Destinations > Central Russia

The Golden Ring

A route, which passes through astonishing Russian towns in the north-east of Moscow. Here the history of the Russian state begins. In this route, tourists have the opportunity to get acquainted with the values and cultural heritage of the nation

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The Heart of Medieval Russia

This route was made in the 1960s. In earlier times this was the heart of medieval Kievan Rus. Nowadays it attracts a lot of tourists all over the world, who want to escape from noisy cosmopolitan cities and find comfort in small amazing towns. They can dive into the beauty and uniqueness of Russian Orthodox religion, see breath-taking landscapes and impressive historical buildings, taste traditional food, and get acquainted with national folk art. The route covers Sergiev Posad, Suzdal, Vladimir, Ivanovo, Kostroma, Yaroslavl, Rostov Velikiy, Pereslavl-Zalesskiy, Uglich. The most outstanding of them will be mentioned below.

types of tourism

Religious

Excursion

Nature

Winter

Beautiful wide angle view of the historical town of Suzdal', Gol

A view of the blue-domed cathedral, white bell tower, and a small wooden church against a background of the green summer landscape.

A river with the reflection of the sky and clouds in it, green trees on the banks, white orthodox church from afar.

Four glass bottles of different shapes with honey wine

History That Began in 1^st Millennium

Vladimir & Suzdal

Vladimir and Suzdal are the gems of the Golden Ring. They are widely known as the main and the most attractive places to visit on the route. Tourists usually visit these cities to enjoy large museum exhibitions, colorful pedestrian streets, amazing churches, delightful scenery, and masterpieces of ancient Russian architecture. Eight ancient architectural objects of Vladimir and Suzdal are included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Site, such as Golden Gates, Dormition Cathedral, Cathedral of Saint Demetrius, Church of Boris and Gleb, Church of the Intercession on the Nerl, Royal Palace in Bogolyubovo; The Kremlin of Suzdal, Monastery of Saint Euthymius.

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Russian Vatikan with Military Fleur

Sergiyev Posad

Sergiyev Posad is widely known as “Russian Vatikan” due to the Trinity Sergius Lavra, which attracts like a magnet a lot of tourists and pilgrims all over the world. The Lavra was built in the 13th century and gave rise to the city. Its shrines were reliably protected for many centuries with a mighty stone fortress. All the Russian Tsars understood the strategic importance of the fortress on the way to Moscow, therefore paid a special attention to its strengthening. The Monastery plays a very important religious and cultural role in Russia, thanks to a great number of objects of spiritual heritage, churches, cozy squares, and architectural constructions. The main wonder of the Lavra is the holy relics of Great Martyr Sergius of Radonezh, which give healing and help to solve life’s problems.

Another interesting touristic sight of the town is the Matryoshka Museum, where tourists can get acquainted with the history of the main Russian symbol and try to paint Matryoshka by themselves. It`s also a big pleasure for travellers to walk along the streets of Sergiyev Posad. They are filled with a peaceful atmosphere and local people are ready to give a warm welcome for tourists.

When far means well preserved

Kostroma

Kostroma town is situated farthest from Moscow among other Golden Ring towns, but it`s worth tourists` attention and visiting. The town has a splendid view of the Volga River. The most popular sight of the town is the Holy Trinity Ipatiev Monastery. This Monastery includes more than 10 historical architectural constructions, the most important ones are the Trinity Cathedral with the bell tower and Romanov`s Royal Palace.

View of a monastery on the bank of a river. Architectural ensemble of Orthodox churches and buildings surrounded with white wall, tower with green roof and gilded onion domes of a church behind the wall

Aerial view of famous Ipatievsky (Hypatian) Monastery in ancient touristic town Kostroma, Russia.

A yellow classical building topped with a tower, portico with Greek columns, a two-headed eagle at the building gable

Among the sacred values of the monastery are miraculous icons and relics of Great Martyrs. Kostroma is also famous for its Museum of Wooden Architecture, called “Kostroma Sloboda”. It`s an open-air museum, where tourists can see very beautiful wooden constructions of the 18th-20th centuries.

Secrets of Lakeside Town

Pereslavl-Zalessky

Pereslavl-Zalessky is a small ancient town, situated on the banks of amazing Plescheevo Lake. There are 9 churches and 5 Monasteries in the town, among them are Nikitsky Monastery (founded in 1010), Trinity Daniil Monastery, Nikolsky Monastery. Goritsky Monastery is widely known as the most magnificent monastery and the major touristic sight of the town with an extensive history.

For history-lovers, we offer to visit Peter the Great`s Boat Museum-Estate “Botik”. That was the estate where Peter the Great spent his childhood with his toy fleet. That gave birth to the Russian Fleet, as a result of which Russia developed into a strong maritime power. Pereslavl-Zalessky is also well-known for its funny Museums, like Iron Museum, Teapot Museum, Trick and Savvy Museum, and others.

Through Glass Window into 18^th Century

Gus-Khrustalny

70 km away from Vladimir a fabulous Town of Masters named Gus-Khrustalny is located. It`s the town of brilliant glassblowers, making unique works of art, well-known all over the world. Crystal Museum and Crystal Factory are the major sights of the Town of Masters. Here tourists can see amazing products, made of Glass and Crystal, observe the process of Crystal making and buy something for memory. Crystal Museum is located inside the former St. George`s Cathedral, one of the most attractive and famous throughout Russia Churches of the 20th century.

Dive into 9^th Century

Rostov the Great

Rostov the Great is a very time-honoured town, one of the oldest ones on the route, it was founded in 862. Its magnificent Kremlin is older than Moscow Kremlin. Kremlin walls and towers are surrounded by a complex of ramparts with the mysterious Nero Lake nearby that faced epic events of the past. On the Kremlin territory, the tourists can visit the Museum of Decorated Russian Enamel, where they can have a look at remarkable products and secrets of unique enamel decorating technology. Cathedral Square is the central square of the town, which is also worthy of visiting. That is the most ancient part of the Kremlin territory. The oldest building on the square is the Cathedral of the Assumption, founded in 1230. For those who want to dive into the atmosphere of ancient times, Rostov the Great is a very good option.

Medieval Crossroads

Yaroslavl

Yaroslavl is recognized as the capital and the biggest city of the Golden Ring route, where the zero-mile marker is situated. The city was founded in 1010, so it is very old. In the 17th century, Yaroslavl was the second biggest city in the country. The city is located at the intersection of the most important in Russia road, rail and waterways. Yaroslavl is a city stretching along both banks of the majestic Volga River, situated in the central region of Russia. Volga embankment leaves a great impression on tourists, it`s probably the most picturesque one from all Volga promenades in Russia.

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Myths And Legends of Tsar Ivan the Terrible’s reign

Uglich

Uglich is an amazing small town, located on the Volga River about 100 km away from Yaroslavl. It is the only city in the world, the coat of arms of which depicts a boy with a knife in his hand. Uglich is considered to be the most mystical town of the Golden Ring with a lot of legends and myths. Among the most popular sights are the Kremlin, Transfiguration Cathedral, and the Church of Demetrius on Blood. Tourists can also visit the Vodka Museum, which was named in the honor of the “Father of Russian Vodka” Peter Smirnov. They will get acquainted with the history of vodka, its kinds and can buy it for memory in the shop.