Kostroma oblast (region), Russia (Kostromskaya)

The capital city of Kostroma oblast: Kostroma.

Kostroma region overview

Kostroma oblast (region) (also spelled Kostromskaya) is a federal subject of the Russian Federation, part of Central Federal District. Administrative center and capital city of the region is Kostroma.

Koostroma oblast population is about 659,000 (2012); land area - 60,211 sq. km.

Kostroma oblast flag

Kostroma oblast flag

Kostroma oblast coat of arms

Kostroma oblast coat of arms

Kostroma oblast map, Russia

Kostroma oblast map of Russia

Kostroma region facts

The largest cities of the region are Kostroma (269,000), Bui (26,000), Nerekhta (23,000), Sharya (25,000).

There are about 2,600 rivers in Kostroma region. Major rivers are the Volga and Kostroma. The territory of the region is rich in timber resources (about 75% of the territory is covered with woods).

Kostroma region is an important railway and highway junction of western Russia.

Kostroma region views

Kostroma region scenery

Kostroma region scenery

Author: Andrey Vigerchuk

Kostroma region view

Kostroma region view

Author: Chelovyan Eleonora

Kostroma oblast landscape

Kostroma oblast landscape

Author: Alexandr Kuznetsov


Kostroma region history

Kostroma province has a rich and ancient history full of various events. Till the 15th century, 2 principalities were located on its territory - Kostromskoye and Galichskoye. In the 15th century, Galich princes fought with Moscow ones but failed to win the right to be the main princes.

During Time of Troubles, both Kostroma and Galich were brought to ruin by Polish and Lithuanian troops. In the mid 17th century, Kostroma was the fourth important town of the Russian state.

For the first time the territories of the present region were divided from each other during Peter I governing. In 1797, Paul I abolished Vladimir and Kostroma territories ruled by governor-general, instead Kostroma gubernia was formed and it existed till 1917.

After Kostroma became the center of gubernia its rapid growth (both economical and cultural) began. The end of the 18th - the first half of the 19th century is considered to be the highest point in cultural development (architecture, painting, literature) not only of the town Kostroma but of other towns - Galich, Nerekhta, Soligalich.

Architectural sights in classicism style are the decorations of the central parts of these towns till nowadays. Manorial estates were very popular and they became centers of culture in remote districts of the gubernia.

The abrogation of serfdom in 1861 caused rapid economic growth in Kostroma province, it was connected with textile industry development. By the early 20th century, flax industry of the region was as one of the leading industries among the other regions of European Russia.

In 1912, Kostroma province produced 22% of fabric and 26% of thread put out by all the plants in Russia. The region produced a lot of fine and middle fabrics: the region produced 40% of all the fabric put out in Russia. Alongside with textile industry wood processing was rapidly developed in the region.

In 1960s, tourism started to develop in Kostroma region. In 1971, Kostroma became a part of “The Golden Ring” of Russia. After the USSR collapsed in 1991, the region together with Russia experienced all the problems connected with transition from planned economy to a market one.

Destroyed relations of production entailed 43,2% decline of industrial production in 1994 comparing with 1991. Mostly the decline referred those branches on which Kostroma economics was based: textile industry, machine-building, wood-processing.

Kostroma region attractions

Kostroma province nature is known for its traditional Russian landscapes. Kostroma city celebrated 850 years from its foundation in 2002. It is the part of famous Golden Ring of Russia tourist route.

There are about 2,500 various architectural, historical and archaeological monuments and memorials on the territory of Kostroma region.

Kostroma oblast of Russia photos

Kostroma region scenery

Kostroma region railway

Kostroma region railway

Author: Alex Purgin

Kostroma region scenery

Kostroma region scenery

Author: Serge Grekhov

Kostroma Russia view

Kostroma Russia view

Author: Alexandr Kuznetsov


Kostroma region pictures

Kostroma region scenery

Kostroma region scenery

Author: S. Zhirnov

Kostroma province village

Kostroma province village

Author: Chelovyan Eleonora

Kostromskaya oblast village

Kostromskaya oblast village

Author: Alex Puff


The questions of our visitors

Rob asks: What is the phone number for hotel "Sharya" in Sharya town of Kostroma oblast?
Expert's answer:
Here are the contacts of Sharya town hotels (including the one you have asked about) I have found:
  • Recreation base "Vetluga". Contact phone: +7-910-199-2990. Email: vetluga.info@mail.ru
  • Hotel "Finskaya". Contact phone: +7-49449-2-84-15
  • Hotel "Sharya". Contact phone: +7-49449-5-10-10
  • Hotel "Sharyadrev". Contact phone: +7-49449-56-466