Merchant Rybinsk

12 points4 km3 hours

Since the 18th century Rybinsk has been an important stop on the route from the Volga region to the Baltic. Over its history it earned the title of “Russia's barge hauler capital,” the country's highest government bodies consulted the brokers of its exchange, and the town is also the birthplace of founders of Hollywood. Take a walk and discover the fascinating stories of this corner of “deep Russia”!

Route author

Susanin Team

Things to do

📜 Learn the city's history
🏛️🕰️ Compare the eras

Route points (12)

Rybinsk Embankment in Rybinsk

Point on route “Merchant Rybinsk”

Point 5

Rybinsk Embankment

🚶‍♂️ Waterfront

Russia's Barge Hauler Capital

Since the 18th century Rybinsk had been an important transshipment point, drawing all sorts of working people. During the caravan season about 100,000 barge haulers, stevedores, and dockworkers came to Rybinsk. There was always work, hard as it was, and the pay was decent. Life was in full swing here on the banks of the Volga. Many laden barges passed through, dockworkers loaded and unloaded them day after day, and traders struck deals in taverns, shops, and later on the exchange. A monument to those times is the Rybinsk embankment, home to the town's most important landmarks. You'll hear about some of them later; for now, take a stroll and enjoy the views.

Monument to the Barge Hauler

Speaking of barge haulers, the Barge Hauler monument deserves a special mention. Rybinsk used to be called, quite deservedly, Russia's barge hauler capital, so it's no surprise that this monument, the first in the country, was erected right here.

Monument to Lev Oshanin

Lev Oshanin was a Soviet songwriter born in Rybinsk. Among his best-known works are the song “Oh, Roads,” heard in the film “Only Old Men Are Going to Battle”; “The Volga River Flows”; and the “Courtyard Cycle,” which tells the story of a boy and a girl who live in the same courtyard. They say the poet drew his inspiration on the banks of the Volga. Be sure to rub his shoes: students say it brings good luck in exams!

Monument to Ostap Bender

The monument was erected on the embankment to mark the 50th anniversary of the release of the film “The Twelve Chairs.” Rybinsk played the part of the provincial town of N in the film, a role that made it famous throughout the country. The monument depicts the very moment when a street urchin begs Ostap for 10 kopecks. You surely remember Ostap Bender's reply: “Maybe you'd also like the key to the apartment where the money is?”