Zaraysk

Zaraysk is a small town in Zaraysky District in Moscow Oblast, located around 160 kilometers southeast of the capital. It runs along the right bank of the Osyotr River and is surrounded by open plains and scattered woodland.

A settlement existed here since the 12th century, originally known as Krasnoye. The present stone fortress was built between 1528 and 1531 to protect Moscow's southern borders from Crimean Tatar raids.

The name likely derives from an old Russian word related to light or brightness, reflecting its historical role as a border fortress. Today the well-preserved red brick walls and towers at the center draw visitors who stroll through the old lanes and experience life in a small Russian town.

Buses depart regularly from Moscow bus terminals, with the journey taking around two and a half to three hours. The center can be explored on foot, and comfortable shoes are recommended for the cobbled pathways.

Near the fortress walls, tools and figurines from the Old Stone Age have been uncovered, including a carved bison statuette over 20,000 years old. These finds show that people settled at this spot already in prehistoric times.

Location: Zaraysky District

Inception: 1146

Elevation above the sea: 160 m

GPS coordinates: 54.76528,38.88361

Latest update: December 13, 2025 17:10