Kostroma city, Russia

The capital city of Kostroma oblast.

Kostroma city overview

Kostroma city is an administrative center and capital of Kostroma oblast of Russia. Kostroma city is situated on the both banks of Volga River. Kostroma is a large river port. There is also an airport in the city. Kostroma is located about 350 km northeast of Moscow city.

Kostroma city population - 272,000 (2008). Land area - 145 sq. km.

The phone code of the city is +7-4942, the postal codes - 156000-156xxx.

Kostroma city flag

Kostroma city coat of arms

Kostroma city map, Russia

Kostroma city history

The town was first time mentioned in chronicles in 1213. The official foundation date of Kostroma is believed to be 1152 and the founder is Yury Dolgoruky. In 1238 the town was captured and sacked by Mongols army. Later Kostroma town was bought by Moscow state tsar Ivan I.

Because of its location Kostroma was the place of Moscow state leaders retreat during Moscow city sieges in 1382, 1408 and 1433. The towm was growing quickly in the 16th century. One of the possible reasons is the creation of Moscow Company trading with Dutch and English merchants through Archangel town port located on the north of Moscow state.

Kostroma was captured by Polish armies two times. One of the most known heroes of wars with Poles is peasant Ivan Susanin. There are several monuments dedicated to him in Kostroma city.

In 1612 Kostroma town was the place where Moscow embassy offered Michael Romanov Russian crown. It was the end of Russian “Time of Troubles” and the beginning of Romanov’s dynasty reigning on the throne of Russia.

Kostroma city was heavily damaged during the fire in 1773. After the fire Kostroma was completely rebuilt. All streets of the city were radiating from a single point located near the river.

Kostroma city attractions

Kostroma city was celebrating its 855 anniversary in 2007. Kostroma is one of the cities on the well-known tourist route “Gold ring of Russia”. One of the main attractions of Kostroma city is Ipatievsky Monastery architectural ensemble. There are hundreds of various historic and cultural monuments, five museums, six exhibition halls, three theaters in Kostroma city of Russia.