Russian
The city of Ostashkov is an administrative center of the Ostashkovsky district of the Tver region. Population of the city makes about 24 000 persons.
Ostashkov has a picturesque location on the southeast coast of Seliger Lake. The central, historical, part of the city is surrounded with waters of the lake on three sides.
O Traditionally, Ostashkov is considered to be the "gate" of Seliger Lake: there is a railway station and bus station in the city, from where one can get other cities of Russia. Inhabitants of Ostashkov have called themselves ostashi since olden times; fishing and currying were traditional occupations of citizens. A skinnery located in Ostashkov is one of the few existing industries of the city. The ancient architecture of the central part of Ostashkov, with abundance of wooden and stone houses and fine planning of the end of the 18th century, is a distinctive feature of the city. Unfortunately, the city itself and its infrastructure are in very deplorable state, because many buildings are in a state of failure and decay gradually. City outskirts are very picturesque. The source of Volga River and Nilo-Stolobensky monastery being one of the largest orthodox monasteries in Russia are situated near Ostashkov.
