstvo Hospital (late 19th century)
The late-19th-century
zemstvo hospital served a sloboda that by 1900 already had some
23,000-29,000 residents. Together with an almshouse and pharmacy it
formed the public-welfare core of pre-revolutionary Buturlinovka.
Related public buildings on Voli Square were later catalogued as
“almshouse” and “hospital” blocks.
Monument to V. I. Lenin
A
Soviet-era bust of Lenin. The first Lenin monument in the province went
up here in 1930; the present figure dates from 1986 and stands in the
central civic space.
Monument to M. F. Blinov
Matvey
Fedorovich Blinov, a Red Army division commander, fell in the fighting
for Buturlinovka on 23 November 1919. The monument was raised in 1967 on
or near the site of his death and now forms part of the wider Alley of
Heroes on Blinov Street.
Memorial to the Heroes of the Great
Patriotic War
The Alley of Heroes (opened 1995 for the 50th
anniversary of Victory) and the Memorial of Glory on Voli Square (1975)
honour local dead of 1941-1945. Busts commemorate 13 Buturlinovka
natives who received the title Hero of the Soviet Union. The Glory
memorial incorporates a mass grave.
Monument to internationalist
soldiers, Internationalists Park
Raised in 1989, the monument is
dedicated to Soviet soldiers who served in Afghanistan and other
overseas campaigns. Among those remembered is local Hero of the Soviet
Union Sergei Igolchenko. The composition shows a globe supported by
soldiers’ hands.
Church of the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin
Mary (292 Lenin Street, 1871)
One of the six Orthodox churches that
existed in the sloboda by the late 19th century, the Intercession church
of 1871 is still active. Its patronal feast is 14 October; a traditional
procession walks from the Transfiguration Cathedral to this church on
that day.
Church of Theodosius of the Caves (1882)
Built in
1882 to a design by Dmitry Znobishin at the corner of present-day
Komsomolskaya and Podgornaya streets, the red-brick church once stood in
a large orchard and served about 700 households. A parish school stood
beside it and still survives. In the 1930s the church was closed, its
dome and bell tower destroyed, and the building used as a grain store.
Restoration by parishioners began in 2021; a small square has since been
laid out next to it.
Holy Cross (Exaltation of the Cross) Church,
Popkova Street (1843-1844)
The oldest surviving stone church in town.
A stone church was begun in 1815 on the road toward Kozlovka and
finished and consecrated in 1844 by Archbishop Antony Smirnitsky. It had
three altars (Exaltation of the Cross, Mid-Pentecost, Kazan Icon) plus a
winter chapel of the Intercession in the refectory. By 1894 the parish
numbered some 1,200 households and kept its own school and priest’s
house. The priest Vladimir Shabashov was executed in the 1920s. The
building later suffered Soviet-era damage but remains a listed church.
Su-25 aircraft monument
A retired Sukhoi Su-25 attack aircraft
stands in town as a memorial to the former military airfield and to the
899th Guards Orsha Assault Aviation Regiment, which flew Su-25s from
Buturlinovka until the unit was disbanded in 2009. Four of the
regiment’s aircraft took part in the 9 May 2008 parade on Red Square.
MiG-21UM aircraft monument
A two-seat MiG-21UM trainer (red tail
number 100, formerly 80) is mounted by the road at the entrance to
Buturlinovka airfield, about 4 km south of town. The base housed a
training regiment on MiG-21s from the 1950s and later Su-25s; the
display aircraft marks that aviation history.
Church of the Great
Martyr George the Victorious
A later Orthodox church dedicated to St
George the Victory-Bearer, listed among the town’s working or restored
parish churches and part of the same cluster of historic and revived
sacred buildings.
Monument to Emperor Alexander II
A bronze
statue of Alexander II by Maxim Dikunov stands on Voli Square (near No.
41), opposite the Transfiguration Cathedral. Grateful residents first
raised a monument to the Tsar-Liberator in 1912; it was destroyed in the
Soviet period and recreated, with the new figure unveiled on 5 September
2014. The square’s name, Voli (“Freedom”), recalls the emancipation of
the serfs.
Buy
Brand store of the Buturlin Factory (Alcoholic beverages store of the Buturlin Factory) , Buturlinovka, 3 Internationala str., building 5.. 10.00-18.00. The company store of the Buturlin Factory, which has been producing vodka, tinctures and balms using classic recipes and technologies for more than 120 years.
Buturlinovka is a town in central Voronezh Oblast, Russia, serving as
the administrative center of Buturlinovsky District. It is situated
approximately 137 kilometers southeast of the oblast capital, Voronezh,
and lies within the central belt of the European part of Russia. The
town's geographic coordinates are roughly 50°50′N 40°35′E, with an
elevation of about 120 meters (390 feet) above sea level. This
positioning places it in a relatively flat, inland region far from major
mountain ranges or coastlines, with the nearest significant urban
centers including Pavlovsk (about 60 km southwest) and Bobrov (around 70
km northwest). The surrounding Buturlinovsky District covers 1,802
square kilometers and is part of the broader Voronezh Oblast, which
spans 52,216 square kilometers overall, extending 277.5 km north to
south and 352 km west to east.
Topography and Landscape
The
topography of Buturlinovka and its environs is characteristic of the
East European Plain, dominated by gently rolling steppes with minimal
relief variation. This landscape features broad, open plains
interspersed with shallow valleys and low hills, typical of the central
Voronezh Oblast region. Elevations in the area generally range from 100
to 150 meters, with no prominent peaks or rugged terrain; the flatness
facilitates extensive agriculture, which defines much of the visual and
economic character of the district. The steppe environment creates a
sense of vast openness, with horizons often unbroken except by
occasional tree lines or man-made structures. Surrounding areas include
patches of forested ravines and grasslands, but overall, the land is
suited to large-scale farming rather than dramatic natural formations.
Geological features are subdued, with the underlying bedrock consisting
of sedimentary deposits from ancient seas, contributing to the stable,
low-relief profile. Environmental aspects include vulnerability to soil
erosion in cultivated zones, though the fertile soils mitigate some
risks through high productivity.
Hydrology and Water Features
Buturlinovka is positioned on the Ossered River (also spelled Oseryod in
some sources), a right-bank tributary of the Don River. The Ossered
flows through the town, providing a key hydrological feature that
influences local drainage and water supply. As part of the larger Don
River basin, which traverses 530 km through Voronezh Oblast and drains a
vast 422,000 square kilometers, the Ossered contributes to the region's
network of over 1,343 rivers longer than 10 km and 738 lakes or ponds.
The river is relatively modest in scale, with seasonal fluctuations in
flow—higher in spring due to snowmelt and lower in summer. It supports
minor wetlands and riparian zones along its banks, which add
biodiversity hotspots amid the agricultural plains. Groundwater
resources are also present, drawn from aquifers in the sedimentary
layers, though surface water from the Ossered and nearby tributaries
remains central for irrigation and domestic use. No major lakes are
immediately adjacent to the town, but the broader oblast's hydrology
ensures a well-distributed water system, with occasional flooding risks
during heavy spring thaws.
Climate
Buturlinovka experiences a
temperate continental climate, marked by significant seasonal contrasts:
cold, snowy winters and warm, moderately humid summers. Annual average
temperatures range from +5°C in the northern parts of the oblast to
+6.5°C in the south, with Buturlinovka aligning closer to the southern
warmer end. Detailed seasonal breakdowns include:
Winter
(December–February): Harsh and prolonged, with average highs of -2°C to
-1°C (26–29°F) and lows dipping to -10°C to -9°C (14–18°F). January is
the coldest month, often seeing extremes below -23°C (-9°F). Snowfall is
substantial, averaging 13–16 cm (5.1–6.3 inches) monthly, with a snowy
period lasting about 5 months (October–March). Winds are stronger,
averaging 18–20 km/h (11–12 mph), predominantly from the south,
contributing to wind chill. Cloud cover is high (74–76%), leading to
overcast, short days (around 8 hours of daylight in December).
Precipitation occurs on 5–6 days per month, mostly as snow.
Spring
(March–May): A transitional period with rapid warming; highs rise from
3°C (38°F) in March to 21°C (69°F) in May, and lows from -5°C (23°F) to
9°C (48°F). Snowmelt drives higher river levels, and precipitation
increases slightly to 5–6 wet days monthly, shifting from snow to rain.
Winds ease to 14–18 km/h (9–11 mph), and cloud cover decreases (from 65%
to 46%). The growing season typically begins around late April.
Summer (June–August): Warm and pleasant, with highs of 25–27°C (77–81°F)
and lows around 13–15°C (56–59°F). July is the hottest, occasionally
exceeding 34°C (93°F). Precipitation peaks, with 6–7 wet days per month
(mostly rain, averaging 3–4 cm or 1.2–1.7 inches), often in
thunderstorms. Humidity is moderate, with rare muggy days (dew point
above 21°C or 70°F occurring only 0.2–0.5 days monthly). Winds are
calmest at 13–14 km/h (8–9 mph), from varying directions. Skies are
clearest (34–42% cloudier), with long days (up to 16 hours in June).
Fall (September–November): Cooling sets in, with highs dropping from
19°C (66°F) in September to 3°C (37°F) in November, and lows from 8°C
(47°F) to -3°C (26°F). Precipitation remains steady at 5–6 days,
transitioning to mixed rain/snow by late fall. Winds increase to 15–18
km/h (9–11 mph), and cloud cover rises (44–68%). First snowfalls often
occur in October.
Annual precipitation totals 450–600 mm (18–24
inches), decreasing southeastward, with a wetter period from May to
January (20%+ chance of rain/snow). Extreme events include occasional
blizzards in winter or heatwaves in summer, but trends show stable
continental patterns without major shifts noted. Humidity averages low
to moderate year-round, with minimal discomfort outside brief summer
peaks.
Soils, Vegetation, and Natural Resources
The soils in
Buturlinovka and Buturlinovsky District are predominantly chernozem
(black earth), among the world's most fertile, supporting the oblast's
status as part of the Central Black Earth Region. These deep, humus-rich
soils (up to 1–2 meters thick) are ideal for agriculture, with high
organic content and good drainage, though they can be prone to deflation
in windy conditions. Vegetation is primarily steppe grassland, with
native species like feather grass, fescue, and wildflowers dominating
uncultivated areas. Forest cover is sparse, limited to river valleys and
ravines, featuring oaks, maples, and poplars. The agricultural landscape
includes vast fields of grains (wheat, barley), sunflowers, sugar beets,
and potatoes, alongside pastures for livestock. Natural resources are
modest, focusing on arable land rather than minerals; however, the
fertile soils and moderate climate make the area a key producer in
Russia's breadbasket region. Environmental concerns include potential
soil degradation from intensive farming, but conservation efforts in the
oblast emphasize sustainable practices.
In 1740, the Buturlinovka settlement was founded on the lands of
Count Alexander Borisovich Buturlin, donated to him by Empress Elizaveta
Petrovna. The population consisted of immigrants from Little Russia.
Since 1779 it was part of Bobrovsky district.
On the general map
of the Voronezh province in 1829 it is designated as “Petrovskoe, also
known as Buturlinovka.”
Since the 2nd half of the 19th century,
Buturlinovka was a trade and craft settlement, one of the centers of
leather production in the Voronezh province. At the end of the 19th
century, up to a million pairs of boots were produced here every year.
Buturlinov's boots were ordered by noble people for personal use. They
also sewed boots for the royal family, starting in the 18th century. In
2015, a monument to Buturlinov’s pre-revolutionary boot was erected in
the central city park.
Since 1896, the steam mill of the
Kashchenko merchants operated. In the 1860-1870s. B. S. Poznansky worked
at the distillery, his impressions were reflected in the essay “Voronezh
crests” (Kiev Antiquity. 1885. No. 4). In 1869-1876. memoirist V. A.
Tikhonov worked as a school teacher; this period is covered in his
memoirs “Twenty-five years in government service” (St. Petersburg,
1912).
In 1900, in the settlement of Buturlinovka there was a zemstvo
hospital, an almshouse, 4 schools, 2 distilleries, 3 brick factories, a
steam room and 86 windmills.
On July 17, 1917, Buturlinovka
received city status.
Since September 9, 1917, the newspaper
“Buturlinovskaya Zhizn” has been published. Editor - "Editorial
Commission", Publisher - "Share Partnership".
During the Civil
War, fierce battles took place near Buturlinovka. On November 23, 1919,
Buturlinovka was finally occupied by the division of M.F. Blinov, who
died in battle (in 1967, a monument was erected at the site of his
death). Military and party leaders M. N. Tukhachevsky, I. E. Yakir, F.
K. Mironov, V. A. Trifonov visited the house where the headquarters of
military units were located (Kommunisticheskaya St., 5).
In
January 1924, the Buturlinovsky Vicariate of the Voronezh Diocese was
established, it was headed by: in 1924 - Bishop. Mitrofan (Polikarpov),
in 1925 - bishop. Mitrofan (Rusinov), in 1929-1931. - ep. Vasily
(Belyaev), in 1931-1933. - ep. Methodius (Abramkin).
In the
summer of 1943, the headquarters of the 5th Aviation Corps (82 Krasnaya
St.), commanded by Hero of the Soviet Union, Major General N.P. Kamanin,
was located in Buturlinovka. Since 1993, the 899th Guards Assault Orsha
Twice Red Banner Order of Suvorov III Class Aviation Regiment named
after F.E. Dzerzhinsky has been based on the outskirts of Buturlinovka.
In 1945, mill equipment was brought from Germany.
Hero of the
Soviet Union (Afghan War (1979-1989)) S. V. Igolchenko lives in
Buturlinovka.
Coat of arms
The coat of arms of the city of Buturlinovka was approved by the
decision of the executive committee of the city Council of Deputies
dated January 30, 1990 No. 49. Author: Surkova Valentina Tikhonovna.
The city's coat of arms is a heraldic shield. At the top of the coat
of arms on a white background is the inscription: “Buturlinovka.” In the
center of the shield, on an ocher background, symbolizing the fertility
of the earth, there is a Russian boat with a sail made in the shape of
an oak leaf. Geographically, the settlement is located on the banks of
the Osered River, a tributary of the Don River. The hills approaching
the river are covered with the Shipovaya oak grove, a forest that was
used to build ships at the Pavlovsk shipyard.
Under the rook
there is an open white book - a symbol of the youth city. At the bottom
of the shield there is part of a gear and a spike, symbolizing local
industry and agriculture. The date of the first settlements in these
places “1740” is also located here.
Education
In the city of Buturlinovka there are 5 schools, 11 kindergartens, 1 college, vocational lyceum No. 39, a medical school, a pedagogical school, a music school and a House of Creativity for children and youth.
Economy
In Buturlinovka there are enterprises of the food and processing
industries, light industry, as well as the construction industry - about
twenty in total, some of which did not survive the economic crisis of
the 1990s. The following enterprises are currently operating:
flour
mill, bakery, meat and poultry plant
Buturlinovsky Distillery
Buturlinovsky reinforced concrete products plant
Under the city
there are rich deposits of chalk, clay, sand; At present, however, they
are not being developed, since industrial enterprises are closed.
In the Buturlinovsky district they grow wheat, corn, rye, barley,
buckwheat, peas, but above all sunflower in large quantities. Pig and
dairy farms have been built where cattle and pigs are bred.
In
2019, construction of the first stage of the 220/110/10 kV Buturlinovka
electrical substation was completed. The substation is located on the
North-Eastern outskirts of the city. The substation includes an outdoor
switchgear-220 kV, an outdoor switchgear-110 kV, two autotransformers
with a capacity of 125 MVA, a general substation control center combined
with an indoor switchgear-10 kV, and auxiliary systems. Simultaneously
with the substation, a 220 kV single-circuit power line “Novovoronezh
NPP-2 - Buturlinovka” with a length of 120.3 km was built. In April
2019, the substation and the 220 kV overhead line feeding it were
brought to operating voltage.
Military facilities
4 kilometers south of the city is the Buturlinovka military airfield, where the 899th Guards Assault Aviation Orsha Twice Red Banner, Order of Suvorov III Class Regiment is based. F. E. Dzerzhinsky.