Myasnikovsky District: Tanais and Cultural Discoveries

Myasnikovsky District offers several distinct cultural themes: the archaeological settlement of “Tanais,” Armenian history in Chaltyr, and the traditions of Don fishing in Kalinin. These represent different focal points for planning your trip: Tanais offers excavations and historical hands-on programs, Chaltyr ethnographic collections and churches, and Kalinin the history of fishing.

Archaeological Traces and Hands-on Programs in Tanais

The open-air exhibition at the settlement of “Tanais” includes excavations covering a total area of 13,787 m². Visitors can see the remains of the Western Quarter, dating from the 3rd century BC to the turn of the 1st century BC and the 1st century AD, as well as the remains of the citadel, dating from the 3rd century BC to the 5th century AD. These dates show that the exhibition includes finds from different periods.

Along the excursion route, visitors can see fortifications, excavated urban quarters with residential courtyards, streets and lanes, as well as a reconstruction of a house from Tanais. The route thus covers different aspects of the settlement: its fortifications, residential areas and street layout. The museum-reserve complements this archaeological evidence with interactive historical hands-on programs on ancient crafts, writing, trade and sports.

The “Days of Tanais” theatrical festival is held annually at the museum-reserve. If this event is relevant to your trip, check in advance whether its date fits your plans.

History and Culture in Chaltyr

The Historical and Ethnographic Museum of Myasnikovsky District in Chaltyr has a permanent exhibition about the resettlement of Armenians from Crimea to the Don and the lives of Armenians in the Don region. The collection complements this perspective on history and ways of life with old household objects, tools and works of applied art from the late 18th to the early 20th century. The exhibition and collection thus offer different emphases: the history of a resettlement and objects associated with everyday life and applied arts.

The museum’s program includes folk festivals featuring performances by folk groups. National dishes and pies such as Puri Samsa and Lapataev Bida are baked at these events. If you would like to attend one, contact the museum in advance to ask about a suitable date.

The Church of Surb Hambartsum was founded in 1790; the building that has survived to this day was erected in 1869. It was built in the Classicist style to a standard design by Taganrog architect N. Muratov. Beside the church stands a carved stone cross, a khachkar, commemorating the 1915 Armenian Genocide. The founding date, construction history and memorial cross each provide a distinct historical connection for visitors.

More Cultural Sites and Trip Planning

In Petrovka, the Church of the Icon of the Mother of God “Zhivonosny istochnik” was built between 1850 and 1858 beside the Babinsky spring. The “Donskaya ryba” museum in Kalinin offers a different focus: its own exhibition is devoted to the history of Don fishing, its traditions and Cossack customs. At a workshop, visitors can paint a “Ryby mechty”; it is best to check the current arrangements directly with the museum.

Route 7, “Traditsii donskikh armyan,” is a bus excursion to the village of Chaltyr. Check current departure options before planning your trip. Tanais focuses on archaeology and historical hands-on programs; in Chaltyr, the focus is on the ethnographic collection, Armenian history and churches.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Leninavan, Dubovsky District, Oktyabrsky District, Volgodonsk, Belokalitvinsky District, Chekhovsky District, Belokalitvinsky District, Azov District.

For the overview of the wider region: Rostov Oblast.