3 countries included in the golden ring. Travel along the Golden Ring of Russia

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 different times former capital Rostov-Suzdal, Suzdal, Suzdal-Nizhny Novgorod principalities;
Rostov is the first capital of the Rostov-Suzdal principality and, possibly, ancient city region (mentioned since 862!);
Pereslavl-Zalessky - it’s hard to believe, but in the middle of the 12th century it was one of largest cities 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, by selecting 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.

You can find 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 organization tourist route Bychkov joined 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.

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. It was built under Catherine the Great gate church, 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-Rozhdestvensky 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 treasure trove national culture, where thousands of tourists from all corners of the globe come every year.

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 the prison castle, where prisoners were kept under Catherine the Great, and in 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 a 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. Locals They say that the Swiss’s countless treasures are hidden in the house, 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.
Preobrazhensky 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 refuge 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. This is also the time when it flourished cultural life and construction. 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. Interesting feature churches - 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 small sizes city, it can compete in terms of the number of architectural monuments with other settlements included in the Golden Ring. But Pereslavl-Zalessky is interesting not only for its churches 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 turn into Christian faith pagans living in Pereslavl-Zalessky. Nikita Stylite brought fame to the monastery. He served as a tax collector under Prince Yuri Dolgoruky and had the reputation of a greedy 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 a view of the city and is his business 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. You can see it 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 the construction was carried out by Khan Shah Ali. 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. Also beautiful views can be observed in winter, when 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, ancient temples and ancient mansions await travelers. 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.

Attractions

16898

Half a century ago, a journalist from the newspaper “Soviet Culture” (now the newspaper “Culture”), Yuri Bychkov, was keen on studying ancient Russian architecture and repeatedly visited historical places, developed a circular route for a trip through 8 ancient cities of Russia. In 1967, he managed to complete his planned trip, after which the journalist wrote a series of essays, soon published under the author’s heading “The Golden Ring.” Thus was born a popular tourist route, which has become the calling card of the country due to the special significance of its intermediate points, which are rightly called Pearls. Each of the cities is a center of historical and cultural monuments Ancient Rus', centers of folk crafts. Anyone can complete this famous route in just one week. However, in order to become more thoroughly acquainted with the heritage of the past and appreciate the beauty and grandeur of the treasure cities, it will take much more time. In our review you will find out what you should pay attention to first of all in both cases.

A trip along the Golden Ring, as a rule, begins from Sergiev Posad (from 1930 to 1991 - the city of Zagorsk), which is located closest to Moscow. The main attraction of the city, its heart is the famous Trinity-Sergius Lavra - a monastery founded in the first half of the 14th century by Sergius of Radonezh. It was around the Orthodox monastery that the city began to take shape. The Trinity Monastery, which became the spiritual center of the state, was repeatedly visited by many rulers, including Dmitry Donskoy, Ivan the Terrible, Peter I, Elizaveta Petrovna. A masterpiece of ancient Russian icon painting was born here - “The Trinity” by Andrei Rublev. Over the five centuries of the monastery’s existence, a vast architectural ensemble, which includes about 50 structures erected by the best architects of the country. Among the largest churches of the Sergius Lavra is the Assumption Cathedral, built in the 16th century. Next to the temple there is a tent-tomb for Boris Godunov and his family. Trinity-Sergius Lavra is a unique museum under open air, viewing the “exposition” of which may take more than one day.

On the shore of the upper Skitsky (Korbushinsky) pond, 3 km from the monastery, there is the Chernigovsky monastery with a cave church. In the south-eastern outskirts of Sergiev Posad there is a natural monument - the Gremyachiy Klyuch waterfall, the history of which is associated with a number of legends. It is believed that its waters, beating from a crevice in the limestone slope from a height of 25 meters, have miraculous properties.

In addition to outstanding monuments of ancient architecture and picturesque surroundings, Sergiev Posad attracts the attention of tourists with its preserved ancient urban buildings, as well as with the unique and largest collections of its museums - the Sergiev Posad State Historical and Art Museum-Reserve and the Toy Museum. The latter houses one of the symbols of the city - “Zagorskaya matryoshka” - the first Russian nesting doll, made according to sketches by the local talented artist Sergei Malyutin.

There is no doubt that a visit to the Radonezh land will make an indelible impression not only on pilgrims, but also on everyone who is interested in the history and culture of Russia.

Read completely Collapse

The territory in which they are located Russian cities, forming the Golden Ring, in the Middle Ages was called Zalesskaya land, meaning everything that was “behind the forest” in relation to the Kyiv and Chernigov lands. One of the fortified cities of Zalesye - Pereyaslavl - was founded in 1152 by Prince Yuri Dolgoruky. Since a city under that name already existed (the current Ukrainian city of Pereyaslav-Khmelnitsky), the name of the fortress soon acquired a characteristic definition, and later lost the letter “I”.

Today small town on the shores of Lake Pleshcheevo is of great interest as a witness to the centuries-old development of the state, which is reflected in the numerous attractions of this place. What is Pereslavl-Zalessky famous for? Of course, with its rich history, it’s better to start getting acquainted with it from Red Square. It was here that the sovereign’s court with the prince’s chambers was once located, where the great commander Alexander Nevsky was born in 1220, where decrees were announced and regiments gathered. To this day, the ancient white-stone temple, the Transfiguration Cathedral, which was the spiritual center of princely power, has been preserved almost in its original form. IN late XVII century, Peter I built a “funny flotilla” on Lake Pleshcheyevo, which marked the beginning Russian fleet. The memory of this event is preserved by the museum-estate “Boat of Peter I”, where the only surviving ship of the miniature squadron is exhibited - the wooden boat “Fortune”.

In addition, Pereslavl-Zalessky is one of the centers of Orthodox culture in Russia. Nine ancient churches and five monasteries have survived to this day - Goritsky, Nikitsky, Feodorovsky, Nikolsky, Trinity-Danilov. Four of them are active, and on the territory of the former Goritsky Monastery there is a historical, architectural and art museum-reserve.

It is impossible not to mention the picturesque nature of the region. The pride of the Pereslavl region is national park“Pleshcheyevo Lake”, part of which was the Pereslavl dendrological garden, where plants from all over the world are collected. Near Lake Pleshcheevo you can see a ritual stone from the times of pagan Rus' - the Sin-stone.

The unique collections of Pereslavl museums are interesting, including the aforementioned Museum-Reserve and the Boat of Peter I, as well as the Iron Museum, the House of Dummies Museum, the Museum of Crafts, the Museum of Steam Locomotives, etc. Fascinating interactive programs are offered to guests of the city by the center of folk traditions "House Berendey."

Read completely Collapse

One of the oldest Russian cities, Rostov the Great, traces its history back to 862. Its impressive past explains its abundance of archaeological, historical and cultural monuments. The central place among the attractions is occupied by the Rostov Kremlin - the former Bishop's Court (the residence of the Metropolitan), built in the second half of XVII century. At this time the city no longer had defensive significance, so architectural structure It is rather an example of stylization of an ancient Russian fortification, which, however, does not deprive the monument of historical and artistic significance. It was the Rostov Kremlin that became the setting for L. Gaidai’s famous film “Ivan Vasilyevich Changes His Profession.” Inside Kremlin walls there are five churches, the Assumption Cathedral of the 16th century and other historical buildings, which today are occupied by a museum-reserve.

On the territory of the city there are numerous churches and monasteries built between the 13th and 19th centuries. The oldest Orthodox monastery in Rostov is the Avraamiev Epiphany Monastery, the first mention of which dates back to 1261. On the outskirts of the city there is an active Trinity-Sergius Varnitsky Monastery, built in the 15th century in honor of St. Sergius of Radonezh, who, according to one version, was born near Rostov. The Spaso-Yakovlevsky Monastery, located on the shores of Lake Nero, is distinguished by its extraordinary beauty and variety of architectural forms.

In addition to monuments of temple architecture, in the city you can see numerous civil buildings of the 17th - 19th centuries, among which are the only partially preserved stable yard of the 17th century in Russia, Trading Rows, Mytny Dvor, the building of the Gymnasium. A.L. Kekina et al.

Rostov the Great is famous for its decorative and applied arts, made using the enamel technique - painting on enamel, which spread here back in the 17th century. An ancient folk craft still lives in the city, rightly considered the center of Russian enamel art. Collections of works by the best masters who worked in this genre are presented in the Rostov Kremlin Museum-Reserve and in the Museum of Enamel at the Rostov Enamel Factory.

Read completely Collapse

The first Russian city on the Volga, founded by Yaroslav the Wise during his reign in Rostov, crossed the thousand-year mark in 2010. Thanks to a significant number of valuable monuments, Yaroslavl is classified as a capital city of historical, cultural and architectural heritage of world class. Its unique urban structure includes examples of a variety of stylistic trends of the past, thereby allowing us to trace the development of Russian architecture over several centuries. Yaroslavl architecture reached its peak in the 17th century. It was then that the modern layout began to take shape. historical center, the compositional dominants of which are majestic temples. The ensemble of the former Spaso-Preobra deserves special attention convent, who played a significant role in the history of the development of Yaroslavl. Today, one of the oldest Russian monasteries is the main territory of the Yaroslavl State Historical, Architectural and Art Museum-Reserve, where over 300 thousand exhibits are collected, telling in detail about the legendary Yaroslavl land.

One of the most popular attractions of the city is the Volzhskaya Embankment. In addition to the delightful landscapes, here you can see the Volga fortress tower of the 17th century, the Church of the Annunciation (17th - early 18th centuries), a monument to the poet N.A. Nekrasov, whose years of study were spent in Yaroslavl. While walking along the embankment, guests of the city should definitely visit the Museum of Ancient Russian Art, which occupies the ancient Metropolitan Chambers, and the Museum of the History of the City of Yaroslavl, housed in a former merchant estate. In the building of the former governor's house of the 19th century, there is the Yaroslavl Art Museum, which houses a collection of icons from representatives of one of the most famous schools of Russian icon painting - the Yaroslavl school.

The Drama Theatre, created in Yaroslavl in 1750, became the first professional theater in Russia. Therefore, one of the components of a trip to the pearl of the Golden Ring will certainly be a visit ancient temple performing arts – Russian academic theater dramas named after F. Volkov, located in the city center, on Volkov Square.

It is difficult to list even some of the main attractions of the ancient city, which certainly confirms: Yaroslavl will captivate any, even the most demanding tourist.

Read completely Collapse

On the left bank of the Volga, at the old mouth of the Kostroma River, lies old City, whose life path goes back centuries. Kostroma owes its existence to Prince Yuri Dolgoruky, who founded a fortress here in 1152 during a campaign in the land of the Kazan Bulgarians. Since the middle of the 13th century, the city has been known as the center of the Kostroma appanage principality, and already in the 14th century, Kostroma became part of the Grand Duchy of Moscow. Since that time, its history has been closely connected with the history of the Russian state.

To this day, the city as a whole has retained its unique historical appearance, formed by numerous architectural structures of the 16th-19th centuries. Here, ancient Russian temple architecture and folk wooden architecture coexist with baroque and classicist buildings, buildings in the pseudo-Russian style, erected at the turn of the 19th-20th centuries. Among the religious buildings, the most interesting is the majestic Holy Trinity Ipatiev Monastery, located in the western part of Kostroma. It was from here that the founder of the Romanov dynasty, Mikhail Fedorovich, was called to the kingdom.

A single architectural ensemble of the late 18th - 19th centuries represents the central part of the city. On Susaninskaya Square, named after the national hero, Kostroma peasant Ivan Susanin, there are outstanding monuments of Russian classicism - the building of a former guardhouse, a fire tower, shopping arcades and others. A variety of museum institutions have been opened in a number of architectural monuments: the historical, architectural and art museum-reserve, the architectural, ethnographic and landscape museum-reserve “Kostromskaya Sloboda”, the Museum of Nature of the Kostroma Region, the Museum-Estate of Flax and Birch Bark, the Museum of Jewelry Art.

In the south of the Kostroma region there is the Shchelykovo estate - the birthplace of the playwright A.N. Ostrovsky. Probably, the picturesque nature and special national flavor of these places inspired the author to create the fairy tale play “The Snow Maiden”. Today there is a memorial and natural museum-reserve of A.N. Ostrovsky. Anyone can plunge into the atmosphere of an ancient Russian estate, visit the Blue House of the Snow Maiden, and learn a lot of new and interesting things about the life and work of the great Russian playwright.

The city's exciting and diverse tourist routes will allow all its guests to get a vivid and unforgettable experience.

Read completely Collapse

This is the youngest of all the cities of the Golden Ring. Ivanovo-Voznesensk was founded only in 1871. However, the history of its ancestor - the village of the same name - also goes back to the Middle Ages, between the 14th and 16th centuries. In the first half of the 17th century, Ivanovo was a large village with developed crafts and trade. In the 18th century, the first linen manufactories appeared here, which laid the foundation for the fabric production of the future city, which later became the center of the country’s textile industry, and was popularly called the “Cintz Land.” The historical heritage of Ivanovo consists of several factories - monuments of industrial architecture of the 19th century, which have come down to us in almost their original form. Those wishing to see a unique textile collection, as well as rare looms, should go to the Ivanovo Calico Museum.

A number of pre-revolutionary buildings have been preserved in the city - the wooden Assumption Church of the 17th century, the ensemble of the Vvedensky Convent (early 20th century), a complex of buildings of the local history and regional art museums, etc. The oldest civil building in Ivanovo is the Shchudrovskaya tent of the 17th century (originally an official hut, then - a printing factory). Ivanovo differs from other cities on the route by the presence of a large number of historical and revolutionary monuments, as well as architectural monuments of the Constructivist era, including the Ship House (1930), Horseshoe House (1934), etc.

Ivanovo stands on the picturesque bank of the Uvod River, which makes a visit to the “City of Brides” doubly pleasant.

Read completely Collapse

According to chronicle sources, the founding date of Suzdal is considered to be 1024. At the beginning of the 12th century, the city was the center of the Rostov-Suzdal Principality, and at the end of the 14th century it became part of the Grand Duchy of Moscow. The oldest witness to it centuries-old history became the Suzdal Kremlin, which includes valuable historical and architectural monuments - the Nativity Cathedral (XIII century), the Bishop's Chambers (XV-XVIII centuries), several churches, including the ancient St. Nicholas Church (1766).

Since the 16th century, active construction of monasteries has been carried out in Suzdal, five of which have survived to this day. The obligatory cultural program for exploring the city includes the Pokrovsky and Spaso-Evfimiev monasteries, founded in the second half of the 14th century. Next to the latter there is a rare monument of residential urban planning at the turn of the 17th-18th centuries - the Posadsky House, which in stone forms repeats the architecture of wooden houses of that time. Today, the ancient building is occupied by a museum that recreates the life of a merchant townsman in Suzdal.

In the city center is Trade area, the ensemble of which consists of several churches of the 18th century and Gostiny Dvor (Trading Rows), built in 1806–1811. Of great interest is the oldest church of the Vladimir-Suzdal land, one of the earliest white-stone buildings in North-Eastern Rus' - the Church of Boris and Gleb, located on the eastern outskirts of the city, in the village of Kideksha. The Museum of Wooden Architecture will tell about Russian peasant life, where authentic exhibits are collected: the hut of a middle peasant, the house of a wealthy peasant, windmills, a barn-storage, a wheel well, a bathhouse and others.

Suzdal is a unique city-reserve that has managed to preserve not only its original architectural appearance, but also the spirit of ancient Russian culture.

Read completely Collapse

Despite the fact that the center of Vladimir has now been significantly rebuilt, the city has managed to preserve its fascinating historical atmosphere, which so attracts tourists from all over the world. The Old Russian capital is the owner of a huge number of historical and architectural monuments, three of which are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. These are the triumphal Golden Gate, which from the middle of the 12th century formed the main entrance to the princely domains, the white stone Assumption and Demetrius Cathedrals, built at the end of the same century. Not far from the Golden Gate there is a church in pseudo-Gothic style - the Catholic Church of the Holy Rosary, built at the end of the 19th century. An interesting monument of engineering, technical and industrial architecture dating back to the 19th century. XX centuries - The water tower, which has been occupied by the Old Vladimir Museum since 1971. This and other museum institutions are united by the world famous Vladimir-Suzdal Museum-Reserve, which includes more than 50 architectural monuments of the 12th-20th centuries. One of its exhibition halls is the last religious pre-revolutionary building - the former Old Believer Church of the Holy Trinity, where today the Museum of Crystal and Lacquer Miniatures is located.

The glorious city of Vladimir can become both the beginning of a classic tourist route and its magnificent ending.

Read completely Collapse

View all objects on the map

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 in the then existing USSR.

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

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

The Golden Ring of Russia includes: the city of Alexandrov, the village of Bogolyubovo, the city of Gorokhovets, the city of Gus-Khrustalny, the village. Kideksha, Moscow, Murom, Palekh, Plyos, Rybinsk, Tutaev, Uglich, Yuryev-Polsky, Shuya and a number of other cities, villages and towns. Vladimir is considered the generally recognized capital of the Golden Ring of Russia. That's where we'll start short review 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 provincial town. Today Vladimir is a large industrial and Cultural Center central part of Russia with a population of about 340 thousand inhabitants.

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

Among them: the Golden Gate, built in 1164, which at one time formed 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, Orthodox church and at the same time state museum; Dmitrievsky Cathedral, the walls of which are decorated with white stone carvings, with images of people and animals, and much more.

Suzdal

Dear readers, please don't forget to subscribe to our channel at

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.

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

Dear readers, please don't forget to subscribe to our channel at