The administrative centre of the Vysokogorsky district is Vysokaya Gora. Area – 1668,2 square km. The district was founded in 1956. The village of Vysokaya Gora is situated in the northwest of the republic. The Vysokogorsky district boasts a distinctive geographical position. I sharing a border with Kazan on one side and the Mari El republic on the other.
The district is a part of the ancient cultural and spiritual center known as Zakazanye, nestled in the heart of the Middle Volga region. The roots of many settlements in the district date back to the medieval period. Its landscape has been shaped by the historic Siberian tract.
Historical Significance
The district’s history is deeply intertwined with its medieval past. Before 1920, it belonged to the Kazan and Laishev counties of the Kazan Governorate. Subsequently, it became part of the Arsky and Laishev cantons, then the Arsky canton of the Tatar Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic. And later, from 1930 to 1935, it was associated with several rural areas, including Kazansky, Dubyazsky, Pestretchinsky, and Arsky districts.
Lush Forests and Diverse Flora
Vysokogorsky district boasts a diverse range of flora, with oak, lime, maple, pine, spruce, birch, and aspen dominating its landscape. Oak, occupying the first place in terms of area, is closely followed by pine forests. The district is crisscrossed by the Kazanka river, flowing through its southern part, and its tributaries, including the Sula river with its tributaries Sainka and Kasymov, as well as the Solonka river. Notably, the Kazanka river, with its approximately 60 km length in the district, is recognised as a natural monument.
Preserving Nature’s Wonders
Eight specially protected natural areas, comprising two natural reserves and six regional natural monuments, adorn the district. In 1978, four karst-origin lakes were declared natural monuments. The Semyozerkyi Forest, designated as a natural monument in 1986, covers an area of 118.92 hectares and is located north of the village of Semyozerka.
Cultural Heritage Museums
The district is home to the Regional Local Lore Museum, established in 2007. With a collection exceeding 1000 items, the museum’s main sections focus on the district’s history and its participation in the Great Patriotic War. The museum also hosts thematic exhibitions, providing a dynamic experience for visitors.
Iske-Kazansky Historical, Cultural, and Natural Museum-Reserve
Founded in 1992 in the vicinity of Kamayevo, Russky Urmak, and Tatarskaya Aisha, the Iske-Kazansky Museum-Reserve showcases a wealth of historical, archaeological, architectural, and natural monuments. The museum-reserve incorporates the picturesque landscape of the Kamayevo (Iske-Kazansky) settlement, adding to the overall charm of the site.
Archaeological Treasures
Vysokogorsky district is a treasure trove of archaeological wonders, with nearly 100 identified sites, including the Kamayevo (Iske-Kazansky) and Solovtsovsky settlements. These sites span various epochs, from the Mesolithic and Neolithic to the Bronze Age. The majority of these archaeological finds belong to the medieval period, encompassing the Volga Bulgaria, Golden Horde, and Kazan Khanate eras. The remains of numerous settlements and cemeteries dating from the 12th to the 16th centuries attest to the active evolution of Vysokogorsky district during this period.
Vysokogorsky district bears witness to the enduring connection between history and nature. Its medieval origins, diverse ecosystems, and cultural heritage render it an intriguing destination for those eager to delve into the vibrant tapestry of Russia’s Middle Volga region. Whether visitors are attracted to historical museums, lush forests, or archaeological wonders, Vysokogorsky district offers something captivating for everyone.
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