What to see in Old Ladoga. What to see and where to walk in Old Ladoga

I couldn’t even imagine how many attractions there are in the east Leningrad region, where we will live and travel during our trip to the Northwest. The plans included: Volkhov, Staraya Ladoga, Novaya Ladoga and Lodeynoye Pole, or rather the village of Staraya Sloboda, Lodeynopolsky district, where A Lexandro-Svirsky Monastery. When, upon arrival, we “plunged into reality,” we realized that we would like to see a lot more. For example, the Tanechkina and Staroladozhskaya caves, the Gorchakovsky waterfall, the Lyubsha fortress, the village of Isaad, the canyon of the Lava River... As you can see, there are plenty of natural attractions here, and there are many of them not only in Karelia.

But our goals and objectives were initially different. But you won’t be able to see all the local attractions in just a day or two. So much the better, there will be a reason to return. The most important thing is that we visited everything planned. Today in my post I’ll briefly show you some of what I saw:

• Staroladoga Nikolsky monastery,
• Staraya Ladoga Holy Dormition Convent,
• Staraya Ladoga fortress,
• museum-reserve Staraya Ladoga,
• a bird on a stone - a sculpture of a falcon, the symbol of Ladoga,
• cafe "Prince Rurik" in Staraya Ladoga,
• Sopki tract - burial place of Prophetic Oleg,
• the city of Novaya Ladoga, its architecture,
• sights of Volkhov.

Why can you only show everything briefly? Yes, because each (each) of the cities and places visited is a whole Universe, worthy of a separate conversation.
However, even fluently I can’t get up to speed. The brief report about the trip stretches into a multi-volume book... Why? Yes, because this is not a trip or when every day can be described with three to five photos... I wanted to do the trip to Karelia like that, in one post. Nooo, that's impossible. :) So be patient, the conversation will be long, the report will be multi-article.

Day IV. Staraya Ladoga, New Ladoga, Volkhov

After having breakfast “on our own” in the hotel room, we moved towards Staraya Ladoga.

Staraya Ladoga

From the small, fairly young town of Volkhov to the small but very ancient village of Staraya Ladoga , just 10 minutes drive. And a whole chasm in time - the year of Volkhov’s foundation - 1918, the year of the foundation of Staraya Ladoga - no later753 According to most historians Staraya Ladoga is the most ancient city Russia.
So, just 17 kilometers and we are there. Yes, settling in was the right decision. This is an ideal option for those who come to get acquainted with these places.

We got acquainted with the sights of Staraya Ladoga as we progressed. What is surprising and pleasant - for everything iconic places there are signs in the city, and all these places, like pearls on a string, are “strung” on the main street - Volkhovsky Prospekt. You won't get lost.
The very first sign to the right (from Volkhov, of course) “sends” us to Staraya Ladoga Nikolsky Monastery. We drive up to the northeastern tower, leave the car there and go on foot to get acquainted with the monastery. First outside, and then inside.

The weather is a miracle, the surrounding nature is amazing, ancient place, which still remembers its founder - Alexander Nevsky... What else is needed for the happiness of a traveler?
Nikolsky Monastery stands on the left bank of the Volkhov River. The rivers in the Leningrad region are incredibly beautiful - blue water and fluffy, velvet-like greenery of their banks.

We enter the gates of the monastery.

We look around a small area, Church of John Chrysostom(1860–1873).

The interiors are awe-inspiring - very good.

Stands next to the church St. Nicholas Cathedral(Cathedral of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker). It is he who is the main mystery of the St. Nicholas Monastery. Built in 1160, rebuilt in the 17th century (after partial destruction in the Time of Troubles, when Ladoga was under the Swedes for seven years), unsuccessfully restored in 1958, it is on this moment preserved and closed.

Hello travelers! ;)

After visiting the St. Nicholas Monastery, our acquaintance with Staraya Ladoga continued. Driving along Volkhovsky Prospekt, to the right of the road we noticed a bird on a stone, or rather a falcon, spreading its wings wide. Falcon - the symbol of Staraya Ladoga.

Well, we’re going to see perhaps the most famous landmark of the city - Staraya Ladoga fortress. The car was parked in a small parking lot near the road (just opposite the fortress). Before us, in full view, is a powerful historical artifact.

The Klimentovskaya watchtower immediately catches your eye with its impressive size.

The Staraya Ladoga fortress was built during the time of the Prophetic Oleg at the turn of the 9th-10th centuries. Rare historical, architectural and archaeological sites XIII - XIX centuries. It costs a lot beautiful place, the place where the Ladozhka River flows into the Volkhov.
Entrance to the fortress and two exhibitions is paid. We buy single tickets (80 rubles - adult) and through the Gate Tower we enter the territory of the museum-reserve.

The thickness of the tower walls is impressive.

The first exhibition of the museum is located in the Gate Tower, so we immediately go there.

On the first floor of the exhibition...

admire the territory of the fortress and stunning views of the surrounding area. Yes, the fortress itself is small, but very picturesque.

Only one moment really upset me - St. George's Church, where I so wanted to go, turned out to be closed due to restoration. Moreover, it is closed both from the inside and from the outside.

Near the Church of St. St. George's wooden stand Church of St. Dmitry Solunsky(early 17th century), which was also closed to the public.

In order to get to the second exhibition of the museum, we left the fortress, walked straight to the bridge, crossed the bridge (it is clearly visible in the photo below)... And there it’s a stone’s throw to

an old white mansion on Varyazhskaya Street, in which the exhibition “Archaeology of Ladoga” is located.

At the Museum of Archeology.

Next to the museum lies Varyazhskaya street- the first street in Rus'. Near the excavations on Varyazhskaya, enclosed by a wooden fence, there is now a memorial stone indicating that a monument to princes Rurik and Oleg, the creators of the Russian state (862 - 882).

We enter the monastery through the Holy Gate (XIX century).

I should note that both monasteries in Staraya Ladoga - both male and female - are very sincere and calm. They treat tourists and travelers normally, they don’t chase women in trousers, and neither do people with cameras. There is an adequate understanding of its own historical significance and attractiveness for people. In general, it would be like this everywhere. I walked here with a calm soul and heart. This is probably how visiting monasteries should be.
The Assumption Monastery is much larger than Nikolsky. Large green area. Flowers and animal figures are everywhere. Caring female hands are visible in everything.

The exact date of foundation of the Assumption Monastery is not known. The time period when this possibly happened is determined by historians as follows: 1040-1116. Someone says 1156
This monastery is the second one I know of (the first is) where famous Russian women and aristocrats lived. The first wife of Peter I, Evdokia Lopukhina, was forcibly exiled here (and, initially, she was in the Suzdal Intercession Monastery). She lived here for a short time and died at the age of 23, forced into marriage, but as a result disliked by her husband, Evdokia Hannibal. Relatives of the Decembrists were also exiled here during the time of Nicholas I.
The main temple of the monastery and its main attraction is Assumption Church. It was built simultaneously with the Staraya Ladoga fortress in 1114-1116. The round date of 1000 years is just around the corner!

The interior of the temple is quite modest.

In 2013, a cross was installed in the Assumption Monastery. On the cross it is written:

This holy life-giving Cross of the Lord was built in memory of the cross of 1688 on August 5, erected by the sovereign's people Zheltukhin Vasily Simonovich and his son Mikhail Vasilyevich...

Abbot's Corps (1880).

Chapel over the well of St. Barbara (2008-2011, pictured on the right), Hospital building with the house church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross (1861-1862, pictured on the left). Between them is the cell building (1859).

After the Assumption Monastery, we went to see another attraction of Staraya Ladoga - Church of St. John the Baptist on Malysheva Mountain(1695). This is the only thing left of the Ivanovo Monastery, founded on this place in 1276. If you go down the path, you can get to the source and the font.

But we didn't have time for this. We looked at the temple and went further - to Novaya Ladoga.

Novaya Ladoga

From Staraya Ladoga to Novaya Ladoga it’s just a stone’s throw away. Only 12 kilometers drive. Before they had time to blink, they were already there.
Novaya Ladoga is an old city, but not ancient. Founded in 1704 by decree of Peter I. The main attractions of Novaya Ladoga are numerous monuments and architecture. Actually, we came here to see them. We didn’t see everything, of course, but we took in the city as a whole, walked around it, felt the atmosphere of this small provincial town in the Leningrad region.

The Nativity Cathedral is almost the same age as the city. It was built in 1702. The temple is operational, and therefore is in fairly good condition. Unlike their neighbors.

Church of St. Clement and Peter (1741 - 1743), or rather its bell tower, is already overgrown with trees.

Side by side with the Clement Church stands the Church of the Savior Not Made by Hands. When I passed by it (1763 - 1767), looked at it and took photographs, a woman with a child came up to me and said: “This church is unusual. Do you know about this?”

And she told me that above the entrance to the temple, in the portal, there is a drawing depicting a dove. So - many times this dove was painted over, erased, but it always appeared again.

The church as a whole is in very poor condition. I found this photograph of the temple, taken in 1909 by S.M. Prokudin-Gorsky. There were times...

There are a lot of such wooden houses in Novaya Ladoga. However, what Russian provincial town does not have such houses?

It is these houses and the red “lump” next to it that create a special, very familiar atmosphere and warmth...

On the banks of the Volkhov River there is a large memorial complex in honor of the sailors of the Ladoga Military Flotilla and river workers of the northwestern river shipping company, who guarded the water route of the “Road of Life” and provided transport communications besieged Leningrad with the country.

There are two vessels at the memorial - the minesweeper "TShch-100"

and the motor ship "Kharkov". Both are actively climbed by children and even adults.

And there is grace all around!!!

Gostiny Dvor ( Shopping arcades). At the top is the inscription “Manufactured Goods” - a real artifact of almost half a century ago. A miracle preserved in the outback!

What do you think of the Manufactured Goods store, built in 1956? Also a miracle! This is what it is, Novaya Ladoga. Some kind of solid artifact.

Literally 3 kilometers from Novaya Ladoga (towards Staro Ladoga) there is the village of Yushkovo.

There is a fish shop right next to the road. I knew about this tent. That's why we came here deliberately. We bought cold smoked bream - 125 rubles. fish and dried roach for 30 rubles. The bream was good! In general, the selection of delicacies here is impressive - several types of fresh and smoked fish (hot and cold smoked), caviar, etc. Don't pass by!

I really like to visit various interesting places located in the vicinity of St. Petersburg, where I live. Each trip adds an additional piece of glass to the overall mosaic of life experiences. I think that I can rightfully consider Staraya Ladoga even a whole fragment of this constantly transforming picture of wanderings.

This settlement, which, according to scientists, is the first capital of Northern Rus', once had great importance. It was the most important strategic trading center on the route “from the Varangians to the Greeks”, familiar to us all from history lessons, and steadfastly survived all the vicissitudes of past centuries.

And suddenly, in 1704, by order of I, it not only lost its city status, but did not even have the right to its own coat of arms. All “regalia” go to the city of Novaya Ladoga.

Perhaps there were good reasons for this... But today, in our days, I, who often visit “both Ladogas,” for some reason cannot get used to the idea that a magnificent, breathing heroic legend, imbued with historical tragedy and carrying its existence from the depths centuries, Staraya Ladoga is not a city, but just a village. But it’s not for us, as they say, to create history. Although we were happy for the Ladoga residents when, in November 2007, by decision of local deputies, their coat of arms was again approved here, on a purple field of which a diving falcon is depicted.

Once again there was a whiff of ancient epics about Prince Rurik, and the brave Finist, the clear falcon, beloved since ancient times in Rus'.

I want to assure you that for all travelers, young and old, here there are plenty of opportunities to add new exciting pages to your travel book, which I invite you to turn through with me.

How to get there

Staraya Ladoga is an ancient village located in the Volkhov district of the Leningrad region, 128 km from our Northern capital, St. Petersburg, and 712 km from Her Majesty Moscow. There is no airport, train or bus stations. But getting here is not at all difficult.

And, believe me, it’s worth visiting Staraya Ladoga!

By plane

By train

Since people somehow didn’t want to lay a railway track past old Ladoga, you won’t be able to get here directly by train or commuter train. But, nevertheless, they can be a good intermediate help along the way.

So, from St. Petersburg Swallow trains run from Moskovsky and Ladozhsky railway stations to Volkhovstroy-I station (Volkhov).

All schedule details You will be on the road for about 2 hours. With the capabilities of modern gadgets, you will certainly find ways to while away them, but I prefer to just look out the window and think.

Tickets will cost you (when traveling from Moskovsky Station)

• adult: 318 rub.;
• children's, school and student: 159 rub.
• preferential for pensioners: 47 rubles.

When departing from Ladozhsky railway station:

• adult: 287 rub.;
• children's, school and student: 143 rub.
• preferential for pensioners: 43 rubles.

There are no direct trains from Moscow to this station. Therefore, you can get by train to St. Petersburg (from Leningradsky station Moscow), and then act as described above.

From Volkhov to Staraya Ladoga you will have to continue the journey by bus, about which information is provided in the section below.

By bus

I quite like bus journeys, however, as long as they are not particularly long. You simply cannot do without the help of this type of transport when traveling to Staraya Ladoga. Of course, I do not take into account driving my car, which is discussed in the section below.

You can get to Staraya Ladoga (2) from Volkhov (1) by buses No. 23 and 23 A, going to the city of Novaya Ladoga (3).

The journey will take about 20 minutes.

There are no direct flights from St. Petersburg (1) to Staraya Ladoga (3) from the bus station (Obvodny Canal Embankment, 36). But it is possible to get there with transfers again through Volkhov (2).

The real schedule, taking into account the transfer you need, can be found on Yandex.

Of course, in any case (train + bus or bus + bus) you will be on the road for at least, or even more than 3 hours. And this is not so easy if you are traveling with children or elderly companions. Therefore, I advise you to use the services of some travel agency for your first visit to Staraya Ladoga.

By car

This is my favorite type of travel! Today, in the age of such a wonderful help as a navigator, it is not difficult to determine the path, although we prefer the good old road maps.

From St. Petersburg you need to move along the Murmansk highway, which also has the names M18, E-105 or “Kola Highway”.

Fortunately, it is not very congested, although due to road works, which often occur in late summer and autumn, unexpected traffic jams may occur. Therefore, before your trip, inquire about its condition in advance. After 120 km, you will turn right onto highway A 115 near the village of Yushkovo, from where you need to drive about another 7 km to Staraya Ladoga.

From Moscow you will take the M10 (E18) highway in the direction of St. Petersburg. At Zuevo - turn onto A115 (on) and through Volkhov you get to Staraya Ladoga.

The road in this case is much longer than from St. Petersburg. Therefore, if you decide to take such a trip, take care in advance of rest at the end of the journey in Staraya Ladoga. I’ll tell you about possible stopping options in the “Districts” section. Where is the best place to live?

Clue:

Staraya Ladoga - the time is now

Hour difference:

Moscow 0

Kazan 0

Samara 1

Ekaterinburg 2

Novosibirsk 4

Vladivostok 7

When is the season? When is the best time to go

We are going to Staraya Ladoga mainly to plunge into the historical era of Russia's past. The ancient fortress, museums, temples and monasteries, in my opinion, are worth visiting at any time of the year.

Moreover, if you do not like to find yourself in a certain place during tourist invasions, then the off-season is quite suitable for such a trip. I often had to admire paintings by St. Petersburg artists depicting Staraya Ladoga. The winter landscapes on their canvases are in no way inferior to the warm summer and spring ones.

But I still prefer to be here in the summer on fine sunny days.

Staraya Ladoga in summer

This is not only my favorite time of year, but also my favorite time to travel. As for Staraya Ladoga, choosing summer to visit this historical place, you get the opportunity to attend festivals and holidays that are traditionally held here and hospitably gather everything large quantity tourists.

In addition, the climate regime allows for swimming in rivers and the opportunity to sunbathe, as well as taking long walks around the village itself and its picturesque surroundings, where nature pleases the eye and lifts your spirits. There are no sudden temperature changes here. Basically, the thermometer will indicate from + 18 to +23. That is, painful acclimatization and sunstroke will not follow.

It is in the summer that you have the opportunity to visit some churches and museums that are closed during the cold season.

Staraya Ladoga in autumn

The enchanting Indian summer, when autumn is just coming into its own, is amazing in Staraya Ladoga!

And the leaf fall at the beginning of October will also delight your soul. November is already bringing winter with it, temperatures rarely rise above 0 °C. If you are prepared for such circumstances, with the goal of visiting magnificent monasteries and an ancient fortress, and the sad pre-winter pictures of nature do not depress you, then the weather will not become an obstacle to your trip.

Staraya Ladoga in spring

In spring you especially feel the awakening of life! It seems to me that a trip to Staraya Ladoga at this time of year can become quite unusual and even symbolic, if we consider it as a touch to bygone times, to the revival of pages ancient history after a long winter of oblivion.

March is still rainy and snowy, without having time to “reanimate” after winter. It gets warmer in April. average temperature rises to 8 °C. By the way, it is in this month that you can usually witness an amazing spectacle - ice drift on the Volkhov - which artists are trying so hard to catch. And May is preparing us for summer. In the surrounding forests the soil dries out and the first flowers of the Russian northwest appear.

Staraya Ladoga in winter

One friend from Staraya Ladoga told me that on the first day of December, the residents of this village are especially attentive to the weather. After all, according to popular belief, what it is like is winter itself. It’s warm in the morning – so the winter starts to be warm. A blizzard at noon will blow even in January. If a snowstorm begins to swirl in the evening, then winter will certainly not want to give up its rights to spring for a long time.

The snow here lasts the entire winter season, and, unlike the metropolitan “50 shades of gray” due to urban smoke and soot, here it is really white. The temperature rarely drops below - 23°C, mostly on January days it is around - 12 - -16°C. In Staraya Ladoga it is also wonderful to attend the solemn Christmas services in monasteries, and on Epiphany to plunge into a real consecrated ice hole - the Jordan!

Districts. Where is the best place to live?

Staraya Ladoga is a small village. It has only 22 streets. All the attractions that I will talk about below are, in general, within walking distance of each other. If you use booking services through, then in the village itself on this site only “Holiday Home Barskiy 11” is presented. (1) , there are also recreation centers and hotels in nearby settlements, such as the village of Chernavino ( 2 ), the village of Yushkovo ( 3-4 ) and the city of Volkhov ( 5 ).

In addition to these options, there are hotels in Staraya Ladoga and its surroundings that cannot be booked through Booking. For example, on the map below - the Staraya Ladoga hotel on the street. Sovetskaya 6 (1) , and the recreation center "Staroladozhskaya Dacha", located 2 km in the village of Seltso-Gorka (2).

Due to the lack of hotel competition, prices here are quite high for the province (starting from 2000 rubles per room). A lot of positive feedback about the Metallurg Hotel in Volkhov, a city located from Staraya Ladoga, a 20-minute drive by regular bus.

But my advice is this: if you decide to stay in these places for more than a day, then suitable option- just rent an apartment in Volkhov or Novaya Ladoga (from 1,000 rubles/day). You can find it through search engines from the “Rent a house for daily rent” series on the Internet.

If you are traveling with a group, and even in warm weather summer time, then the option of tents is not excluded. True, there are no special campsites here. Despite its uniqueness, this village is not included in the category of long tourist stops. Travelers and pilgrims (there are 2 monasteries in Staraya Ladoga) usually come here only for a day.

Main attractions. What to see

For me, my acquaintance with Staraya Ladoga began with a meeting with an ancient mound, which is believed to be the grave of the Prophetic Oleg himself.

This attraction is located at the entrance to the village by car from St. Petersburg. When you rise to its ten-meter height, a beautiful view of the powerful Volkhov and Staraya Ladoga itself opens up in front of you. And you, like an enchanted wanderer, somehow immediately fall in love with this region forever. There are many pagan tales about the mound, supposedly it is some kind of mystical “place of power”. I don’t attach importance to such “writings,” but when you stand at the top and see the picture opening up, strength simply cannot help but appear in a soul inspired by beauty.

In total, near the village there are three such mounds, originally from the 8th-10th centuries.

Of course, I highly recommend immediately visiting the heart of Staraya Ladoga - its fortress, the 900th anniversary of which was widely celebrated in 2016. You can learn more about it from my

On July 15, 1971, it opened in Staraya Ladoga local history museum. In 1984, it received the status of a historical, architectural and archaeological museum-reserve of federal significance, one of the attractions of which is the Star Ladoga Fortress I mentioned above.

In addition to it, I advise you to visit other places located on the territory of the museum. For example, the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (XII century) in the Staraya Ladoga Holy Dormition nunnery, which is rightly called the “Pearl of North-West Rus'”.

The monastery itself is also worthy of attention, one of the oldest in the Tikhvin diocese. You can also see the architectural ensemble of the St. Nicholas Monastery, which attracts Orthodox pilgrims to these places. Also visit the Church of the Nativity of John the Baptist on Malysheva Hill, which, after restoration in 1991 by craftsmen and artists from St. Petersburg, was the first of all the churches in Staraya Ladoga to be returned to believers.

By the way, if you go around this temple and go down to Volkhov, you will find yourself in front of the Holy Spring of St. Paraskeva Friday. While walking along Varyazhskaya Street, you should definitely go into the two-story houses (stone and wooden - 19th century) of the merchant P.V. Kalyazin, where today the exhibitions “The Life of Merchants of the Novoladozhsky District” and “Archaeology of Ladoga” are presented. And this is not a complete list interesting places, worthy of attention travelers!

Thus, in this village, small by modern standards, there is a real storehouse of artistic, spiritual and historical treasures.

Top 5

Each traveler has their own preferences among the attractions of the places they visit. I'll offer you my top five.

Beaches. Which ones are better

This historical village does not belong to the category of places where beach holiday. But I want to suggest that on fine days you can easily swim in Volkhov. However, keep in mind that it has a fairly strong current. If you are traveling by car, then you can arrange a spontaneous parking somewhere on its shore.

I’ll suggest another place, directly in Staraya Ladoga itself, where we ourselves once swam. If you go around the St. Nicholas Monastery on the right, you will see a parking lot for cars and buses. Opposite it there will be a descent to the water. I marked this place with an arrow.

Churches and temples. Which ones are worth visiting?

The village of Staraya Ladoga is rich not only in facts military history, but also with his spirituality. It’s always amazing to me how firmly the cities of Russia are connected by the imperishable thread of time!

Judge for yourself. The daughter of the Swedish king Olaf Shotkonung, Princess Ingegerda (baptized Irina), marries the great Novgorod prince Yaroslav the Wise in 1019. Her dowry also included the city of Aldeigaborg (present-day Staraya Ladoga). The territory adjacent to it has since been called Ingermanland, which means “land of Ingegerda.” Having been widowed, Irina took monastic vows with the name Anna and became the first Russian princess-nun.

Today we know her as Saint Anna of Novgorod. Like flowers woven into a beautiful wreath, Orthodox monasteries begin to be created on the lands of St. Anna. I'll tell you a little about them.

1. Holy Dormition nunnery, located north of the fortress. There is a version that this monastery arose in 1156 thanks to Anna of Novgorod.
   Surprisingly, the monasteries and churches in Staraya Ladoga shared human destinies during times of all historical unrest. In the XIV century. The monastery saves St. Anna Kashinskaya and her husband, Prince Mikhail Tverskoy, during the Tatar devastation of Tver. In 1718, the first wife of I, Evdokia Lopukhina, or Elena in monasticism, was exiled here.
   The linden trees she planted have been preserved in the monastery. Here Evdokia Andreevna Hannibal ended her days.
2. The main attraction of the monastery is the Assumption Cathedral.
   This northern pearl, according to scientists, was built by Novgorod craftsmen as a princely tomb. The temple is open on weekends during the summer. To visit at other times, you must make prior arrangements by calling the monastery. Read about the history, shrines and the possibility of visiting the monastery
3. Another Staraya Ladoga Monastery, Nikolsky Monastery, is located on the left bank of the Volkhov, 500 meters from the Rurik Fortress. According to legend, it was founded in 1240 by the squad of Alexander Nevsky after the battle with the Swedes.
   That’s why the hill behind the monastery is called “Victory”, and the stream flowing down to the river is called “Bloody”. During the Swedish intervention, it was here that monks from Valaam took refuge, saving the main shrine - the relics of Saints Sergius and Gleb. Until the revolution of 1917, local fishermen had a tradition of not starting fishing without approaching the gates of the St. Nicholas Monastery with prayer. All details about the monastery
4. The wonderful Church of John the Baptist is also assigned to the St. Nicholas Monastery (it was first mentioned in 1276). Previously, it was the cathedral of the St. John's Monastery, which was revered by Boris Godunov. Even in 1604, this king donated a bell here with the inscription “Ladoga - the stronghold of my state.”
   And again, dear travelers, I want to draw your attention to how amazingly intertwined the history of Russia and its church is. And what great significance in the eyes of the tsars-rulers was Old Ladoga, today undeservedly forgotten by us. As for St. John's Cathedral, St. Petersburg artists worked here during the restoration at the end of the 20th century. Services are held on Saturdays and church holidays.
   If you go around the cathedral on the right and go down towards Volkhov, you will come to the Holy Spring of Paraskeva, in whose name, by the way, one of the boundaries of the temple is consecrated, who is also considered the patroness of the family.
5. In the story about the churches of Staraya Ladoga, it is impossible not to dwell on the St. George Church (12th century), where frescoes from the 12th century have been preserved. This is a UNESCO monument. For her light and slender appearance, she is called the “Ladoga Bride”.
   Both this temple and the Assumption Cathedral remind me very much of my favorite Church of the Intercession on the Nerl. (8)
   All three are like snow-white swans, which, once flying over Russia, were so amazed by its beauty that they decided to stay here forever and protect our country from all adversity and enemy attacks.

Museums. Which ones are worth visiting?

The village of Staraya Ladoga, in my opinion, is a single large museum under open air. I would especially like to highlight its ancient fortress - Rurik Castle. Which you can visit all year round. But still, I highly recommend choosing warm ones for this purpose. summer days.

Once I had a chance to read on some Internet forum a sad response from tourists that they were not able to get a good look at the exhibition in the fortress tower due to the fact that the frost that covered the glass above the models was in the way. I myself have not visited Staraya Ladoga in winter, but, as they say, there is no smoke without fire.

Attention: the Church of St. George with its unique frescoes of the pre-Mongol period on the territory of the fortress can be visited only in warm weather from May to October.

Entrance to the fortress territory is paid: adults: 80 rubles; preschoolers, schoolchildren, pensioners: 10 rubles; Full-time students of Russian universities: free.

A single ticket for viewing the exhibition in the Gate Tower, the Church of St. Demetrius of Thessaloniki and the exhibition “Archaeology of Ladoga”: for adults 150 rubles; preschoolers: 10 rubles; schoolchildren and pensioners 80 rub.

Temple of St. George the Victorious: adults: 80 rub.; preschoolers: free; schoolchildren, pensioners: 50 rub.

About visiting other attractions on the territory of the Staraya Ladoga Museum-Reserve ( short excursion, time and cost of visiting) are described in detail on the museum website

Parks

There are no significant recreational parks in Staraya Ladoga. But, nevertheless, I will note a well-kept public garden where you can look.

It is located not far from the Assumption Monastery. Here you can see a stele installed in 2003 in memory of the 1250th anniversary of Staraya Ladoga. There is also a park on Varangskaya Street, where in 2015 a monument to the famous Russian princes Rurik and Oleg the Prophet was erected.

The sculptor of this monument is Oleg Shorov.

Tourist streets

I’ll tell you about one wonderful street in Staraya Ladoga with the name “Varyazhskaya” characteristic of this place. It runs along the bank of the Ladozhka River to the fence of the Assumption Monastery and is the oldest street in Russia. Its length is only about 200 meters.

Therefore, I believe that you simply need to go through it! The first mention of Varyazhskaya Street dates back to the 15th century, and it gained its fame after it was here during archaeological works household items dating back to the 9th-10th centuries were found. This allows us to believe with confidence that in those days the left bank of the Ladozhka River was already thoroughly populated. The street was especially actively developed in the 18th century, when merchants began to settle here. I invited you to two house-museums of one of them - Kolyazin.

In 2003, in connection with the celebration of the anniversary of Staraya Ladoga, several similar merchant houses requiring restoration were demolished on Varyazhskaya Street. It’s a pity, of course, that today you can see only the three remaining of them, plus the house for the clergy of the Assumption Monastery and seven wooden houses from the post-war period. In 1913, a stone chapel appeared here, built according to historians’ assumptions on the site of the ancient Resurrection Church of the 13th century.

At the beginning of Varyazhskaya Street you are greeted by a bronze falcon. I already wrote that this is a symbol of the coat of arms of Staraya Ladoga. Somehow, in my opinion, tourists act somewhat ridiculously when they leave coins “for good luck” in the beak and on the wings of this proud bird.

Either they are trying to bribe the falcon, or something else. Only Finist Yasny Sokol and the “bribe-handout” somehow don’t fit into a single logical chain for me. Also on this street in a small park, in 2015, a monument to Rurik and Oleg the Prophet was erected.

What to see in 1 day

Let's imagine that you have safely arrived in the Russian village of Staraya Ladoga, and you have a whole day to spare. I will offer one of the options for carrying it out.

• To begin with, at 10.00 am we will have a snack at the “Ancient Ladoga” cafe. And then we will move according to the attached map.
  
• 10.30 - heading for a tour of Rurik Castle (1) (Staraya Ladoga Fortress) (expositions of its Klimentovskaya Tower and the Church of Dmitry Solunsky).
  If the weather permits (and only in the summer), we also go to the Church of St. George the Victorious.
• 12.00 - we’ll definitely take a walk along Varyazhskaya Street (2) , the oldest in Russia. We look at the monument to Rurik and Oleg the Prophet and admire the bronze falcon.
  If desired, we go to museums - archeology and the life of merchants, located in the surviving and restored houses of the merchant Kolyazin.
• 13.00 - visit the Holy Dormition Convent (3) . By the way, here, thanks to the efforts of the nuns, an amazing internal park was created, in the flower beds of which funny animals hid among the flowers.
  The main shrines of the monastery are located in Church of the Exaltation of the Cross at the Hospital building: particles of the relics of saints: the Great Martyr Barbara, Rev. Seraphim of Sarov and the Holy Women of Diveyevo, Rev. Arseny Konevsky and Antipas of Valaam, Venerable Martyr Maria of Gatchina.
  You can read about the architectural ensemble and other attractions
• 14.00 - We will have lunch at the Prince Rurik restaurant. (6)
  
• 15.00 - Let's go to the Church of the Nativity of John the Baptist (4), examine it interior decoration, let's look into the church shop. Now let's go around the temple and go down to the Holy Spring of Paraskeva Friday (5). Only brave souls take a dip here, but we can just drink water and wash ourselves.
  
• 16.00 - we will take a leisurely walk in the opposite direction to the ancient St. Nicholas Monastery. (When visiting monasteries and temples, do not forget that appearance must comply with the rules for visiting Orthodox monasteries).
  Shrines: In 2002, an ark with a particle of the relics of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker was delivered here from the city of Bari; Also in the monastery there are particles of the relics of other great saints. The venerated icon here is the copy of the icon of the Most Holy Theotokos “Chernigov-Gethsemane” transferred to the monastery in 2004.
  The image suffered during the persecution: a crack from an ax and three bullet wounds. The monastery is open for pilgrims from 9.00 to 18.00, and on the days of evening services until 19.00 daily. All details about the monastery and schedule of services
• 17.00 - I hope that our journey takes place on a fine summer day. Now, if you didn’t stay for the evening service, you can plunge into the sun-warmed waves of the Volkhov. There is a descent to it just behind this monastery.
  Just keep in mind that the current is strong! You can just sit on the shore and relax.

If you arrived here for a day from St. Petersburg, then remember that the return journey (bus + train) will take at least 3 hours. If you are staying in Staraya Ladoga or nearby, then the next day can be devoted to exploring the surrounding area and beautiful nature the edges. For example, see Tanya’s cave (7) and go to the largest waterfall in the Leningrad region (8) (4.5 meters high).

What to see in the area

I propose to visit several places worthy of the attention of travelers near Staraya Ladoga.

1. Gorchakovshchinsky waterfall (1) . Located on the opposite bank of the Volkhov near the village. Gorchakovism.
   It's a stone's throw on the map, but you can't jump over the Volkhov. Therefore, you will have to return to the E 105 highway, turn onto Volkhov, and from Issad turn towards Gorchakovshchina. The path will take 12 km. This wonderful place is worth finding!
   Water falls from a height of 4.5 m into a reddish bowl of soil (local soils are to blame). This is the highest of the waterfalls in the Leningrad region. From the waterfall you can go to Volkhov on a very picturesque coast. Here tourists love to pitch tents and relax alone with nature.
2. Tanechkina cave (2). It is located 1 km from the mound of Prophetic Oleg in a protected area and is not accessible to visitors in winter. Entrance from Volkhov.
   Labyrinths of passages lure lovers of risk and underground travel here. If you are one of them, take necessary equipment. Well, or at least rubber boots, a flashlight and a helmet. There is a shallow lake in the northeastern part of the cave.
   What’s surprising is that the largest colony of bats of various species in the north-west of Russia lives here - about 400 individuals!
   I don’t really like these animal mice, and, by the way, I don’t like climbing unknown caves either. But I know many St. Petersburg residents who enjoy participating in such downright speleological adventures.
3. I also suggest visiting the city of Novaya Ladoga, founded in 1704 by Peter I. At that time, Staraya Ladoga, located from Novaya Ladoga 13 km, is losing its former urban status and is now simply called a village. You can get here by bus No. 23 and 23 A, as well as by car. Novaya Ladoga has many attractions, monuments and museums that are interesting for curious tourists. We really liked the ancient Nikolo-Medvedtsky Monastery.
   St. Nicholas Cathedral struck him. Inside there is an amazing iconostasis, and outside, from its south-eastern facade you can climb to the icon of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker along a spiral iron staircase, from where you can see beautiful view on Volkhov.
   The history of Novaya Ladoga is closely connected with the life of A.V. Suvorov, which is why the bust of this great commander is, of course, present here.
   I advise you to visit the Memorial complex in honor of the sailors and river workers who guarded the life-saving water route “Road of Life” during the siege of Leningrad. A visit to Novaya Ladoga itself deserves a separate day.
4. If you are interested in the spiritual page of life, then I suggest an interesting, little-known place - Abramovshchina. The famous abbess of the Staraya Ladoga Assumption Convent, Abbess Eupraxia, once prayed here. It is located 2.5 km from the monastery (you need to ask the directions directly at the monastery). You can't get there by car, so be prepared for a short walk. hiking.
   In 2004, in the Abramov region, the Holy Well of Mother Eupraxia was restored and re-installed worship cross. And now, as once before the 1917 revolution, a traditional religious procession is held here on the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross (September 27). The place is beautiful, and I think it will be useful to visit the Holy Well.

In Staraya Ladoga, for obvious reasons, it is impossible for me to introduce you to “TOPS” budget-medium-expensive food places. There are none of them here. But they are quite good for snacking.

1. Cafe "Ancient Ladoga" is waiting for visitors from 10.00 to 20.00. The furnishings are stylized as rustic antiques, there is a fireplace stove.
2. Cafe "Lyubava" is open from 10.00 to 23.00, and on weekends until 00.00.
3. Restaurant "Prince Rurik" is open from 10.00 to 21.00, on Friday and Saturday until 23.00. You can have lunch here without alcohol for the amount of 500-700 rubles.
4. Cafe "Ladya" at the mini-hotel of the same name. In this cafe, local residents sometimes hold themed discos, such as a “hat party.”

Holidays

I really love the holiday atmosphere, when you are in the epicenter of universal joy. Therefore, timing your trip to coincide with some similar event in Staraya Ladoga means getting a wonderful emotional charge and bright impressions for the traveler!

Of course, in Staraya Ladoga residents celebrate generally accepted public holidays, but besides them, there are special days when tourists flock like a noisy river to the walls of the ancient Rurik castle, crash tent cities, the world around is transformed, taking on pictures of the Middle Ages.

I mean the festivals that are traditionally held here.

Festival “Old Ladoga – the first capital of Rus'”

A real open-air theater reconstruction awaits you. And it’s as if time will turn back to the days of calling Rurik and his squad to these lands.

The clink of swords is heard - knights are fighting. It's great to measure your heroic prowess! And over Staraya Ladoga, ancient songs are heard again and the harp is played. You can also visit the forge and learn about other ancient crafts. This is where children's joy lies! It seems to me that adults will find all this very interesting.

Usually on such days there is a fair where you can buy goods from merchants - various utensils and clothes with antique jewelry, try your hand at archery and crossbow shooting. You will plunge into the atmosphere of life and culture of the distant past of Rus', get acquainted with the morals and customs of the people.

By the way, in 2016, more than 2,500 guests from all regions and cities attended this festival.

You need to find out more about the time of the event.

I would like to note right away that, as you already understand, there are few hotels in Staraya Ladoga itself. You can use nearby ones in Volkhov and Novaya Ladoga, and also try to rent an apartment in advance. But for tourists who are not pampered by comfort, there is a simple solution - a tent.

Special campsites It has not yet been provided for, therefore the protection of your belongings here is entirely under your own responsibility. But I think it’s great to join in the general fun and also set up your own little “house” against the backdrop of ancient mounds and fortress walls.

By the way, you can even temporarily transform yourself into the heroes of this festival. – Linen dresses and shirts, wreaths and woven belts and bracelets will give you a feeling of freedom without the usual suits and ties required by the dress code at work in everyday life. And long dresses and beautifully decorated hair will help women feel “more beautiful and prettier than ever” without any of the fashionable spas today.

Festival "Sovereign Shield"

This festival is usually held in June. Its goal is the development of event tourism and the reconstruction movement. Moreover, I think it is useful for all of us to remember the past times of our history, the period of the Time of Troubles of the 16th-17th centuries.

As for children, you will agree with me that it is much more interesting for them to learn history this way than from school textbooks. You can also find out whether such a festival will be repeated and about all others similar to it on the website of the Staraya Ladoga Museum. After all, wonderful Ladoga hosts can come up with something new for their dear guests. By the way, festivals of sacred music and various concerts are held in Staraya Ladoga.

Hunter's Day

For hunting lovers, there is also an annual themed festival, which is usually held in early autumn. Here you will witness horse riding and the work of hunting dogs (this is especially interesting for me, since one of the “furry” members of my family is a spaniel).

And of course, since the event is taking place in an ancient Russian village, then one cannot do without falconry, master classes in working with “decoys,” chasing, and blacksmithing!

You will see photo exhibitions, an exhibition of hunting trophies and an exhibition of children's drawings. And the concert of folk groups will certainly delight spectators and tourists! For the male part of the guests, visiting such a holiday, I think, will be especially interesting!

Orthodox holidays

Since in small Staraya Ladoga today there are two ancient monasteries that carefully preserve their rich history, then, I think, everyone can visit here on some of the Twelfth Orthodox holidays. Especially on the Feast of Holidays - Easter, and even on Christmas Day.

And on Epiphany, even despite the frosty weather, “Jordan” is certainly consecrated here, and the most courageous can take a plunge!

Safety. What to watch out for

If you become a participant in one of the large-scale holidays and festivals, then in the heat of the fun, still remember that among the ranks of tourists clicking cameras and smiling friendly at you, there may well be ordinary pickpockets. The workers of this craft really love to be in a crowd captivated by some kind of spectacle. This phenomenon seems to be ineradicable neither here nor in any other country in the world.

So let's humble ourselves and just be vigilant.

If you visit the fortress in winter, be careful - the steps can be slippery due to ice. And in general, at this time of year, a sudden meeting with the earth of our soft places is not excluded. Therefore, I strongly advise you to have comfortable shoes and not to force yourself on heels, which we will reserve for city sidewalks.

Things to do

I love such trips to small towns and villages because they allow me to escape from the rush of the city and plunge into the measured rhythm of provincial life, at least for a short time.

Therefore, in Staraya Ladoga, in addition to visiting the sights, just enjoy life, take a walk (go to Varyazhskaya Street), breathe fresh air, admire nature. If you are inclined towards some artistic hobbies, then this is the place for them. Organize a spontaneous plein air.

Even if you are not a professional, drawing the surrounding landscapes will still certainly give you positive emotions. You can also show your creativity by taking photographs, writing poems and stories. If you are traveling with children, then your tales about mighty Russian warrior heroes, told during walks, will greatly delight them. Remember the forgotten game “secrets” and bury your family secret somewhere (flowers on a piece of gold under a piece of glass). Instead of glass, by the way, a transparent plastic lid from a sour cream jar will also work.

At the same time, you can smile mysteriously, imagining how one day archaeologists will find it. While walking near the mounds, and along the banks of the Volkhov, weave yourself (or your companions) a wreath of herbs and flowers, or release it into the fast streams of water, making a wish.

Also, for a similar purpose, you can quickly build a raft or boat from improvised means.

We have forgotten all these activities, sitting at computers or looking at the blue TV screen. But it is precisely such family leisure activities that bring people together, giving us the joy of live communication!

Staraya Ladoga has a rich spiritual history. Go to the Holy Spring of Paraskeva, and light candles in churches and just be alone with yourself in their peaceful silence.

Let this trip become a holiday for the heart! After all, “places of power” are not mounds and graves (as various esotericists claim), but towns like Staraya Ladoga, which preserve for you and me the voice of history about the great heritage of our ancestors.

Souvenirs. What to bring as a gift

I always take something with me from the places I visit as a souvenir of the trip. But this is not always a purchased souvenir or an item made in those parts. For me it can be a shell, an unusual pebble, a flower that creates a summer mood even in winter.

As for the Old Ladoga gifts themselves, there is a souvenir kiosk in the village itself, next to the ticket office of the Rurik Fortress.

As always, magnets, mugs, keychains, which can very well play the role of a gift or a cute keepsake. Pay attention to metal products - brooches, pendants with images of runes, men, animals, intricate patterns.

There are also bracelets with various embossed ornaments.

Maybe something will suit your taste. There are also photographs and albums, as well as birch bark products with images of Old Ladoga sights: fortresses, churches, nature. In the monasteries there are church shops where you can buy Cahors, gingerbread, Lenten products, teas, relevant literature and icons. During festivals and holidays, fairs are held in Staraya Ladoga, where the works of folk craftsmen are presented.

But your main gifts to yourself are a charge of positive emotions, new discoveries, and photographs, of course!

How to get around the city

The village is small, so to see its sights, just walk. When we come here, we leave our car in the parking lot and then leisurely walk around Staraya Ladoga. The bustle and rush only prevent you from feeling the measured rhythm of this ancient place. But to the mounds (if you don’t look at them before entering the village, and from their tops at Staraya Ladoga itself), it’s better to actually get there by car.

You will, of course, need a car if you want to go to the waterfall, Tanechkina Cave and Novaya Ladoga, located 13 km away.

I think it's about the correct speed limit in the area settlement It’s unnecessary for me to remind you, but I’ll touch on parking. When we arrive in Staraya Ladoga, we leave the car in a parking lot near one of the two monasteries. The parking there is good, free, designed to accommodate excursion buses, that is, very spacious. And there is more security in this area. Opposite the fortress, you can park right on the side of the highway, since the parking spaces directly next to the ticket offices are intended only for museum employees.

Old Ladoga. Vacation with children

I am sure that going to Staraya Ladoga with children is the right decision! Especially if you can get to some summer festival. After all, such spectacular events are very interesting for girls and boys!

But even on ordinary days there will certainly be something to keep the kids busy. My advice: if your children are small, prepare in advance interesting story, which you can captivate them while walking around ancient fortress. As for schoolchildren, it is especially valuable for them to personally come into contact with the Middle Ages, and not just study it from books. Then, during the history lesson, the children will be able to proudly show their friends photos of the Prophetic Oleg’s burial mound and Rurik’s castle.

Wonderful nature and contemplation of the beauty of temple ensembles will also have a beneficial effect on cultivating a sense of beauty. I already wrote about what to do with children between visits to museums in the “What to do” section. Think about your leisure time in advance. After all, not every one of us, adults, likes to contemplate only museum exhibitions. Children especially need a switch from learning to play and fun adventures.

And let it be joint entertainment or some kind of creative activity. After all, it’s not at all difficult to take an album, pencils, paints and, perhaps, even plasticine with you on a trip!

Oh yes! You can also fly a kite, play frisbee and ball.

After all, you have escaped from the city to a village surrounded by wonderful nature!

Be sure to weave wreaths, run around the mounds, listen to the tales that the waves of the gray-haired Volkhov will tell.

Rent a Car- also an aggregation of prices from all rental companies, all in one place, let's go!

Anything to add?

No one will argue that our fatherland is rich in unique places.

Take, for example, Staraya Ladoga in the Leningrad region and its attractions.

Taking a walk through this village, you can not only relax, but also plunge into the history of our country, learn a lot of new and interesting things. One can talk for hours about this village, which was once a formidable and mighty Russian capital city...

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Where did the name come from

No one can say for sure what the name of the settlement was. After all, others are called exactly the same geographical features: river, lake. They got their name before the settlement appeared.

Staraya Ladoga is the oldest trade and craft settlement in the North-West. People lived here during the Neolithic period, but the official date given by archaeologists is 753

There are many variations of the name. In short, some researchers believe that the word is of Scandinavian origin, because the Scandinavians were the first to explore this place, almost two decades before the Slavs. If we judge based on this fact, then the word is translated as a low area near a river.

Russians began to settle here in the middle of the 13th century. The settlement played an important role: the main hub connecting trade sea routes. Moreover, Staraya Ladoga was at one time the first capital city of Rus'. Rurik reigned in it. That is why a trident in the form of a diving golden falcon was placed on the flag of the Staraya Ladoga rural settlement - the sign of the Rurikovichs. During the excavations, a scroll made of birch bark was found, on which a boat was depicted. Who knows, maybe this one sea ​​transport is the symbol that gave the name to the settlement.

Geographical location

It should be noted that at the beginning of the 18th century Staraya Ladoga was considered a city. Today it is a large village that attracts not only residents of Russia with its unique attractions. There is an endless flow of tourists to Staraya Ladoga. The village belongs to the Leningrad region, Volkhov municipal district.

The geographical position of Staraya Ladoga was very advantageous. It is located at that point on the route from the “Varyags to the Greeks”, which is almost impossible to bypass. Even if the merchants sailed to the Volga through the Svir River, their path still lay along south coast Lake Ladoga, that is, past Staraya Ladoga. Staraya Ladoga was a shopping center

Today the ancient village is a museum-reserve. Start of action 1971. In 1984 it became a historical and architectural museum, and at the same time received the title of a museum-reserve of federal significance.

Many tourists dreaming of seeing Amazing places, wondering how to get there: to public transport, or by car? From St. Petersburg to the village 120 km.

This can be done in different ways:

1. By car: An asphalt road passes through Staraya Ladoga, which is called differently - M18, E-105 and “Kola Route”.
2. By train:(ticket price from St. Petersburg is about 200 rubles) to Volkhov, then transfer to a bus. There is no railway traffic to the ancient village. Buses run 3 times a day.

As you can see, it is not so easy to get into the village, but tourists are not afraid of difficulties.

Attractions

Today, life in the village is not much different from how other Russians live. Although it should be noted that everything in it is measured and calm. Why do tourists, not afraid of difficulties, come here in droves? There is nothing to be surprised about. The village residents, despite the passing centuries, managed to preserve the unique architecture of their settlement in its original form. It is not for nothing that Staraya Ladoga often became an object of inspiration for artists - many famous Russian painters painted paintings dedicated to it.

Staraya Ladoga is a small village in the Leningrad region with a great past; it was once one of the ten largest Russian cities. Today, it is distinguished from other villages by an ancient fortress standing on the high bank of the Volkhov, and several ancient monasteries and churches beyond its borders.

There is something to see here both in winter and summer. Tourists, arriving in the village, visit monasteries, churches, and museums. Admire mounds, caves and others amazing places. After visiting these memorable places You understand the history of the country better, you become an accomplice in distant events.

Any person who visits this museum-reserve feels attention and care. There are places to stay for every taste and budget, there are cafes and restaurants that serve delicious food.

It is worth noting: Accommodation on the territory of the museum-reserve costs from 1,350 rubles per person.

Most often tourists visit:

• cafe "Prince Rurik";
• cafe "Ladoga Compound";
• Cafe "Ladya"

Information about hotels and catering places can be found on the official website and in guidebooks.

If you order sightseeing bus, then the cost:

• adult ticket from 1650 rubles;
• preferential from 1550 rubles;
• for children from 1250 rub.

In this case, the guide will show you the most important attractions. In addition, tourists can take water with them from the holy spring of Paraskeva Pyatnitsa.

There are many presentations on the Internet on what to see and where to go for tourists. We will try to tell you about everything that is worth looking at when arriving in the old village.

Defensive structures

The settlement served not only as a hub sea ​​routes. It was located on the border with other states, so it had another important role - the defense of the borders of Rus' from enemy attacks. It is clear that it would not have been possible without the construction of reliable fortresses with thick walls.

The walls, made of flagstone and lime mortar, reached a height of 8 meters. The Ladoga stone fortress outlined the path in defensive architecture that became widespread only a century later. It turned out to be invulnerable to the Swedes and Germans, and throughout the 12th-15th centuries it reliably protected the northern Russian lands.

Unfortunately, many of the fortresses have sunk into oblivion, and even no memories remain of them. But travelers can visit unique place, imagine yourself in the place of your ancestors who defended the city of Staraya Ladoga by visiting the Staraya Ladoga Fortress.

Ancient Staraya Ladoga fortress

On the opposite side of Varangskaya Street is the Staraya Ladoga Fortress. In ancient times, it reliably protected the settlement. The stone part of it came close to the water. The presence of the river, which served as a natural moat, did not allow the Vikings to get close to the Slavs unnoticed.

Staraya Ladoga Fortress - located in the village of Staraya Ladoga on Cape Ladoga, at the confluence of the Ladozhka River with the Volkhov

The view was carried out from four round and one square towers (the gate to the fortress). Three walls were made of wood, but the earthworks were strong. Residents always stocked up on food and water, so the defenders could hold out for a long time.

The stone fortress was founded in 1116 by order of mayor Pavel. Today she found herself in the center of the village at the confluence of the Elena and Volkhov rivers. In ancient times, it was a safe harbor for ships that could not pass through the destructive rapids of the Volkhov River. They began to strengthen the fortress by order of Prince Oleg.

Today, anyone can freely visit the fortress. The standard entrance fee to the fortress territory is 20 rubles, single ticket to all museums - 150 rubles.

Monasteries and temples

There are many temples and monasteries in this ancient village.

Inside the fortress there is St. George's Church and wooden church Dmitry of Thessalonica, St. Nicholas Monastery, Assumption Convent, Museum of Merchant Life (the second half of the house is occupied by the post office), St. John the Baptist Monastery. From the entire monastery, one temple has survived - the huge Cathedral of the Nativity of John the Baptist, built in 1695.

Over the centuries-old history, many of them have lost their former grandeur and fallen into decay. But those that still remain are capable of melting the ice of the coldest hearts.

Nikolsky Monastery

Nikolsky Monastery has been classified as a historical monument of federal significance since 74 of the last century.

The monastery building was erected in 40 of the 13th century, when Alexander Nevsky managed to defeat the Swedes on the ice of Lake Nevsky.

Founded in 1241 by Alexander Nevsky after a victorious battle with the Swedes in the Battle of Neva at the mouth of the Izhora River, dedicated to St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, Archbishop of Myra in Lycia

Do you know that: commander Alexander Nevsky highly revered Nicholas the Wonderworker and dedicated it to him new monastery- Nikolsky.

Over the years there have been many troubles, even complete destruction. But the believers again raised the monastery from the ruins. The building was last restored in the 19th century. With the advent of Soviet power, the monastery was closed and various institutions were located there.

At the beginning of the 20th century, Patriarch Alexy II gave instructions for the restoration historical monument. Today, the active monastery houses the relics of Saints Sergius and Herman.

On the territory of the monastery there is the Church of St. John Chrysostom, St. Nicholas Church, and a bell tower. These objects attract tourists with their unusualness and pristine nature.

Note: There is no charge for visiting the Nikolsky Monastery. Open every day from 9.00 to 17.00. Located on Nikolskaya street, building 1.

Assumption Monastery

The exact date of construction of the Assumption Monastery is not found in any historical source. Believed to be 15th century. It was erected on the site of the Assumption Cathedral (12th century). The monastery building and courtyard buildings can easily be called an architectural masterpiece.

The monastery ensemble was mentioned already in the 15th century; the date of its foundation is considered to be 1156. In 1718, the first wife of Peter I, Evdokia Lopukhina, named Elena, was transferred to the Ladoga Assumption Monastery. She stayed in the monastery until 1725

Interesting fact: The oldest Assumption Monastery was the place of imprisonment of Evdokia Lopukhina, the disgraced wife of Peter the Great.

Address: Uspensky lane, left bank of the Volkhov. The monastery is open every day from 9 am to 7 pm.

Cathedral of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker

The Cathedral of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker dates back to the 15th-16th centuries. Volkhov slabs and brick were used for its construction. It has a height of 23 meters, its length is 21 meters, its width, including the northern aisle, is 20 meters. By the way, the chapel was added much later, already in the 18th century. The initiator of the construction was the merchant Barsukov.

The Cathedral of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker is the main temple of the Staraya Ladoga St. Nicholas Monastery. Unique monument ancient Russian architecture of the 13th century. Currently inactive, restoration underway

Before going to sea, the fishermen went into the cathedral and prayed to St. Nicholas the Wonderworker to be a protector during the Putin season. Near the icon there was a mug for donations.

The church was never empty; people from surrounding villages came to pray. Unfortunately, when the cathedral was closed in 1938, the icon disappeared without a trace. Where it is now is unknown... What can we say about the temple decoration: practically nothing remains of it.

Currently, restoration is in full swing, but there is still a lot of work.

Note: tourists can enter the Cathedral of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker for only one hour. If you get there by bus, it stops at 16 Nikolskaya Street.

Visitors are accepted from 9.00 to 18.00. The entrance is free.

Alexander Nevsky Church

On the embankment of the Staro-Ladoga Canal there is another ancient building– Church of Alexander Nevsky. It was built on the territory of a military prison during the time of Suvorov.

The Alexander Nevsky Church was built as a military prison in 1871 (the Suzdal regiment, which was once commanded by Suvorov, was stationed in Novaya Ladoga). It was rebuilt in the old days, and now it is a utility room

This is a two-story building. It was rebuilt after the prisoners escaped. Almost all the windows were bricked up. They were broken through already in the last century.

Worth considering: Currently, the Alexander Nevsky Temple is not operational.

Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

This stone cathedral was built before the Mongol-Tatar invasion and is the main temple of the Holy Dormition Convent.

The Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Novaya Ladoga used to be part of the complex of Ioannovsky and Nikolo-Medvedsky monasteries, now abolished. Initially it was consecrated as the Church of St. John the Evangelist; since 1954, after the name of the chapel (1733), it has been called the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary

Its architecture lacks pomp and has a lot of asceticism inherent in Christianity. At one time, portals were added to it from the north and west.

The cathedral amazes with its decorative relief crosses. You can also see the surviving niche - golbets, intended for painting. On the dome there is an old faded cross. In the internal space there are special excavations for burial.

This active cathedral, open to tourists, is located on Karl Marx Avenue, at 49.

Church of Alexy, man of God

The church was built in 31 of the 19th century on the initiative of parishioners of the Assumption Convent. Two years later, merchant Semyon Kalinin and other wealthy people built a stone temple with their personal savings.

The church was built in 1831 at the expense of the St. Petersburg merchant Semyon Kalinin and other parishioners of the Staraya Ladoga Assumption Monastery and belonged to him along with the cemetery. At one time the temple was even the main source of income for the monastery

The Soviet government did not ignore the Orthodox church, closing it for services. The premises were used for various activities. In 2000, the church was restored by employees of Volkhov Aluminum OJSC, thus honoring the memory former director B. A. Alekseeva.

Take note: today it is a functioning temple that welcomes parishioners and tourists. The location of the Alexy Church is near the cemetery.

Church of St. George the Victorious

St. George's Church, built in the 12th century, is another monument of world culture, included in the register World Heritage UNESCO.

The “calling card” of Staraya Ladoga in general and the fortress in particular is St. George’s Cathedral (the canonical name is the Church of the Holy Great Martyr George the Victorious), built in the 1160s, was originally a monastery and ceased to be such in the 18th century. Currently inactive, being a museum

It combines two great traditions: Byzantine and Novgorod stone temple architecture. The temple, together with its bright dome, rises 15 meters above Staraya Ladoga.

During construction, limestone slabs were alternated with plinths (a kind of brick), and they were laid on lime-cement mortar. It consisted of slaked lime and brick chips. It was also used for cladding the facade. Therefore, it had a warm creamy surface, on which brown spots appeared. It seemed that the façade was made of marble slabs. The walls and other structural elements are connected using wood.

It is important to know: At present, the Church of St. George the Victorious is not active; it is a museum of one fresco, “The Miracle of St. George the Serpent,” the oldest image of St. George the Victorious. Located on the Volkhov River.

Church of Demetrius of Thessalonica

Judging by ancient records, the church was built around the end of the 9th century. At this time, Rurik reigned here. The building is wooden, the internal space is divided into cages, in fact, everything in it is located as it was in a peasant’s hut.

A modest wooden church in the name of Dmitry of Thessalonica. Currently inactive, it houses a museum of peasant life

The design of the dome resembles scales; it is covered with an aspen ploughshare. There is nothing superfluous either in terms of architecture or decoration inside the church: simplicity and asceticism. The royal gates attract the attention of tourists, but they appeared much later - in the 16th century.

Church of Clement of Rome

The first church made of stone was located in Staraya Ladoga; the construction dates back to 1153. The church, which is now located in Novaya Ladoga, was moved here by order of Peter the Great and was built in 1704. At first it was a wooden structure, and in 1741-43 a stone one was built on the same site.

It was built from 1741 to 1743 in the style of Russian churches of the 17th century. In the 1870s, a high bell tower was added to it, which greatly distorted the appearance of the church. A cinema was built here in 1938, and then the building was abandoned

The restoration was done at the end of the 19th century. We updated the spire, securing it to a metal structure, the bell tower and the iconostasis. The work was carried out according to the design of the architect Fortunatov. The restoration was led by the elder Stolyarov and the priest Nikifor Verolsky.

The temple was closed in 1937, and a cinema was installed there. Today it is practically destroyed and does not function. From its former grandeur, after repeated robberies, you can admire the individual fragments with which the dome and walls were painted.

Good to know: The Church of Clement of Rome is located in Novaya Ladoga on Engels Street, 10.

Church of the Savior Not Made by Hands

Construction time: 1763-67, erected after the wooden building burned down. The elegance of the bulbous five-domed structure attracts attention. As for the frescoes, which were previously a distinctive feature of the church, they have practically not survived.

The Chapel of the Savior of the Image Not Made by Hands is a now defunct Orthodox chapel in the village of Staraya Ladoga, Leningrad Region. It is part of the monastery wall of the Nikolsky Monastery

Under Soviet rule, the temple was closed and beheaded (1935) .). The revival began in 2002. Under the leadership of Archpriest Roman Gutu, a new chapel was built, and a place appeared where parishioners now come to pray. The temple is famous for its services and Sunday school.

Do you know that: The Church of the Savior Not Made by Hands engages in charity work (from donations from parishioners) and provides assistance to needy children and the elderly.

The temple stands on Rumbolovskaya Mountain, so it is clearly visible from anywhere in Novaya Ladoga. Open from 9.00 to 18.00, admission is free.

Church of the Nativity of John the Baptist

This temple, located on Malysheva Mountain, was built in the 15th century. At first it existed as a monastery, but after its abolition in 64 of the 18th century, a parish was opened.

Church of the Nativity of John the Baptist - the former four-pillar, five-domed Cathedral of the John the Baptist Monastery, now operating Orthodox Church with the chapel of St. Paraskeva Pyatnitsa and the octagonal pillar-shaped bell tower, located on the northern outskirts of Staraya Ladoga.

It has a cubic shape, standing on four domed pillars, with five domes and one seven-sided altar apse. The walls are decorated with bricks, there are many niches, and there are carved frames on the windows.

It has been closed since the 1920s and reopened in 1991 after reconstruction. Assigned to the Nikolsky Monastery. Liturgies are held for parishioners on holidays and Sundays. Pilgrims love to come here.

Interesting fact: from the center of the village to Pozemskaya street, 1 - only 642 meters. The parish of the Church of the Nativity of John the Baptist is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 7 a.m. yesterday. There is no need to pay for entry.

Church of Basil of Caesarea

The monastery has gone through many difficult times. The wooden structure often fell into disrepair. In 1618, there were only 8 monks who lived in a literally crumbling building.

The Church of Basil of Caesarea was built and consecrated in 1684-86. like a temple at the Vasilyevsky Monastery with the money of Tikhon Bestuzhev

After forty years or so, the temple fell into complete disrepair. In 1686, voivode Bestuzhev built a new monastery with his own money. The monks lived in it until 64 of the 18th century; later it was abolished and a parish was opened, which still operates today.

Source of Saint Paraskeva Friday

Paraskeva Pyatnitsa patronized merchants and church ministers. The Assumption Convent was built in her honor (late 13th century). They knew about the holy spring in ancient times and worshiped it since the 9th century. Symbols of this are Varangian crosses and crosses dating back to the X-XII, XVI centuries.

A source in the name of Saint Paraskeva Pyatnitsa under Malysheva Mountain, the construction of which began in the period from 1276 to 1299. A place for collecting water has been equipped at the holy spring, a cross with a prayer to Paraskeva Pyatnitsa has been installed, a stone font and a wooden changing room have been equipped

On the slope of the bank, going behind the temple, you can see a source.

Tourists and parishioners can:

• collect water in a specially designated place;
• swim in a stone font (change clothes in a wooden changing room);
• read the prayer, the text of which is on the cross.

Note: The water in the font of the spring of St. Paraskeva Friday is icy, it seems as if ice needles are piercing the body. But no one catches a cold; on the contrary, after a while, warmth spreads throughout the body.

Having reached the village, immediately at the entrance you need to go towards the Baptist Cathedral. The source is very close. There is no fee to visit, but you can leave a donation.

Museums

In the village, whose history began many centuries ago, there are many museums that help to understand the past of all of Russia as a whole.

Archaeological Museum

Archaeological research has not stopped for many decades. Every year there are more and more finds. The archaeological museum widely displays household items, weapons of battle, labor and much more.

The museum is located in the two-story house of the merchant Kalyazin, located in the center of the village, near the walls of the Staraya Ladoga fortress. The building itself is quite modern - it was built in the 19th century. The museum’s exhibition is so extensive that it is considered one of the most interesting in our country. Some unique exhibits of the museum date back to the 8th century.

Antiquity lovers collected various exhibits, but it was impossible to combine them in one place. The first exhibition was presented to the court in 71 of the last century. A huge number of exhibits and their skillful presentation captured the souls of visitors. Since then, a huge number of Russian citizens and foreigners have visited the museum. After 13 years, the museum received the status of a federal nature reserve

The museum is located right in the Staraya Ladoga Fortress, in the Gate Tower.

Open seven days a week from 9 am to 5 pm. For an adult ticket – 150 rubles. There is a discount on children's tickets. There are also discounts for preferential categories of citizens.

Museum of Local Lore

The local history museum is located in a house that was built by the merchant Timofeev in the 20th century. Viewers saw the first exhibition in 1987. It consists of 8 halls containing various objects that help us understand the life and way of life of our ancestors.

Now visitors have the opportunity to examine the restored Klimentovskaya and Vorotnaya fortress towers. The Staraya Ladoga Museum of Local Lore is opened in one of them. In 1984, the local history museum received the status of a historical, architectural and archaeological museum-reserve of federal significance.

Works:

• in May-September every day, opening hours from 9.00 to 18.00;
• in October April, working hours are 9.00-16.00 all days, closed on Mondays.

The duration of the excursion is 2 hours 30 minutes.

For groups of more than 15 people the following fees:

• for an adult – 60 rubles;
• students discount 20 rubles;
• children under 14 years old are free.

If less than 15 people arrived on the excursion, the ticket price increases by 15 rubles.

Note: The museum is located on Pionerskaya Street, building 16.

House of merchant Kalyazin

In the very center of the village, on Varyazhskaya Street, 8, you can see the house that was built by the merchant Kalyazin in the 19th century. After the revolution, various organizations were located here. Until 2003 – Russian Post. Then there was restoration, repairs, and finally the museum “Archaeology of Ladoga VIII - XIII centuries” was opened.

The house of the Kalyazin merchants, known as the museum of merchant life. An exhibition of merchant life is now open in a wooden house on the banks of the Volkhov

In the halls you can see medieval objects, various weapons, and decorations. The model of the ship on which the Vikings arrived in Ladoga amazes all visitors.

Surviving monastery and church frescoes have also been collected.

Fortress Museum

The Staraya Ladoga Fortress constantly hosts various exhibitions.

Museum exposition in Staraya Ladoga

You can visit museums on your own, or as a group excursion group. The prices are reasonable, for example, those wishing to attend the “Holy Abodes” program will pay 150 rubles, the “On the Roads of Medieval Ladoga” program - 200 rubles, complete sightseeing tour throughout the fortress and learn about ancient crafts for only 250 rubles. Details should be found directly at the museum or on the official website.

Architectural monuments

Quite a few in the village architectural monuments, which the villagers cherish. It is impossible to tell about everyone. We present some of them.

Barracks of the Suzdal Regiment

The second half of the 18th century was marked by numerous peasant riots. Staraya Ladoga did not escape the same fate. To pacify the rebels, the Suzdal Infantry Regiment, commanded by Suvorov, was transferred.

The barracks appeared at the beginning of the 18th century, when Peter the Great ordered the construction of a canal here to bypass Lake Ladoga during storms. Workers lived in the buildings

At first the soldiers were housed in private houses. Controlling a scattered army was difficult.

Suvorov initiated the construction of barracks with all the necessary buildings.

In addition to the premises for soldiers, on the same territory there are:

• stable;
• infirmary;
• officers' club;
• parade ground with a shooting range;
• wooden temple.

Currently, the barracks are dilapidated, but a memorial plaque in which Suvorov is noted is on the wall.

Take note: The monument to the Barracks of the Suzdal Regiment is located on Proletarsky Kanal Street, building 12.

If a tourist arrives by bus, it will take a quarter of an hour to reach the barracks. You need to go towards the exit from the village, cross the canal and turn left. The ancient monument will be on the right.

Gostiny Dvor building

There is no exact date for the construction of Gostiny Dvor, but historians suggest that it was built in the 19th century. Going inside, you can see a quadrangular square. Along the walls there are benches where merchants once sat.

It has a standard layout, typical for buildings of this type: a quadrangle with an area inside, along the perimeter of which there are merchant shops, separated from the street by an arcade. The building was probably built in the 19th century

The house is located in Novaya Ladoga, 11 kilometers from Staraya. Between Karl Marx Avenue and Pionerskaya Street.

Reservoirs

The Leningrad region is rich in various reservoirs. The museum-reserve also has its own remarkable places.

Volkhov River

The village of Staraya Ladoga is located on the banks of the Volkhov River. The “culprit” of this name was one of the Scythian princes - Sloven. At first, of course, the name Magi (magician) was given to the tribes living on the shore.

View of Staraya Ladoga from the Volkhov River during sunset

At all times, the river was rich in fish. Today, tourists can not only go fishing, but also go boating along the difficult Volkhov riverbed.

Take note: tourists who are not afraid of difficulties can travel by boat along the route along which they sailed along the Volkhov River “from the Varangians to the Greeks.”

Staraya Ladoga Canal

The Staraya Ladoga Canal, 117 kilometers long, connects the Volkhov and Neva, while bypassing Ladoga lake. The canal begins on the Volkhov River four kilometers from the mouth and leads to the Neva.

Staraya Ladoga Canal in the Leningrad Region. An object cultural heritage, included in the UNESCO list - but its condition does not correspond to its high status. Experts say that the monument is in danger of complete destruction. It has been impossible to clean or repair the canal for many years

Peter the Great himself began and supervised the construction of the canal, who took out three wheelbarrows of earth with his own hands. At the same time, the tsar gave freedom to every peasant who came to work, and this was in 1719. Construction was very difficult and proceeded slowly, ending only in 1731 during the reign of Anna Ioannovna, who broke through the earthen bridge with a shovel. These tools - a wheelbarrow and a shovel - were stored for a long time in a chapel built near the canal.

Ladoga lake

Lake Ladoga was called differently: “Little Sea”, “Lake of Life”, Ladoga. In ancient times, the lake bore the name Nevo, then it began to be called Ladoga after the name of the fortress.

Lake Ladoga is the most big lake in Europe. Our ancestors considered Ladoga a sea, and they called the Varangians precisely because of this sea, and not because of the Baltic Sea

The shores and waters of the lake have gone through many events. Archaeologists have been studying the bottom of the lake for decades and have found many historical artifacts.

This is the largest lake in Europe of glacial origin. To the north there are rocks cut by skerries. There are no cliffs on the other shores of the lake. Part of the coast is sandy, part is difficult to access due to swamps. It did not always flow into the Neva; a new channel was formed after the Karelian Isthmus was raised.

It is important to know: During the Second World War, an important artery passed through Lake Ladoga - the road of life, which saved many Leningraders from hunger and death.

Other attractions

Mounds of Staraya Ladoga

The mounds remained from the Varangians, there are only three of them: one large, the other two smaller. There is not one on the territory of Russia ancient monument, except for Oleg’s Tomb, in which the princes were buried.

The mounds located in the Sopki tract look like ordinary hills or embankments overgrown with grass. Experts believe that the hill has a certain biofield that has a positive effect on people. Some doctors and psychologists believe that Olegova Mogila helps to put thoughts in order and free oneself from overwhelming psychological attachments.

Mounds have always attracted lovers of profit, which is why there are no tops. But archaeologists still manage to find interesting things. For example, in 2008 they discovered a mold in which the coats of arms of Rurik’s descendants were cast until the mid-16th century. It depicts a trident-falcon. This suggested that the Rurikovichs were buried here.

The large mound, as historians suggest, is the burial place of Prophetic Oleg. The mound is quite steep and high, up to 30 meters. Getting to the top is not as difficult as getting down from it. There are not many brave souls. But what a view from there!

Note: The location of the cave is the lower slope of Malyshevskaya Mountain from the north of the village. Usually they focus on the Church of John the Baptist.

Caves of Staraya Ladoga

Staraya Ladoga is famous for its dungeons, which are called caves: Staraya Ladoga Cave and Tanechkina Cave. Travelers cannot miss these attractions.

The former site of quartz sand mining, the quarries were created in the 19th century,
They are a partially flooded and collapsed column, stretched along the Volkhov. Several species of bats live in Tanichkina Cave

Interesting fact: The caves of Staraya Ladoga of artificial origin remained after the extraction of white quartz sandstone in them ceased.

When scientists visited them, they found petrified animals. The caves have their own ponds and limestone deposits on the walls.

Getting into the Staraya Ladoga Cave is not so easy: it was partially blocked or flooded. In this dungeon, at any time of the year, the temperature never changes, remaining at +6 degrees.

The length of Tanechkina Cave is almost 8 kilometers. It is also partially inaccessible to tourists. The most interesting thing in the cave is the large lake underground. It contains stable water. The main inhabitants of the dungeon are bats, almost 400 species!

Visiting the cave on your own without an accompanying person is strictly prohibited. Tanechkina Cave consists of narrow, low passages. It is advisable to wear appropriate clothing before visiting.

Worth considering: from the Church of John the Baptist to the cave of Staraya Ladoga you need to walk 100 m. If you walk from the Staraya Ladoga mounds, you will have to walk at least a kilometer.

Varyazhskaya street

There is no street older than Varyazhskaya in Russia. It stretches for 200 meters. Appeared in the 15th century. In the 18th century it was rebuilt and even changed direction. The chapel on it appeared in the 13th year of the last century; it was erected with funds provided by the Imperial Geographical Society.

The oldest surviving street in Rus' is Varyazhskaya. Facilities in the yard, water from a well. The street leading to the temple (to the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary). Just around the bend there is a booth with an untied dog. The dog is angry and big. The path to true faith is thorny and difficult...

The street is also famous for its monuments - the Kalyazin house and the archaeological museum. In 2003, a sculpture appeared - a small falcon. It is he who main symbol Staraya Ladoga, his image on the coat of arms. Tourists put a coin in their beak for good luck.

Rurik and Prophetic Oleg stood on the street like eternal guards in 2015. Travelers come to bow to this monument.

Reconstructions of ancient battles

An interesting sight opens to tourists every year. You can watch theatrical fights, the participants of which are actors dressed in the armor of medieval warriors.

You can often hear - “amazing is nearby...” And this is true, because within one and a half to two hours’ drive from St. Petersburg there are such places: ancient capital Northern Rus' - Staraya Ladoga

Having been here once, you want to come back here again and again plunge into the historical past of Russia. No travel difficulties can become an obstacle. The photographs and pictures below will help you once again enjoy the views of Staraya Ladoga and its surroundings.

Do you want to see the most ancient settlement Leningrad region, walk along the oldest Russian street, visit monasteries and nature reserves? Plan a trip to Staraya Ladoga is a small village in the Volkhov region. Here, according to the chronicles, is the grave of Prince Oleg; it was the first place of the reign of Prince Rurik. Today in Staraya Ladoga you can find a lot of interesting things - both for history buffs and for those who are in love with places of worship, architectural monuments, or prefers outdoor recreation.

What to see in Staraya Ladoga

Although today Staraya Ladoga- this is a small village, previously it was a city called Ladoga. Centuries-old history has left a tangible mark here: literally upon entering, you seem to be transported back in time. Naturally, a significant part of Old Ladoga sights is connected precisely with history.

Architectural landmarks

• Getting acquainted with Staraya Ladoga and its attractions is worth starting with a tour Staraya Ladoga fortress, fortunately, every resident of the village will tell you how to get there. The fortress was originally built here at the beginning of the 12th century, but today you can admire the monumental structure of the 15th century. Naturally, time has left its mark on the fortress - it is gradually being reconstructed, but part of the structure still resembles either ruins after a massacre or rocks (the thickness of the walls, by the way, in some places reached 5 m). Previously, the fortress had five towers, but only two were restored - Klimentovskaya and Vorotnaya. You can visit here for a nominal fee - tickets are more than affordable.

• On the territory of the fortress there is St. George's Church, which is also definitely worth visiting and admiring the 12th-century frescoes that are still preserved on the walls. Actually, this temple is worth talking about separately, so I will pay more attention to it below.
• Estate "Uspenskoye"– another place that should definitely be included in the route. It was erected by Lieutenant General Roman Tomilov in the 1780s, but three decades later his son changed the appearance of the estate, adding the so-called “Schwartz House” (stone outbuilding), where a luxurious collection of graphics and paintings was kept, including those by Rembrandt. . Today the estate is part of the Staraya Ladoga Museum. The funds of graphics, painting, frescoes, archaeological and historical household items are presented here.
• Also deserves attention house of merchant Kalyazin a majestic stone structure that now houses an archaeological exhibition. There is a lot to see here, because excavations near Staraya Ladoga have been going on since the middle of the last century. Of course, not all finds are presented in the exhibition, but in three halls there are interesting things dating back to different eras - from the Neolithic to the Middle Ages.

Did you know? If you decide to visit the fortress, St. George's Church, exhibitions, remember that they all belong to the historical, architectural and archaeological museum-reserve, so you can buy a single ticket.

Religious buildings of Staraya Ladoga

Their list may take several pages, but if you are going to Staraya Ladoga for a day or two, it is worth visiting at least the main attractions, photos with descriptions of which can be found on many tourist sites.

• Since we started our acquaintance with the city from the fortress, the first thing we did was visit St. George's Church, which has already been mentioned. In addition to the frescoes, it is also notable for its wealth of decorations. According to legend, it was here that Alexander Nevsky blessed his sword.
• Holy Dormition Monastery And Assumption Church. The monastery was originally for men, but later it was given to nuns (by the way, it was here that Evdokia Lopukhina, the wife of Peter the Great, Evdokia Hannibal, lived; relatives of the Decembrists were also exiled here). Majestic architecture and dramatic history are what attract tourists to the monastery.
• Nikolsky Monastery– it is believed that it was founded during the victory of Alexander Nevsky over the Swedes. Among the attractions of the monastery, it is worth highlighting the bell tower and the Holy Gates made by Tikhvin masters. The monastery houses parts of the relics of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker.
• - today it is assigned to the Nikopol Monastery, but remains the main cathedral for the believers of Staraya Ladoga. The temple is located on Malysheva Mountain, so it had to be saved relatively recently: there are many voids and underground passages, so the church began to sag. It is believed that the temple was erected on the spot where St. Andrew the First-Called once placed his cross. Initially, the temple was wooden, but in the 17th century a stone structure was erected on this site.

St. George's Church

Church of the Nativity of John the Baptist

Museums of Staraya Ladoga

First of all, it is worth highlighting historical and architectural museum reserve, which was already mentioned above: this is a fortress, merchants’ estates, St. George’s Church.
There are in Staraya Ladoga and local history museum, which is located in the Church of Demetrius of Thessalonica - a small wooden church that was built at the beginning of the 17th century. Of course, today's church was built later, but is a complete copy of its predecessor.

Natural monuments of Staraya Ladoga

• Located not far from the village nature monument "Staroladozhsky", the total area of ​​which exceeds 200 hectares. There are three artificial caves here: Tanechkina (bats spend the winter here), Staroladozhskaya and Malyshka.
• The complex also has geological outcrops(near Volkhov), which are valuable paleontological fossils. But most an interesting place is the Sopki tract, where ancient burial mounds have been preserved. According to legend, Prophetic Oleg is buried under one of them.
• Naturally, burial mounds riddled with passages and catacombs, but tourists have no chance of getting inside, since there are no entrances to them. Fans of the biofield theory have established that in the Hills there are certain fields that have a healing effect. However, even if this is not the case, it’s worth visiting the mounds to admire beautiful landscapes to the Volkhov and Staraya Ladoga itself.
• Finally, the list of natural places of interest would be incomplete without Gorchakovshchinsky waterfall, which is located near the village. You can get here with a guide from among local residents or on your own. Quiet streams of water and picturesque greenery around will allow you to relax and enjoy being close to nature.

Gorchakovshchinsky waterfall

Staraya Ladoga – what to see in winter

• If you decide to go here to New Year holidays, visit Sopkah It is unlikely that they will succeed - most likely they will be covered with snow.
• Here's a look at the museum's exhibits: house of merchant Kalyazin, at the Uspenskoye estate, wandering around the fortress and temples is quite possible.
• Don't forget about Gorchakovshchinsky waterfall: In winter, its frozen waters are a truly amazing sight.

A story about the history of Staraya Ladoga - in the past it was a city in Novgorod Rus', now it is a village. About the Staraya Ladoga fortress, about the old monasteries and mounds located on this.

Staraya Ladoga – what to see with children

• It is worth noting that it is generally better not to bring children under five years old here with you - they will be downright bored. But older kids will probably like it in the fortress.
• It is quite possible to go with schoolchildren to excursion to the Sopki, but it’s better to do this with a guide - his stories will certainly be useful in history lessons, and vivid impressions will be etched in your memory for a long time.
• If you decide to go to Staraya Ladoga, it is most convenient to do this by car, and stop for the night in.

Hills

Two days were enough for us to explore the main attractions of the village, but if you want to relax and unwind longer (for example, in nature), set aside another day.

Have you ever been to Staraya Ladoga? What sights of the village struck you the most? Share your impressions in the comments.