Starocherkasskaya, Cossack village on Don River, Russia
Starocherkasskaya is a Cossack village along the Don River featuring traditional wooden houses, stone churches, and remains of old fortifications. The settlement extends along the riverbank and shows the layout of a historical Cossack community with its characteristic structures.
The village was the capital of the Don Cossacks until 1805, when repeated flooding forced authorities to move the administration to Novocherkassk. This shift marked the end of an era when the place held the center of Cossack power.
The place served as the spiritual center of Don Cossacks and carries their identity through its streets and buildings. The wooden houses and old church reflect the daily life of Cossacks who lived here across generations.
The best time to visit is during warmer months when travel by boat is possible and pathways are more accessible. The overland route via Aksai district is passable year-round and offers an alternative to the water route.
Visitors can see a wooden iconostasis from the early 18th century inside the Resurrection Cathedral, a rare example of craftsmanship from that period. This religious artwork shows the skill of local craftsmen who created impressive structures without modern tools.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.