Torzhok, Ancient trading center in Tver Oblast, Russia
Torzhok sits along the Tvertsa River, showing churches with colorful domes, stone merchant houses, and wooden structures in residential quarters. The two riverbanks connect through bridges, and the town center preserves the street layout from the 18th century.
The settlement appeared in chronicles in 1139 as Novy Torg and served as a trading post between Novgorod and southern principalities. Mongol armies besieged it twice in one month in 1238 before it became part of Moscow territory.
Gold thread embroidery from the area created ceremonial robes and vestments for churches, with workshops still producing theatrical costumes and uniforms using traditional techniques. Visitors can see examples of this craft in local shops and the town museum.
Travelers reach the town by train from Saint Petersburg or Moscow, with the station about 2 kilometers from the center. Most churches and historic buildings lie within walking distance along both riverbanks.
An innkeeper in the 19th century invented the Pozharsky cutlet from minced veal and butter, which Alexander Pushkin mentioned in a poem. French chefs later adapted the recipe for Parisian restaurants.
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