Nizhny Novgorod

by Mikhail Solunin

Name: Mikhail Solunin

Age: 28

Profession: Photographer

City: Nizhny Novgorod

How long have you been doing photography? What style or genre most interests you?

About five years. At first, I was only interested in doing photojournalism for mass media and commercial shooting. Now I am more interested in documentary photo stories and personal projects.

Can you give us a short description of your city? Where is it located? What is it famous for?

Nizhny Novgorod is located 430 kilometers from Moscow at the point where two of the largest rivers in European Russia: the Oka and the Volga. People call the place where the rivers meet Strelka ("arrow"). This is also the birthplace of famous people like the writer Maxim Gorky, the inventor Ivan Kulibin, the founder of Russian photojournalism Maxim Dmitriev, and the Russian politician and social activist Boris Nemtsov. In the past, Nizhny was famous for its Commercial Fair. Today the city's calling card is its kremlin, and its very modern Aerial Tram line, which spans 3660 meters and crosses the Volga River to the town of Bor. It is the only cable car in Russia or Europe that spans a body of water, in this case the 861 meters of the Volga.

What is something about your city that only locals would know?

Nizhny Novgorod is perhaps the only city in Russia where Lenin Prospect crosses Ilyich Prospect. The city also has a church located inside a railway car. However, the Church of the Icon of the Reigning Mother of God is stationary and has the address: Ignatiev Brothers 1, kilometer 3.

Which places or sites are a must for someone to see if they visit your city?

It is worth visiting the kremlin. Pay for an excursion inside its walls and walk along its perimeter. One should also visit the Chkalovskaya Steps, on Fyodorovsky Embankment, from which there is a wonderful view of the lower part of the city, especially at sunset. Streets to visit include Bolshaya Pokrovskaya, Rozhdestvenskaya, Ilyinskaya.

Long ago, Mescherskoe Lake, the largest lae in Nizhny Novgorod, was part of the Volga River. Now it's a favorite places for leisure, for romantic dates, and where people sing and play guitar all night long. It would be a totally wonderful place if were not for the litter on the lake shore. Photo by @misha_solunin from Nizhny Novgorod
Mikhail Solunin
The main tourist attraction in Nizhny Novgorod and its architectural landmark is the Nizhny Novgorod Kremlin. This is the most ancient part of the city, first mentioned in the Chronicles in 1221, although most construction took place from 1508 to 1515. Like all kremlins in Russia, it was a fortress. Today is houses museums and buildings of the regional and municipal government. The best way to view Nizhny Novgorod Kremlin is to go on a river cruise. Photo by @misha_solunin from Nizhny Novgorod
Mikhail Solunin
May 9 in Minin square. Photo by @misha_solunin from Nizhny Novgorod
Mikhail Solunin
In 2018 Nizhny Novgorod will be one of the Russian cities hosting the FIFA World Cup. I hope that our city will see many guests from all over the world. Photo by @misha_solunin from Nizhny Novgorod Mikhail Solunin
This guy's name is Sergey Gavrikov. He is 17, and has been blind for 10. He is a member of the Russian national football team for blind people and this year he will participate the Paralympic Games in Rio. He's an incredibly talented and cheerful guy. I'm proud to be acquainted with him. Photo by @misha_solunin from Nizhny Novgorod Mikhail Solunin
There are at least 6000 Lenin monuments in Russia, and at least 49 city squares and 5167 streets named after him. The full length of Lenin Streets is approximately 8631 kilometers. This is equal to the distance between Nizhny Novgorod and South Korea. In Nizhny Novgorod there is one square, 17 memorials and one avenue named for Vladimir Ilyich. Photo by @misha_solunin from Nizhny Novgorod Mikhail Solunin
The odor of lighter fluid and shashlik fills the air as does loud music. One could start to feel dizzy. This is how holidays are here. Photo by @misha_solunin from Nizhny Novgorod
Mikhail Solunin
The famous Russian writer Maxim Gorky was born in Nizhny Novgorod. The city was renamed after him in 1932. In 1990, however, the name Nizhny Novgorod was returned to the city. Photo by @misha_solunin from Nizhny Novgorod Mikhail Solunin
Preparations are in full swing for Victory Day. Between rehearsals, parade participants take e a rest in the shadow of the Nizhny Novgorod kremlin walls. Photo by @misha_solunin from Nizhny Novgorod Mikhail Solunin
A school student defends his team's goal during a game of floorball. Photo by @misha_solunin from Nizhny Novgorod Mikhail Solunin

Everyday Russia

Nizhny Novgorod

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