Bilimbay between industrial history and pine grove
Accommodation in Bilimbay
Bilimbay’s history spans from the early Stroganov ironworks to the development of the BI-1 aircraft. It also includes the stone Church of the Holy Trinity, the «Mogilitsa» pine grove and the Pravlenskiy sad public space.
Bilimbay at a glance
A regional government order issued in 2019 lists the Bilimbay industrial complex as a cultural heritage site of federal significance. The stone Church of the Holy Trinity has three altars and was built over 35 years in the 19th century. The «Mogilitsa» pine grove was established in 1843 with 28,000 pine seedlings. After its renovation, Pravlenskiy sad was officially opened on August 17, 2025.
What traces of Bilimbay’s industrial history can you find?
At the beginning of the 18th century, the Stroganov dynasty founded its first ironworks in Bilimbay, on the Bilimbaikha River. The river is a right-bank tributary of the Chusovaya. This links Bilimbay to an early period of iron production, with the place name also reflected in the river’s name.
Another chapter in the history of technology began in late 1941, when development and the first tests of the BI-1 aircraft started in Bilimbay. They took place at the Bolkhovitinov Design Bureau, on the evacuated premises of Plant No. 293. The accounts distinguish the early founding of the ironworks from the later aircraft development, without combining the two events into a single story.
What do the church, pine grove and garden tell us?
The Church of the Holy Trinity is made of stone and has three altars. Its construction spanned 35 years in the 19th century. The church is listed as being open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Check the hours before visiting, as they may change.
Two planting events at the «Mogilitsa» pine grove can be distinguished by date: the grove was established in 1843 with 28,000 pine seedlings. In 1899, Dmitri Mendeleev took part in replanting in the grove during his visit to the Bilimbay ironworks.
A more recent landmark is the Pravlenskiy sad public space. After its renovation, it was officially opened on August 17, 2025. Bilimbay is thus home to both historic sites and a public space that opened later.
Which routes and excursions are associated with Bilimbay?
During an excursion in May 2026 along the «Po sledam zheleznykh karavanov» route, participants visited Bilimbay, Sloboda and Kamenka. The local administration provided a free bus for the trip.
The «Vse dorogi vedut v Bilimbay» project, developed by the «Stroganoff» Foundation, was recognized as one of the best routes in a competition category for routes to churches, architecture and icon painting in Sverdlovsk Oblast in September 2017. The one-day program described included a visit to the museum in the House of Folk Culture and a view of a BI-1 model. The award and the program stops offer different insights into the project: its recognition at the time and the stops described.
Discover more destinations: Malysheva, Serov, Lenevka, Kosulino, Monetnyy, Kungurka, Nizhny Tagil, Revda.
FAQ
How long did it take to build the Church of the Holy Trinity?
The stone church, with its three altars, was built over a period of 35 years in the 19th century.
What is known about the «Mogilitsa» pine grove?
It was established in 1843 with 28,000 pine seedlings. In 1899, Dmitri Mendeleev took part in replanting there.
Which stops were included in the May 2026 excursion?
The excursion visited Bilimbay, Sloboda and Kamenka. The local administration provided a free bus for the trip.
For the broader travel overview: Sverdlovsk Oblast.
