Myshkin: Evening Snowstorm and Merchant Hills

#hellohalloween Myshkin is a museum town, small and cozy. But what makes it memorable is not so much the buildings as the atmosphere. Last night, a huge snowstorm covered the streets—and then everything sparkled anew: hilly alleys, mansions with carved window frames, the occasional shadowy passerby. Without it, the town would have simply looked beautiful. But with it, it became a true fairytale. Although Myshkin has potential even without the snow: — hills of unhurried time; — entire neighborhoods with 19th-century merchant mansions, with columns, rentable balconies, and windows overlooking the river; — streets without traffic lights, where cars are rare; — information boards next to mansions: "The merchant Chistov lived here, here lives the master potter." Signs stand next to the beautiful houses, as if the tour is self-guided. The Volga embankment is landscaped: benches, a wooden deck, a view of the river where the ferry clacks against the pier. And the ferry itself is a separate attraction: cars, pedestrians, the crossing over the water, just like in a movie. The center is neat: information boards, benches, promenade areas. But there's another side: a cozy, provincial ambiance: an old cafe, a nearly closed museum wing, empty streets until dawn. And all this brings the city to life. History is a cap. Myshkin was first mentioned as a village in the 15th century. It only became a city in 1777, by decree of Catherine the Great. The name, they say, stems from a legend: a prince fell asleep on the banks of the Volga, and a mouse woke him, saving him from a snake. Since then, the mouse has become the symbol of the city. For centuries, Myshkin was a trading center: butter, eggs, and timber—everything came along the Volga, merchants built houses, and fairs sprang up. Getting there. From Moscow: By car, about 4 hours along the M-8 highway to Uglich, then the regional road to Myshkin. By train: to Volga station (approximately 18-23 km from the city), then bus #107 to Myshkin. By ferry: In summer, you can get there by boat along the Volga—the city is located on the high left bank of the river. ⸻ Tip: Arrive late afternoon, when a snowstorm or snowfall has already begun, and a walk through the steep hills turns into a quiet winter adventure. Bring a warm jacket, a hot drink, and just wander aimlessly. This is appropriate in this little town. Myshkin doesn't announce itself loudly. It's just waiting for you to notice: time moves differently here.