In this compact town on the banks of the Volga in eastern Tver Oblast, there are two epic structures that are fundamentally different but undoubtedly leave a mark in the memory of everyone who has seen them.
The first (putting on our tinfoil hat) is the massive 64-meter radio astronomy observatory, studying deep space and commissioned in 1992. Everything about it is monstrous, starting from its lengthy abbreviation CDKS OKB MEI "Kalyazin" and culminating in the silhouette that emerges from behind the treetops on a forest road. It feels like an episode from Half-Life or Stalker in real life. And can you believe it? It actually works and moves!
The second is the bell tower of the Nikolsky Cathedral, which stands in water 250 meters from the nearest shore due to the construction of the Uglich Hydroelectric Power Station. As a result of flooding, entire streets were submerged. On the shore, there is a restaurant called "Voda," inside which hangs an interesting mural depicting Kalyazin residents navigating boats along the lines of houses submerged to the foundation level. They had to live like in Venice, no less.
In the 1980s, the foundation of the bell tower was eroded, causing its vertical facade to lean dangerously close to collapse. A decision was made to strengthen the foundation and create an artificial island with a dock for boats. This solution has preserved this beauty to this day.
There is an interesting viewpoint on the railway bridge over the Zhabnya River. Standing on the tracks on one side, you see the half-sphere of the radio telescope protruding from the forest, while on the other side, you see the elegant bell tower standing in the middle of the water. It’s a beautiful surreal sight that is definitely worth seeing with your own eyes.