Aleksandrovskaya Sloboda (today Alexandrov) is a provincial town, the administrative center of the Aleksandrovsky district of the Vladimir region. It is located near Moscow, only 110 km. The once famous Seraya River flows through the city. The history of this settlement goes back centuries, the first mention of it dates back to the XIV century, then its name sounded like the Great Sloboda.
History
Aleksandrovskaya Sloboda is inextricably linked with the name of Ivan the Terrible, one of the most controversial rulers in Russia. But even his father, Prince Vasily III, decided to create the Russian Versailles, and, fascinated by the beauty of nature and the richness of the hunting grounds of these places, he chose Sloboda. The best Russian and Italian masters came here, they built the Kremlin, the country palace and the Church of the Intercession. After the death of his parents, Ivan the Terrible ascended the throne, who had a special attitude to these places, and in the middle of the 16th century he unexpectedly moved here from Moscowtime ruled the country from here.
Aleksandrovskaya Sloboda owes its fame not only to luxurious buildings. The Museum-Reserve carefully preserves the way of royal life, moreover, theatrical performances about the life of the past era are recreated especially for guests. You will not only see beautiful expositions, but also try on the features of palace life during the time of Ivan the Terrible. For history buffs, these walls will be a treasure trove of information.
Alexander Kremlin
He is here too, it's a fact, because Aleksandrovskaya Sloboda has been the capital of a great state for 18 years. It recently celebrated its anniversary, exactly 500 years have passed since the founding of the city, five centuries the mysterious white-stone Kremlin looks from the hill above the river. In 1921, a museum was opened here, and in 1994 it was transformed into a reserve. It invites you to plunge into the past, get in touch with amazing history and rich cultural heritage.
Architectural and temple ensemble
Aleksandrovskaya Sloboda offers to see the wonderful creation of architects and icon painters who lived and worked here for many years. The magnificent Kremlin, made in the style of Moscow court architecture of the 15th century, has become a complex that combines the traditions of Suzdal and Italian Renaissance architecture.
The architectural complex includes unique architectural monuments of the 16th century. Again, ancient temples, you wince. But you will be wrong. It is truly fascinating and mesmerizing.
- The central place is reserved for the palacetemple of the royal residence, today it is called the Trinity Cathedral. This is the most majestic building, which always arouses the interest of tourists. Powerful, solid, almost cubic in shape, but at the same time an incredibly elegant white stone work of art, completely covered with fresco painting, which tells about the life of the Virgin.
- The Intercession Church is another tented monument of the 16th century. It was used for long and solitary prayers of the sovereign. Until 1990, we did not know all the splendor that these walls hide. Only when it was noticed that they were covered with later stratifications, a unique carved decoration was discovered under them. This is the only tent painted with a story in Russia.
- The Crucifixion Church-bell tower is the crown of the ensemble. A completely atypical style for Russian architecture, the mighty and soaring building is a fifty-meter pillar topped with a tent.
- Another building of the 16th century is the Assumption Church. A small building, refined and refined. As in all other buildings, there are spacious white stone cellars with carved vaults.
All these buildings are not separate, but look like a surprisingly harmonious complex, in which each building is in its place, complements and decorates the others. The unity is also emphasized by high walls with four corner towers built here in the 17th century. The loopholes here act as decorative elements, because the walls did not carry the defensive function, but onlyprotected the monastery from worldly fuss.
Aleksandrovskaya Sloboda - Museum-Reserve
A wide variety of guests are welcome here. Excursions are divided into entertaining and educational, for adults and children. Groups of schoolchildren are often brought here to give an unusual history lesson. Sightseeing tour "For the first time in Sloboda" includes an acquaintance with a unique palace and temple ensemble.
The journey starts from the royal chambers. The guide will tell the story of the reign of Ivan the Terrible, and his achievements and bright mind, which were combined with a harsh temper and cruelty. The narration will not be boring, because visitors can view rare exhibits in the most interesting expositions: "The Sovereign's Court in Alexander's Sloboda", "Royal Persons", "Tsar's Dining Chamber of the 16th century", "Tsar Ivan the Terrible in Painting", "Treasures of Three Centuries", "The customs of our antiquity", "In a peasant's hut".
Here you can see a lot of interesting things - this is the decoration of past eras, dishes and household items, clothes and jewelry. You will see old books, amazing works of icon painting, precious fabrics and Russian calicoes. The collection is crowned with the royal throne and tower clock. The day was divided into day and night hours, and their duration varied depending on the season.
Museum "Alexandrovskaya Sloboda" is one of the largest and most interesting in Russia. Time here flies by unnoticed. Why is it worth visiting the "dining room", who did not dream of being at the king's feast in childhood? specialAt that time, attention was paid to the interior decoration of the room. Floors, walls, windows and tables were covered with all sorts of bedspreads, curtains and capes. The room became like a lace box. This splendor was complemented by sets of gold and silver dishes.
Collected a large number of items made of precious metals, each of which is a work of art. These are bowls in the form of fruits of apples, pears or pineapples with intricate legs, unique goblets depicting animals and birds. For example, the presented “owl” vessel is made of coconut shell, fine carving depicts silver feathers, legs, tail and head. The guide will tell you the rules of court etiquette of bygone times. This can be seen today by visiting the museum "Alexandrovskaya Sloboda". Excursions are so intense that the pages of history come to life before your eyes. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the past.
But the king was famous not only for his brilliant mind, love for magnificent feasts and exceptional piety. Going down into the gloomy cellars, you will understand why the name "bloodthirsty Aleksandrovskaya Sloboda" was used. Ivan the Terrible was quick to punish, and the most insignificant offense could lead a person into the hands of executioners. The wax figures make the torture cellar eerily realistic.
Interactive tours
This is the most interesting thing the museum has to offer. Not just to look at some items neatly arranged on the shelves and listen to the stories of the guide, but to plunge into the past era andfeel it. About 30 journeys into the past can be made in the museum "Alexandrovskaya Sloboda". A map of the area, a detailed scenario, clothes and household items are provided by the workers. It is like a theatrical performance in which each participant of the excursion will play one of the roles.
Alexander Art Museum "Visiting a Merchant"
The old mansion of the merchant Pervushin, built in the neoclassical style, and the adjacent park is one of the most beautiful places in the city. Today, expositions reflecting the life of the merchants of the past era are open here. The theatrical program will allow you not only to see the estate from the inside, but also to live a few bright moments there. You will be met by the owner of the mansion Alexey Pervushin and his family. Over a cup of fragrant tea, you will learn about the life of secular society, fashion novelties, watch a "home theater" and go through an ancient fortune-telling session.
Visiting the maid
We are so accustomed to using modern household appliances (automatic washing machine and dishwasher, microwave, iron, vacuum cleaner) that we can hardly imagine our life without them. However, the servants of the gentlemen who lived in past centuries had to cook and clean, maintain complex outfits in perfect condition, and all this by hand. The maid will teach you how to inflate the samovar, iron the linen with a rubel (a wooden board with transverse grooves), clean silverware, and evenweave bast shoes.
Old Holidays
Here, on the territory of the estate, they recreate programs for celebrating various significant days, in compliance with all canons and rituals. You will be surprised to learn how much of the traditions of the ancestors are lost today. For example, a wide Maslenitsa is a whole week that is overflowing with festive affairs. Games, rituals, round dances, ditties, delicious pancakes - you will become a participant in a grand event.
A separate word about the newlyweds. Do you want to celebrate a traditional Russian wedding at a merchant's farmstead, in accordance with all the canons? Then come here on your wedding day. You are guaranteed a lot of fun and great photos. Queen Elizaveta Petrovna herself will come to congratulate the newlyweds.
Charming collection
If you like shiny stones, they will delight you. The bewitching and magical world of stone has always been a mystery to man. Change the lighting, and flickering flashes rise from the heart of the dark piece, as if a living creature is waking up. Here, in an old manor, you can enjoy a collection of semi-precious stones, minerals and rocks. An experienced guide will tell you about the healing and magical properties of each of them.
How to get to Aleksandrovskaya Sloboda
If your path will lie through Moscow, you will need to drive about 100 km along the highway towards Vladimir, and Aleksandrovskaya Sloboda will open for you. Nizhny Novgorod and Ivanovo are also connected to the museum city by a good highway, along which it is easyreachable by car or tour bus. Another option is any intercity transport. Alexandrovskaya Sloboda awaits you at any time of the year. How to get there is up to you, based on the starting point and the remoteness of your locality.
