Voronezh region. The reserve is a natural highlight, which pleases the eye

The open-air museum is always an unusual place, with a special atmosphere. Here you can merge with it, become a part of it. This is the museum-reserve "Divnogorie" - a real gem of the Voronezh region. This place is unique in that the area of 1100 hectares combines both natural, historical, cultural and architectural monuments. This is a very special world, completely corresponding to its name. About the beauty here is mentioned in the original travel notes of Metropolitan Pimen, who traveled the Don to the Azov Sea in 1389.

Divnogorye Nature Reserve

The Voronezh Region is located in the central zone of the Russian Federation. The amazing landscape emphasizes the beauty of what is called a historical and cultural heritage. The reserve "Divnogorje" includes parts of the valleys of the Don and Tikhaya Pine rivers . In addition, a sharp ledge to the flooded meadows breaks off the section of the Central Russian Upland. The symbol of the reserve is the Great and Small Divas - the Cretaceous Remains that gave it the name. It was they who were mentioned in their notes by Metropolitan Pimen as white, surprisingly beautiful stone pillars, standing over the river Pine. No less unique is a natural object such as a chalky canyon with steep ledges. An exceptionally beautiful Voronezh region located in the European part of Russia, the Divnogorye reserve confirms this.

Flora

The local flora is so diverse and rich in relict plants that with the light hand of a famous scientist Divnogorie together with the adjacent territories is called a "botanical Mecca".

It is believed that at least once in a life these edges are simply obliged to visit each self-respecting connoisseur of the plant world. These places are also interesting for entomologists, because here there are 25 species of rare insects.

Such a beautiful land could not leave our ancestors indifferent, it's not for nothing that many tribes lived in these parts, replacing each other. One of the evidences to this is Mayatskoe fortified settlement, the main archaeological site of the reserve, the appearance of which dates back to the 9th to 10th century of our era.

Being here, it's hard to believe that this is a modern Voronezh region - the reserve seems to be returning you many centuries ago.

In the times that replaced those, when the Mayatskoe settlement appeared, here the monks who built caves in the Cretaceous slopes settled. Now here is a place of pilgrimage for those who are not indifferent to Orthodoxy, to the history of its formation in Russia.

Directly on the territory of the museum-reserve is the operating male Holy Assumption Monastery. And in the immediate vicinity of the Mayatskoye ancient settlement, next to Divnogorye Farm, there is a cave church of the Sicilian Icon of the Mother of God of the 17th century.

Voronezh Region: Grafsky Nature Reserve

With the conservation goal, in 1927 a state natural biosphere reserve was established in these places. Work began even before the revolution with a hunting zoo located in the Usman forest, where several noble deer were brought from Germany , and from Belarus - European beavers who very quickly escaped to freedom. Animals survived and formed a small colony here. First of all, it was to preserve this endangered species - the river beaver - and subsequently a reserve was created.

But its functions, of course, are not limited to this. Since 1934 there is a museum of nature, the exhibition area of which today is more than 800 square meters. In its five rooms are presented dioramas, thanks to which you can get acquainted with the local flora and fauna, see soil monoliths, various mock-ups, entomological collection and much more. The Grafsky Reserve of the Voronezh Region with its unique sights will interest not only those who have dedicated their lives to the natural sciences, but also any person not indifferent to nature.

What to see?

Employees of the museum conduct excursions not only directly in it, but also along local ecological routes, as well as through its central estate. And there really is something to see and to be surprised. Nobody is left indifferent by the 300-year old so-called "Petrovsky" oak, demonstration cages with animals, arboretum, zoo corner ... And, of course, the only beaver nursery on the territory of the Russian Federation.

If you are attracted to the Voronezh region, the reserve should be visited without fail, and devote to getting to know him as much as possible.

Conclusion

Tourists here are not attracted by souvenirs and exotic products. What really is worth to bring from there, it's impressions and mood. And their best "keepers" - of course, pictures. Visiting the reserves, photos you must do. Because you can look at them and then, remembering this amazing beauty.