Sviyazhsk

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Coat of arms of Sviyazhsk

Sviyazhsk or Zöyä (Russian: Свия́жск; Tatar: Zöyä/Зөя) is a village (selo) in the Republic of Tatarstan, Russia, located at the confluence of the Volga and Sviyaga Rivers, 55°46′N 48°40′ECoordinates: 55°46′N 48°40′E. It has been situated on an island since the construction of the Kuybyshev Reservoir at Tolyatti downstream Volga.

Sviyazhsk was founded in 1551 as a fortress, which was built within four weeks from parts made in Uglich and transported down the Volga. It became a military base of the Russian army during the siege of Kazan (1552).

Since the 15th century Sviyazhsk became a center of an uyezd. In 1920–1927 it was a center of Sviyazhsky Kanton, in 1927–1931—a center of Sviyazhsky District. In 1932 town was demoted to village. Since 1955 it is situated at the island.

There is a school and a club in the village, as well as a monastery associated with the name of Venerable Macarius of Unzha.