We recently stumbled across a wonderful series of photos by Russian photographer Victoria Zaykina. The photos are of a small town near Moscow named Borovsk. These photos immediately captured our imagination and we wanted to share them with you.

We also asked Victoria to send us some commentary on Borovsk and her photos. Here is what she wrote.

Borovsk is an ancient city with a rich history (13th century), and even 150 years ago it was livelier  than it is today.  But, the city was a bit out of luck in the 20th century (or vice versa), as it was positioned somewhat away from the Kiev railroad and the Kiev federal highway. This is why the city is “asleep.” You arrive there and you fall into the 19th century. No, not the 19th, even earlier than that, into the 17th. Though the inhabitants  of the city are dressed in modern clothes.

As any decent city of ancient Russia, it sits on the hills next to a river surrounded with picturesque nature of Russia. There are many churches (an unbelievable amount, 16 still intact, 11 destroyed and 2 monasteries) all very different architecturally. Borovsk is also considered a stronghold of Old Believers. Feodosia Morozova was killed here.  In the 19th centery, 70% of the population were Old Believers.

Besides its historical value, there is a subtle atmosphere of something close to your heart, where you feel at peace and blessed. Near a monastery, if you sit down on a bench, you don’t want to leave, whether you believe in God or not. There is especially wonderful nature around. And pine trees. And fresh air!

Borovsk is loved by artists, writers, and poets. In the summer, students from the Moscow art schools come to work in the open-air. And by the way, many people have a similar story of love for Borovsk. They saw photos and thought “well, it is just an old city, so what?” … and then they come, see it in for themselves, fall in love..buy a house and build their lives there.

I met an interesting old man there. He had retired and moved with his wife from noisy Moscow to Borovsk. And then he started to take photographs!:) His series of photos about Borovsk was exhibited in St. Petersburg and even has won a prize at some photo competition in Germany. Unfortunately, I do not remember his name.

There are many stories like this. There is something special about Borovsk.

Borovsk is 30 minutes from where I live, so I visit quite often. I simply like to walk around Borovsk and soak in the ambiance of something very joyous, and I try to show it through my photographs.

We want to thank Victoria Zaykina for sharing her photos.
See Victoria’s entire Borovsk photoset on Flickr.