Borovsk

Borovsk (Russian: Бо́ровск) is a town and the administrative center of Borovsky District of Kaluga Oblast, Russia. It sits on the Protva River, just south of the border with Moscow Oblast. Over the years, the town's population has changed. In 2021, about 12,598 people lived there. In earlier years, the numbers were a bit different: 12,283 in 2010, 11,917 in 2002, and 13,405 in 1989. In 1969, the town had around 12,000 people.

History

Borovsk has been around since 1356 and was part of the Principality of Ryazan. In the 14th century, it belonged to Vladimir the Bold, but later became part of the Grand Duchy of Moscow through marriage.

In 1444, the St. Paphnutius Monastery was built near Borovsk. The monastery's strong walls, towers, and large cathedral still stand today from the time of Boris Godunov. The town was freed by the Red Army on January 4, 1942.

Administrative and municipal status

Borovsk is the main town of Borovsky District. It helps manage the area around it. As a town, Borovsk is part of the Borovsky Municipal District, called Borovsk Urban Settlement.

Culture

Borovsk is home to some interesting historical sites, including the oldest wooden church in the area, which dates back to the 17th century. The town also has a museum dedicated to Konstantin Tsiolkovsky, a famous teacher who lived and worked there from 1880 to 1891. Recently, Borovsk has become known for the colorful painted fronts of its downtown buildings, thanks to the work of a local artist.

Sights

Borovsk has many interesting places to see. One is the Pafnutyevo-Borovsky monastery, which has beautiful buildings from the 16th and 17th centuries. You can also visit the Church of the Intercession of the Holy Virgin.

The town has an Apartment Museum dedicated to Konstantin Tsiolkovsky, a famous scientist. There is also a gallery showing wall paintings made by Vladimir Ovchinnikov, who taught himself to paint. You can find a monument to Konstantin Tsiolkovsky and a chapel that remembers Boyar Morozova.