Kokshaysk: Church, Lake and History

The Pokrovskaya Church was built in 1793. Sokolinaya Mountain lies in the southeast of Kokshaysk and offers views of the surrounding area. A chain of lakes lies on the outskirts, including Lake Krugloye, which is surrounded by a green meadow. The Museum of the History of Kokshaysk opened in 1994; its exhibition is divided into ten sections. Wake Village offers wakeboarding, wakesurfing, wakeskating and water skiing; visits are by prior arrangement.

The church’s unusual architecture combines the building styles of Old Russian masters with influences from a later period. Its origins offer another way to explore its history: the Pokrovskaya Church was built in 1793 with donations from a merchant from Tsaryovokokshaysk. The construction period, benefactor and architectural influences are distinct aspects of the same local history. If you want to get to know Kokshaysk primarily through its culture, this is a specific place to start.

A tourist walking route explores Kokshaysk’s history as the first Russian town in the Mari region. Its themes include the first voivodes and the builders of the fortress. It also covers the visit to the town by the future Emperor Alexander III and a school named after him. In this way, the town’s early history, the construction of the fortress and later connections to the place are presented together.

The tourist walking route through Kokshaysk follows in the footsteps of Yemelyan Pugachev and is described as a route anyone interested can take. A memorial marker commemorates Pugachev’s stay on July 16, 1774. It was erected in 1987 on the east side of the stretch of road between Kokshaysk and the landing stage. His 18th-century stay and the later erection of the marker represent two different dates in the history of remembrance.

Commemoration of the soldiers who fell in the Second World War is also part of the town’s history. Names are engraved on an obelisk; 50 people from Kokshaysk lost their lives in the war.

The exhibition is divided into ten sections. It covers everyday life, archaeological finds and local history. The museum opened in 1994. Its different themes offer insight into both local life and the town’s historical traces. If you are planning a visit, check the current visiting hours in advance.

Sokolinaya Mountain and the chain of lakes on the outskirts offer different landscape experiences: the mountain in the southeast provides views of the surrounding area, while the green meadow by Lake Krugloye is another distinctive feature. The lake is part of a chain of lakes on the edge of Kokshaysk. When planning, you can decide whether you are more interested in the views or the lakeside landscape.

Wake Village in Kokshaysk offers wakeboarding, wakesurfing, wakeskating and water skiing. Activities are available behind a Malibu Wakesetter 21 VLX towboat or on a reversible cable system. These are two different ways to enjoy the water sports on offer. Visits are by prior arrangement.

Discover more destinations: Oshet', Zvenigovo, Yoshkar-Ola, Kuznetsovo, Kozmodemyansk, Kichiyer, Oshutyaly and Kuyar.

When was the Pokrovskaya Church built?

The Pokrovskaya Church was built in 1793. A merchant from Tsaryovokokshaysk donated money for its construction.

What topics does the museum cover?

The ten exhibition sections are devoted to everyday life, archaeological finds and local history. If you are planning a museum visit, check the current visiting hours in advance.

What water sports are available at Wake Village?

The activities on offer are wakeboarding, wakesurfing, wakeskating and water skiing. Visits are by prior arrangement.

Go to the main travel overview: Republic of Mari El.