Parliamentary forum to discuss Russia's small cities development

KOSTROMA, March 27 (Itar-Tass) -- Parliamentary forum in Kostroma will
discuss development of the economy and infrastructures of Russia's small
cities along with preservation of their historical images.
The forum will feature Russia's First Deputy Chairman of the Federal
Council Alexander Torshi, Governor of the Kostroma Region Igor Slyunyayev
and mayors of dozen historic cities, as well as representatives of
ministry of regional development, ministry of culture and Rostourism.
Organisers of the even want to attract attention to the existing
problem of Russia's historic cities. With the urbanisation processes, the
cities began to fade, loosing population and their share in industrial
production. Development of tourism could save the cities, analysts of the
Federation Council wrote in their report.
"For this purpose, it would be necessary to demonstrate our monuments
in an appropriate manner, which requires significant financing."
In those cities, about 80 percent of all buildings are old. Some of
them host apartments and businesses. Though they are ramshackle and do not
answer requirements of modern conveniences, they make the very unique
architectural feeling of old times. Thus the development of such cities
should begin with restoration of this "still music" of provincial Russia.
All the buildings should not be just preserved as "dead objects," they
should be "integrated in the full-fledged municipal environment, natural
and convenient for living there," the analysts say.
Kostroma is one of twelve cities united in the so-called Golden Ring.
They are ancient towns, which played a significant role in formation of
the Russian Orthodox Church. They preserve memories of most important and
significant events in Russian history. The towns are considered to be
"open air museums" and feature unique monuments of Russian architecture of
the 12th-18th centuries, including kremlins, monasteries, cathedrals, and
churches. These towns are among Russia's most picturesque places and they
prominently feature Russia's famous onion domes.