Vasilsursk (colloquially — Vasil) — a working settlement in Vorotynsky District at the confluence of the Volga River and the Sura River. The settlement has a population of 2,000.
Founding
Vasilsursk was founded in the 16th century. Grand Prince Vasily III Ivanovich marched on Kazan in 1523 to avenge the murder of a Russian ambassador and Russian merchants. The Grand Prince himself remained in Nizhny Novgorod, sending his military commanders into Kazan territory. Upon the army's return from the campaign, a town was founded at the mouth of the Sura River and named in honor of the Grand Prince — Vasilyev-Novgorod, later known as Vasilsursk and simply as Vasil. The town's inauguration took place on September 1, 1523.
About the settlement
Over its more than 400 years of existence, Vasilsursk has preserved many important historic sites. The large square in the center of the upper part of the settlement, which bears the old name Tsepeli, still shows traces of earthen ramparts and ditches.
For lyrical souls, the name Vasilsursk evokes cornflowers (vasilki), ground squirrels (surki), and the rest of the flora and fauna of this remarkable, truly resort-like corner of our district. It also evokes Levitan, Polenov, Shishkin, and Maxim Gorky, who regularly vacationed and worked here at the end of the 19th century. Any long-time resident can point out "Shishkin Cape" — the spot where I. I. Shishkin painted his landscapes. In 1887, I. I. Levitan began his painting "Evening on the Volga" in Vasilsursk, and also painted "Flood on the Sura" and the study "Vasilsursk." This Volga settlement attracted Soviet artists as well — masters of landscape painting. In 1939, People's Artist of the USSR V. N. Baksheev worked here. In the 1940s, N. M. Romadin came here nearly every summer. The settlement is nestled in greenery of gardens and groves. The scenic overlook known as Orlinoe Gnezdo (Eagle's Nest) — the favorite retreat of Maxim Gorky — has been preserved and is protected. A monument to the writer stands here among centuries-old trees and ornamental shrubs, lilacs, spirea, and acacia.
In the 1930s, a park of regularly planted birch trees was created in the center of the settlement. This bright, light-toned expanse of greenery with clearly laid-out paths is an ornament of the town. However, in the park, as in other parts of Vasilsursk, plantings that have lost their decorative value need to be removed. Special attention should be paid to reinforcing the slopes and planting them with the finest ornamental species. At present and for the foreseeable future, Vasilsursk is the center of recreational and sports tourism in Nizhny Novgorod Region.
Sights
Near the settlement are natural heritage sites associated with traditional Mari pagan cults, including a sacred grove with the spring known as Suprotivny Klyuch.
Tourism
Vasilsursk draws tourists from all over Russia with its picturesque nature, crystal-clear air, tranquility, and distance from urban bustle. There is a rest house and several holiday bases here. Excursions are offered, and visitors can go fishing and hunting.
Coat of arms of Vasilsursk
Approved on August 16, 1781. Description of the coat of arms: "In the upper part of the shield, the Nizhny Novgorod arms. In the lower part, the stern of a ship on a gold field, in token of the fact that the finest shipbuilding timber is harvested in the environs of this town."