A turbulent economy and soaring real estate prices that transformed Moscow into one of the most exciting cities in the world, failed to reach for Kasimov, a small town a mere 150 miles East of Russian capital. Russia! continues its apparently doomed search for a decent breakfast in the provincia.

Moscow became the capital of Russia by chance -- in the 15th century, this country was a collection of city-states in constant state of war with each other, with tatars and occasionally with Poland. Moscow was merely one of such cities. Meet Kasimov, a could-be capital of Russia, a town of 30.000, located on the bank of Oka river, about 150 miles south of Moscow. Founded in the 11th century, Kasimov became a large trade town and in the 16th century it was given (as a gift) to the tatar khans.

Kasimov lost its vibrancy in 18th century because it was away from the main trading routes and turned into a sleepy provincial town with breathtaking river views and 15th century-minarets and churches. 20th century added one very small statue of Lenin to the town’s sights of interest.

Russia!’s verdict: Don’t go to Kasimov unless you have a few million dollars and ready to take over the extremely beautiful and terribly maintained old part of town near the river, where the old stores were turned into storage spaces and 19th century merchants’ villas are sitting empty.

If you still decide to go:

Where to stay and eat in Kasimov
The town has one hotel (no name, it's just called "The Hotel").
30, Lenin Street

There are several cafes and your reporter tried most of them and would not recommend any. If the weather permits, we recommend trying Chicken kebab at the beach cafe near the river, but be prepared that it’s likely to be closed for a special event (wedding) on weekends.

Read more about Kasimov on Wikipedia.