Soligalich

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Soligalich (Russian: Солига́лич) is a town in Kostroma Oblast, Russia, located on the right bank of the Kostroma River. Population: 6,996 (2002 Census)).

The town originated as an important centre of saltworks, which supplied with salt not only Russia but also much of Scandinavia. These saltworks were first mentioned in the testament of Ivan Kalita as Sol-Galitskaya (Соль-Галицкая, or Salt of Galich).

By the end of the 14th century, the saltworks passed to the family of Dmitry Shemyaka, providing him with income required to wage prolonged wars for control of Moscow. It was in 1450 that both Galich and Soligalich were finally seized by Vasily II of Muscovy.

In the 16th century, the saltworks were exploited by the Troitse-Sergiyeva Lavra and 5 other monasteries. The settlement was repeatedly ravaged by Kazan Tatars and Udmurts.

In 1609, Soligalich became a voivode's seat. It was sacked by one of Polish units roaming Russia during the Time of Troubles. In 1649, the wooden town was destroyed by fire. Towards the end of the 17th century, half a dozen churches were rebuilt in brick, surviving to the present day.

In 1708, Soligalich became a part of the Arkhangelsk guberniya. Seven decades later, the separate Kostroma guberniya was formed, with Soligalich as one of uezd centres. Currently, the town is known as a minor spa, for it has mineral springs, silt and mud baths. There is a monument to Gennady Nevelskoy, who was born in the vicinity.

[edit] External links


Coordinates: 59°05′N, 42°17′E