In European countries, there are many villages that are not inferior to the capital's sights in the originality of their architecture, and the incredibly picturesque nature around them can cause genuine delight even among experienced travelers. Here are just a few of the most picturesque villages and small towns throughout Europe.
Eze village, French Riviera
This is an incredibly picturesque place in the resort area of the French Riviera. The settlement is very ancient - it was founded by the Phoenicians, and got its name in honor of the ancient Egyptian goddess Isis. Today, the oldest building in Eze is the Church of the Penitent Sinners of the White Brotherhood, which was built in 1306.
Many celebrities rested and worked in this place. For example, it was in these picturesque places that Nietzsche wrote his philosophical novel Thus Spoke Zarathustra.
Pitigliano, Italy
The population of this picturesque village is only 4,000 people. A fairly large part of the local population are Jews, so the town even received the nickname Little Jerusalem. Near the city, there are many Etruscan crypts, which the locals use as wine cellars. In the city itself and its surroundings, there are a lot of architectural monuments of the Middle Ages.
Polperro, UK
An incredibly picturesque fishing village near Plymouth attracts so many tourists in the summer that the tourism business has recently become the main branch of the local economy.
This Austrian commune is located in a remote mountainous area and is considered one of the most beautiful places in Europe. Here are the oldest European salt mines and the oldest pipeline in the world that transports brine to Ebensee.
Wengen is an incredibly beautiful village located in the Bernese Alps. The number of tourists here is always 5 or even 10 times higher than the number of the local population. Alpine skiing is well developed here, and every winter the famous Lauberhorn races are held. In addition to skiing and the magnificent surrounding landscapes, tourists are offered a rich cultural program: organ music evenings are held in the local church, and folk and brass music concerts are organized at the station. Also in Wengen there is a famous puppet theater.
This picturesque old town has long been part of the dowry of the Portuguese queens. The city has many architectural landmarks, the largest of which is Obidos Castle, built in the 12th century. Obidos is also famous for its delicious chocolate (it is even called the "chocolate capital") and the traditional cherry ginjinha liqueur.
The glory of this small village is not only the picturesque surroundings, but also many famous people who lived here at different times. English poet Robert Graves, American writer Anais Nin, poet Claribel Alegria - this is not a complete list of celebrities.
Today, Deia is so popular with tourists that as many as 20 restaurants are constantly operating in the village to feed all guests.
The picturesque surroundings of Ravello have always attracted many tourists, among whom there were many celebrities. At one time, composer Edvard Grieg, Greta Garbo, Sophia Loren, Gore Vidal and many others rested here.
One of the main attractions of the village is the cathedral, built in 1086. It contains a priceless relic - a vessel with the blood of the great martyr and healer Panteleimon.
Pucisce is an amazingly beautiful small town located on the island of Brac. The island itself is only 12 km wide and 40 km long. Not far from the city, there are quarries where the famous snow-white limestone is mined. Diocletian's palace was faced with this "Brac stone" in ancient times, and nowadays it is used to decorate the Washington White House. But the main occupation of the inhabitants of the island is, of course, serving the numerous tourists arriving in these picturesque places from all over the world.
Kazimierz Dolny is considered one of the most beautiful Polish cities. It has attracted crowds of tourists and artists for over two hundred years, especially during the summer. Impromptu art galleries are located here on almost every street, and any of the exhibits can not only be viewed, but also bought.
There are also many historical buildings in the city, and outside the city, tourists will find magnificent rural views and picturesque ruins.
Many believe that Otoire is the most beautiful village in all of France. The village has existed for more than 800 years, but most of all there are buildings dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries, which look very picturesque against the backdrop of massive cliffs that surround Otoire from all sides.
A little more than five hundred people live in this small village. 800 years ago, a Norman knight built a castle in these places, and the village has already grown around it. This castle is still one of the main attractions of Carlingford today.
The village of Mittenwald stands against the backdrop of stunning Bavarian landscapes. The village houses themselves also look like they came from a fairy tale illustration. Here you can walk for hours, admiring the surroundings and going into cozy shops selling cute souvenirs, and small restaurants offering original German cuisine.
The village of Krupe is located in the Wallonia Valley. Like many centuries ago, it is surrounded by a moat with water, and not far away there is an impregnable castle and several picturesque grottoes. Tourists are not allowed into the castle - it is privately owned, but no one bothers to admire it from afar. And the landscapes there are really worth seeing.
Fjölbaka is an amazingly beautiful fishing village. Today, the tourist flow here is not too intense yet, but every year it becomes more powerful. The shooting of the detective series "The Murders in Fjölbaka" also contributes to the rise in popularity.
We present to your attention the top 10 most picturesque villages in the world. Here we go…
Biburi, England
The English village of Biburi is located in Gloucestershire. It has been repeatedly recognized as the most beautiful and most English village in the world by various artists and poets. The cozy houses of the 17th century really seem to have descended from a fabulous illustration. The village itself is much older - the first mention of this settlement dates back to the 11th century. Despite the popularity with tourists, public transport in Biburi still does not run, and to get here you need to take a train at London Paddington Station, get to Kemble station, and then only take a taxi. 
Shirakawa-go, Japan
This picturesque village is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you can admire the wonderful gassho-style houses with triangular roofs and also the Ogimachi Castle, which is located near the village. Tourists are brought here by a regular bus. 
Wengen, Switzerland
The views of this Swiss village resemble a fabulous setting at any time of the year. The indigenous population of the village numbers a little over a thousand people. But for every local resident, depending on the season, there are from 5 to 10 tourists, so it is always crowded here. It is home to the famous ski resort and the amazing Kriegsloch Cave, which is said to predict the approach of war. It is forbidden to drive ordinary cars here, so as not to spoil the purest mountain air. But at the services of tourists there are always many environmentally friendly electric vehicles. 
Ezzie, France
This picturesque village stands on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. For centuries, there have been ongoing wars here, and in the village itself, a variety of cultures have mixed. All this gave rise to a completely unique architectural ensemble, which, together with stunning landscapes, today attracts a lot of tourists from all over the world. 
Zaanse Schans, Holland
Unlike modern Amsterdam, the village of Zaanse Schans still retains its original identity. There are also typical houses of the 17th century and famous windmills, creating a true "Dutch" landscape. They sell wonderful natural cheese, fine painted porcelain and traditional wooden shoes.
Pariangan, West Sumatra
The picturesque streets of this Minangkabau village are literally at the foot of the active volcano Merapi, which has erupted almost 40 times over the past 200 years. The dangerous neighborhood makes the impression of the beautiful scenery especially strong. 
Savoca, Sicily
This village with a thousand-year history is well known to fans of the book and film "The Godfather", because the events reproduced in the film were filmed here. Here you can visit the Vitelli Bar and the famous Capuchin Monastery, where the most famous crypt is located, in which more than fifty bodies of the local nobility and clergy have been stored for centuries, subjected to natural mummification in the catacombs. 
Cua Wan, Vietnam
The main treasure of this small fishing village is the incredible beauty of the surrounding landscapes. Small houses supported by rafts stand literally on the water in Ha Long Bay surrounded by huge cliffs. In one of these raft houses there is also a village school, and students come to it by boat. To see all the beauty of this village, tourists also have to hire a boat. 
Caleta Tortel, Chile
The small village of Caleta Tortel has the fame of the "Chilean Venice". True, there are no stone palaces and majestic bridges here, but there are many picturesque wooden houses, towering on piles and connected to each other by a whole web of light suspension bridges, and sometimes just stairs. For obvious reasons, it is impossible to get around here by road. 
Sidi Bou Said, Tunisia
All buildings in this Tunisian village have traditional colors: bright white walls and sky blue shutters and gates. Against the backdrop of the dazzling blue of the Gulf of Tunis, the village looks just great. Many representatives of creative professions constantly rest here, and many travel companies offer day trips here.
If you are dreaming of visiting at least one of these fabulous European towns filled with ancient charm and incredible beauty, or perhaps you have just started your search for the best places? Anyway, here we have collected 27 of the most beautiful small towns in Europe, from the Norwegian fjords and the majestic Alps to the sunny islands of Greece.
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1Manarola, Italy
First, our list will open one of the most famous Cinque Terre towns in Italy - Manarola - filled with many colorful rainbow houses carved into an impenetrable stone wall along the Mediterranean coast. This charming fishing town is renowned for its fabulous wines, especially Sciacchetra, and paintings by Antonio Discovolors, an artist who fell in love with Manarola and devoted much of his later work in the region to this town.
In Manarola there are no cars, no traffic lights, and therefore not a single sound from the squeal of tires. Of course, you can drive to Manarola, but you have to leave your car outside the town and then take a bus or start your journey on foot.
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The second on our list is the town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen (Bavaria, Germany). This charming Bavarian mountain spa town is 80 minutes from Munich by train. Once, they were two separate towns: one Roman, the other Teutonic, but in 1936 they united in honor of the Winter Olympics.
Partenkirchen was built in the 15th century, filled with narrow cobbled streets with historical buildings in the Bavarian Gasthaus style: three or four stories, with open shutters and facades painted in pastel colors with images from pastoral or religious scenes.
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Despite the fact that we are talking about small towns, the city of Portree in Scotland is the largest city on the island of Scotland - Skye. Portree is a port as well as a thriving cultural center, although it has a population of less than 2,500. The city's harbor is a focal point, home to pubs, seafood restaurants and spectacular views of the bay.
This is one of the best places to stay if you plan to explore this incredibly scenic wilderness region due to its close proximity to some of the most spectacular and unique attractions, including rock formations such as the Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock and the quirky Quaraing turrets.
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4Reine, Norway
Reine in Norway is a tiny fishing village on the picturesque arctic island of Moskenesøy with a population of just over 300 inhabitants, but despite this, it has rightly been recognized as the most beautiful village in Norway. Located north of the Arctic Circle in the Lofoten archipelago, this remote wild region with sapphire bays, breathtaking mountains and towering fjords. The fishermen's cabins have been converted into cozy visitor cottages with direct access to the Norwegian Sea, and the amazing night sky is a welcome addition with the prospect of the mesmerizing northern lights.
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5Colmar, France
The city of Colmar in France is a throwback to the 9th century. Since then, it is often referred to as "Little Venice" due to its many water channels, like breathing among medieval streets.
This well-preserved village in the Alsace region is also considered the capital of wine in an area known for its exquisite flavors. Thanks to the influence of two countries - Germany and France - you can easily find local bakeries offering sweet pastries and croissants with a variety of toppings, and eateries often specialize in sauerkraut and foie gras. Colmar is home to a variety of architectural styles, from French Neo-Baroque to German Gothic.
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6Marsaxlokk, Malta
Marsaxlokk is a bustling commercial port dating back to 900 BC, when the Phoenicians first landed in Malta. Today this picturesque town is the main supplier of fish for the inhabitants of the island, which is located in the Mediterranean Sea. Marsaxlokk is well known for its massive markets stocked with a wide variety of fish, including the local favorite Lampuki (sea carp).
The rarity of this Maltese village is that it does not have modern buildings so as not to spoil its appeal. With such tranquil surroundings, which include traditional Luzzu (fishing boats) designed by the earliest Phoenicians, Marsaxlokk is a particularly enchanting place to relax and learn about local history.
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7Portmags, Ireland
In a country filled with many beautiful cities, Portmaghee is a clear favorite, close to the Ring of Kerry on the southwest coast of Ireland. It's like a postcard - the perfect seaside fishing village with a row of brightly painted buildings along with a rich and impressive history.
At The Bridge Bar, you will experience a special atmosphere with live music, fantastic food and a glass of Guinness. Portmages is also the departure point for the impressive Skelligs Rock and home of preserved monastic settlements dating back to the 6th century.
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8Bled, Slovenia
Bled is a city in the northwestern part of Slovenia, protected by magnificent mountains. Bled was created in 1004 and is considered so beautiful in the opinion of the Holy Roman Emperor that it was donated to the bishopric of Brixen.
Bled Castle is located in the heart of the picturesque lake of the same name with its glacial blue waters surrounding the tiny island. Bled also borders the city known as home to one of the most beautiful health resorts in the region. And if you climb to the top of the castle, you will get especially stunning panoramic views.
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9Hallstatt, Austria
Hallstatt is one of the oldest settlements in Austria, founded in 5,000 BC. to use the huge reserves of salt in the mountains surrounding this city with a collection of fairy tales. For thousands of years, salt mining has meant enduring prosperity for Hallstatt, which can be seen as a city with a beautiful square surrounded by ivy buildings.
The city still mines salt today, but it is also considered a treasure trove of human history and one of the most picturesque cities in Austria with its magnificent setting on the shores of Lake Hallstatter, majestic mountains and bright sunrise rising from the water's edge.
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10Bibury, England
The lovely town of Bibury in England, nestled among the hilly Cotswolds, is often referred to as one of the most beautiful cities in England, and certainly has its place among the finest and most vibrant in all of Europe. It was first mentioned in the Doomsday Book of 1086, retaining its place in the past and still today. Much of Bibury still looks the same today as it did hundreds of years ago.
The Koln River flows along the main street, and lush meadows adjoin ancient stone cottages with steep sloping roofs. The scenic Arlington Row area is known for its sepia-colored cottages that were built in the 17th century as home to the weavers working at Arlington Mill.
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11Annecy, France
Annecy - one of the most beautiful and romantic places on Earth - can be more stunning than the French Alps that surround it. Just 22 kilometers from Geneva in Haute-Savoie in eastern France, Annecy is divided into small waterways running from the sparkling blue Lac Annecy.
The lighting effects on the popular alleys leading along the canals give Annecy a special charm of Venice, and the famous Palais de l'Isle (Island Palace), built in the very center of one of the canals, will take you back to the distant 12th century.
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12Goreme, Turkey
Today, the Turkish Goreme National Park was built during the Roman Empire against the backdrop of exquisite rock formations. Natural rocks served as the foundation and protection for those who built the city. Much of the ancient architecture has survived to this day, with many churches carved into the rocks themselves. You really need to see this beautiful city with your own eyes in order to believe in its fabulous uniqueness.
One of the best ways to view all the beauties of Goreme is from above - when every morning before sunrise, hundreds of balloons soar into the sky and soar over the rocks.
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13Albarracin, Spain
Albarracín is a beautifully preserved medieval town in northern Spain with roots dating back to the 11th century. The rock carvings in the caves of the Culture Park provide some of the most important evidence of Levantine prehistoric art in the country.
A piece of medieval Spain has survived on the territory of the fortress walls of Albarassina, which is filled with winding paths, narrow streets, ancient stone towers, castles and chapels. Being here, you will feel as if transported by a time machine to the Middle Ages.
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14Pusisce, Croatia
Perhaps the most beautiful village in Croatia - Pusice - is definitely one of the most picturesque places in all of Europe. The sparkling white stone from the island of Brac makes this small port town a truly one-of-a-kind destination and an exquisite piece of art.
Sitting on the northern coast of the island, sheltered by a bay, you can stretch your pleasure on the pristine sands, soaking up the sun's rays and cooling in the sparkling waters of the Adriatic Sea.
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15Vestmannaeyjar, Iceland
Vestmannaeyjar on Heimaey Island, the largest of the 14 Vestman Islands archipelagoes, is located off the southwest coast of mainland Iceland. Considered one of Iceland's best-kept secrets, this geographic treasure is renowned for its immense biodiversity, including 150 plant species that are still not even classified, as well as millions of birds that nest in the rocks. Vestmannaeyjar is also one of the best places to see puffin seabirds.
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16Cintra, Portugal
In 1809, Lord Byron wrote a letter to his friend Francis Hodgson, part of which read: "I should just say that the province of Cintra in Extremadura is the most beautiful place in the world." This fabulous town in Portugal, located at the edge of Europe, has mesmerized countless visitors over the centuries. The Romans made this place a cult of moon worship, calling it "Cynthia" after the moon goddess.
Since 1840, the Pena Palace has been the so-called "nail" as one of the most fantastic palaces in Europe. It is surrounded by the mystical Pena Park, filled with many trees and exotic plants from the former colonies of the Portuguese Empire, as well as numerous ponds, fountains, and even black swans.
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17Burano, Italy
If you've ever needed a mood boost, this vibrant, fun town, which is actually a tiny island in the Venetian lagoon, should be that magical "button." Its bright colors, like fireworks, "explode" on the buildings, giving it the atmosphere of the tropics. All houses here adhere to a pattern of a particular color, which dates back to the "golden age" of the island when it was first created.
Legend has it that local fishermen were the first to paint houses in these vibrant colors so that they could spot them while fishing. Island residents are required to send a letter to the government if they want to change the design of their home - officials will then reply to residents with a list of colors that can be used. If the rules are violated, and residents use the wrong colors than those indicated in the response letter, they may end up behind bars. Here is such a strict and bright town!
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18Giethoorn, Netherlands
If you've ever fantasized about a simple life, this idyllic Dutch city located in the province of Overijssel may fit all your needs. It does not have any roads, instead of them - connected together by a network of ancient canals, creating small private islands for each house. The only access is by water, or on foot over its picturesque wooden arch bridges.
All vehicles must remain outside the city. There are four miles of canals and thatched farmhouses that date back to the 18th century. Giethoorn was founded by a group of fugitives from the Mediterranean region around 1230 AD, and became world famous in 1958 when he was featured in the Dutch film Fanfare.
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19Eze, France
Eze, often described as the "eagle's nest", is due to its stunning views from a high cliff, 1400 feet above the Mediterranean Sea, along the exotic French Riviera, renowned throughout the world for its stunning, panoramic views. The square has been inhabited since about 2000 BC, by the Roman Empire and Moroccans, with the oldest building in the village, the Chapelle de la Sainte Croix, built in 1306.
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20Tenby, Wales
Tenby, from Welsh, translates roughly as "a small fortress of a fish." A naturally protected city, with a generous harbor and access to the Irish Sea and Atlantic Ocean, was founded in 900 AD. After the Norman conquest of England, Tenby was fortified with a massive wall to keep the local rebels at bay. Over the past several centuries, this picturesque city has become better known for its beauty rather than its stone defenses.
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21Folegandros, Greece
Santorini may be better known, but its neighbor Folegandros has similar architecture, including whitewashed buildings adorned with bright colors, slate-tiled streets, and even Greek Orthodox churches with gleaming blue domes. The difference is that you don't have to fight the crowd. On the beautiful remote Katergo beach with gentle, azure colored waves, you can even be in complete privacy and enjoy your company with the sea.
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22Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic
This small medieval town is located in the south of the Czech Republic and may not be a well-known tourist destination, but this hidden gem is probably just waiting to be discovered, and most likely to inspire as much as the glorious capital of Prague. Located along the banks of the Vltava River, a castle was built around the 13th century with elements of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque. Thanks to its peaceful coexistence for many centuries, this beautiful architectural heritage has remained intact to this day.
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23Gruyeres, Switzerland
Gruyere is famous for its eponymous cheese, with a mild nutty flavor that melts so well into fondue. Few are familiar with this lovely town, but this picturesque village in the upper valley of the Zane River should at least be well known for its beauty. With wide stone-paved streets leading to a stunning 13th century castle, imposing fortifications and panoramic views of the surrounding alpine foothills, this certainly warrants proper attention.
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24Dinan, Belgium
The city of Dinan, located between the Meuse River and its citadel, is known for its magnificent architecture and an equally magnificent view of the city from the top of the fortress mountain. Spend the day visiting the Grotto of Dinant Falls or the Beauraing Sanctuary, then book a table at one of the local cafes while enjoying the views of one of the most beautiful towns in Belgium and Europe.
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25Telc, Czech Republic
This small town in the southern historical region of Moravia is filled with Baroque elements and Renaissance facades with high gables painted in pale pastel colors, now supporting small shops and cafes. This is another real fairytale city, with a romantic palace, crystal-clear ponds surrounding it, and a square that looks like it came straight from the pages of Hans Christian Andersen. It is one of the finest examples of the Italian Renaissance north of the Alps, and one of the most beautiful squares in all of Europe.
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26Cochem, Germany
Cochem is one of the most charming cities in all of Germany, with its legend, local folklore and rich history found everywhere in this town. Situated in the picturesque Moselle Valley between the Eifel Highlands and the Hunsrück Massif, it is surrounded by steep vineyards and quaint wine villages.
The soil and climatic conditions make the Moselle Valley a prime growing area for the Riesling grape, which is used to produce some of Germany's finest white wines, with numerous stopping and sampling opportunities available throughout this beautiful river valley.
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27Smjogen, Sweden
Smjogen, located on the west coast of Sweden, is known as one of the country's most beautiful cities with a laid-back maritime atmosphere, along with cottages and boats where fishermen land near the picturesque waters.
The village is particularly attractive for its mix of shops and boutiques with old wooden houses overlooking the sea and the waterfront, which stretches for almost 1,000 feet. The society once conquered several islands that were so close to each other that the space has since been filled and now they are all considered one island.
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Conclusion
This was an article about the smallest but very beautiful cities in Europe that you will want to visit. Thank you for the attention!
I present to your attention the TOP 10 most picturesque villages on the planet. Amazing beauty!
Biburi, England
The English village of Biburi is located in Gloucestershire. It has been repeatedly recognized as the most beautiful and most English village in the world by various artists and poets. The cozy houses of the 17th century really seem to have descended from a fabulous illustration. The village itself is much older - the first mention of this settlement dates back to the 11th century. Despite the popularity with tourists, public transport in Biburi still does not run, and to get here you need to take a train at London Paddington Station, get to Kemble station, and then only take a taxi.
Shirakawa-go, Japan
This picturesque village is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you can admire the wonderful gassho-style houses with triangular roofs and also the Ogimachi Castle, which is located near the village. Tourists are brought here by a regular bus.
Wengen, Switzerland
The views of this Swiss village resemble a fabulous setting at any time of the year. The indigenous population of the village numbers a little over a thousand people. But for every local resident, depending on the season, there are from 5 to 10 tourists, so it is always crowded here. It is home to the famous ski resort and the amazing Kriegsloch Cave, which is said to predict the approach of war. It is forbidden to drive ordinary cars here, so as not to spoil the purest mountain air. But at the services of tourists there are always many environmentally friendly electric vehicles.
Ezzie, France
This picturesque village stands on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. For centuries, there have been ongoing wars here, and in the village itself, a variety of cultures have mixed. All this gave rise to a completely unique architectural ensemble, which, together with stunning landscapes, today attracts a lot of tourists from all over the world.
Zaanse Schans, Holland
Unlike modern Amsterdam, the village of Zaanse Schans has still retained its original identity. There are also typical houses of the 17th century and the famous windmills, which create a real "Dutch" landscape. They sell wonderful natural cheese, fine painted porcelain and traditional wooden shoes.
Pariangan, West Sumatra
The picturesque streets of this Minangkabau village are literally at the foot of the active volcano Merapi, which has erupted almost 40 times over the past 200 years. The dangerous neighborhood makes the impression of the beautiful scenery especially strong.
Savoca, Sicily
This village with a thousand-year history is well known to fans of the book and film "The Godfather", because the events reproduced in the film were filmed here. Here you can visit the Vitelli Bar and the famous Capuchin Monastery, where the most famous crypt is located, in which more than fifty bodies of the local nobility and clergy have been stored for centuries, subjected to natural mummification in the catacombs.
Cua Wan, Vietnam
The main treasure of this small fishing village is the incredible beauty of the surrounding landscapes. Small houses supported by rafts stand literally on the water in Ha Long Bay surrounded by huge cliffs. A village school is also located in one of these raft houses, and students come to it by boats. To see all the beauty of this village, tourists also have to hire a boat.
Caleta Tortel, Chile
The small village of Caleta Tortel has the fame of the "Chilean Venice". True, there are no stone palaces and majestic bridges here, but there are many picturesque wooden houses, towering on piles and connected to each other by a whole web of light suspension bridges, and sometimes just stairs. For obvious reasons, it is impossible to get around here by road.
Sidi Bou Said, Tunisia
All buildings in this Tunisian village have traditional colors: bright white walls and sky blue shutters and gates. Against the backdrop of the dazzling blue of the Gulf of Tunis, the village looks just great. Many representatives of creative professions constantly rest here, and many travel companies offer day trips here.
There is a village of Vyatskoye 38 kilometers from Yaroslavl. The village, which on October 15, 2015 became the first member of the Association of the Most Beautiful Villages of Russia! Having learned about this event, I decided to go there to see the delights of the village with my own eyes.
2. This is what one of the most beautiful villages in Russia looks like. Central square with restored mansions of the 18-19th century.
3. Hills, ravines, summer "amphitheater".
5. In some places Vyatskoe looks like this.
6. Now comes the fun part. Why, unlike most villages and villages in Russia, Vyatskoye has not been bent, but is developing. The answer, of course, lies in the money.
There is a businessman in Yaroslavl, Oleg Zharov, who, according to local residents, was looking for a place for a summer residence in the vicinity of Yaroslavl. I came to Vyatskoye, fell in love with the local beauty, and decided to take up the restoration of the village. I bought an architectural monument of the 19th century - the house of the honorary citizen of Bogorodsky, restored, the dacha is ready.
7. Zharov did not stop there, and over the past few years, more than 30 half-abandoned mansions have been restored with the money of a businessman, several museums have been opened, and a church has been restoredAscension of Christ built in 1750.
8. There are also opponents of Zharov's "policy". Say, he buys and restores mansions with only one purpose, to sell them, and thereby become richer. And it develops everything around and ennobles, only in order to build an elite cottage village in the vicinity of the promoted Vyatskoye. In any case, every year new jobs appear in the village, abandoned architectural monuments are being restored.
9. And Zharov also received a state prize "For his contribution to the revival and development of traditional cultural and historical values." He was invited to the Kremlin, put next to Putin and Medvedev. Where Medvedev said: "Well, maybe we'll go, Vladimir Vladimirovich, to Vyatskoye? Though the roads will be repaired for them before our arrival." .
Apparently they never got there, and part of the road from Yaroslavl to the village of Vyatskoye is toa Yamutokanava. This is where our small journey to the most beautiful village in Russia begins.
10. This is it Vyatskoye, an open-air museum of Russian rural life.The main idea of the museum is to present to tourists with their own eyes the life of a Russian village as it was several centuries ago.
11. Selu is a total of over 500 years old. AND known in the history of Russia for crafts, noisy fairs, bazaars, schismatics, "going to the people", and talented people. For example, the sculptor A.M. Opekushin - the author of the monument to A.S. Pushkin in Moscow (on Pushkin Square), Pyotr Telushkin - the founder of "Russian mountaineering", alone without insurance, repaired the wing of an angel that crowned the spire of the Peter and Paul Cathedral in St. Petersburg, by the poet Nekrasov, who found images of his heroes in Vyatskoye.
12. On the central square there is a restored fire station, now in a museum building.
10. The parking lot next to the depot is completely packed with tourists' cars. There are even guests with overseas rooms.
11. We park next to the tourist buses.
12. And along the Ukhtomka River, which flows through all Vyatskoye, we go to get acquainted with local life.
14. On the right bank of the river, the museum - black bathhouse.
15. One of the central streets.
16. The leaning hut.
17. Bath with a swimming pool.
18. Hard to believe, but a residential building. There are even satellite dishes hanging on the front side of the facade.
19. Almost destroyed temple.
22. The restoration work of the next mansion is carried out mainly by visitors from neighboring countries.
23. Fragment of the restored mansion.
24. The renovated house of the photographer Kokoshkin, an architectural monument of the late 19th century. Perhaps one day, the hanging wires will disappear and it will look very good.
25. One of the most beautiful buildings in the village of Vyatskoye. Inside museum of Russian entrepreneurship, or "The history of one village that wanted to become a city ...".
26. On the third floor the museum has a large exposition of household items.
27. On the second floor, the largest collection of musical instruments and boxes in Europe, many of which are still in use. The collection, as we were told in the museums, belongs to Zharov.
29. Organola.
30. Punched tape for organola. And here it is worth retelling what the museums told us.
In the old days, when a girl was married off, it was important what her hearing was. And if the betrothed had problems with this, then before playing a piece of music to the future husband, a punched tape was inserted into the organola. The girl had only to press the pedal and imitate playing the keys. The music sounds beautiful, the groom is happy, everyone is happy.
Maybe it's just a story, but it was told convincingly.
31. The most ugly building in the village, if this booth can be called a building, we will consider the branch of the Savings Bank. By the way, speaking of Sberbank, 3 days ago we closed the mortgage! We accept congratulations. Maybe one day I'll even write what it was like to live under the yoke of Sberbank.
32. Post office of Russia.
33. Fragment of the restored architectural monument. Everything was done quite well, even the smallest elements of stucco molding were preserved and restored.
34. From the yard, this house looks much sadder. Perhaps it is understood that no one will step into the yard.
35. Outskirts of the village.
36. Neighboring village and country road home.
p.s. Perhaps some information about the businessman Zharov and about the village of Vyatskoye, in places, does not correspond to reality. As they say - for what he bought, for what he sold. In general, a businessman is great, he develops his native land. After all, as practice shows, most of our rich people buy villas abroad, apartments in Dubai, and dump to live over the hill.
