Semyonov, Nizhny Novgorod Oblast

Semyonov is a town in Nizhny Novgorod Oblast, Russia, famous for being a major centre for traditional handcrafts such as Khokhloma wood painting and maryoshka.

History

Was formed in the begining of 17 century as a settlement of Old Believers. First metioned as Semionov's hamlet in 1644, later as Semionovo village, and from 1779 as district town of Semyonov.

From the begining of 19 century to the early 20, it was a centre of Old Believers movement.

Economics

Since 1918 Khohloma wood painting became a major craft in Semyonov. In 1960 was organized as a factory named Khohlomskaya rospis(Russian for "Khohloma painting"). This factory specialized in production of hand-painted wooden items (ranging from tableware to toys and furniture) with unique style, and also matryoska dolls, marketed as souvenir items.

Semyonov district farms produce wheat, oat, potatos, flax and barley.