Kalyazin, Historical town on Volga River, Russia
Kalyazin sits on the right bank of the Volga River at roughly 120 meters elevation, about 175 kilometers northeast of Tver. The town borders the Uglich Reservoir, which flooded large parts of the old center.
The settlement began as a tax-free sloboda in the 12th century and grew after the Makaryevsky Monastery was built on the opposite bank. In the 1940s, construction of the Uglich Reservoir led to the flooding of much of the old town and the monastery.
The name traces back to the local boyar Ivan Kolyaga, who helped establish the settlement in the 12th century. The flooded bell tower has become the most photographed landmark and draws visitors for boat trips on the Uglich Reservoir.
Direct train connections from Moscow Savyolovsky station bring visitors to the town, with further routes to Kashin, Uglich, Rybinsk, and Sonkovo. Access to the flooded bell tower is possible by boat, especially during the warmer months.
The reservoir raised the water level so much that only the upper floors of the bell tower remained visible. This tower was later supported with an artificial island to stabilize it.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
