Veliky Ustyug is a small town and seemingly unremarkable. However, over the centuries it has played an important role in the cultural life of the Russian North.
Prehistory of the city
The first Russian settlement in this place was founded by the Rostov-Suzdal princes back in the 12th century. It was called Gleden (Look), as it was located on a high mountain, from which it was convenient to observe the surroundings. However, it is known that even earlier, from the 9th century, there was a Finno-Ugric settlement here.
The Gleden fortress was often besieged and flooded during the floods of the Sukhona and Yuga rivers, so gradually the inhabitants began to move to the nearest settlements. One of them was Ustyug.
By the way, some researchers note that the name of the city most likely comes from the name of the South River, since it is located at its mouth.
Foundation of the Archangel Michael Monastery
At the beginning of the 13th century, Rostov the Great and the surrounding cities, including Ustyug, passed into the "jurisdiction" of the Vladimir princes. Thus, Vsevolod the Big Nest allocated an inheritance to his son Konstantin, who was the eldest of his 8 sons.
As historians suggest, initially Ustyug was an ordinary guard outpost and did not have capital fortifications. This meant that it was not even considered a real city in the understanding of that time. However, soon the development of Ustyug accelerated, as the Mikhailo-Arkhangelsk Monastery was founded there in 1212. This event coincides with the first mention of the city in written sources - chronicles and lives of saints, including those telling about the spiritual feat of the monk Cyprian - the founder of the monastery.
Michael the Archangel Monastery exists to this day. This monument of medieval church architecture is one of the most famous tourist attractions not only in the city, but in the entire Vologda region. In Soviet times, a museum was founded on the territory of the monastery, and a motor transport technical school was also located. Today the complex has been returned to the church, but the monastery remains inactive.
Great Ustyug
The city was so important to the princes that no expense was spared for its development. Even when Ustyug was plundered by the Volga Bulgars in 1218, it quickly recovered. Most likely, this was due to the fact that the city was located on the border with the Novgorod land, being a stronghold of the Russian state.
Subsequently, the value of Ustyug only grew. So, in 1521, the Mikhailo-Arkhangelsk Monastery received a Certificate of Indemnity from Vasily III himself, the Grand Duke of Moscow. Ustyug was also valued by Ivan the Terrible, who introduced him tothe number of "oprichnina" cities, which meant certain privileges. At this time, the word "Great" is added to the name of the settlement.
Fire and Restoration
Veliky Ustyug retained its significance until the 18th century. Under Peter the Great, trade routes in Russia changed. Foreign merchants stopped visiting Veliky Ustyug. The city received the status of a provincial. Despite the loss of economic importance, it remained famous for its ancient churches and other cultural monuments.
At the end of the 18th century, several large fires occurred there at once, almost completely destroying the "posad" part of the settlement. Several restructuring options have been proposed. The work of the surveyor Golubev was recognized as the best project. It was according to this plan that Veliky Ustyug began to be built up. The streets of the city in the historical part and today retain the features that they acquired during the restoration work of that period.
XX-XXI centuries
After the October Revolution, Soviet power came to the city. Its establishment was of controversial importance for Veliky Ustyug: the city turned into an important educational center (a university was opened in 1922), industrial enterprises were put into operation. But at the same time, the Bolsheviks destroyed many ancient churches and other structures, thereby causing great damage to the original architectural appearance of the settlement.
In the new millennium, the fate of the region we are considering is changing again. Not the last role in this was played by the city administration. GreatUstyug is gradually becoming one of the most famous tourist centers of the Russian North. To do this, new hotels are being built there and entertainment facilities are being created that are attractive to both adults and children.
Attractions
Veliky Ustyug (a glorious and beautiful city) has long been rightfully considered an open-air museum. Many buildings of the 19th century have been preserved there (the houses of Usov, Okhlopkov and others - only a few dozen buildings), as well as the baroque church of Simeon the Stylite (18th century). A must-visit is the Cathedral Yard, where the Assumption Cathedral, the current church of St. Procopius the Righteous, Bishop's house of the 18th century, as well as old outbuildings.
Folk crafts
Severnaya niello plant can also be attributed to the sights. Thanks to its products, the words "Vologda Region", "city of Veliky Ustyug" are known in many parts of our vast Motherland, and perhaps far beyond its borders. They produce a variety of souvenirs made of silver with a special blackening. This folk craft arose in the 17th century, and even then the nobles wore jewelry from Veliky Ustyug with pleasure, not only at the court of the Russian Tsar, but also abroad.
And the Veliky Ustyug patterns enterprise operates here, where they are engaged in weaving from birch bark and painting on it.
Homeland of Santa Claus
Where else would the lord of winter live, if not in the Russian North! In 1999, everyone learned that althoughmany cities of Russia claimed the title of Father Frost's homeland, Veliky Ustyug was recognized as the most suitable for this role.
The “residence” of this fairy-tale hero beloved by children is a whole tourist project that annually attracts many thousands of people from all over the country to the city. Within its framework, various events and competitions are held. In addition, Santa Claus accepts letters from children. By the way, kids from many countries write to the main magician of Russia. Each letter is necessarily considered, and not a single addressee is left without a gift.
In addition to the city residence with a museum and a post office, in the vicinity of the village there is a suburban "Father Frost's Estate". There, the children will meet the wizard himself and his granddaughter, the Snow Maiden. A park has been arranged around the luxurious wooden tower, excursions around which are conducted by fairy-tale characters, entertaining children with games, riddles and stories about fabulous life.
Be sure to visit Veliky Ustyug! You already know the history of the city in general terms, and you can find out the details in the local museum of local lore. And don't forget to take your kids with you. After all, what can bring more joy to kids than a trip to visit Grandfather Frost!
