Khitrovka on the Matryonka River
Khitrovka lies on the upper reaches of the Matryonka River. Two writers are also connected to the village through their biographies: the poet Fyodor Karasyov and the poet and writer Viktor Barabyshkin were born here. This means two specific aspects are central to finding your bearings: the riverside location and the origins of the two literary figures.
Two road connections are listed: Roads 20N-6-21 and 20K-V41-0 each connect Panino with Khitrovka via the Kursk–Borisoglebsk–Panino–Ertil route. Check the route before setting off. Plan your overnight stay around your actual destination.
Nature and routes in Voronezh Oblast
The territory of the Khopyor Nature Reserve spans the Novokhopersky, Povorinsky and Gribanovsky districts of Voronezh Oblast. Two halls in the reserve’s natural history museum focus on wildlife and its habitats. Exhibition topics include beavers, the Russian desman, water-dwelling and predatory birds, as well as wild boar, moose, fallow deer and red deer. A large relief map shows the reserve. The exhibition therefore combines depictions of wildlife with a geographical overview of the protected area.
For planning your time, you can compare two different excursions: the “Legendy Khopra” walking tour is 5 km long and takes three hours; it is closed during the spring flood. The “Tur de Khopyor” cycling tour is 26 km long and takes four hours. This gives you a choice between a shorter walking route and a longer cycling tour, each with a specified duration. Keep in mind that the walking tour is closed during the spring flood.
Chalk Landscapes and Cave Churches
The “Divnogorye” Museum-Reserve is known for its chalk landscapes, including unusual chalk cliffs on steep slopes and large, ridge-like chalk ravines. Divnogorskiy Canyon is about one kilometre long and up to 200 metres wide. The reserve’s cultural heritage includes Stone Age settlements, the ruins of the medieval Mayatskaya fortress and ritual cave complexes. Six caves and cave complexes have been carved into the chalk massif on the right bank of the Tikhaya Sosna and Don rivers, extending for about 8.5 km.
Two cave churches also offer distinct architectural features. The cave church dedicated to the Sicilian Icon of the Mother of God in Bolshiye Divy is carved into the base of a chalk cliff and has two levels connected by a stairway. A footpath across the grounds of the museum-reserve leads to the cave church of the Nativity of John the Baptist in Malye Divy; the walk takes 30 to 40 minutes. Access to the church is by arrangement with the monastery’s pilgrimage service.
The “Paleoliticheskie masterskie” at “Divnogorye” recreate the Stone Age. Workshops on making stone tools are held there. The combination of landscape, archaeological traces and a focus on crafts offers a different perspective on the reserve than simply planning a route.
Archaeology and Horse Breeding
The “Kostenki” Museum-Reserve focuses on archaeology. Its archaeology museum building completely covers a Stone Age settlement site. The museum-reserve also includes 25 protected zones with about 60 Upper Palaeolithic sites; the area covers 9 hectares. For travel planning, this is a clear thematic alternative to the chalk landscapes and nature attractions of Voronezh Oblast.
The Khrenovskoy Stud Farm lies in the southeast of Voronezh Oblast. It is regarded as the birthplace of the Orlov Trotter and as Russia’s oldest stud farm. Count Alexei Grigoryevich Orlov-Chesmensky founded it on 24 October 1776. Visitors can see Orlov Trotters and explore the old stables and modern horse boxes. Guided tours take place daily but must be arranged in advance. The horse-breeding museum displays old stud books and the pedigree of the Orlov Trotter breed, as well as horse blankets, cups and medals won by the stud farm’s horses at racetracks in Russia and abroad. Check the visit arrangements in advance.
Discover more destinations: Boguchar, Sloboda, Podgorenskiy, Sergeevka, Borok, Chertovitsy, Pavlovsk, Kuchugury
For the regional travel overview: Voronezh Oblast.
