Mushrooms with Eyes: Ryazan’s Hidden Wonders
Surely you have ever heard such a famous Russian saying: «In Ryazan – mushrooms with eyes». But did you know that on the streets of Ryazan you can really find unusual bronze figures of mushrooms? The most amazing thing about them is the «eyes», as if coming to life and carefully watching everyone who passes by. These art objects make the city alive and mysterious, adding a sense of magic.
If you are ready to go in search of these mushrooms, invite your friends with you and go on an exciting adventure through the streets of the city.
In this article you will find not only the locations of the sculptures, but also a detailed route of the main attractions of the city, as well as a recommendation of a place where you can enjoy delicious cuisine during your walk.
You can get to Ryazan only by car or train. If you live in Moscow, take a ticket for the «branded express» train from the Kazan railway station and in two and a half hours you will be in Ryazan.
Upon arrival in the city, go to the Yesenin Central Library, where you will be met by the first Sage Mushroom. This object depicts an old mushroom with a beard, who focusses on reading a thick book, symbolising knowledge and wisdom. It is located to the right of the entrance to the library building, as if inviting all passers-by to immerse themselves in the world of literature and discoveries.
Then go to Victory Square. The Mushroom Chapel is waiting for you here. This composition represents mushroom musicians, who seem to sing in choir, creating an atmosphere of fun. It is next to the singing fountain, which adds a special liveliness and mood to this place.
The third mushroom, the Traveler, is situated near the Amax Hotel. This sculpture illustrates a mushroom-tourist who has packed up and is ready to go camping. His wide hat resembles an umbrella that protects from the rain, and he holds a map in his hands, studying the route. Little companion mushrooms stand next to him, creating a feeling of friendly company that shares adventures with him.
If you want to feel the atmosphere of history and science, be sure to visit the Museum-Estate of the great Russian scientist Ivan Petrovich Pavlov, where he spent his childhood and youth. In the courtyard of the memorial house you can walk through the cosy garden, look into the summer house and see the croquet platform. Don`t forget to take a photo on one of the benches with a beautiful view – this moment will remain in your memory for a long time as part of an unusual journey.
The next Peddler Mushroom is located in the park on Lenin Square, not far from the historical shopping arcades, which were once the center of the city`s trade. This mushroom is a merchant who offers a variety of treats – bread, buns and lollipops. The sculpture seems to invite you to an old city bazaar, where you can feel the warmth and hospitality of Ryazan.
Before heading to the next mushroom, be sure to visit the Ryazan Kremlin, a historical complex that is the heart of the city and one of its main attractions. Take a walk along its ancient walls and familiarise yourself with the architecture. On the hill, near the Kremlin, there is an observation platform with a breathtaking view of the city. It is from this height that you can see the beautiful panoramas of Ryazan, the Uspensky Cathedral, the Bell Tower, as well as enjoy the atmosphere of spaciousness and tranquility. This place is perfect for taking memorable photos!
Not far from the Kremlin, the Watchman Mushroom hid – a faithful guard of the fortress, closely watching its safety. His attentive and focused gaze is directed into the distance, as if he is ready to notice any approach in time and protect the heart of the city.
Are you ready to see the next sculpture? If you walk a little further along the Trubezhnaya embankment, you will meet my favourite – the Mushroom Artist. This mushroom enthusiastically creates a picture of the Ryazan Kremlin, holding a brush and a palette in his hands, like a real master. If you look closely, you can see the exact image of the Bell Tower and the Uspensky Cathedral of the Ryazan Kremlin on the Mushroom-Artist`s easel!
The next point is the monument to the great Russian poet of the Silver Age Sergei Alexandrovich Yesenin. This place here was not chosen by chance – the poet was born in the village of Konstantinovskoye, just 40 kilometers from Ryazan, which explains the close connection of his work and life with this region. Near the statue stands one of the oldest temples of the city – Spas-na-Yaru, which is an important historical and architectural heritage.
Almost half of the route has already been passed, it`s time to make a stop for lunch! I recommend going to the restaurant «Good hands. Mate», which is situated very close to the Kremlin on Petrov Street, 10. The atmosphere in the restaurant is pleasant and cosy, and the interior is made in a modern style. There are also interesting details in the design: for instance, there are shelves with books in the hall, which you can take and read while waiting for meals; paper caps in the form of a garland hang from the ceiling, which create a festive feeling. The restaurant «Good hands. Mate» also surprises with its variety of dishes – the menu includes both classic soups and pasta, as well as main courses of fish and meat cooked over an open fire. For dessert be sure to try the passion fruit cheesecake. Even those who are not fans of sweets will be delighted. After a delicious lunch you can continue your walk around the city with renewed vigor!
Follow the pedestrian street Pochtovaya – right in front of the cafe «Chesnok» you will see the sculpture Mushroom Man-Borovichok. Behind the bosom of the Man hides an axe – a traditional tool of Ryazan master carpenters, famous for their skills and hard work.
Then go to the Old Town Hotel. Approaching this building, you involuntarily get the feeling that you are somewhere in the heart of Europe. And all because the hotel is made in a bright European architectural style, which harmoniously fits into the historical appearance of Ryazan. Particular attention is drawn to the unusual mosaic of flowers that decorates the upper part of the facade – it gives the building sophistication and uniqueness. Don`t rush to pass by: go around the building on the right side and you will find a rotunda. We were fortunate to find a young man playing the piano right in the open air, filling the space with light music. If you`re lucky, stop for a few minutes and enjoy this live performance.
Go down to the picturesque Munster Square, where the next sculpture Mushroom Team awaits you. These funny mushrooms are like real athletes, having fun on skateboard. You will be also greeted by bears on Munster Square. But don`t be afraid, they`re not real. They settled near the artificially created waterfall, as if enjoying the sounds of falling water. Here you can stop for a while, walk along Lybedsky Boulevard and also take bright photos as a souvenir.
Mushroom Professor and his Students are located near the Polytechnic University. The mushroom professor in glasses holds a thick book and a globe tightly in his hands, preparing to pass on his knowledge to attentive students. Little students gathered around their teacher, listening carefully to every word, as if sitting in a real lecture, full of desire to new things.
Before heading to the most important mushroom, be sure to go under the Astrakhan bridge, and you will find yourself at the Ryazan circus. Here you can leisurely walk along the alley, relax on comfortable benches and enjoy the view of this bright and colourful place. The alley is famous for its original sculptures, which will certainly attract the attention of both children and adults: for example, funny circus elephants or a bear on a scooter.
A special place is occupied by the monument to the famous Russian and Soviet circus actor Oleg Popov, who gave the world many vivid images and became a symbol of kindness and joy. The statue with a dog next to it seems to invite you to remember the magic of the circus show and makes every passer-by smile.
The Main Mushroom in Ryazan is situated in the picturesque Lower City Garden. This figure amazes with its beauty and detail: the mushroom seems to have come out of a fairy tale, surrounded various forest inhabitants – snails, ladybugs, frogs and grasshoppers, which organically complement the composition and give it liveliness. The main mushroom itself is decorated with expressive eyes and nose, which over the years has gained shine from the touch of guests who want to attract good luck.
In the Lower City Garden, where this sculptural group is located, you can climb to the circular observation platform, which offers a magnificent panoramic view.
At the Ryazan Drama Theatre, you are greeted by the composition Couple in Love. They are standing cutely under an umbrella, gently holding hands.
Not far from here, right next to the Palace of Children`s Creativity, there is a Pioneer Mushroom. He launches the plane with enthusiasm, impersonating a child`s dream and the desire for knowledge.
And finally, completing the route, you will find yourself at the Ryazan VDNH, where the last object is placed – Mushrooms with Geese. They seem to gather the harvest of autumn, symbolising the wealth and generosity of nature. The territory of VDNH is a wonderful place to relax: there are well-maintained alleys, fountains, and pavilions, which are in many ways similar to VDNH in Moscow.
But don`t delay the stroll – the last train to Moscow leaves from the same station where you arrived at 16:41.
At the end of your walk through the mysterious mushrooms of Ryazan you may feel as if you have looked into a magical fairy tale, where each mushroom is not just a sculpture, but a living hero with his own history and character. Let this journey leave warmth, smiles and a desire to tell your friends and family about this unusual adventure in your heart.
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