Nizhny Novgorod Fair

Nizhny Novgorod Fair, situated on Sovnarkomsovskaya Street in Nizhny Novgorod, once was Russia's key trading hub known as "the pocket of Russia". Established in 1641 near a monastery, it flourished under the guidance of engineer Augustin Betancourt who oversaw construction of the stone fair complex. In the 19th century, the fair particularly distinguished itself through tea trade. Despite being closed in 1930, its own firefighting service operated there, reflecting the significance and importance of the fair to the region's economy.