Sheksninsky District: Sizma as a Cultural Destination

• Sizma is an old village and a significant cultural tourism destination in Vologda Oblast.
• The Center for Traditional Folk Culture was founded in 2004 on the basis of the local cultural center.
• The Krasnaya Gorka folklore festival is held annually in Sizma; its date varies according to the period after Easter.

The Center for Traditional Folk Culture studies and revives local folklore and organizes its own folk festivals and celebrations. These include Maslenitsa, Krasnaya Gorka, and Medovy Spas. The staff also develop interactive programs based on local folklore. Sizma therefore offers several cultural points of interest: you can explore its festival traditions or learn how folklore features in the center’s programs.

The center’s founding in 2004 on the basis of the local cultural center is also part of the village’s cultural history. Sizma is considered a significant cultural tourism destination in Vologda Oblast; for an initial trip decision, the village can therefore be understood especially through its folklore and the work of the center.

Krasnaya Gorka is an annual folklore festival in Sizma that includes folk dances and games. Since its date depends on the period after Easter, check the date for the relevant year if you want to plan your trip around it. Dates for other events may also vary.

Sizma is also the venue for the regional folklore festival “Sizemskie Pivovary.” The traditional brewing heritage made this festival possible.

The “Krestyanskaya Izba” museum complex was established in Sizma. Its museum exhibits include the Bread Museum, the Beer Museum, the Flax Museum, and “The History of Sizma.” If you want to visit an exhibition or the complex, check current visiting arrangements in advance.

Sizma is also considered a revered pilgrimage site. The Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker is gradually regaining its original appearance. Religious tradition is thus a distinct focus alongside the folk festivals and museum topics. If you plan to visit the church, check in advance what visiting arrangements are available for your chosen date.

Sheksna, Chebsara, and Shelomovo railway stations are located in Sheksninsky District. If you are traveling by train, check the connections for your specific travel date.

You can also explore Sheksna as another destination.

Explore more destinations: Cherepovetskiy rayon, Velikoustyugsky Rajon, Totemskiy rayon, Vytegorskiy rayon, Kichmengsko-Gorodetskiy rayon, Kaduysky District, Sokolskiy rayon.

What exhibitions are there in Sizma?

The museum exhibits include the Bread Museum, the Beer Museum, the Flax Museum, and “The History of Sizma.”

Since when have services been held at the Church of St. Nicholas?

Regular services have been held there since August 2006. For a specific visit, check the current service schedule.

Which railway stations are in Sheksninsky District?

The district has railway stations in Sheksna, Chebsara, and Shelomovo. Check which connections suit your plans for your travel dates.

Go to the main travel overview: Vologda Oblast.