Russia is extremely rich in sights. Centuries-old history, powerful culture and original cities make up the true glory of the country. To get a general idea of the specifics of Russian culture, it is worth seeing at least the Small Golden Ring of Russia. The list of cities included in the route may vary in different agencies, but traditionally it includes eight of the greatest Russian settlements.
What is the Golden Ring
The Big and Small Golden Ring of Russia are tourist routes through ancient Russian cities. This tourist product appeared in the 60s of the 20th century, when mass tourism of Soviet citizens began across the expanses of their homeland. The author of the name was the journalist Yuri Bychkov, who in 1967 published a series of literary and artistic essays about the cities of Ancient Russia in the newspaper Sovetskaya Kultura. Later this name wasofficially assigned to the famous cities route.
Features of the route
The specificity of the route lies in the fact that there is no single list of cities included in it, and the exact sequence of their inspection. The differences start from the starting point. Where does the Small Golden Ring of Russia route begin? St. Petersburg or Moscow are the starting points for the Big Ring. Small usually begins in Sergiev Posad or Vladimir. A feature of the route is not only the ability to make a roundabout from city to city, but also radial exits from large cities. For example, you can stop in Suzdal and from there go to Kideksha and Yuryev-Polsky. Almost all famous cities participating in the Golden Ring have such outstanding satellites.
List of cities
The route of the Small Golden Ring of Russia, the list of cities of which is slightly different in each agency, traditionally includes eight main ancient Russian capitals. These are Vladimir, Rostov the Great, Pereslavl-Zalessky, Suzdal, Kostroma, Ivanovo, Yaroslavl, Sergiev Posad.
However, the route may additionally include small towns such as Alexandrov, Bogolyubovo, Ples, Uglich. Some agencies refuse to visit Ivanovo, whose historical and cultural significance is much lower than other capital cities of the Russian principalities. Sometimes routes are built around two or three nearby cities and their environs. For example, in the vicinity of Vladimir there are 23 more cities of significant interest to tourists.
Vladimir
The route The Small Golden Ring of Russia, whose cities are the pearls of Russian culture, often starts from Vladimir. It was founded by Grand Duke Vladimir the Red Sun in 990. The development of the city is associated with the names of Vladimir Monomakh and Andrey Bogolyubsky. The main sights that should not be missed are the Golden Gate and the Assumption Cathedral - an outstanding monument of ancient Russian architecture. Several frescoes by Andrei Rublev have been preserved in the church.
In total, 10 monasteries and churches from different historical periods have been preserved in the city, which are the pride of Russian culture. These are the Dmitrievsky Cathedral and the Nativity Monastery, the Trinity Old Believer Church and other buildings. Vladimir is interesting because there are more than 200 cultural monuments of various significance on its territory, some of them are included in the UNESCO list. There are many legends about the city, they tell how the Golden Gate was created, that a ghost lives in the governor's house, and that not a single successful escape was made from the Vladimir Central. The city captivates with its architecture from different periods and a special atmosphere.
Pereslavl-Zalessky
This ancient Russian city is part of the Small Golden Ring of Russia route thanks to its ancient monasteries. There are 6 of them in the city, 4 of them are active. The monastic complexes are magnificent examples of ancient Russian temple architecture; they can be used to study the history of Russian architecture. The city is located on the shore of Lake Pleshcheyevo, whichitself is an attraction. It is about 30 thousand years old, its depth is 25 meters, and its area is 50 square meters. km. Not far from the city lies the Blue Stone, this boulder weighing 12 tons reflects the sky and is shrouded in a whole range of secrets and myths. It is interesting that the stone is not covered with snow, next to it is a Tree that fulfills wishes. Legends say that the stone moves in some special direction. The city fascinates with its measured and traditional life, here the features of the Russian character are revealed in the best possible way.
Suzdal
Another outstanding city included in the route of the Small Golden Ring of Russia is Suzdal. This quietest city has preserved the spirit of Ancient Russia, there are no high-rise buildings and noisy highways, you can endlessly wander through the narrow streets, breathing in the "air of ancient times". Spaso-Efimievskiy monastery is more than 600 years old, on its territory you can see 30 cathedrals of different historical periods.
There are 5 monasteries in Suzdal, the most interesting museum of wooden architecture, where you can see the buildings of ancient masters, created without a single nail. Suzdal, which is already almost 1000 years old, keeps many architectural monuments of the 12th-19th centuries. Every July, a unique and very cheerful Cucumber Festival takes place here. And the city is also a recognized center for the production of mead, there is a factory that produced this drink for the royal table.
Kostroma
A tour of the Small Golden Ring of Russia would be incomplete without a visit to Kostroma. This vintagethe city on the Volga is considered the birthplace of Ivan Susanin and is proud of its history. Kostroma was founded in 1152 by Yuri Dolgoruky. The city gained particular fame during the Time of Troubles, when the heir to the throne, Mikhail Romanov, was saved from the Poles by Ivan Susanin and hidden in the Ipatiev Monastery. In subsequent years, Kostroma enjoyed the special favor of the royal family. The city has preserved two outstanding monastic complexes: Ipatiev and Bogoyavlensky. Kostroma is considered the birthplace of the Snow Maiden, there is even her tower here, which children and adults enjoy visiting. Unhurried walks along the Volga give special charm to Kostroma, magnificent views of this ancient city open up from the ship.
Yaroslavl
The route of the Golden Ring of Russia (Big and Small) necessarily runs through the ancient city of Yaroslavl. The settlement in this place existed in the Neolithic era. But the formation of the city is associated with the name of Yaroslav the Wise. There is a legend about the appearance of the city - here, allegedly, Prince Yaroslav defeated a bear, in honor of this event, the emblem of the city is decorated with a bear with an ax. Historians doubt this version and say that the city was founded by a completely different prince with the same name. The oldest landmark of the city is the Transfiguration Cathedral in the Spassky Monastery, which dates back to the beginning of the 16th century. The churches of Elijah the Prophet and John the Baptist are the pride of the city, they are outstanding examples of the famous Yaroslavl architectural school. The unique Tolga Monastery has been operating in the city since the 14th century and is one of the oldest in Russia. Ancient churches and buildings in Yaroslavl are at every turn, the city retains the atmosphere of antiquity, many historical films were filmed on its streets.
Sergiev Posad
The route of the Small Golden Ring of Russia often starts from the city of Sergiev Posad, which is located on a convenient way from Moscow. The main attraction of the city is the Trinity-Sergius Lavra - one of the oldest stauropegial monasteries in Russia. It was founded in 1337, Ivan the Terrible was baptized here, and the history of the monastery is closely connected with Russian history.
Also, the city is proud of the magnificent old Elijah's Church, which stands on the banks of the Kelar Pond. Pilgrims are attracted by the miraculous Gethsemane Chernigov Skete, which is not only a masterpiece of ancient Russian architecture, but also a place of prayers and requests for healing. A miracle of nature is the Gremyachiy Klyuch waterfall in the suburbs of Sergiev Posad. The city is considered the heart of Russian Orthodoxy, and a special spirit of faith and grace is felt here.
Rostov the Great
Rostov the Great is a real gem of the Small Golden Ring of Russia route. Reviews of tourists about visiting this city are filled with enthusiasm and vivid emotions. Indeed, the city has something to show.
Founded Rostov in 862, it has always played a prominent role in the life of the Russian state. The city has preserved more than 300 historicalmonuments from different eras. Tourists are especially interested in visiting the ancient white-stone Rostov Kremlin. Also, several of the oldest Russian monasteries continue to operate in the city. Unusual views can be photographed on the shores of Lake Nero, which is over 500 thousand years old. From the interesting: in Rostov there is an unusual Museum of Jam and the Museum of the Frog Princess.
