Embankment of Stepan Razin is
situated on the right bank of Volga river in the historic center of
Tver. It is situated between Volny Novgorod (Free Novgorod) street
and Svobodny pereulok (Freedom street). It consists of several
buildings, most of which date back to the 18th and 19th centuries.
Several buildings were constructed during Stalin's period. The
design of embankment belongs to city architect P.R. Nikitin.
Embankment was named after famous Russian rebel Stepan Razin who
headed one of the largest rebellions against Moscow tsars and rich
land owners in the middle of the 17th century.
House #1-
Theater "Zvezda". Constructed in 1930's by architecct V.P. Kalmykov
House #2- Hotel of Military Academy of G.K. Zhukov. Constructed for
voroschilovsky strelki (Voroshilov's shooters or simply
sharpshooters). Constructed in 1936 by architect I.S. Yurmanov.
House #3 Tver branch of Judicial branch of the government
House
#4 House of tsar's civil official I.M. Panov
House #5 Former
house of Tver's mayor A.F. Golovinsky that lived here in 1843- 71.
House #23 Paediatrics Tver Oblast Hospital. Former women's school
that was built in 1889- 1900 by architect V.I. Nazarin.
Originally known as the Volga River Embankment, this area was renamed
in 1923 to honor Stepan Razin, the legendary Don Cossack leader who led
a major peasant uprising against the Russian nobility in the 17th
century. The site's historical roots go even deeper: prior to the
construction of the Rechnoy Vokzal (River Station) in the 1930s, the
embankment was home to the Otroch Monastery, founded in 1265 by Prince
Yaroslav Yaroslavich of Tver. This monastery, one of the oldest in the
region, adds a layer of medieval intrigue to the location, though little
remains of it today. The embankment's development in the 18th century
was part of a larger urban planning effort under Empress Catherine the
Great, transforming Tver into a more structured and aesthetically
pleasing city after a devastating fire in 1763.
The architectural
ensemble we see today largely dates back to the 1760s, when the area was
rebuilt to create a unified facade facing the river. This reconstruction
is often attributed to renowned architects like Matvey Kazakov and Carlo
Rossi, who contributed to the neoclassical style prevalent in Russian
cities during the Enlightenment era. By the 19th century, the embankment
had become a hub for merchant activity, with grand houses reflecting the
prosperity of Tver's trading class.
The Stepan Razin Embankment is renowned for its cohesive
architectural style, often described as "One of the Facade" due to the
harmonious row of buildings that line the riverfront. These structures,
primarily from the late 18th and 19th centuries, feature elegant
neoclassical elements such as symmetrical facades, ornate cornices, and
large windows. A particularly intriguing detail is found on one of the
older buildings: a facade with exactly nine windows, symbolizing the
nine letters in "Ekaterina" (the Russian form of Catherine), a subtle
homage to Empress Catherine the Great who oversaw much of Tver's
redevelopment.
Among the standout buildings are former merchant
houses and noble mansions that evoke the opulence of pre-revolutionary
Russia. Later additions include the "House of Voroshilov Riflemen," an
imposing Stalinist-era monument from the Soviet period, characterized by
its grand scale and socialist realist design. Nearby, the "Zvezda"
(Star) movie theater stands out as an example of late constructivism,
with its clean lines and functionalist aesthetic from the 1930s. The
embankment itself is paved for easy walking, with benches, lampposts,
and green spaces that enhance its charm, especially during sunset when
the Volga's waters reflect the golden hues of the buildings.
Visitors to the embankment can enjoy panoramic views of the Volga
River, including the confluence with the Tvertsa River, the bustling
Rechnoy Vokzal where river cruises depart, and the distant silhouette of
St. Catherine's Convent on the opposite bank. The area is dotted with
cultural landmarks: just a short walk away is the Tver Imperial Palace,
a grand 18th-century residence now housing an art gallery, and the
Monument to Afanasy Nikitin, commemorating the famous Russian explorer.
For those interested in broader exploration, the embankment connects
seamlessly to Tver's historic center, including Sovetskaya Street with
its array of museums and shops. Nearby bridges like the Starovolzhsky
Bridge (Old Bridge) offer additional vantage points over the river. In
summer, the area comes alive with boat tours, outdoor cafes, and
occasional festivals, while winter transforms it into a snowy pathway
perfect for cross-country skiing or ice fishing enthusiasts.
The embankment is accessible year-round and free to visit, making it a budget-friendly attraction. Parking is available along nearby streets, and it's well-suited for hiking or biking—rentals are often found in the city center. Aim to visit in the evening for the best lighting and fewer crowds, or during Tver's annual festivals for a lively atmosphere. Wear comfortable shoes as the path can be uneven in places, and bring insect repellent in summer due to the riverside location. If you're traveling by public transport, buses and trams stop nearby at the Rechnoy Vokzal. For a deeper experience, combine your visit with a river cruise departing from the station to see the embankment from the water.