2 cities from the golden ring. "Gold ring of Russia". Vladimir. Which city is the most beautiful

The name "Golden Ring" was given to the largest network of tourist routes in Russia, which pass through several ancient cities of the country. In large and small settlements, a huge number of historical and architectural monuments, museums, craft centers of applied folk art are concentrated. Such a peculiar name was coined by the correspondent Yuri Bychkov, who specializes in writing essays for travelers who want to get to know Russia better.

What is the "Golden Ring of Russia"

There has never been an officially approved list of cities and sights included in the Golden Ring. It is believed that the main areas where the route passes are: Moscow, Tver, Vladimir, Kostroma, Yaroslavl, Ivanovskaya. At the same time, the list is periodically updated with new names and today the small "Golden Ring" includes:

Ivanovo

The city was founded on August 2, 1871. The settlement was formed by order of Tsar Alexander II by the merger of Voznesensky Posad and the village of Ivanovo. As a result, a countyless city was formed, which today is considered part of the Golden Ring. Ivanovo is famous for its textile production, and local linen and chintz fabrics have become famous far beyond the borders of the country. Historians claim that Finno-Ugric tribes lived in this area as early as the ninth century. The most popular tourist attraction in the city is the local Zoo.

Rostov the Great

The city is considered a diamond in the setting of the "Golden Ring". Rostov the Great has been celebrating its birthday for more than eleven centuries, and for the first time its name was mentioned in chronicles in 862. Rostov has long been the spiritual center of the Russian lands and for more than 500 years was considered the most beautiful, cultural and developed in the country, for which he was given the prefix "Great". If you manage to visit here, be sure to visit the one-of-a-kind Rostov Kremlin.

Suzdal

For the first time the name of the city was mentioned in the "Tale of Bygone Years", in the XI century, since then the number of temples, monasteries, cathedrals, sketes and churches in Suzdal has increased exponentially every year. Local attractions are the hallmark of Russia and are featured on the pages of popular print media. The most interesting places to visit are the Pokrovsky Monastery, the Suzdal Kremlin, the Mother of God-Nativity Cathedral and Pushkarskaya Sloboda.

Kostroma

The cozy and quiet Volga city amazes with its original beauty of everyone who was lucky enough to visit here. Kostroma has been known since the beginning of the 12th century as a center for linen and birch bark production. The modern city can boast of many objects that have come down to us in excellent condition. On the streets of Kostroma, you can see both buildings built according to classical designs of the 16th century, as well as examples of Russian architecture, monasteries of the 16th-19th centuries. Today, more than three dozen jewelry factories operate in Kostroma, so it is not surprising that the city bears the title of the jewelry capital of the country. The most popular excursion sites are the Ipatiev Monastery, the moose farm, the zoo, the Museum of Wooden Architecture and the jewelry factory.

Bogolyubovo

A small village located in the vicinity of Vladimir is known for the fact that one of the most revered Russian shrines is located here - the church with the sonorous name of the Intercession on the Nerl. The name of the settlement was given by the name of Andrei Bogolyubsky, who was killed here. Since those times, the princely chambers, the remains of fortresses with ramparts, moats and towers, the date of construction of which dates back to the 12th century, have been preserved. Tourists are most often offered to see another attraction - the Holy Bogolyubsky Convent.

Kasimov

It is considered one of the most ancient cities in the Ryazan region and is famous for its numerous monuments of architecture and history. Kasimov was founded in 1152, the original name was Gorodets Meshchersky. Countless times the settlement was destroyed and plundered, but invariably restored local residents. Curious for viewing will be a museum dedicated to the Russian samovar, a mosque, Cathedral Square.

Alexandrov

The old name is Aleksandrovskaya Sloboda. Contemporaries know this settlement as the residence of the great and terrible Tsar Ivan the Terrible, where he killed his heir in a rage, after which he left the city and never returned here. Over time, the settlement grew larger and turned into Alexandrov, which today is part of the Vladimir region. And until now, on the streets of the city, one can meet amazing witnesses of that time: palaces, merchant estates and objects erected under various rulers. The most famous is the local Kremlin and the monument to Alexander Nevsky.

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Gus-Khrustalny

The city was founded in the 18th century by the famous Maltsov dynasty of merchants, who for a long time cherished the dream of creating a high-quality crystal production on the Gus River. Gradually, Gus-Khrustalny became more and more, its borders expanded and glass factories were built everywhere, which you can visit now. The modern name of glass products “Gus-Khrustalny” has become a recognizable brand in Russia, and you can get acquainted with the works of local craftsmen in the Crystal Museum.

Plyos

Nowhere else in Russia can you find such bewitching river landscapes as here. Most of the paintings of the famous Levitan were painted on these shores, Ilya Repin came here for inspiration. And today many of our compatriots and foreign guests come to admire the magnificent pictures of Russian nature.

Uglich

In the Ipatiev Chronicle, Uglich was mentioned as early as the 12th century. The small and compact town is famous for its picturesque landscapes and numerous buildings that have been preserved in perfect condition. Once in these places, the Rurik clan found its last refuge, giving way to the Romanov dynasty. You can visit the Epiphany and Alekseevsky monasteries in Uglich.

Shuya

The main sightseeing object of the town is the wooden Resurrection Cathedral with a bell tower 106 meters high. In addition to the temple, you can visit a dozen ancient churches and the ruins of a prison castle built in the 16th century.

Dmitrov

A fortress was built on the site of modern Dmitrov in the 12th century, which was founded by Yuri Dolgoruky. Since then, many events have taken place in the city, one of which was the successful conduct of Operation Typhoon, designed to stop the Nazi invaders on the outskirts of the capital. Guides recommend visiting the majestic Dmitrovsky Kremlin and the elegant Borisoglebsky Monastery.

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Rybinsk

It is located on the banks of the large Rybinsk reservoir and is known as a fishing and hunting center. Rybinsk has a deep layer of industrial and commercial heritage, and only here you can see the old hunting grounds, gostiny yards, exchanges, breweries, barns, a fire tower, as well as the Transfiguration Cathedral.

Gorokhovets

Almost from the day of its foundation, Gorokhovets became a center of trade. Goods from all over the region flocked here, and Vladimir merchants considered it an honor to bring their products here. Today Gorokhovets is a center of uniquely beautiful wooden Russian architecture, and the magnificent Kazan Church of the 18th century, made in white and blue colors, is considered the central object.

Kalyazin

First, a monastery arose on this site, then a suburb began to settle in, and the XV century is considered the official foundation of Klyazin. The only attraction of the town is the flooded bell tower, around which in 1940, as a result of a technological tragedy, a large reservoir was formed.

Myshkin

A classic Russian city with wooden buildings decorated with carvings and patterns. The houses in Myshkin resemble toys, and the art of the craftsmen who created attractive shutters and fences shakes modern man to the core. The provincial simplicity and outlandish appearance of the city annually attracts crowds of tourists here, and the Mouse Museum is considered the most curious attraction.

Tutaev

The town is located in the Volga region and is famous for the well-preserved temple complex here. The attraction is located on seven hills and therefore looks rather unusual. Tutaev is known for the Resurrection Cathedral and for his sheepskin souvenirs. Local leather workers have long been making fleece, from which fur coats were sewn all over Russia.

Murom

For the first time, the city of Murom was mentioned in the story of bygone years. According to legend, it was in this city that the Russian hero Ilya Muromets was born, who defended the Oka from the bloodthirsty Polovtsians. During the reign of Catherine Murom became prosperous shopping mall, where merchants brought their goods and sold them at numerous fairs. Orthodox Christians know Murom as the city where the relics of two righteous people, Peter and Fevronya, are kept. Today you can visit the existing monasteries here - Resurrection, Annunciation and Spaso-Preobrazhensky.

Yuryev-Polsky

It was also founded by Yuri Dolgorukov, who created powerful fortifications on the banks of seven-meter walls and huge ramparts. The defensive structure has survived to this day, and outside the fortress, a town began to gradually develop, which became famous after the stay of the Golitsyn dynasty here. The city has many interesting sights, including St. George's Cathedral, the prince's estate.

Palekh

It is considered the cradle of Russian icon painting and lacquer miniature craftsmanship. Bright and colorful boxes, caskets, painted trays, cutlery, powder boxes and chests, which are kept in the best museums and private collections around the world, are famous all over the world. It is almost impossible to leave Palekh without a fancy souvenir.

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

In fact, the Golden Ring is a group of cities concentrated on the territory of Central Russia and representing a certain historical and cultural value. Connected by roads, they form a symbolic circle, which has become the personification cultural heritage our country. Moreover, many of its cities and their sights 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, the 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 Aleksandrov, the village of Bogolyubovo, the city of Gorokhovets, the city of Gus-Khrustalny, with. Kideksha, Moscow, Murom, Palekh, Plyos, Rybinsk, Tutaev, Uglich, Yuryev-Polsky, Shuya and a number of other cities, villages and settlements. The generally recognized capital of the Golden Ring of Russia is Vladimir. With it, 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 significance and, during the growth of the Muscovite state, even acquired the status of a provincial town. Today Vladimir is a large industrial and Cultural Center the central part of Russia with a population of about 340 thousand inhabitants.

The city impresses 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 decorated the main entrance to the richest and noblest princely-boyar part of the city; Assumption Cathedral - a monument of Russian architecture of the 12th century, painted by Andrei Rublev, an Orthodox church and at the same time state museum; Dmitrievsky Cathedral, the walls of which are decorated with white stone carvings, with images of people and animals, and much more.

Suzdal

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It was invented by a certain Soviet writer Yuri Bychkov in 1967 and immediately became a successful tourist brand to attract foreign tourists to the then USSR.

In fact, the Golden Ring is a group of cities concentrated on the territory of Central Russia and representing a certain historical and cultural value. Connected by roads, they form a symbolic circle that has become the personification of the cultural heritage of our country.

Moreover, many of its cities and their sights 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, the 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.

It includes: the city of Aleksandrov, the village of Bogolyubovo, the city of Gorokhovets, the city of Gus-Khrustalny, with. Kideksha, Moscow, Murom, Palekh, Plyos, Rybinsk, Tutaev, Uglich, Yuryev-Polsky, Shuya and a number of other cities, villages and settlements.

The generally recognized capital of the Golden Ring of Russia is Vladimir.

Every person who understands the Russian language and more or less understands history, at the words “city of Vladimir”, immediately has an image of something incredibly ancient, full of monuments of the past, former greatness and glory. Those who are not burdened with intellect will immediately remember Vladimirsky Central. But, despite the last gloomy thoughts, Vladimir is a bright, joyful city, rich in greenery and cultural monuments, this is one of the most visited points of the famous Golden Ring of Russia by tourists.

This city is indeed one of the oldest in Russia, which arose even before Moscow.

According to one version, this city was founded in 1108 by Vladimir Monomakh, and according to another, in 990 Vladimir Svyatoslavich (the baptist of Russia) built a fortress on the Klyazma, which became the starting point. In the middle of the 12th century, Vladimir became the capital of the Rostov-Suzdal Principality, from whose lands the formation of the modern state of Russia would begin.

Although from the XIV century Vladimir loses its significance as the center of North-Eastern Russia and becomes one of the provincial cities, the city continues to be put in first place in the titles of Russian princes and tsars, even ahead of Moscow.

From the end of the 18th century, Vladimir became the center of the governorship, and then the province, turning into a center of advanced education and high culture in the province.

During the years of Soviet power, the appearance of the city changed significantly - not only were many churches demolished, most of the cemeteries within the city were destroyed, but many factories were built, which are still functioning today.

The city of Vladimir is the pearl of the Golden Ring of Russia. There are more than two hundred monuments of culture and history, some of which are included in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List.

Most of the architectural monuments are concentrated in the historical core of the city, which has largely retained its appearance, despite the turbulent historical events.

We will begin to consider the sights from the entrance to the old Vladimir -. Built in 1164, they represent the rarest evidence of Russian military architecture and are the main entrance to the city.

The largest building of ancient Vladimir is erected in 1158-1160.

It was rebuilt several times and became more extensive and majestic. In 1408 Andrei Rublev decorated the walls of the cathedral with frescoes. Together with fragments of paintings of the 12th century, this provided the Assumption Cathedral with the name of the museum of monumental painting of medieval Russia. The Assumption Cathedral of the Moscow Kremlin was built on the model of this cathedral.

Not far from Uspensky is white stone Demetrius Cathedral, built in 1194-1197. in the name of St. Demetrius of Thessalonica in honor of the birth of the son of Prince Vsevolod III. The same prince a little earlier (in 1191) founded the Nativity monastery. Prince Alexander Nevsky was buried here, and later the monastery became a bishop's house. Today, the residence of the Vladimir-Suzdal bishop is located here.

The wife of the prince - the builder of the Dmitrievsky Cathedral - at the beginning of the 13th century also founded a monastery, but a female one, in honor of the Assumption of the Mother of God. This monastery bears the name Knyaginin Monastery. There are two churches in its ensemble, one of them - Assumption, is decorated with frescoes by the painter Mark Matveev and conveyed to our times the images of many Vladimir-Suzdal princes. Initially, the monastery was conceived as a family tomb of the Vladimir princesses, and therefore the wives of many famous Russian rulers are buried here.

Nikitskaya, Georgievskaya, Spasskaya, Voznesenskaya, Nikolo-Galeiskaya, Constantino-Eleninskaya, Mikhailo-Arkhangelskaya, Sretenskaya and many other churches, shopping malls of the period of Catherine II, the building of the City Duma of the early twentieth century, hundreds of other unique buildings with original architecture - all this is just a small part of Vladimir worth visiting.

But there are also special places for excursions - museums, of which there are also many in the city: the Vladimir-Suzdal Museum-Reserve, the Stoletovs' house-museum (an excellent exposition has been created in the restored house of the famous Stoletov merchants, conveying the spirit of the 19th century and the atmosphere of merchant life), cultural and educational center "Chambers" (dedicated to the culture of past eras), a museum of military prowess (the exposition includes weapons and armor of the 12th-19th centuries, a diorama of Batu's invasion of Vladimir, materials about famous Russian commanders and heroes of the Soviet Union, who hail from Vladimir) , the Museum "Native Nature" (the exposition area is almost 400 square meters with hundreds of exhibits of animals and corners of the nature of this region), the Museum of the History of the Vladimir Region from the Stone Age to the February Revolution, the expositions "Old Vladimir", "Crystal, Lacquer Miniature, Embroidery" .

In addition to 4 cinemas in Vladimir, there is a drama theater named after. Lunacharsky, the Philharmonic, the puppet theater, a bunch of sports facilities that have raised world champions.

After such an impressive list of attractions, it remains to add information about the presence in the city of 18 clubs and entertainment centers, 12 palaces of culture (including the Ice Palace for skating and hockey lovers). An innumerable number of bars, cafes, pubs, restaurants, cabarets for any category of the population and wealth will complete the picture.

About Vladimir Central

As an edification to all who are thirsty for revelry, debauchery and destruction, one should be reminded of the existence of another attraction in Vladimir - the Vladimir Central.

This is a prison famous throughout Russia with a unique and impressive history. How many people, how many destinies, how many views on the world - and all this in one place.

This prison was built in 1783 by decree of Catherine II, and it began to be called Central in the 20th century. Now especially dangerous criminals are kept and serving their sentences in it. For those who do not want to break the law, abruptly change their lives and break their fate, but want to go inside - a museum is open.

The city of Vladimir is the oldest Russian city and the pearl of the Golden Ring of Russia. Tours to Vladimir are popular at all times, and the number of excursions is in the dozens! The city of Vladimir, located on the high bank of the Klyazma, amazes with its beauty and size, majestic golden-domed temples and pointed towers. A huge number of architectural monuments preserved in the city have turned Vladimir into the largest tourist center of the Golden Ring of Russia.

Coat of arms of the city of Vladimir

The city of Vladimir, founded in 1108 by the Kyiv prince Vladimir Monomakh, was the main outpost of the Rostov-Suzdal principality, and during the time of Grand Duke Andrei Bogolyubsky, the capital of the principality. The XII century was the "golden age" of Vladimir, after which a series of fires and conquests stopped the development of the city, turning Vladimir into an ordinary city of the Grand Duchy of Moscow - a city of memories and shrines...

Monument to Prince Vladimir

Monument to the Baptists of the Vladimir Land, the founder of the city of Vladimir Equal-to-the-Apostles Prince Vladimir the Red Sun and Saint Theodore,
installed on the observation deck of the park named after Pushkin.


The monument was solemnly opened on July 28, 2007 during the celebration of the 850th anniversary of the transfer of the capital of Russia from Kyiv to Vladimir.





Monument in honor of the 850th anniversary of Vladimir


The total height is 22 m, the height of the figure is 3 m.
The first wooden obelisk with a star was placed here in 1916. The current one was founded in its place in 1958 in honor of the 850th anniversary of the city (then 1108 was considered the year of foundation), and was solemnly opened on October 30, 1969. Sculptor A.B. Ryabichev, architects A.N. Dushkin and E.A. Arkhipov.


On the sides of a concave triangular truncated prism there are three figures: an ancient warrior facing the defensive Golden Gates, an architect facing the Assumption Cathedral and a modern worker facing the industrial part of the city. The people also called "Three fools" or "Three loafers."

Monument to Andrei Rublev


The monument to Andrei Rublev is located on Cathedral Square in front of the entrance to Pushkin Park. The figure of Andrei Rublev is made of bronze. This is the last work of the Moscow sculptor O.K. Komova. The monument was opened in August 1995 for the millennium of the city of Vladimir.

COLLECTION OF BUSTS OF SOVIET LEADERS

Seven busts of Soviet leaders are collected in Vladimir near the house number 55 on Mira Street. This building houses the office of the company "Vladstroytsentr". Busts of all the leaders of the Soviet Union (Lenin, Stalin, Khrushchev, Brezhnev, Andropov, Chernenko, Gorbachev) are collected here at the initiative of the company director.

Bust of Lenin and bust of Stalin

Bust of Khrushchev, bust of Brezhnev, bust of Chernenko

Bust of Andropov, bust of Gorbachev

Railway station in Vladimir

The railway station in Vladimir is one of the most important railway junctions of the Gorky railway and is located at a distance of about 180 km from Moscow. Railway communication between Vladimir and Moscow has existed since the summer of 1861.


ENGINE-MONUMENT on Vokzalnaya Square

The steam locomotive of the L series No. 0801 was built in 1952 by the Kolomna Plant (designer Lebedyansky L.S.). Assigned to depot Vladimir. He worked at the sites Orekhovo-Vladimir-Gorky, since 1962 Kovrov-Murom, Vladimir-Tumskaya. After it was used as a shunting station. Vladimir and in 1995 was transferred to the state reserve. In 1999, it was installed in the museum as a symbol of the labor glory of the Vladimir locomotive depot.

Narrow-gauge covered freight car No. 2335 was built in 1962 and operated on the Tumskaya-Ryazan-Pristan and Tumskaya-Golovanova Dacha sections until 1999. From 1999 to 2002 was in the reserves of the MPS. In 2002, it was installed in the museum as a symbol of the labor glory of the Vladimir and Tumskaya depot wagon workers.

Vladimir railway workers who died on the fronts of the Great Patriotic War 1941-1945.

ALLEY "120 Years of the Trans-Siberian Railway" was founded in honor of the anniversary of the construction of the Trans-Siberian Railway by employees of the Gorky Railway on May 14, 2011.

This is a major transport hub on the road and railroads. Due to its unique geographical location, the region plays an important role in the development of the European transport infrastructure and the regional organization of the transport of goods. The intensity of cargo traffic, passenger traffic, tourist routes continues to increase every year.

Bus station in Vladimir

The bus station in Vladimir is a modern complex that has everything you need for the convenience and comfort of passengers. The implemented computer system and eight ticket offices allow you to quickly buy a ticket in any direction. In the cafe you can have a bite to eat and buy food for the trip. Moreover, it has not only a rich selection of dishes, but also own pastries are always on sale.

Academic Drama Theater

the building of the Main Directorate of the Bank of Russia for the Vladimir Region and a monument to Lenin

Russian MIA Administration for the Vladimir Region

House of Merchants Stoletovs

House of merchant Vasiliev

Through the streets of this beautiful city...

The beauty of parks in Vladimir

Lipki Park - the oldest park in Vladimir

The first trees in it were planted in 1901. The park is located between Cathedral Square and Dmitrievsky Cathedral. Most of the trees in the park are lindens, hence its name. The central place in the park is occupied by a small fountain. Recently, a modern children's playground has appeared here.

PATRIARCH GARDENS

Patriarchal Gardens is one of the most beautiful places Vladimir. The garden dates back to the 16th century. Despite the fact that in Vladimir there was no residence of the patriarch, a cherry orchard was specially planted, where the capital's clergy came to rest. In 1948, the garden was named after the 16 Republics. The city station of young naturalists was created here.

In 1979, 430 apple trees of 70 varieties died after a frost. Landing was restored within three years.

The old name has now been returned to the garden. The total area of ​​the "green" kingdom is almost four hectares. Rare flower splendor is a symbol of the care of human hands. And real creativity. Here the main principle of nature was taken as a basis. Constant update. That is why eclecticism reigns in the historical land. And in one area, a short trip is possible.

Square on the site of the hotel "Klyazma"

Sculptural group "Element - 94"

is located in the city of Vladimir on Oktyabrsky Prospect, in the place where the prospect adjoins Dvoryanskaya Street, literally a hundred meters from the Golden Gate. This decorative sculptural group was opened in Vladimir in 1994. Its author is the famous sculptor Yury Grigoryevich Kolov.

Shopping malls in Vladimir

Currently, Vladimir is the administrative center of the Vladimir region (33 regions). A diversified and knowledge-intensive economy has developed in the city - precision engineering, metalworking industry, tractor building, polymer chemistry and a number of other industries are developed. The city has a powerful scientific and technical potential.

Water tower

The water tower located on the ancient shaft near the Golden Gate was built in 1912. it interesting building made of red brick in a pseudo-Gothic style - one of the examples of urban outbuildings, typical for urban planning at the end of the 19th century. In 1975, the building of the water tower was converted into a museum.

The main rivers of the Vladimir region: Klyazma and Oka. The Klyazma flows into the Oka on the southeastern outskirts along the border with Nizhny Novgorod region. The largest tributaries of the Klyazma: Sherna (with a tributary of the Molokcha), Kirzhach (with tributaries of the Bolshoi and Maly Kirzhach), Peksha, Koloksha, Nerl, Sudogda, Uvod, Lukh, Suvoroshch, tributaries of the Oka: Gus, Unzha and Ushna, near Alexandrov, a tributary of the Volga originates Dubna river. The largest lakes are Urvanovskoe and Visha.

The rich history of the city of Vladimir is reflected in numerous architectural monuments compactly located in the historical core of the city. Tourists are attracted to the city by three white-stone monuments of pre-Mongolian architecture, recognized world heritage UNESCO as part of the White Stone Monuments of Vladimir and Suzdal site.

Golden Gate

The Golden Gate was the main entrance to the city. In addition to defensive purposes, they also had a triumphal character. Foreign ambassadors and eminent guests were met here, soldiers were seen off more than once. Under the arches of the Golden Gate, the princely squads, returning from campaigns, solemnly entered the great reign of Alexander Nevsky and Dmitry Donskoy.

The Golden Gate (1164) is the rarest monument of Russian military architecture from the time of the rise of the Vladimir principality under Andrei Bogolyubsky and the growth of the capital city of Vladimir. The Golden Gate was included in the western line of the city ramparts, built in 1158-1164 by the princely town-planners.

Assumption Cathedral

An outstanding creation of Russian architecture is the Assumption Cathedral. It is a complex complex of multi-temporal buildings. The original white-stone cathedral was built by Prince Andrei Bogolyubsky in 1158-1160 and was conceived not only as a city cathedral, but also as the first-throne cathedral church of all Russia.

Demetrius Cathedral

Near the Assumption is the white-stone Dmitrievsky Cathedral. It was built in 1194-1197 by Prince Vsevolod III as a palace temple in honor of the patron saint of Prince Saint Dmitry of Thessalonica and in connection with the birth of the prince's son Dmitry. Dmitrievsky Cathedral is a characteristic example of Vladimir architecture of the XII century at the stage of its highest development.

Trinity Church

Trinity Church is one of the last church buildings in the provincial Vladimir. The building was built in the "pseudo-Byzantine" style. It consists of two connected volumes: the actual church and the bell tower. Divine services in the Trinity Church ceased in 1928. Currently, the building houses a museum of crystal, lacquer miniatures and embroidery.

Knyaginin Monastery

The Knyaginin Monastery was founded at the beginning of the 13th century by the wife of the Grand Duke of Vladimir Vsevolod III, Princess Maria Shvarnovna. From the very beginning, the monastery was conceived as a family burial vault for the princesses of the Vladimir household. In the 13th century, Maria Shvarnovna, her sister Anna, daughter of Vsevolod III Elena, wife and daughter of Alexander Nevsky were buried here.

Holy Bogolyubsky Monastery

It was founded at the end of the 12th century, but almost all the surviving buildings date back to the 18th-19th centuries. and are made in the baroque or pseudo-Russian style. The main attractions are the Stair Tower and the adjoining gallery.

Both buildings were part of the palace of Andrei Bogolyubsky, and are now built into the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, built in the 18th century on the site of a collapsed 12th-century cathedral. Ancient fragments are easily recognizable by unusual stone decorations.

Hello friends! In 2017, the Golden Ring of Russia turned 50 years old. For more than half a century we have been traveling through the most beautiful cities, admiring their architectural monuments and the beauty of nature. Many of you have probably visited at least some of them and can tell a lot of interesting historical facts yourself. We are waiting for them in the comments. We will briefly tell you which cities are included in the Golden Ring of Russia and about tourist routes along it. About who came up with the first route and when the first trip took place. There are many worthy cities in Russia. You can travel around the Ring, or you can travel to separate places - those where your heart draws you.

An interesting moment. First, 8 ancient Russian cities were combined into a single route:

1. Vladimir (Vladimir region)
2. Suzdal (Vladimir region)
3. Ivanovo (Ivanovo region)
4. Kostroma (Kostroma region)
5. Rostov the Great (Yaroslavl region)
6. Pereslavl-Zalessky (Yaroslavl region)
7. Yaroslavl (Yaroslavl region)
8. Zagorsk (Sergiev Posad) (Moscow region)

These cities are located on the same looped route. For a long time this association was called the Golden Ring of Russia. Before Perestroika, it included Uglich (9th city).

Then confusion began, and we still did not understand with which departments it was connected. Many worthy cities began to be called the city from the Golden Ring. The list has expanded. This is understandable - in Russia there are many more unique places and beautiful ancient cities that you must see.

Whether such a branded prefix appeared officially in the city or travel agencies themselves began to do it, we still do not understand. But over time to the first eight added 4 more:

• Uglich;
• Ples;
• Yuryev-Polsky;
• Alexandrov.

• Dmitrov;
• Bogolyubovo;
• Moore;
• Kideksha.

Cities "prefix" City of the Golden Ring helps. Tourists, hotels, shops, souvenirs, excursions, restaurants - everything brings a pretty penny to the budget. The list has been expanded for a reason. This is all - the territory of ancient Russia, the Vladimir-Suzdal principality. The basis of the future state.

In January 2018, a forum of small towns and settlements of cultural and historical significance was held. From the speech of the Minister of Culture, it became clear that there is a "geographical ring" of 8 cities, and there is a tourist brand of the city (more on that later).

Sightseeing buses with tourists began to travel along new routes. However, cities with almost a thousand years of history and important historical sites, however, much more.

There are cities that have preserved monuments of ancient Russian architecture, traditions of folk craftsmanship that have survived to this day, jewelry, painting, birch bark and linen production.

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Big Golden Ring by regions

Thus, for the convenience of tourists, the first list of 8 cities was called the Small Golden Ring. The second list became known as the Big Golden Ring.

The list has not been officially approved. Disputes about which cities to include in it are still going on. It is much easier (for orientation and for compiling a travel route) to list the cities that claim it by region:

Moscow region

• Dmitrov;

Vladimir region

• Yuryev-Polsky;
• Alexandrov;
• Bogolyubovo;
• Gorokhovets;
• Gus-Khrustalny;
• Moore;
• Kideksha (4 km from Suzdal)

Yaroslavl region

• Uglich;
• Rybinsk;
• Myshkin;
• Tutaev nearby (36 km from Yaroslavl);

Ivanovo region

• Plyos;
• Palekh;

Tver region

• Kalyazin;

Ryazan Oblast

• Kasimov

Historical meaning

If we talk about the first 8 cities, then they must be visited. The "traditional" Golden Ring boasts buildings from the pre-Mongolian period. There are very few of them left even on maps and in historical documents, not like real ones.

• Suzdal has been the capital of several major principalities;
• Rostov - was the capital city of the Rostov-Suzdal principality;
• Pereslavl-Zalessky is the birthplace of Alexander Nevsky. At that time it was the largest of the cities in the region;
• Vladimir - for a long time remained the capital of the Vladimir-Suzdal principality.

Who was the first to cross the Ring

This route, dear to my heart, appeared only in the 60s. It was organized by journalist Yuri Alexandrovich Bychkov, an employee of the newspaper Sovetskaya Kultura. According to the plan, the trip began in Moscow and ended in Suzdal.

The journalist was given the task of telling about Suzdal tourism. Bychkov got into the car and drove off. On the way I saw a pointer to Ivanovo. Decided to drop by. This is how the story began. He traveled from one city to another, blazing a path that would be repeated by millions of people.

Later, Yuri Alexandrovich was joined by his wife, then by a photographer and a couple of volunteer assistants. The route was both scenic and interesting. Then it was not yet a tourist one, so the company experienced many exciting moments. Pioneers, what can I say.

They drove half the route, but they didn’t want to return the same way. So Kostroma and Yaroslavl got on the map of the Golden Ring.

The essay about the journey was published in 1967. Photos, reviews, stories, tips for tourists got there. The essay was called "The Golden Ring".

After 2 years, Bychkov came to the All-Russian Society for the Protection of Historical Monuments. He offered to organize a tourist route around the places he had studied. I immediately liked the idea, but the road had to be explored, to think about where else travelers could go, what to show. So first a scientific expedition was created.

But really, what should a tourist pay attention to?

• Vladimir: amazing temples from Italian masters, amazing stone carvings here.
• The temples of Yuriev-Polsky and Kideksha were built much earlier than the beginning of the Mongol era. And they are well preserved.
• Films about the history of Russia were created in Suzdal. Find familiar places from frames of your favorite movies.
• In Rostov the Great, they filmed the New Year's comedy "Ivan Vasilyevich Changes His Profession." Do you recognize the colonnade along which the heroes of the film ran back and forth?

And that is not all!

Cities not included in the main list

There are many beautiful cities in our country that you just want to add to the route. Their historical significance is enormous, and just looking at all this beauty draws. Unique places!

• Sergiev Posad

The monastery of Sergius of Radonezh is a city within a city. Here is the Theological Seminary, a monastery, churches, ancient icons, sources of holy water. A lot of things - it's a trip for a few days.

Holy Trinity Sergius Lavra

• Rybinsk

Ancient city of the end of the XI century. It has important archaeological significance for scientists and historians. But, it is not included in the itinerary.

If you are driving around the ring yourself, be sure to look into these cities.

A few words about Pereslavl-Zalessky

Not as legendary as Rostov or Suzdal. It has never been the capital of any principality. Why is he of such interest?

Pereslavl - was one of the largest cities in the North-East. It was not the capital, but was conceived and built as a capital city. There were buildings from the period of the Golden Horde, but they have not been preserved. Probably due to the fact that the city was destroyed many times, then rebuilt.

From the surviving antiquities:

• rampart;
• Transfiguration Cathedral.

The cathedral was founded by Yuri Dolgoruky. It was completed under Andrei Bogolyubsky. There are also 5 monasteries here, and the earliest buildings are from the 16th century.

Another significant religious site is the Feodorovsky Monastery. It contains unique ancient icons of the 18th century. These are the Vvedenskaya and Kazanskaya icons of the Mother of God.

Throughout the entire period of the rule of the Rurik dynasty, architecture flourished here. Pereslavl was a big city, but fate decreed that it did not fulfill its destiny, did not become the capital.

The House of Romanovs also did not forget about Pereslavl. It was here that Peter I built his famous fleet. The boat "Fortune", which is called the "grandfather of the Russian fleet", has been preserved.

This city is the closest to Moscow. Only 2.5 hours by bus, and if you have a car - only 1.5 hours.

In addition to major historical attractions, there are several unique museums:

• iron;
• Kettle;
• Center of Folk Traditions and Crafts;
• Berendey's House.

And yet - near Pereslavl there is the village of Gorodishche, which can boast of the Blue Stone. In times of paganism, people came to bow to the Blue Stone. They tried to sleep him many times, but he appeared again, as if by magic.

Now they also come to him, lie on him, make wishes. They say they come true. You just need to really want, lie down on a stone and ask with all your heart.

Expansion of the Golden Ring

There are many small towns and settlements of great historical and cultural significance in Russia. The Russian government has plans to include these places in the Golden Ring.

What to remember!

The words "Golden Ring of Russia" have two meanings:

1. Cities united by a ring route (Yaroslavl and Vladimir regions).
2. brand name. Officially, it sounds like "The city included in the Golden Ring of Russia." This means that the city is of cultural and historical value, but it may not be located on the ring route.

In our country there is an association of small towns that claim the title of the City of the Golden Ring of Russia. To be included in this list is prestigious and very profitable. But this obliges the city authorities to carry out serious restoration work and prepare everything for the reception of tourists.

The Russian government allocates subsidies for the needs and development of small towns and villages. Alas, often the money does not reach its destination. Whether something will change in this situation we will observe.

In January 2018, a forum was held in Kolomna, to which V.V. Putin. The question arose about Uglich, which before Perestroika was part of the Golden Ring route, but then for some reason dropped out of this list.

What the President, the Minister of Culture and representatives of cities and towns agreed on:

Uglich now lives with the hope of entering the Golden Ring of Russia. On the eve of the Minister of Culture Vladimir Medinsky said that the ring will expand - they intend to add one city a year there.

We enlisted eight old cities in this list. (see the beginning of the article)- from the old Soviet list - and now we will add to it, - Medinsky confirmed. “But we want it to be prestigious, let the cities compete for a high rank.

Let us remind you once again that there is a tourist route "Golden Ring of Russia", consisting of 8 cities, to which Uglich will be added (it is included in the route of the ring).

And every year a new city will be added. It will have the brand "City of the Golden Ring", but this city does not have to be included in the "geographical ring". So Kolomna stands aside from the route of the Golden Ring, but fights for the title of "City of the Golden Ring of Russia".

In our opinion, Kolomna really deserves the attention of tourists. But don't we get confused by the names? Maybe the ministry will come up with another nomination so that we don't have a mess in our heads.

Irina, the operator of the Rostislavl travel company, helped us sort out this confusing issue. By the way, the company's website with their bus tours we liked it. They offer interesting routes, prices are moderate. We have not yet used the services of Rostislavl, but we have put it in the plans. If you have already traveled with this company, write your feedback in the comments - we will be happy.

Would you like to ride on the Ring? We want too. So we can meet at one of its iconic points. We are waiting for your stories about the journey along the Golden Ring!

If you live in one of these cities and want to talk about it, we will be very happy. Send your story to our mailing address: [email protected]