Iksha: Local History and Archaeological Traces

Lock No. 6 of the Moscow Canal is located in Iksha. The wooden Church of Matrona of Moscow was built in 2004 and consecrated in 2017. Remains of a Russian settlement, dated from the 12th to the late 16th century, were discovered on the western outskirts of the town.

Remains of this settlement were discovered during excavations on the western outskirts of the town. They include traces of buildings, remnants of ovens, and numerous household items and pieces of jewelry. The finds therefore comprise both structural traces and a variety of objects. The settlement existed from the 12th century until the late 16th century.

The archaeological picture of the area also includes the burial grounds of Iksha and Protasovo, as well as individual objects of the Fatyanovo type. No independent settlements of the Fatyanovo culture have yet been discovered there. This distinction helps put the finds into context: individual artifacts and burial grounds do not amount to evidence of an independent settlement of this culture.

Another type of find comes from the surrounding area: fragments of ammonites and belemnites have been found in quarries near Iksha. The location details distinguish the find contexts: the settlement remains were discovered on the western outskirts of the town, while the fossils came from quarries in the surrounding area.

The wooden Church of Matrona of Moscow was built from June 4 to August 26, 2004, based on designs by E. M. Kuznetsov and the monk Sergei. It was intended as a future smaller church near the Church of Seraphim. Its solemn consecration took place on July 23, 2017. Construction and consecration therefore mark two different stages in the church’s history.

The Iksha Settlement Local History Museum opened on August 24, 2013. This date falls between the construction and consecration of the church, but belongs to the history of the museum. Together with the canal lock, these landmarks represent distinct aspects of the town: archaeological history, church construction, the museum, and infrastructure.

Discover more travel destinations: Rybaki, Yakhroma, Kurovo, Ozeretskoye, Stepanovo, Spas-Kamenka, Gulnevo, Shustino.

How long did the Russian settlement exist?

It existed from the 12th century until the late 16th century. Its remains were discovered during excavations on the western outskirts of Iksha.

When was the Church of Matrona of Moscow built and consecrated?

The wooden church was built from June 4 to August 26, 2004, and solemnly consecrated on July 23, 2017.

What fossils were found near Iksha?

Fragments of ammonites and belemnites were found in quarries in the surrounding area.

For the broader travel overview: Dmitrovsky District.