Today, every eighth resident of the village is an artist, which is why Palekh has a special feel of creativity. A stranger on a bench next to the Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, in a museum, or even in a queue at a store can easily turn out to be a famous icon painter, decorator or animator.

Palekh is the birthplace of the unique icon painting and lacquer miniature schools. Nowadays, more than 600 artists live and work in the village.

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Palekh became the center of icon painting in the XVII century. Before the October Revolution Palekh icons were just as famous as Palekh miniatures. During the Soviet era, the village was one of the very few places where it was allowed to display icons openly. As a result, a unique collection of Christian art of the XIV-XIX centuries has been preserved in the village.

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The Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross is the main one in Palekh. It is distinguished by its interior murals. According to art historians, these are the latest murals in the world created in the tradition of Old Russian fresco paintings.

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A complex renovation of the square surrounding the Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross was carried out in 2019. The project won the Best Lighting Design award from the Association of Landscape Architects of Russia.

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Life in Palekh is socially and culturally enriched. Exciting festivals and exhibitions are held here throughout the whole year. During the festivals, the guests are warmly welcomed and invited to visit the Palekh workshops and tastings.

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5 FACTS ABOUT PALEKH

Explore the traditions of the world-famous Palekh school of icon painting, which forms part of the Russian cultural code. Visit modern icon-painting studios.

Immerse yourself in the world of fairy tales and study the works of Russian classics while looking at exquisitely painted boxes at the Museum of Lacquer Miniatures.

Admire a unique collection of ancient icons and take a look at the XVII century Old Believer cross, which was exhibited even in the Vatican.

Visit the most sacred place in Palekh, the Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. Contemplate the unique murals and carved royal doors, and marvel at the exclusive monument of decorative Orthodox art of the XVI century.

Find out why the Russian artists could not do without a glass globe and a wolf's fang. Take a look at the tools used to create the works of Palekh art in the Golikov House-Museum.

Try on the role of an artist by painting a small papier-mâché box at a workshop at the Museum of Lacquer Miniatures.

Step into the studios of Palekh artists and watch real works of art being created.

ATTRACTIONS

Check out the works of local artisans. You will find a great variety of traditional boxes, Christmas tree decorations, pens and many other interesting and useful things at art galleries and souvenir shops.

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You can create a lacquer miniature with your own hands at a master class at the Museum of Lacquer Miniatures.

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SOUVENIR IDEAS