Fire Tower

The Fire Watchtower is rightfully considered one of the most recognizable symbols that Kostroma is proud of. This majestic monument of Classicist architecture towers over the central Susaninskaya Square, consistently catching the eyes of tourists with its monumentality and elegance. Built in the first third of the 19th century, it is considered one of the most beautiful in Russia, transforming an ordinary technical structure into a true palace ensemble.

Kostroma Fire Tower. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

The building was erected in 1824–1827 based on the design of the outstanding architect P. I. Fursov. Its height reaches 35 meters, and the architectural design resembles an ancient temple: a massive portico with columns harmoniously combines with a high octagonal tower topped by an openwork "lantern." Even Emperor Nicholas I, during a visit to the city, declared the structure excellent, noting that such magnificence was not to be found even in the capital.

Today, the watchtower is not just a historical monument, but a vital part of the city's cultural space. It houses the excursion department of the Kostroma Museum-Reserve and a tourist information center. Following a recent restoration, the building shines with refreshed facades, inviting guests to explore the history of firefighting and enjoy the atmosphere of an old merchant city.

To clarify information about visiting the exhibitions or to book a tour, you can use the following contact details:

The first reason to step inside is the opportunity to climb up to the observation deck. From a bird's-eye view, you can see a breathtaking panorama of the city's fan-shaped layout, the wide Volga River, and the main shopping streets. This is perhaps the best vantage point for observing the layout of the historical center and taking striking photographs.

An interesting fire-technical exhibition is located inside the building. Here, you can see rare exhibits: antique hand pumps, copper fire helmets from past centuries, archival photographs, and documents detailing the fight against fire in old Kostroma. Guides will tell you about the ingenious signaling systems — leather balls and lanterns that were hung on the tower to notify citizens of the fire's location.

A tourist information center is located on the lower level. Here, travelers can not only purchase entrance tickets and book tours but also get free city maps, find out about upcoming events, and choose authentic Kostroma souvenirs. A visit to the watchtower is a great starting point for a broader exploration of the city.

The Fire Watchtower is located at 1 Simanovskogo Street. This is the very heart of the city, the famous "skovorodka" (Susaninskaya Square), so the landmark is easy to find — its 35-meter silhouette is visible from afar. If you are staying in the central part of the city, a walk to the watchtower from places like the Trading Rows will take only a couple of minutes.

For those traveling from remote districts or from the Kostroma-Novaya railway station (about 1.5 km away), it is most convenient to use public transport. Buses and minibuses No. 1, 1s, 4, 11, 18, 31 go to the "Susaninskaya Square" stop. The distance from the bus station is slightly less — about 1 km, which also allows you to walk or take a taxi in 5–7 minutes.

Motorists should keep in mind that parking directly on the square may be limited, but parking zones are provided on adjacent streets such as Prospekt Mira or the Volga embankment. You can use the following coordinates for your GPS: 40.925803, 57.768694.

The history of this architectural masterpiece began with the initiative of Governor K. I. Baumgarten. After several devastating fires that frequently troubled the city, he ordered the construction of a building that would not only ensure safety but also serve as a true decoration. The project was entrusted to the provincial architect Petr Ivanovich Fursov, and by 1827, the construction was complete.

In 1834, the building received the highest praise from Emperor Nicholas I, who, while passing through Kostroma, enthusiastically noted that even in St. Petersburg, there was no such beauty. Since then, the Kostroma tower has been famed as the finest fire watchtower in the entire Russian Empire. In the mid-19th century, the ensemble was expanded with side wings that housed a depot, stables, and living quarters for the personnel.

Surprisingly, the building was used for its original purpose for nearly two centuries. It served as the main fire station until 1981, and its observation function was maintained until the end of the 19th century. The watchtower acquired its modern appearance after a large-scale restoration completed in 2024, which returned the facades to their original Classicist-era grandeur.

To leisurely admire the architecture of the building from the outside and visit the indoor exhibitions, 1 to 1.5 hours is usually sufficient. This is enough time to climb to the observation deck, take memorable photos, and explore the museum collection.

If you also plan to stop by the tourist information center to pick out souvenirs or get advice on your further itinerary, add another 15–20 minutes to your visit. The site fits perfectly into a morning or afternoon walk through the city center.

The Fire Watchtower welcomes visitors daily. the opening hours are the same every day of the week, making it convenient to plan a trip for either a weekend or a weekday:

Monday – Sunday: from 11:00 to 16:00.

Thanks to its location in the heart of the historical center, a visit to the watchtower can easily be combined with a stroll past the city's main sights. Susaninskaya Square is the starting point for most tourist routes, allowing you to reach key monuments and architectural ensembles in just a few minutes.