Temples and cathedrals of the Golden Ring. List of cities in the Golden Ring of Russia. What to see? Useful information on the Golden Ring

Initially, this tourist route united 8 cities: Vladimir, Yaroslavl, Suzdal, Ivanovo, Yaroslavl, Rostov, Pereslavl-Zalessky, Zagorsk, Kostroma. There is another list - of 12 cities. To the main 8 are added...

Initially, this tourist route united 8 cities: Vladimir, Yaroslavl, Suzdal, Ivanovo, Yaroslavl, Rostov, Pereslavl-Zalessky, Zagorsk, Kostroma.

There is another list - of 12 cities. To the main 8 are added Uglich, Ples, Yuryev-Polskoy, Alexandrov.

And now more than 20 cities are included in the Golden Ring, including Dmitrov, Bogolyubovo, Murom, Kideksha... But this is now, because tourism brings good income to both the city budget and local residents. It is logical that cities in historical regions are trying to be included in the list of official tourist sites.

And many - more than justifiably. This is the ancient territory of the Vladimir-Suzdal principality, North-Eastern Rus', which became the basis of the future Russia.

All the cities of the Golden Ring are historical and old. But in different ways. Even in the main, “small” list of 8 cities, six stand out for their antiquity: Vladimir, Suzdal, Yaroslavl, Rostov, Pereslavl-Zalessky, Kostroma.

Five of them have preserved ancient (pre-Mongol!) sights: in Vladimir and Suzdal, Yaroslavl, Rostov, Pereslavl-Zalessky.

Some cities of the Golden Ring played a special role in history. First of all, this:

• Suzdal - at various times the former capital of the Rostov-Suzdal, Suzdal, Suzdal-Nizhny Novgorod principalities;
• Rostov is the first capital of the Rostov-Suzdal Principality and perhaps the oldest city in the region (mentioned since 862!);
• Pereslavl-Zalessky - it’s hard to believe, but in the middle of the 12th century it was one of the largest cities in both North-Eastern and Kievan Rus, the birthplace of Alexander Nevsky;
• Vladimir is the capital of the Vladimir-Suzdal Principality, with its Golden Gate and 12th-century temples.

Everything is very logical! A thoughtful tourist route through the key cities of medieval North-Eastern Rus'. True, only at first glance.

For some reason, neither the main nor the extended lists include Kideksha, where one of the two oldest (1152!) white-stone churches in Central Russia has been preserved; nor Bogolyubovo with the remains of the Chambers of Andrei Bogolyubsky and the Church of the Intercession on the Nerl.

But you don’t even need to travel far to get to these attractions. Kideksha is located 4 km from Suzdal; Bogolyubovo is 2 km, and the Church of the Intercession on the Nerl is 3 km from Vladimir. So Wikipedia lists these cities in a list that is considered controversial.

But the route includes Tutaev, Ples and Uglich, which did not play a significant historical role. And Ivanovo, first mentioned at the beginning of the 16th century, was an industrial village from the very beginning and has no noticeable historical monuments.

How can we explain such a rather controversial selection of tourist sites? Oddly enough, not only by historical significance or antiquity.

Let's look at recent history. Until the mid-60s, there was no trace of this route. Its organization is the initiative of one person: Yuri Aleksandrovich Bychkov, at that time a correspondent for “Soviet Culture”.

The current date is, in fact, the anniversary of one of Yuri Bychkov’s business trips. It’s not difficult to calculate, it was in 1967. And he was going on a business trip - from Moscow to Suzdal.

Bychkov was working on an essay about Suzdal tourism. It was a bit boring to return the same way, a sign to Ivanovo caught my eye, and in the car there was a road atlas... And Bychkov decided to return from Suzdal not by the direct route - along the Gorkovskoye Highway through Vladimir, but by a circuitous route - to Kostroma and Yaroslavl.

Later, choosing holidays, he again traveled along the route from Zagorsk to Vladimir, in the company of four “volunteers” - his wife, a photojournalist, an art critic and a journalist.

Based on the results of the trip, Yuri Alexandrovich wrote a series of essays - an article about each of the cities he saw. The series was published in 1967 - this is considered the basis of the route.

One can come across a version that the name “Golden Ring” arose under the impression of the golden domes that greeted the author in every city. This is partly true: the name really was born spontaneously, at the sight of golden church domes - however, Moscow, the Kremlin. And... according to the author himself, with a hangover.

With the idea of ​​organizing a tourist route, Bychkov came to the All-Russian Society for the Protection of Historical and Cultural Monuments, created two years earlier. They became interested there. And, as I read on the Internet, they sent an “expedition with academicians” along the route of Yu. Bychkov.

Let me clarify: if this “expedition” was not from the Academy of Sciences, but specifically from VOOPiK, then among its founders were two academicians - the chemist I.V. Petryanov-Sokolov and our largest archaeologist B.A. Rybakov.

Of course, all the local attractions (including many unique ones!) were well known to historians, archaeologists, and art historians. The same pre-Mongol temples of Vladimir - Italian work, with stunning stone carvings - were carefully studied. The temples of Yuriev-Polsky and Kidekshi were built even earlier! Even before Bychkov’s trip, Suzdal was a favorite location for filming historical films. Here, even before the organization of the “golden” route, “The Tsar’s Bride” and “Andrei Rublev” were filmed. And not only Suzdal. For example, the historical scenes of the film “Ivan Vasilyevich Changes His Profession” were filmed in Rostov the Great.

The term “Golden Ring of Russia” has existed for more than 40 years. It was invented by a certain Soviet writer Yuri Bychkov in 1967 and immediately became a successful tourism brand to attract foreign tourists to the then existing USSR.

In fact, the Golden Ring is a group of cities concentrated in the territory of Central Russia and representing a certain historical and cultural value. Connected by highways, they form a symbolic circle that has become the personification of the cultural heritage of our country. Moreover, many of its cities and their attractions are protected by the UNESCO World Heritage Fund.

Traditionally, the Golden Ring of Russia includes eight cities - Vladimir, Ivanovo, Kostroma, Pereslavl-Zalessky, Rostov, Sergiev Posad, Suzdal and Yaroslavl. All of them are located on the territory of six regions - Vladimir, Ivanovo, Kostroma, Moscow, Nizhny Novgorod and Yaroslavl. In addition to the main list of cities, there is another, so-called discussion list, which already includes more than 20 settlements. Visiting these places depends on the chosen tourist route and, as a rule, is determined by the organizing company.

The Golden Ring of Russia includes: the city of Alexandrov, the village of Bogolyubovo, the city of Gorokhovets, the city of Gus-Khrustalny, the village. Kideksha, Moscow, Murom, Palekh, Plyos, Rybinsk, Tutaev, Uglich, Yuryev-Polsky, Shuya and a number of other cities, villages and towns. Vladimir is considered the generally recognized capital of the Golden Ring of Russia. Here we will begin a brief overview of the main cities of the Golden Ring of Russia tourist route.

Vladimir - the pearl of the Golden Ring

The pearl of the Golden Ring of Russia and one of the most ancient Russian cities, of course, Vladimir. The city is located 193 km from Moscow on the banks of the Klyazma River. In the 12th century, Vladimir was the capital of the Vladimir-Suzdal principality, but over time it lost its importance and, during the growth of the Moscow state, even acquired the status of a provincial city. Today Vladimir is a large industrial and cultural center of the central part of Russia with a population of about 340 thousand inhabitants.

The city amazes with its pristine beauty and architectural monuments that have survived to this day, in particular numerous golden-domed temples and pointed wooden towers. The sights of Vladimir also delight with their diversity and uniqueness.

Among them: the Golden Gate, built in 1164, which at one time formed the main entrance to the richest and most noble princely-boyar part of the city; The Assumption Cathedral is a monument of Russian architecture of the 12th century, painted by Andrei Rublev, an Orthodox church and at the same time a state museum; Dmitrievsky Cathedral, the walls of which are decorated with white stone carvings, with images of people and animals, and much more.

Suzdal

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The Golden Ring of Russia is a unique tourist route that runs through the original Russian cities that arose in ancient times.

Which cities are included in the Golden Ring of Russia?

The Golden Ring passes through six regions: Tver, Yaroslavl, Komstroma, Ivanovo, Vladimir, Moscow.

The cities of the Golden Ring of Russia, the list of which is given below, are included in the category of ethnographic and architectural heritage of the Russian land:

• Sergiev Posad (formerly Zagorsk).
• Pereslavl-Zalessky.
• Rostov the Great.
• Yaroslavl.
• Kostroma.
• Ivanovo.
• Suzdal.
• Vladimir.

At the same time, there is still no clear answer to the question of which cities are included in the Golden Ring of Russia. According to some sources, the eight cities listed above are the main ones on the tourist route, which have historical and ethnographic value.

Map. Golden Ring of Russia: cities and roads connecting them

To have an idea about the upcoming trip to Russian historical places, you need to familiarize yourself with the route. The map will help you find out which cities are included in the Golden Ring of Russia. It shows the roads along which the route organized by Moscow travel agencies passes. Tourists are transported in comfortable buses and accompanied by guides who tell them about the sights along the way. You can also drive along the route privately, in your own car, using a map. However, in this case, information about historical attractions will not be enough.

Tours

For several decades now there has been a unique tourist route “Golden Ring of Russia”. The cities, where tours are organized by many companies, boast comfortable hotels, and their surroundings boast landscaped landscapes. Group excursions or private trips accompanied by a guide - all these activities will become possible after visiting a tour agency in Moscow. Tourist packages are offered in several types; you can travel through the main attractions and visit only the main eight cities, or you can take advantage of an extended option with visits to places that are no less interesting in terms of historical and architectural features. In any case, the tourist will find out which cities are included in the Golden Ring of Russia and will have the opportunity to visit them.

Sergiev Posad

The city of Sergiev Posad, the first in the Golden Ring, is located 70 kilometers from Moscow. The visiting card of this settlement is the Trinity Lavra, built in the 15th century. The monastery has 50 church and philistine buildings with the white stone Trinity Cathedral in the center. The icons that decorate the iconostasis in the temple belong to the brush of Andrei Rublev, a famous icon painter. In addition to the Trinity Cathedral, within the monastery’s boundaries there is the Assumption Cathedral, built at the end of the 15th century in the likeness of the Assumption Cathedral of the Moscow Kremlin. The ashes of Boris Godunov and his entire family rest in the Sergiev Posad Cathedral.

Pereslavl-Zalessky

This city is located on the territory of the Pleshcheyevo Lake national park. There are five active monasteries in Pereslavl-Zalessky:

• Nikitsky Monastery.
• Ancient Nikolsky Monastery.
• Danilovsky Holy Trinity Monastery.
• Goritsky Monastery - was closed in 1744, currently it houses a museum.
• Fedorovsky Monastery.

The city became famous because in 1688, Tsar Peter the Great inaugurated the construction of a “funny fleet” on the shores of Lake Pleshcheevo.

There are nine Orthodox churches in Pereslavl-Zalessky, the main temple is the Cathedral of the Transfiguration, which houses the tombs of Russian appanage princes.

Rostov Veliky

The city of Rostov is the pearl of the Golden Ring of Russia, the largest center of tourist pilgrimage. He is a participant in the Russian cooperation program with the Council of Europe on historical and cultural heritage. The architectural monuments of Rostov are included in the treasury of world art, and Rostov bells are works of the bell-musical genre, performed on 13 bells of the famous Rostov belfry. The largest of them weighs 32 tons, and the smallest weighs only a few kilograms.

On the outskirts of Rostov, on the shores of Nero, a picturesque lake, the Yakovlevsky Monastery is located, which has become an example of architecture of different styles, from pseudo-Gothic and Baroque architecture to classical church architecture, brought together. The monastery looks like a miracle city, spread out in a lakeside landscape.

Yaroslavl

Yaroslavl, the oldest Volga city, has 140 architectural monuments.

The most significant of them include:

• Monastery of the Transfiguration with the cathedral of the same name, built in the early 16th century. In 1787, the monastery became the residence of Yaroslavl and Rostov bishops.
• Church of the Prophet Elijah, which is considered a masterpiece of ancient Russian architecture. It is famous for its interior decoration; the walls are painted with frescoes in four tiers. In the lower tier is the life of the disciples of Elijah the Prophet, the second tier is the miraculous deeds of Elijah the Prophet himself, the third is the acts of the apostles, the topmost tier contains scenes of the Resurrection of Christ.
• Tolgsky Monastery is an outstanding architectural ensemble, dominated by the Church of St. John Chrysostom, the Church of the Vladimir Mother of God, the Golden Gate and the bell tower.
• The Temple of John the Baptist is a monument of church architecture of world significance, erected in the 17th century. The luxurious church with fifteen domes impresses with its fine patterns in the brickwork, tiles and wall paintings.

Kostroma

Built at the end of the 17th century according to the plan of Empress Catherine II. The main attraction is the Ipatiev Monastery with the Holy Trinity Cathedral, built in the first half of the 14th century.

In the Ipatiev Monastery there are:

• Trinity Cathedral.
• Corps of Bishops.
• Bell tower.
• Chambers of the Romanovs.
• Fraternal Corps.

Ivanovo

The city of Ivanovo entered the Golden Ring thanks to its achievements in the recent past. Industrial architecture of the 19th century is widely represented here. These are several textile factories that reflect the flavor of that time. Also in Ivanovo is the Calico Museum, where you can learn about the history of textile production.

Suzdal

The oldest city, the main attraction of which is the Suzdal Kremlin, built in 1024. It has preserved the ramparts and ditches from those ancient times. In the Kremlin there is the Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary, built in 1225, the Bishops' Chambers of the 15th century, and the St. Nicholas Church, built in 1766.

In addition, there are four monasteries in Suzdal:

• Rizopolozhensky (1207).
• Alexander Monastery - built in 1240 by Prince Alexander Nevsky.
• Euthymius Monastery, founded in 1352.
• Pokrovsky Monastery - since 1364 it served for the exile of disgraced boyar wives, queens, and princesses.

Vladimir

Vladimir, the last city in the Golden Ring of Russia, is famous for its triumphal arch made of white stone, gate church and fortress gates built in 1158.

The tourist route "Golden Ring of Russia", the cities, sights and temples of which are considered a UNESCO cultural heritage, is open to everyone. Travel agencies and excursion bureaus in Moscow and

When making plans for how to spend a vacation or weekend, you should pay attention to the tourist route of Russia, known far beyond its borders. And although the sights of the cities that are part of the Golden Ring are not as old as , they have managed to gain popularity among both domestic and foreign travelers.

Which cities are included in the Golden Ring of Russia?

The list of cities included in the Golden Ring tourist route, a few years ago, included 8 settlements that at one time were part of the Vladimir Principality. But this list is expanding, and today Kaluga and Kasimov are officially included in it. It can be assumed that the list will continue to be replenished with new cities (in any case, such a statement was made by the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation). But getting into the Golden Ring is not so easy: every locality applying for this must prove that it is worthy of being included in the most popular tourist route in Russia.

The first mention in chronicles of the capital of the Golden Ring dates back to 1108. This is one of the most ancient cities included in the tourist route. It was founded by Vladimir Monomakh on the banks of the Klyazma River (mainly on the left). Vladimir experienced ups and downs, was the most influential settlement and capital of the Vladimir-Suzdal principality, and since 1609 it has suffered more than one attack by Lithuanian-Polish troops. Today the city's population is about 350 thousand people, and on its territory there are 239 architectural landmarks protected by the state.

What comes first? We recommend that you first go to the Assumption Cathedral, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The first church building made of white stone was erected in 1158-1160 by order of the Vladimir prince Andrei Bogolyubsky. The cathedral survived several fires, desolation, was closed during the Soviet period, and today a museum is organized on its territory and religious services are held. Among the valuable historical attractions of the Assumption Cathedral are genuine fragments of Andrei Rublev's frescoes, 19th-century paintings and a tomb where princes and church ministers were buried.

The masterpiece of Russian architecture – the Golden Gate – is also worth seeing. They were also built under Andrei Bogolyubsky in 1164. The Golden Gate was intended for the grand entry into the city of the prince and his retinue. They repeatedly burned out and were destroyed, but each time they were restored. Under Catherine the Great, a gate church was built, and in 1991 the relics of Seraphim of Sarov were transported through them.

What else is worth visiting in Vladimir:

• Patriarchal Gardens.
• Mother of God Nativity Monastery.
• Trinity Church.
• Museum complex "Chambers".
• Cathedral of Demetrius of Thessalonica.
• Catholic Church of the Holy Rosary.
• St. Nicholas Kremlin Church.
• House-museum of the Stoletov brothers.

You can call it a museum city. On its territory, tourists will see 200 historical monuments and attractions, all of which are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Judging by ancient chronicles, Suzdal was founded in 1024. It was the capital of the Rostov-Suzdal principality of Yuri Dolgorukov, and survived the invasions of the Volga Bulgars and Crimean Tatars. During Soviet times, many architectural sights of Suzdal were destroyed, churches were taken away from believers. Despite its difficult history, the city is still a treasury of national culture, which annually attracts thousands of tourists from all corners of the globe.

And first you should go to the Suzdal Kremlin. It is located in a bend of the Kamenka River, where defensive fortifications were erected in the 12th century and the city's first cathedral was built. Nowadays there is a museum on the territory of the Kremlin, which displays an extensive exhibition telling about the history of the city. Valuable exhibits from the Nativity Cathedral were also moved here.

The Spaso-Evfimiev Monastery was built in the 14th century as a defensive structure. On its territory there is the crypt of Prince Mikhail Pozharsky and a prison castle, where prisoners under Catherine the Great were kept, and during the Soviet period, German prisoners of war. While visiting the monastery, tourists will be able to hear the bell ringing and see the ancient clock on the tower.

What else to see:

• Bishop's Chambers.
• Mother of God Nativity Cathedral.
• Assumption Church.
• Wooden St. Nicholas Church.
• Elias Church.
• Pokrovsky Monastery.
• Entry of Jerusalem and Pyatnitskaya churches.
• Deposition of Robe Monastery.
• Church of Cosmas and Damian on Yarunova Gora.
• Museum of Wooden Architecture.

Of the entire Golden Ring tourist route, Ivanovo is the youngest city. Its history began in 1871 thanks to the merger of the village of Ivanovo, an old flax processing center, and Voznesensky Posad, an industrial city. Ivanovo chintz has long gained world fame, and the city itself is called the textile capital of Russia. But there are also interesting sights here that allowed the settlement to become part of the Golden Ring.

The main museum of the city - Industry and Art - appeared in Ivanovo thanks to the local manufacturer and public figure Dmitry Burylin. The collection included more than 100 bladed weapons and firearms, Japanese samurai equipment, orders, medals and other valuable exhibits, for the exhibition of which a separate building was built. Its architect was P. A. Trubnikov, and the materials for the house in the neoclassical style were brought from Italy.

Another attraction of Ivanovo is the Duringer estate. The Art Nouveau building was built for a wealthy Swiss at the beginning of the 20th century. The strict medieval appearance and the three-tiered round tower make the estate look like an ancient castle. Local residents say that the house contains countless treasures of the Swiss, which have not yet been found. And according to another legend, the owner of the house was buried in a closed coffin not only because of a contagious disease (Dühringer died of smallpox in 1919), but also because all his wealth was hidden under the coverlet.

What else is worth seeing in Ivanovo:

• Museum of Ivanovo chintz.
• Monuments of constructivism: ship house, bird house, horseshoe house.
• Shchudrovskaya tent.
• Art Square.
• Museum of the Soviet Automotive Industry.
• Museum of the artist A.I. Morozov.
• Vvedensky Monastery.
• House-museum of the Bubnov family.
• Assumption Monastery.
• Transfiguration Cathedral.
• Kazan Church.

The story begins around 1152. The city is the same age as the capital of the Russian Federation and one of the points on the Golden Ring tourist route. Its founder was Yuri Dolgoruky, and during the reign of Prince Vasily Yaroslavovich the city was considered the capital of North-Eastern Rus'. It was at this time that Kostroma flourished: monasteries, temples and other architectural attractions were built. During the reign of Catherine II, Kostroma received its own coat of arms as one of the first Russian cities. Today, its appearance miraculously combines ancient architectural structures and modern buildings.

One of the main historical attractions of the city is the Holy Trinity Ipatiev Monastery, located on the banks of the Kostroma River. It was here that the founder of the Romanov dynasty, Mikhail Fedorovich, was crowned king, for whom the monastery turned out to be a haven during the period of Polish intervention. It is difficult to say what the monastery looked like before 1649 - an exploding barrel of gunpowder destroyed the wooden church to the ground. Today, on the territory of the monastery, tourists can see more than 10 historically significant buildings: the chambers of the Romanov boyars, the Catherine Gate, the Trinity Cathedral with a belfry, and the bishop's building. Within the walls of the monastery are kept the unique Ipatiev Chronicle, the icon of the Tikhvin Mother of God and part of the Robe of the Lord.

The Epiphany-Anastasia Monastery is also definitely worth seeing in Kostroma. It was founded by one of the students of Sergius of Radonezh in the 16th century. During troubled times, the monastery was plundered by the troops of False Dmitry II and only partially restored by the middle of the 17th century. Unfortunately, the unique frescoes made by S. Savin and G. Nikitin have not survived to this day. Today here is one of the main shrines of the Romanov dynasty - the Feodorovskaya Icon of the Mother of God.

Other city attractions:

• Shopping arcades.
• Guardhouse.
• Fire Tower.
• Romanov Museum.
• House of General Borschov.
• Museum-reserve "Kostromskaya Sloboda".
• Museum of Jewelry Art.
• Museum of Flax and Birch Bark.
• Church of the Resurrection on Debra.
• Monument to Ivan Susanin.
• Sledovo estate.
• The Snow Maiden's Tower.

At the confluence of the small river Kotorosl and the Volga in 1010, Yaroslav the Wise founded a fortress. When Moscow was occupied by the Poles, Yaroslavl became the capital of the state for some time. At the same time, cultural life and construction flourished. Craftsmen and artists from all over Russia came to the city to build churches and monasteries. Under Catherine the Great, large parks and mansions appeared, built in a new style. The city with more than 1000 years of history is one of the main points of the Golden Ring tourist route. In addition, Yaroslavl was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2010.

The Spaso-Preobrazhensky Monastery was built in the 12th century outside the city walls as one of the defensive structures and is still considered the main attraction of Yaroslavl. A religious school operated here (one of the first in North-Eastern Rus') and a library was collected. An important value is the handwritten copy of “The Tale of Igor’s Campaign.” During troubled times, the monastery held back the onslaught of Polish troops, from here Minin and Pozharsky with the militia set off to liberate Moscow. Today on its territory you can see the Kopeyka Monument, the Blagovestnik Bell, the Uglich and Mikhailovskaya towers, and the stele “The Oath of Prince Pozharsky.”

Many have seen the Church of John the Baptist on the 1000-ruble bill, and it is located in Tolchkovskaya Sloboda. The temple was built at the expense of local merchants. An interesting feature of the church is that the main dome does not have the traditional onion shape, but is made in the shape of a concave bowl. All details of the temple are covered with grass ornaments, and scenes from the Bible are placed on 9 tiers. But the most amazing thing about the design of the Church of John the Baptist is the unique fresco painting of the 17th century.

Other attractions of Yaroslavl:

• Church of Elijah the Prophet.
• Yaroslavl Museum-Reserve.
• Kazan Convent.
• Metropolitan Chambers.
• Museum-reserve of N. A. Nekrasov “Karabikha”.
• Demidovsky garden.
• Monument to Yaroslav the Wise.
• Museum "Music and Time".

50 km from Yaroslavl there is a city, the first mention of which can be found in the “Tale of Bygone Years” (862). In order not to be confused with, it is called Rostov the Great - that is how it was named in the Ipatiev Chronicle. Since 1151, the city has been the center of the Rostov-Suzdal Principality; many architectural landmarks have survived to this day, and some were even used for filming films. For example, the Rostov Kremlin can be seen in the film “Ivan Vasilyevich changes his profession.”

Initially, the Rostov Kremlin was the residence of bishops, which is why it is sometimes called the Metropolitan and Bishops' Court. Today the ensemble includes 5 temples and other architectural attractions, surrounded by a high fortress wall. The famous Rostov bell ringing also attracts tourists here. The belfry was built in 1682-1687. Here is a bell weighing 33 tons, named “Sysoev” in honor of the father of the bell customer, Metropolitan Jonah Sysoevich.

If you want to see something unusual in Rostov, then go to the Museum of Enamel. This is what enamel was called in ancient times, and Russian masters adopted the painting technique from Byzantine craftsmen. Today the museum exhibits more than 1.5 thousand miniatures made in this style. The exhibition is located on the territory of the Rostov Enamel factory. Tourists will not only be able to listen to an interesting story from the guide about the development of the craft, but also take part in a master class on painting metal products.

What else you need to see in Rostov Veliky:

• House of Crafts.
• Museum of Rostov merchants.
• Church of the Savior at Torg.
• Church of St. John the Evangelist on Ishna.
• Avraamiev Epiphany Monastery.
• Mother of God Nativity Monastery.
• Art gallery "Horse".

Traveling along the Golden Ring of Russia, one cannot help but look into the birthplace of Alexander Nevsky. It was founded by order of Prince Yuri Dolgoruky in 1152 on the shore of Lake Pleshcheevo. It was here that the Amusing Flotilla of Peter the Great was built. Despite the small size of the city, it can compete with other settlements included in the Golden Ring in terms of the number of architectural monuments. But Pereslavl-Zalessky is interesting not only for its temples and monasteries - unusual museums will give tourists their share of positive emotions.

Nikitsky is considered one of the most ancient monasteries in the city. It was erected in the mid-12th century by order of the son of Vladimir Krasnoe Solnyshko, Prince Boris Vladimirovich. So he wanted to convert the pagans living in Pereslavl-Zalessky to the Christian faith. Nikita Stylite brought fame to the monastery. He served as a tax collector under Prince Yuri Dolgoruky and had the reputation of a self-seeker and bribe-taker. But a prophetic vision changed Nikita’s life, and he took monastic vows. They say that he had the gift of healing and exorcism. Today, on the territory of the Nikitsky Monastery, tourists will be able to see the Cathedral of the Great Martyr Nikita, the Tent and New Bell Towers, the refectory chamber with the Annunciation Church and the stone chapel. Many of the buildings, as well as the walls of the monastery, were built under Ivan the Terrible.

In the very center of Pereslavl-Zalessky there is the Transfiguration Cathedral. Construction of the temple began under Yuri Dolgoruky, and its construction was completed by the prince’s son, Andrei Bogolyubsky. According to historical data, Alexander Nevsky was baptized in the Spaso-Preobrazhensky Monastery. Despite the fact that the temple was repeatedly remodeled, it managed to preserve the individuality and characteristic atmosphere of ancient Russian churches. Now the cathedral is undergoing a large-scale reconstruction, and you can only get inside on major Orthodox holidays.

Main attractions of Pereslavl-Zalessky:

• St. Vladimir's Cathedral.
• Blue stone.
• Nikolsky Monastery.
• Berendey's house.
• Goritsky Monastery.
• Iron Museum and Teapot Museum.
• Museum-estate "Boat of Peter I".
• Museum of cunning and ingenuity.
• Church of the Intercession.
• Russian park.
• Museum "Kingdom of Vendace".
• Feodorovsky Monastery.

The only representative of the Moscow region in the list of cities of the Golden Ring was founded thanks to Sergius of Radonezh. In fact, it was formed around the Trinity Monastery more than 700 years ago. Peasants began to settle in the surrounding area, creating entire settlements of artisans. But in 1408 the monastery was burned down during an attack by the Tatar Khan Edigei. The successor of Sergius of Radonezh, Abbot Nikon, took up the restoration of the monastery. Since 1993, the Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The Assumption Cathedral, founded by order of Ivan the Terrible, attracts special attention from tourists. The tsar himself never saw the completion of construction - the work went on for 26 years. The best masters from Troitsk and Yaroslavl were brought in to paint the temple. The architecture of the Assumption Cathedral repeats the appearance of the cathedral of the same name in the Moscow Kremlin. The solemnity of the temple is emphasized by a five-tiered carved iconostasis, and on its other side there is a three-tiered gallery for the church choir.

In Sergiev Posad you can see not only churches and monasteries, but also interesting exhibition complexes. One of them is the “Once upon a time” museum of peasant life. The idea for the unusual exhibition belongs to local artist Viktor Bagrov. The museum is located next to his workshop in a house with carved frames. Here you can see peasant clothes made of homespun linen, clay and wooden toys, household items and decorative arts. Periodically, the complex hosts exhibitions of contemporary works by masters from Sergiev Posad.

What else to see:

• Spiritual Church.
• Bell tower of the Trinity-Sergius Lavra.
• Vvedensky and Pyatnitsky churches.
• Sergiev Posad Museum-Reserve.
• "Trading rows" on Krasnogorskaya Square.
• Church and archaeological office.
• Spaso-Vifansky Monastery.
• Exhibition hall "Bells of Rus'".
• Chernigov skete.

The first mention of the city can be found in the charter of the Lithuanian prince Olgerd in 1371. Since 1389, Kaluga became part of the Moscow Principality and became one of the main defensive outposts of the state. During the Time of Troubles, the troops of False Dmitry I, and later False Dmitry II and Marina Mnishek, found refuge in the city. The last impostor was killed and buried in Kaluga; However, it was not possible to reliably determine the burial place. Since 2016, the city has rightfully taken its place on the Golden Ring tourist route, because there are many architectural monuments of antiquity here.

If you don't know what to see in Kaluga, first of all go to the Stone Bridge. It is he who is most often depicted on postcards with views of the city and is its calling card. Its length is 112 meters, it connects 2 sides of the Berezuisky ravine in the historical center of the city. The Stone Bridge is the only structure in Russia built on the principle of viaducts of Ancient Rome. The idea of ​​creation belongs to the architect Nikitin, and the work took only 3 years. Legend has it that it was here that Gogol drew inspiration when he described Manilov’s dreams of building a stone bridge.

Speaking about Kaluga, one cannot help but recall the father of Russian cosmonautics - K. E. Tsiolkovsky. In the house-museum dedicated to the famous scientist, tourists will be able to see memorial items, books and documents that miraculously survived the Second World War. Such famous people as Sergei Korolev and Yuri Gagarin contributed to the restoration of the exhibition. Today, in Tsiolkovsky’s house, the interiors and atmosphere that were during the scientist’s lifetime have been completely recreated, and the exhibition itself is part of the Museum of Cosmonautics.

Sights of Kaluga:

• Trinity Cathedral.
• Museum-estate "Polotnyany Zavod".
• Museum-diorama “Great Stand on the Ugra River”.
• Museum of dolls "Bereginya".
• House of the merchant Rakov.
• Chambers of Korobovs.
• Yanovsky estate.
• Vorotyn Monastery.
• St. George's Cathedral.
• Church of Cosmas and Damian.
• Temple of John the Baptist

In 2015, Kasimov was added to the list of Golden Ring cities. The fortress was founded by Yuri Dolgoruky to protect the borders of the Vladimir-Suzdal principality in 1152. The city received its current name in honor of Khan Kasim, to whom Vasily the Dark gave it in 1452. Thanks to the interweaving of two cultures - Tatar and Russian - the city acquired a unique look. Here you can see nearby Muslim mosques and Orthodox churches, Tatar mausoleums and golden-domed cathedrals.

Among the main attractions of Kasimov, it is worth highlighting the Ascension Cathedral. It was erected with donations from local merchants and manufacturers, and, as it turned out, there were quite a lot of them in the city. Previously, there was a wooden church in its place, later a stone church was built there, and it acquired its present appearance in 1862. The project was developed by architect Voronikhin. The fate of the Ascension Cathedral is similar to the fate of many church buildings. In Soviet times, a parachute tower was located on its belfry, and in the building itself there was a sports school. And only in 2002, after reconstruction, the temple was returned to the parishioners.

One of the Muslim symbols of the city, reminiscent of the reign of the Tatar princes, is the Khan's Mosque. It is visible from almost anywhere in Kasimov, and its minaret offers an amazing view of the surrounding area. The history of the Khan Mosque began in the 15th century. According to one version, the construction was started by Prince Kasim, according to another - it happened later (in the 16th century), and Khan Shah Ali was engaged in the construction. A sad fate befell the mosque during the reign of Peter I - while sailing along the Oka River, he mistook it for a Christian shrine and crossed himself. Realizing the mistake, the king flew into a rage and ordered the Horde temple to be destroyed to the ground. Today there is a local history museum here, telling about the history of the Tatar people and their culture.

What else to visit in Kasimov:

• St. Nicholas Church.
• Church of the Resurrection of Christ and the Archangel Michael.
• Tekiye of Shah Ali Khan.
• Museum "Russian Samovar".
• Shopping arcades.
• Barkov's mansion.
• Tomb of Sultan Afghan-Muhammad.
• Museum of the Utkin Brothers.
• St. Nicholas Church.

Why is the Golden Ring of Russia called that?

A tourist route with this name appeared in the 60s of the last century thanks to art critic and artist Yuri Bychkov. His material about his travels through the ancient cities of Russia was published on the pages of Soviet Culture. During the preparation of a series of essays, he independently developed a circular route from Moscow, which can be overcome without problems in 1 day. Well, the word “Golden” appeared in the name thanks to the gilded domes of churches and cathedrals, which are the main attractions of ancient cities that were once part of Vladimir Rus'.

When is the best time to travel along the Golden Ring?

You can plan a trip along the Golden Ring for almost any time of the year. But tourists who have already visited ancient cities are advised to make the trip either in late spring or early autumn. You can also see beautiful views in winter, when the ancient buildings are covered with snow. During the off-season, poor roads may make access to some Golden Ring attractions difficult.

Let's sum it up

You don't have to travel long distances to see it. Just a few kilometers from the capital, travelers will find ancient temples and ancient mansions, interesting museums and unusual exhibition complexes.

The Golden Ring, despite its “young” age by historical standards, allows you to plunge into the atmosphere of ancient Russian culture and rediscover the history of Russia.