The changing fortunes of Russians, the profound depth of their soul, and the striking talent of their masters are evident in these towns, the unique historical and artistic phenomenon. Here, the Russian past comes back to you at every turn: the time was evidently never out of joint here.
Kremlins and monasteries stand guard over the Russian landscape with its subdued tones and flat skyline, adding colour and variety to both. Today, they are bustling with tourists eager to see the cultural treasures exhibited in their towers and sample national cuisine in the former refectories and finely decorated halls. Art exhibitions, picture galleries and unique collections of applied folk art have perfectly blended with the medieval interiors. We invite you on a tour along the Moscow - Vladimir - Suzdal - Ivanovo - Paleh -Kostroma - Yaroslavl - Rostov the Great -Pereslavl-Zalessky - Sergiev Posad - Moscow route.
VLADIMIR
Vladimir - one of the oldest Russian cities was founded in 1108 by Prince Vladimir Monomakh. For a long period of time it held leading positions in the country, being a major center of the north-east Russia.
The city, as part of the Golden Ring of Russia, is located 170 km from Moscow, on the Klyazma River. Vladimir is recognized by the UNESCO as one of the most valuable treasures of the international heritage.
The city has preserved unique monuments of Russian architecture. St. Dimitrius Cathedral of the 12th century is famous for its intricate white stone carvings. The national hero of Russia Alexander Nevsky is buried in the cript of the 12th century Nativity Cathedral. The city boasts a unique monument of military architecture - the Golden Gate. The local churches have frescoes done by famous Russian icon-painters Andrei Rublev and his teacher Daniil Cherny.
Sited on the banks of the Nerl River is the pearl of Russian architecture - the Church of Intercession. Its exquisite shape is admired by generations of visitors.
SUZDAL
A special charm of Suzdal, one of the most ancient towns in Russia, comes from its numerous architectural and historical monuments created in the span of many centuries. This enchanting wooden town situated on the bank of the Kamenka River was built by several generations of Russian artisans.
Suzdal emerged as a trade and artisans' center at the beginning of the 11th century. Prince Yuri Dolgoruky made it the capital of Rostov-Suzdal principality. In the middle of the 12th century it became an integral part of the Vladimir principality and its second capital; from the end of the 14th centry it was under the rule of Moscow princes. Later, Suzdal lost its prestige and became an ordinary provincial town of the Russian empire.
The ancient architectural ensemble of Suzdal is extremely picturesque. The town of Suzdal started with the Kremlin, its white-stone walls can be seen on the hill. Within its walls there are Bishops Chambers of the 15-17th centuries. The Cross Chamber is the main part of Bishop's residence designed for pompous ceremonies, receptions of dignitaries, announcements of tzar's verdicts. Today, it houses an outstanding museum of icons; the oldest of them - the Maximovskaya Holy Virgin - dates back to 1299.
The Cathedral of the Nativity of the Virgin built in 1225 dominates the Kremlin; the most striking feature of the Cathedral is the Golden Gate, a unique example of Russian medieval art. Among other architectural monuments worth mentioning is the Convent of the Deposition of the Sacred Robe (the 16th century), stone walls and towers (18-19th centuries), the 17th century "Holy Gates," which the 14th century Savior-Yevfimiev Monastery built for defense purposes.
Suzdal, the pearl of old Russian architecture, was awarded The Golden Apple prize by the International Journalists' Organization for the preservation of its unique architectural ensemble and tourist development in the area.
