These Window Frames Are Nothing Short Of Art

Once ubiquitous in Russia, lace-like wood window frames known as nalichniki are now a disappearing art form. In an attempt to preserve the memory of this traditional craft for generations to come, Russian photographer Ivan Khafizov travels around the country and takes pictures of visually stunning nalichniki for his virtual museum, dedicated solely to the art of Russian wood window carving.

In 2007, as a full-time IT professional on a business trip in the Samara region, Ivan started taking pictures of beautiful wood window frames in the small city in which he was staying. With each new shot, he noticed that there were never two houses with similar nalichniki; however, as Ivan tried to look deeper into the matter, it turned out this topic had never been properly researched.

Ornate wood decorations in Zlynka, Russia

When exploring the subject on his own, Ivan discovered that these types of decorative wood window frames only exist in Greece, Russia and those areas around it. In other European countries, it was the doors that were decorated with carvings, not the windows.

Nalichniki started gaining popularity in Russia in the 17th century when glass windows became more common. First, they were purely functional and used to fill cracks between a log house and window panes, but gradually, they transformed into much more than that: wood window frames became an ornate decoration, a protective charm, a philosophy.

Wood window carving in Nizhniy Novgorod, Russia

Approximately 100 years ago, almost every home in Russia had a face of its own, thanks to elaborate nalichniki, but as the number of historic log houses shrinks, so are the chances to preserve these pieces of Russian architectural heritage.

That’s why, in 2010, Ivan created the first virtual museum of window frames on Nalichniki.com, where he posted a collection of shots from 101 cities. Now the museum’s collection comprises 10,000 items, and Ivan, who is basically Russia’s only expert on the history of this craft, curates exhibitions, organises educational events and keeps searching for new pieces to complete his collection.

Ivan is planning to visit over 300 cities and publish a multi-volume book on the history of window frames in Russia, with the first part devoted to the ornate window decorations of the Central Federal District.

Ivan’s deepest desire is to gather enough material on window carving traditions of the Urals, Volga Region and Russia’s Far East to show how it changes from region to region.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.