2 cities from the golden ring. Gold ring of Russia
The city of Vladimir is the oldest Russian city and the pearl of the Golden Ring of Russia. Tours to Vladimir are popular at all times, and the number of excursions is in the dozens! The city of Vladimir, located on the high bank of the Klyazma, amazes with its beauty and size, majestic golden-domed temples and pointed towers. A huge number of architectural monuments preserved in the city have turned Vladimir into the largest tourist centre Golden Ring of Russia.
Coat of arms of the city of Vladimir
The city of Vladimir, founded in 1108 by the Kyiv prince Vladimir Monomakh, was the main outpost of the Rostov-Suzdal principality, and during the time of Grand Duke Andrei Bogolyubsky - the capital of the principality. The 12th century was the “golden age” of Vladimir, after which a series of fires and conquests stopped the development of the city, turning Vladimir into an ordinary city of the Grand Duchy of Moscow - a city of memories and shrines...
Monument to Prince Vladimir
Monument to the baptists of the Vladimir land, the founder of the city of Vladimir, Equal-to-the-Apostles Prince Vladimir the Red Sun and St. Feodor,
installed on observation deck park named after Pushkin. 
The monument was inaugurated on July 28, 2007 during the celebration of the 850th anniversary of the transfer of the capital of Rus' from Kyiv to Vladimir. 
Monument in honor of the 850th anniversary of the city of Vladimir
The total height is 22 m, the height of the figure is 3 m.
The first wooden obelisk with a star was erected here back in 1916. The current one was founded in its place in 1958 in honor of the 850th anniversary of the city (at that time the year of foundation was considered to be 1108), and was inaugurated on October 30, 1969. Sculptor A.B. Ryabichev, architects A.N. Dushkin and E.A. Arkhipov. 
On the sides of a concave triangular truncated prism there are three figures: an ancient warrior facing the defensive Golden Gate, an architect facing the Assumption Cathedral and a modern worker facing the industrial part of the city. Popularly also called “Three Fools” or “Three Quirks”.
Monument to Andrei Rublev
The monument to Andrei Rublev is located on Cathedral Square in front of the entrance to the Pushkin Park. The figure of Andrei Rublev is made of bronze. This is the last work of the Moscow sculptor O.K. Komova. The monument was opened in August 1995 for the millennium of the city of Vladimir.
COLLECTION OF BUSTS OF SOVIET LEADERS
Seven busts of Soviet leaders are collected in Vladimir near house number 55 on Mira Street. The office of the Vladstroytsentr company is located in this building. Busts of all leaders Soviet Union(Lenin, Stalin, Khrushchev, Brezhnev, Andropov, Chernenko, Gorbachev) were gathered here on the initiative of the company director.
Bust of Lenin and bust of Stalin
Bust of Khrushchev, bust of Brezhnev, bust of Chernenko
Bust of Andropov, bust of Gorbachev
Railway station in Vladimir
The railway station in Vladimir is one of the most important railway junctions in Gorky railway and is located at a distance of about 180 km from Moscow. Railway communication between Vladimir and Moscow has existed since the summer of 1861.
STEAM LOGO-MONUMENT on Vokzalnaya Square
The L series locomotive No. 0801 was built in 1952 by the Kolomna Plant (designer L.S. Lebedyansky). Assigned to the Vladimir depot. Worked in the Orekhovo-Vladimir-Gorky areas, since 1962 Kovrov-Murom, Vladimir-Tumskaya. Afterwards it was used as a shunting station. Vladimir and in 1995 transferred to the state reserve. In 1999 it was installed in the museum as a symbol of the labor glory of the Vladimir locomotive depot.
Narrow gauge covered freight car No. 2335 was built in 1962 and until 1999 was operated on the Tumskaya-Ryazan-Pristan and Tumskaya-Golovanova Dacha sections. From 1999 to 2002 was in the reserve of the Ministry of Railways. In 2002, it was installed in the museum as a symbol of the labor glory of the carriage workers of the Vladimir and Tumskaya depot.
To the Vladimir railway workers who died on the fronts of the Second World War in 1941 - 1945.
ALLEY “120 years of Trans-Siberian Railway” was founded in honor of the anniversary of the construction of the Trans-Siberian railway by employees of the Gorky Railway on May 14, 2011.
This is a major transport hub on the road and railway lines. Due to its unique geographical location, the region plays an important role in the development of the European transport infrastructure and regional organization of cargo transportation. Intensity of freight traffic, passenger traffic, tourist routes continues to increase every year.
Bus station in Vladimir
The bus station in Vladimir is a modern complex that has everything necessary for the convenience and comfort of passengers. Implemented computer system and eight ticket offices allow you to quickly buy a ticket in any direction. In the cafe you can have a snack and buy food for the road. Moreover, it not only has a rich selection of dishes, it also always has its own baked goods on sale.
Academic Drama Theater
building of the Main Directorate of the Bank of Russia for Vladimir region and a monument to Lenin
Regional Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia for the Vladimir region
House of the Stoletov merchants
House of merchant Vasilyev
Along the streets of this beautiful city...
The beauty of parks in Vladimir
Lipki Park is the most old park Vladimir
The first trees were planted in it in 1901. The park is located between Cathedral Square and Dmitrievsky Cathedral. Most of the trees in the park are lindens, hence its name. A small fountain occupies the central place in the park. A modern children's playground has recently appeared here.
PATRIARIAL GARDENS
The Patriarchal Gardens are one of the most beautiful places Vladimir. The garden dates back to the 16th century. Despite the fact that there was no residence of the patriarch in Vladimir, a cherry orchard was specially planted where the capital’s clergy came to rest. In 1948, the garden was named after the 16 Republics. A city youth station was created here.
In 1979, 430 apple trees of 70 varieties died after frost. The planting was restored within three years.
Currently, the garden has returned to its old name. The total area of the “green” kingdom is almost four hectares. Rare floral splendor is a symbol of the care of human hands. And real creativity. Here we took the main principle of nature as a basis. Constant update. That is why eclecticism reigns on the historical land. And a short trip is possible in one territory.
Square on the site of the Klyazma Hotel
Sculptural group "Element - 94"
located in the city of Vladimir on Oktyabrsky Avenue, in the place where the avenue adjoins Dvoryanskaya Street, literally a hundred meters from the Golden Gate. This decorative sculptural group was opened in Vladimir in 1994. Its author is the famous sculptor Yuri Grigorievich Kolov.
Shopping arcades in Vladimir
Currently Vladimir is administrative center Vladimir region (33 regions). The city has developed a diversified and knowledge-intensive economy - precision engineering, metalworking industry, tractor manufacturing, polymer chemistry and a number of other industries are developed. The city has a strong scientific and technical potential.
Water tower
The water tower, located on an ancient rampart near the Golden Gate, was built in 1912. This interesting red brick building in pseudo-Gothic style is one of the examples of urban outbuildings typical of urban planning of the late 19th century. In 1975, the water tower building was converted into a museum.
The main rivers of the Vladimir region: Klyazma and Oka. The Klyazma flows into the Oka on the southeastern outskirts along the border with Nizhny Novgorod region. The largest tributaries of the Klyazma: Sherna (with the tributary Molokcha), Kirzhach (with the tributaries Big and Small Kirzhach), Peksha, Koloksha, Nerl, Sudogda, Uvod, Lukh, Suvoroshch, tributaries of the Oka: Gus, Unzha and Ushna, near Aleksandrov the tributary of the Volga originates Dubna river. The most large lakes: Urvanovskoe and Visha.
The rich history of the city of Vladimir is reflected in numerous architectural monuments compactly located in the historical core of the city. Tourists are attracted to the city by three white-stone monuments of pre-Mongol architecture, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the White Stone Monuments of Vladimir and Suzdal site.
Golden Gate
The Golden Gate was the main entrance to the city. In addition to defensive purposes, they also had a triumphal character. Foreign ambassadors and distinguished guests were met here, and soldiers were seen off more than once. Princely squads returning from campaigns passed under the arches of the Golden Gate; Alexander Nevsky and Dmitry Donskoy solemnly entered the great reign.
The Golden Gate (1164) is a rare monument of Russian military architecture from the time of the rise of the Vladimir principality under Andrei Bogolyubsky and the growth of the capital city of Vladimir. The Golden Gate was included in the western line of the city ramparts, built in 1158-1164 by the princely city builders.
Assumption Cathedral
An outstanding creation of Russian architecture is the Assumption Cathedral. It is a complex complex of buildings from different periods. The original white stone cathedral was built by Prince Andrei Bogolyubsky in 1158-1160 and was conceived not only as a city cathedral, but also as the first throne cathedral all of Rus'.
Dmitrievsky Cathedral
Next to the Assumption is the white-stone Dmitrievsky Cathedral. It was built in 1194-1197 by Prince Vsevolod III as a palace temple in honor of the patron saint of Prince St. Dmitry of Thessaloniki and in connection with the birth of the prince's son Dmitry. Dmitrievsky Cathedral is a characteristic example of Vladimir architecture of the 12th century at the stage of its highest development.
Trinity Church
Trinity Church is one of the last church buildings of the provincial Vladimir. The building was built in the “pseudo-Byzantine” style. It consists of two connected volumes: the church itself and the bell tower. Divine services in the Trinity Church ceased in 1928. Currently, the building houses a museum of crystal, lacquer miniatures and embroidery.
Princess Monastery
The Princess Monastery was founded at the beginning of the 13th century by the wife of the Grand Duke Vladimir Vsevolod III, Princess Maria Shvarnovna. From the very beginning, the monastery was conceived as a family tomb for the princesses of the Vladimir house. In the 13th century, Maria Shvarnovna, her sister Anna, Vsevolod III’s daughter Elena, and the wife and daughter of Alexander Nevsky were buried here.
Holy Bogolyubsky Monastery
founded at the end of the 12th century, but almost all surviving buildings date back to the 18th-19th centuries. and are made in the Baroque or pseudo-Russian style. The main attractions are the Staircase Tower and the adjacent gallery.
Both buildings were part of the Andrei Bogolyubsky palace, and are now built into the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, built in the 18th century on the site of a collapsed 12th-century cathedral. Ancient fragments are easily recognized by their unusual stone decorations.
The Golden Ring of Russia is a famous tourist route with a length of more than 1000 kilometers, which passes through the ancient cities of Vladimir-Suzdal and Moscow Rus'. The route includes about 20 cities of the Moscow, Ivanovo, Vladimir, Kostroma, Yaroslavl and Tver regions. Historical and architectural monuments of the 12th-18th centuries are concentrated here, which constitute a treasury of Russian culture. These unique attractions are protected Russian state and UNESCO. The term “Golden Ring” was attached to this tourist route in the 60s of the last century. Then journalist Yuri Bychkov wrote a series of essays on the pages of the Soviet Russia newspaper about eight cities northeast of Moscow, which stand out for their rich cultural and historical heritage. Today this phrase, first used in 1967, is widely known in Russia and abroad. The Golden Ring includes eight main cities: Sergiev Posad, Pereslavl-Zalessky, Rostov Veliky, Yaroslavl, Kostroma, Ivanovo, Suzdal and Vladimir.
The idea to “ring” ancient Russian cities belongs to the All-Russian Society for the Protection of Historical and Cultural Monuments. In 1974, the first guidebook “Around the Golden Ring of Russia” was published.
It will take almost a month to complete the entire route. Therefore, it is better to travel around ancient Russian cities on small tourist routes that take 2-3 days. Moscow will be your starting point. The most convenient way, of course, is to travel in your own car. Then you won't be tied to tourist group and along the way you will be able to visit those cities and towns that were not included in the traditional route. We assure you that these places are no less attractive to tourists. In addition, this way you can fully enjoy the beauty of the Golden Ring.
Travelers are amazed by the very atmosphere of Russian provincial cities, the lack of fuss and the regularity of life. Wonderful nature pacifies with its discreet beauty. The picturesque places of the Volga coast, the Kotorosl River, Lake Pleshcheevo, and Lake Nero are especially attractive. The nature of central Russia is attractive at any time of the year. There is plenty of space on the banks of rivers and lakes for walks and picnics. All stages of the development of ancient Russian architecture are represented in cities and villages: majestic white-stone churches of the 12th-13th centuries, tent-roofed buildings of the 16th century, buildings of the 17th century, creations of architectural and painting schools of Rostov, Yaroslavl, Kostroma, Vladimir.
Numerous historical monuments- fortresses, monasteries and temples, testify to great importance each of the cities of the Golden Ring in the ancient and royal periods of history. Each city has its own unique style of ancient architecture. A myriad of Orthodox monasteries, shrines and temples located in this region, attracts a large number of pilgrims. And Suzdal and Rostov the Great are real museums under open air. In Suzdal, for example, there are practically no cars. On the streets of the city you will meet mainly pedestrians and horse-drawn carriages. This is a reserve of old, pre-Petrine Rus' with the Kremlin, Pokrovsky and Spaso-Evfimievsky monasteries included in the List World Heritage UNESCO, Museum of Wooden Architecture.
In addition to architecture and holy places, during your trip you can get acquainted with the folk crafts of the Russian people. Museums in many cities contain examples of ancient artistic crafts: wood and bone carvings, products of skilled lacemakers and jewelers, lacquer miniatures and enamel painting (enamel) and much more.
IN Lately In the cities of the Golden Ring of Russia, the tourism business is intensively developing, so in almost any city you can find excursion services, an acceptable hotel, cafe or restaurant. They say that The best way understand and know great Russia, to feel the real Russian soul is to drive through historical places Golden Ring, see historical monuments with your own eyes, enjoy ancient architecture, art and painting, see ancient icons of ancient Russian masters.
The name “Golden Ring” is given to Russia’s largest network of tourist routes, which pass through several ancient cities of the country. A huge number of historical and architectural monuments, museums, and craft centers of applied folk art are concentrated in large and small settlements. This unique name was invented by correspondent Yuri Bychkov, who specializes in writing essays for travelers who want to get to know Russia better.
What is the “Golden Ring of Russia”
There has never been an officially approved list of cities and attractions included in the Golden Ring. It is believed that the main regions where the route passes are: Moscow, Tver, Vladimir, Kostroma, Yaroslavl, Ivanovo. At the same time, the list is periodically updated with new names and today the small “Golden Ring” includes:
Ivanovo
The city was founded on August 2, 1871. The settlement was formed by order of Tsar Alexander II by merging Voznesensky Posad and the village of Ivanovo. As a result, a city without a district was formed, which today is considered part of the “Golden Ring”. Ivanovo is famous for its textile production, and local linen and chintz fabrics have become famous far beyond the country's borders. Historians claim that Finno-Ugric tribes lived in this area back in the ninth century. Most Popular tourist site The local Zoo is considered in the city.
Rostov Veliky
The city is considered a diamond in the setting of the “Golden Ring”. Rostov the Great has been celebrating its birthday for more than eleven centuries, and its name was first mentioned in chronicles in 862. Rostov has long been the spiritual center of the Russian lands and for more than 500 years it was considered the most beautiful, cultural and developed in the country, for which it was given the prefix “Great”. If you manage to visit here, be sure to visit the one-of-a-kind Rostov Kremlin.
Suzdal
The name of the city was first mentioned in the “Tale of Bygone Years” in the 11th century; since then the number of temples, monasteries, cathedrals, monasteries and churches in Suzdal has increased exponentially every year. Local attractions are the hallmark of Russia and are featured on the pages of popular print media. The most interesting places to visit are the Pokrovsky Monastery, the Suzdal Kremlin, the Nativity of the Virgin Cathedral and Pushkarskaya Sloboda.
Kostroma
The cozy and quiet Volga city amazes everyone who is lucky enough to visit here with its original beauty. Since the beginning of the 12th century, Kostroma has been known as a center of flax and birch bark production. Modern city boasts many objects that have come down to us in excellent condition; on the streets of Kostroma you can see both buildings erected according to classical designs of the 16th century, as well as examples of Russian architecture, monasteries of the 16th-19th centuries. Today, more than three dozen jewelry factories operate in Kostroma, so it is not surprising that the city bears the title of the jewelry capital of the country. The most popular excursion sites are the Ipatiev Monastery, a moose farm, a zoo, the Museum of Wooden Architecture and a jewelry factory.
Bogolyubovo
A small village located in the vicinity of Vladimir is famous for the fact that here is one of the most revered Russian shrines - the church with the sonorous name of the Intercession on the Nerl. The settlement was named after Andrei Bogolyubsky, who was killed here. Since those times, the princely chambers have been preserved, the remains of fortresses with ramparts, ditches and towers, the date of construction of which dates back to the 12th century. Tourists are most often offered to see another attraction - the Holy Bogolyubsky Convent.
Kasimov
Considered one of the most ancient cities Ryazan region and is famous for its numerous architectural and historical monuments. The date of foundation of Kasimov is 1152, the original name is Gorodets Meshchersky. Countless times the settlement was destroyed and plundered, but was invariably restored local residents. The museum dedicated to the Russian samovar, the mosque, and Cathedral Square will be interesting to see.
Alexandrov
The ancient name is Alexandrovskaya Sloboda. Contemporaries know this settlement as the residence of the great and terrible Tsar Ivan the Terrible, where he killed his heir in a rage, after which he left the city and never returned here again. Over time, the settlement grew larger and turned into Aleksandrov, which today is part of the Vladimir region. To this day, on the streets of the city you can find amazing witnesses of that time: palaces, merchant estates and objects built under various rulers. The most famous is the local Kremlin and the monument to Alexander Nevsky.
Located in the center of the European part of Russia, the city of Voronezh is quite a remarkable Russian city, attracting travelers with monuments...Gus-Khrustalny
The city was founded in the 18th century by the famous dynasty of Maltsov merchants, who had long cherished the dream of creating a high-quality crystal production facility on the Gus River. Gradually, Gus-Khrustalny became larger, its borders expanded and glass factories were erected everywhere, which you can still visit. The modern name for glass products “Gus-Khrustalny” has become a recognizable brand in Russia, and you can get acquainted with the works of local craftsmen in the Crystal Museum.
Plyos
Nowhere else in Russia can you find such mesmerizing river landscapes as here. Most of The paintings of the famous Levitan were painted on these shores; Ilya Repin came here for inspiration. And today many of our compatriots and foreign guests come to admire the magnificent pictures of Russian nature.
Uglich
In the Ipatiev Chronicle, Uglich was mentioned back in the 12th century. The small and compact town is famous for its picturesque landscapes and numerous buildings preserved in perfect condition. Once upon a time in these places last refuge found the Rurik family, giving way to the Romanov dynasty. You can visit the Epiphany and Alekseevsky monasteries in Uglich.
Shuya
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The main excursion site of the town is the wooden Resurrection Cathedral with a bell tower 106 meters high. In addition to the temple, you can visit a dozen ancient churches and the ruins of a prison castle built in the 16th century.
Dmitrov
On the site of modern Dmitrov, a fortress was built in the 12th century, founded by Yuri Dolgoruky. Since then, many events have happened in the city, one of which was the successful implementation of Operation Typhoon, designed to stop the fascist invaders on the outskirts of the capital. Guides recommend visiting the majestic Dmitrov Kremlin and the elegant Boris and Gleb Monastery.
Noisy, huge, ancient Moscow, thanks to its history, is rich in various sights and interesting historical places. It's impossible to study...Rybinsk
Located on the banks of the large Rybinsk reservoir and known as the center fishing and hunting. Rybinsk has a deep layer of industrial and commercial heritage, and only here you can see ancient willing ranks, guest courtyards, stock exchanges, breweries, barns, fire tower, as well as the Transfiguration Cathedral.
Gorokhovets
Almost from the day of its foundation, Gorokhovets became a center of trade. Goods from all over the region flocked here, and Vladimir merchants considered it an honor to bring their products here. Today Gorokhovets is the center of uniquely beautiful wooden Russian architecture, and the central object is the magnificent Kazan Church of the 18th century, made in white and blue colors.
Kalyazin
First, a monastery arose on this site, then a settlement began to settle in there, and the official foundation of Klyazin is considered to be the 15th century. The only attraction of the town is the flooded bell tower, around which in 1940, as a result of a technological tragedy, a large reservoir was formed.
Myshkin
A classic Russian city with wooden buildings decorated with carved elements and patterns. The houses in Myshkin resemble toy houses, and the art of the craftsmen who created attractive shutters and fences shakes modern people to the core. The provincial simplicity and outlandish appearance of the city annually attracts crowds of tourists, and the Mouse Museum is considered the most interesting attraction.
Tutaev
The town is located in the Volga region and is famous for its perfectly preserved temple complex. The attraction is located on seven hills and therefore looks quite unusual. Tutaev is famous for its Resurrection Cathedral and its sheep skin souvenirs. Local leather workers have long been producing fleece, from which fur coats were made throughout Russia.
Moore
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The city of Murom was first mentioned in the Tale of Bygone Years. According to legend, it was in this city that the Russian hero Ilya Muromets, who defended the Oka from the bloodthirsty Polovtsians, was born. During the reign of Catherine, Murom became a thriving trading center, where merchants brought their goods and sold them at numerous fairs. Orthodox Christians know Murom as the city in which the relics of two righteous people are kept - Peter and Fevronya. Today you can visit the active monasteries here - Resurrection, Blagoveshchensky and Spaso-Preobrazhensky.
Yuriev-Polsky
It was also founded by Yuri Dolgorukov, who created powerful fortifications on the banks of seven-meter walls and huge ramparts. The defensive structure has survived to this day, and outside the fortress a town gradually began to develop, which became famous after the Golitsyn dynasty stayed here. The city has many interesting sights, including St. George's Cathedral and the princely estate.
Palekh
It is considered the cradle of Russian icon painting and the craft of lacquer miniatures. Bright and colorful boxes, caskets, painted trays, cutlery, powder compacts and caskets, which are stored in the best museums and private collections around the world, are famous all over the world. It is almost impossible to leave Palekh without a fancy souvenir.
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The term “Golden Ring of Russia” has existed for more than 40 years. It was invented by a certain Soviet writer Yuri Bychkov in 1967 and immediately became a successful tourism brand to attract foreign tourists to the then existing USSR.
In fact, the Golden Ring is a group of cities concentrated in the territory of Central Russia and representing a certain historical and cultural value. United highways, they form a symbolic circle, which has become the personification cultural heritage our country. Moreover, many of its cities and their attractions are protected by the UNESCO World Heritage Fund.
Traditionally, the Golden Ring of Russia includes eight cities - Vladimir, Ivanovo, Kostroma, Pereslavl-Zalessky, Rostov, Sergiev Posad, Suzdal and Yaroslavl. All of them are located on the territory of six regions - Vladimir, Ivanovo, Kostroma, Moscow, Nizhny Novgorod and Yaroslavl. In addition to the main list of cities, there is another, so-called discussion list, which already includes more than 20 settlements. Visiting these places depends on the chosen tourist route and, as a rule, is determined by the organizing company.
The Golden Ring of Russia includes: the city of Alexandrov, the village of Bogolyubovo, the city of Gorokhovets, the city of Gus-Khrustalny, the village. Kideksha, Moscow, Murom, Palekh, Plyos, Rybinsk, Tutaev, Uglich, Yuryev-Polsky, Shuya and a number of other cities, villages and towns. Vladimir is considered the generally recognized capital of the Golden Ring of Russia. Here we will begin a brief overview of the main cities of the Golden Ring of Russia tourist route.
Vladimir - the pearl of the Golden Ring
The pearl of the Golden Ring of Russia and one of the most ancient Russian cities, of course, Vladimir. The city is located 193 km from Moscow on the banks of the Klyazma River. In the 12th century, Vladimir was the capital of the Vladimir-Suzdal principality, but over time it lost its importance and, during the growth of the Moscow state, even acquired the status of a provincial city. Today Vladimir is a large industrial and cultural center of the central part of Russia with a population of about 340 thousand inhabitants.
The city amazes with its pristine beauty and preserved to this day architectural monuments, in particular, numerous golden-domed temples and pointed wooden towers. The sights of Vladimir also delight with their diversity and uniqueness.
Among them: the Golden Gate, built in 1164, which at one time formed main entrance to the richest and most noble princely-boyar part of the city; The Assumption Cathedral is a monument of Russian architecture of the 12th century, painted by Andrei Rublev, Orthodox church and at the same time state museum; Dmitrievsky Cathedral, the walls of which are decorated with white stone carvings, with images of people and animals, and much more.
Suzdal
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Today, our compatriots, dreaming of travel and entertainment, are increasingly seeking to go abroad. And this is understandable: new countries, new impressions, a culture and way of life unknown to us - all this cannot be uninteresting for any thinking person.
However, in an effort to see the world, the residents of Russia have practically forgotten that in our country there are many places that are very worthy of attention. After all, it is these places that foreign tourists first of all strive to see when they come to Russia, and their own, local citizens often consider them unworthy of visiting, although they have never been there and know about everything only from school history textbooks.
We are talking about one of the most popular tourist routes in Russia - a trip to the cities of the Golden Ring. Cities of the Golden Ring of Russia really form a symbolic ring, and each of the cities surprises with its great history and unique attractions, the likes of which are not found anywhere else in the world.
It can be said that cities of the Golden Ring of Russia are precious diamonds in the Russian treasury national culture. Main cities of the Golden Ring of Russia eight are considered: Suzdal, Vladimir, Kostroma, Yaroslavl, Rostov, Pereslavl-Zalessky, Sergiev Posad, Ivanovo.
Of course, most often in trip along the Golden Ring of Russia they go to get acquainted with the priceless monuments of Russian architecture and art - that is why tourists from other countries are so eager to go there. However, the very atmosphere of Russian provincial cities amazes travelers, and especially residents of megacities, where there is no peace day or night, with its calm and silence, lack of fuss and regularity of life.
The wonderful natural landscapes of central Russia also capture the imagination of travelers with their discreet, but peaceful and shy beauty. This sight is no less attractive and exciting than the majestic architectural ensembles and creations of great artists of past centuries.
Particularly attractive is the picturesque shore of the Volga, the great river of Russia, as well as many other rivers and blue lakes, on the banks of which there is enough space for walks and picnics. For example, favorite place The inhabitants of Yaroslavl can be called the arrow, where the Volga merges with the Kotorosl, its right tributary.
Regarding ancient architecture cities of the Golden Ring of Russia, then there are many interesting and unique examples of it here, and in each city they have their own unique style. Masterpieces of medieval architecture give way to magnificent classical buildings, next to which you can see buildings of the 20th century built in the avant-garde style.
Starting from the 11th century, new cities were rapidly growing in the northeastern part of Rus', and not only wooden fortifications and earthen ramparts were being built, but also the first stone cathedrals, harsh and ponderous. But already 100 years after the construction of the first cathedrals, other temples began to be built, more reminiscent of the Romanesque style. Their forms were much lighter - they seemed to float in the air. The beginning of the 12th century is characterized in these places by the fact that Moscow influence begins to be felt in architecture. However, the old styles were not completely forgotten: in subsequent centuries they were repeatedly subjected to creative reworking by architects and builders, and were used to create the appearance of many cities.
The development of monastery construction had a particular impact on the culture and art of the northeastern part of Rus'. After all, at that time monasteries were not only the center of religion, but also cultural centers, which gave rise to the development of Russian writing and art.
As a rule, in every city that is part of today Golden Ring of Russia, several monasteries were built - both inside the city walls and outside. Thus, a special urban structure was created, consisting of a spacious part surrounded by monasteries, which, in turn, also had walls.
So, in architectural appearance Suzdal it was the monasteries that became the main part of the urban topography.
Suzdal today they call it a museum city, and it really is fairytale city, ancient and reserved. It has been mentioned in Russian chronicles since the 11th century, and since then a whole era began in the development of Russian culture and statehood.
Perhaps, in terms of the number of monuments, Suzdal is the first among the cities of the Golden Ring - it has best preserved its original appearance. About 9 sq. km here are occupied by architectural monuments of the 13th-19th centuries - this temple complexes and civil buildings, more than two hundred in all.
The borders of Suzdal today remain the same as in the 18th century; the ancient topography and ancient flavor have been preserved, which cannot be copied or conveyed in words. Ancient Russian architecture is in amazing harmony with the surrounding world and nature, allowing us today to feel all the beauty and grandeur of our history.
One of the oldest Russian cities - Vladimir, in the 12th century former capital Vladimir-Suzdal principality. In these two cities, Suzdal and Vladimir, located not far from each other, the formation of the Vladimir-Suzdal school of painting and architecture took place. The main building of Vladimir is the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary - it was here that all the great princes were married. Fragments of the unique painting by Andrei Rublev are still preserved in this temple.
Golden Ring of Russia - Kostroma
The next city of the Golden Ring is Kostroma. First, a fortress was founded on the banks of the Sulla River. It was founded by Yuri Dolgoruky in 1152, and almost 500 years later Kostroma became a major craft center in Russia. The most famous attraction here is the Ipatiev Monastery, where Mikhail Romanov was crowned king in 1613. Instead of a posad, usual for ancient Russian cities, in Kostroma, next to the city Kremlin, were built shopping arcades- huge shopping complex those times. At the turn of the 18th-19th centuries, one of the largest shopping centers countries.
Distinguished by its unique attitude and traditions Yaroslavl, a city with a thousand-year history, which was also at one time one of the centers of the Russian state. This city appeared around 1010, during the time of Kievan Rus, by the will of the young prince Yaroslav Vladimirovich, later nicknamed “The Wise”.
Then, by order of the prince, a fortress was founded on the Volga to protect the northeastern borders of the state. Yaroslavl became the first stronghold of Christianity on the Volga, and it was always considered significant by all Russian rulers, representatives of both royal families - the Rurikovichs and the Romanovs.
The architecture of the 12th century is presented in Yaroslavl more clearly than in other cities of the Golden Ring. In general, the 12th century can be considered the heyday of the city: then the Epiphany Church, the Church of Elijah the Prophet, as well as the Spassky Monastery were built, famous for that, that it was there that the most unique work of Russian and world literature was found - “The Tale of Igor’s Campaign”.
Golden Ring of Russia - Rostov
Rostov first mentioned in the Tale of Bygone Years in 862, which coincides with the beginning of the reign of the Rurik dynasty. The main attraction is the Kremlin, its Assumption Cathedral, five more churches and ancient residential buildings around. The famous Rostov belfry is a set of bells with different sounds, unique musical instrument, allowing you to perform musical works XVII-XIX centuries - Rostov bells.
Pereslavl-Zalessky was also founded by Yuri Dolgoruky in 1152, on Lake Pleshcheevo, known as one of the most beautiful Russian lakes, and also because young Peter I began to build his “amusing” fleet here.
The temples and monasteries of the Pereslavl land, rich in ancient Christian shrines, are endowed with magical powers. The central cathedral of Pereslavl is the Transfiguration Cathedral, which has been adorning its Red Square for more than 800 years. In this cathedral, where all the Pereslavl princes were buried, the descendants of Alexander Nevsky - his son and grandson - are also buried.
Golden Ring of Russia - Ivanovo
Ivanovo city, “the calico capital of Russia,” stands on the banks of the Uvod River, 65 km from the Volga. The city was first mentioned during the time of Ivan the Terrible. More precisely, then Ivanovo was a village granted by the Tsar to the princes of Cherkassy, and they began to call it a city only 300 years later, in 1871. Thanks to the growth of Ivanovo's manufactories, the city became fourth in the number of workers, after Moscow, St. Petersburg and Riga. Ivanovo is a city that is interesting not only for its ancient monuments, but also for those connected with our recent history - the revolutionary events that took place here at the beginning of the 20th century.
And of course, famous Sergiev Posad, with its Trinity-Sergius Lavra, founded in the 14th century. This shrine is considered the center of Russian Orthodoxy, because in difficult moments in the history of the Trinity-Sergius Lavra has always been for Russia a symbol of fidelity to God and the fatherland, a shining example of spiritual strength, inspiring the entire Russian people.
Here is the current one monastery, the largest in Russia, and in 1993, thanks to the uniqueness of its architectural ensemble, UNESCO included the Lavra on the World Cultural Heritage List. The relics of St. Sergius of Radonezh rest in the Trinity Cathedral of the Lavra, in a silver shrine.
Travel the Golden Circle You can visit it all year round, and at any time you can feel the real soul of Russia here, touching the deep layers of its unique ancient culture.
Gataulina Galina
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