Meshchovsk is a small town in the Kaluga Oblast of Russia, the administrative center of the Meshchovsky District. Situated on the Tureya River, 85 km from Kaluga and about 21 km from the nearest railway station Kudrinskaya, Meshchovsk is one of the oldest settlements in the region, with a rich history dating back to the 13th century. Often called the "city of three queens" due to the historical figures associated with it, the city retains a unique combination of historical architecture, Orthodox shrines and provincial comfort.
Meshchovsk is one of the oldest cities in the Kaluga region, first
mentioned in 1238 in the Ipatiev Chronicle in connection with the
devastation by the Mongol-Tatars. This makes it 133 years older than
Kaluga, founded in 1371. The city arose as a fortified point on the
lands of the Vyatichi, at the intersection of trade routes, which
contributed to its early development.
Middle Ages: In the
13th-14th centuries, Meshchovsk was part of the Chernigov Principality,
and then was under the rule of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. In the 14th
century, the city became part of the Moscow Principality, strengthening
its importance as an outpost on the southwestern borders of Rus'.
16th-17th centuries: Meshchovsk was an important district center, known
for its crafts and trade. At this time, the city received the nickname
"the city of three queens" due to its connections with three historical
figures: Princess Elena Glinskaya (mother of Ivan the Terrible), Tsarina
Maria Temryukovna (second wife of Ivan the Terrible) and Tsarina Maria
Nagaya (seventh wife of Ivan the Terrible, mother of Tsarevich Dmitry).
According to legend, these women were either born in or owned property
in Meshchovsk.
18th–19th centuries: Meshchovsk became the center of
the Meshchovsky district of the Kaluga province, maintaining its
significance as a trade and religious center. In the 19th century,
merchant dynasties actively developed here, and the city was decorated
with stone churches and estates.
Soviet period: In the 20th century,
Meshchovsk lost some of its economic significance, turning into a small
regional center. During the Great Patriotic War, the city was occupied
by German troops from October 1941 to January 1942, but escaped
significant destruction.
Modernity: Today, Meshchovsk is a city with
a population of about 3,700 people (as of 2023), the smallest in the
Kaluga region. It retains the status of a district center and attracts
tourists with its history and architecture.
Meshchovsk is located in the central part of the Kaluga region, on
the Tureya River (a tributary of the Oka), in a picturesque area with
hilly terrain. The coordinates of the city: 54.321476, 35.278090. The
distance to Kaluga is about 67 km in a straight line and 85 km by road.
Climate: Moderate continental, with warm summers (average July
temperature +18°C) and cold winters (average January temperature –10°C).
Spring and autumn in Meshchovsk are picturesque, which makes the city
attractive for visiting during these seasons.
Transport: Meshchovsk
does not have its own railway station, the nearest one is Kudrinskaya
(21 km). Bus service connects the city with Kaluga, Moscow and
neighboring regional centers. The main roads are regional highways
connecting Meshchovsk with the M3 "Ukraine" highway.
Infrastructure:
The city has schools, kindergartens, a hospital, a library, a community
center and several stores. The economy is based on agriculture,
small-scale production and tourism.
Meshchovsk is a city with a well-preserved historical appearance,
where modern buildings harmoniously coexist with architectural monuments
of the 18th-19th centuries. The main attractions are associated with
Orthodox churches and historical heritage.
The Annunciation
Cathedral (1802-1820):
The main architectural and spiritual landmark
of Meshchovsk, located in the city center. The cathedral was built in
the classical style at the expense of the merchant Fyodor Tselibeyev.
This is a five-domed temple with a high bell tower, decorated with
porticoes and stucco.
The interior of the cathedral includes a
restored iconostasis and frescoes of the 19th century. The main shrine
is the icon of the Mother of God "Joy of All Who Sorrow", revered as
miraculous.
The cathedral is active, services are held there
regularly. It is open to visitors and attracts pilgrims.
Church
of the Resurrection of the Word (1677, rebuilt in 1825):
One of the
oldest churches in Meshchovsk, located on the territory of the former
city cemetery. The church was built in the Russian Baroque style, but
after the reconstruction it acquired features of classicism.
The
church houses the icon of the Resurrection of Christ and particles of
the relics of saints. During the Soviet era, the church was used as a
warehouse, but was restored in the 1990s.
Today, the church is active
and is an important place for local residents.
Church of the
Iveron Icon of the Mother of God (Meshchovsk):
The church dedicated
to the Iveron Icon of the Mother of God is located in the city center
and dates back to the 18th century. It is a small but elegant church in
the classical style, with one dome and modest decor.
Inside the
church, the icon of the Iveron Mother of God is preserved, attracting
pilgrims. The church was closed during the Soviet period, but was
restored in the 2000s.
Services are held regularly, the church is
open to visitors.
City Park on the Tureya River:
A picturesque
park in the center of Meshchovsk, along the bank of the Tureya River.
This is a place for walks and recreation, where you can see ancient
bridges and views of the Annunciation Cathedral. The park is decorated
with alleys and benches, and in the summer, city festivals are held
here.
Tselibeyev Estate:
The remains of a merchant estate from
the 19th century, which belonged to the Tselibeyev family, who financed
the construction of the Annunciation Cathedral. The building has been
partially preserved and is used as an administrative building. It is of
interest to lovers of the history of merchants.
Meshchovskoye
Settlement:
An archaeological site of the 13th-14th centuries,
located on the outskirts of the city. These are the remains of an
ancient fortification, where excavations were carried out, revealing
artifacts of the Vyatichi. The settlement is interesting for historians
and tourists, although it is not fully equipped for visiting.
Meshchovsk is the spiritual center of the Meshchovsky District, with
an active religious life centered around three functioning churches. The
parishes organize:
Services: Regular liturgies, prayers, and
festive services in the Annunciation Cathedral, the Church of the
Resurrection, and the Iveron Church. Patronal feasts, such as the
Annunciation (April 7) and the Day of the Iveron Icon (February 25), are
accompanied by religious processions.
Pilgrimage: The churches of
Meshchovsk attract pilgrims from the Kaluga Region and neighboring
regions thanks to their miraculous icons and relics.
Sunday schools:
There is a school for children at the Annunciation Cathedral, where they
study the basics of Orthodoxy and church singing.
Cultural life:
Festivals: Meshchovsk hosts local holidays, such as City Day (usually in
August) and folk art festivals, where folk groups perform.
Museums:
There is no large local history museum in the town, but exhibits
dedicated to the history of Meshchovsk can be found in the local library
and community center.
Tourism: Meshchovsk is actively developing
tourism, offering routes to churches, the ancient settlement, and the
park. The TripAdvisor website highlights walking routes that include a
visit to the Annunciation Cathedral and walks around Tureya.
Meshchovsk is a town with a unique history and atmosphere that
combines features of the ancient Russian past and provincial comfort.
Its significance includes:
Historical: As one of the oldest towns
in the Kaluga Region, Meshchovsk is associated with key events in
Russian history, including the fight against the Mongol-Tatars and the
strengthening of the Moscow Principality.
Cultural: The town
preserves the architectural heritage of the 18th–19th centuries, which
makes it attractive to tourists interested in history and Orthodoxy.
Spiritual: Meshchovsk is a pilgrimage center thanks to its temples and
shrines, especially the Annunciation Cathedral.
The city is often
perceived as a "quiet province" where time seems to have slowed down.
Tourists note its calm atmosphere, clean air and the hospitality of the
locals.
Administration address: Kaluga region, Meshchovsky district,
Meshchovsk, Sovetskaya street, 15.
How to get there:
By bus: From
Kaluga (1.5-2 hours) or Moscow (Calaris bus station, about 3.5 hours).
By car: Take the M3 "Ukraine" highway to the turnoff to Meshchovsk, then
take the regional road.
Railway: To Kudrinskaya station (21 km from
Meshchovsk), then by taxi or bus.
Contacts:
Administration of the
urban settlement: +7 (48446) 9-22-09.
Administration website:
http://mehovsk.ru/.[](http://mehovsk.ru/)
Tourist information: The
Visit Kaluga website offers routes around Meshchovsk.
Meshchovsk is 91 years older than Moscow (founded in 1147), making it
one of the oldest cities in Central Russia.
The nickname "city of
three queens" is associated with the legends of Elena Glinskaya, Maria
Temryukovna and Maria Nagaya, although historical evidence of their
connection with Meshchovsk is not always unambiguous.
In the 19th
century, Meshchovsk was known as a center for the flax and hemp trade,
which contributed to the prosperity of local merchants.
The city has
retained its 18th-century layout, with a central square where the
Annunciation Cathedral stands, and radial streets.
During the Great
Patriotic War, a partisan detachment operated in Meshchovsk, and the
city was liberated by the Red Army in January 1942.