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Rybinsk

Location Rybinsk (Рыбинск) is the second largest city in the Yaroslavl oblast.  It lies at the confluence of the Volga Sheksna rivers.  According to the recent 2010 census, it has a population of just over 200,000. It is served by Rybinsk Staroselye airport and Rybinsk passenger station. The town is 370km north-east of Moscow and 80km north-east of Yaroslavl.  Climate The local climate in Rybinsk is defined by its geographical position.  Being at the confluence of two rivers, the winters are more than compensated for by the glorious summers.  The average winter temperature is -10 degrees celcius, though temperatures of -25 are not unheard of.  The average summer temperatures are 20-25 degrees, though it could hit 30 degrees. History Rybinsk is one of the oldest Slavic settlements on the Volga River.  The place was first noticed by chroniclers in 1071.  Its geographical location soon benefited the town in history as it became a prosperous trading point between the various Russian principalities before supplyng the Muscovite court with its fish and other local produce. When the Russian Empire developed diplomatic relations and trade links with Western Europe, Rybinsk prospered as its status as a focal point was enhanced.  It became a place where cargo was distributed from vessels sailing, not only along the River Volga, but also onto vessels sailing to the rest of Russia and the Baltic Sea. The most important industries of present-day Rybinsk are an aircraft engine manufacturing plant and a hydroelectric power station. Places of Interest The legacy of Rybinsk's prosperous past has left a contrast in some of the town's buildings.  There are many architecturally interesting churches such as the last remaining stone church dating from the 17th century.  The town is one of the mosre interesting architectural towns in contrast to former Soviet provincial towns.  The town's most conspicuous landmark, the Neoclassical Svior-Transfiguration Cathedral, was constructed on the Volga riverside from 1838 until 1851.  It was based on a design by the Dean of the Imperial Academy of Arts, Avraam Melnikov, for St. Isaac's Cathedral in St. Petersburg.  However, Melnikov lost the contest for best design and later sold the design to the Rybinsk municipal authorities. As one of the main hubs on the River Volga, Rybinsk formerly attracted scores of foreigners, who built a Lutheran church and an imposing Roman Catholic cathedral, said to be the tallest on the Volga.  There is also the Nobel Family Museum, exhibiting the lives and times of an illustrious Swedish family in Imperial Russia, who had acquired their fortune through developing trade between the Russian and Swedish empires. Early film moguls Nicholas and Joseph Schenck were born in the town, and there is a grand 18th century mansion of the Mikhailov family, whose living members include Sergey Mikhailov, Nikita Mikhailov, and Andron Konchalovsky. Yaroslavl is 2 hours away and so many Golden Ring cities such as Kostroma, Ivanovo, Vladimir and Suzdal are in close proximity so a cheap weekend away is always an option. Getting there and away There are two routes by train from Moscow.  One is on the daily overnight train which costs approximately 2000 roubles for 2nd class (bed in a compartment) and 1000 roubles for 3rd class (bed in an open carriage).  The other route is via Yaroslavl and then a local train or bus to Rybinsk.  Therre are also frequent trains to St. Petersburg, taking about 10-12 hours. Getting around Rybinsk is generally hassle free.  There is an extensive network of buses and mini-buses covering the town's neighbourhood and other towns in the region.  Tickets on the buses and mini-buses usually cost no more than 30 roubles, and a taxi about 200 roubles.