The Golden Ring of Russia

The Golden ring is one of the most popular Russian journeys among the local and foreign tourists. It takes you through the ancient cities of Central Russia (Vladimir, Suzdal, Sergiev Pasad, Rostov, Perislavl-Zalessky, Yaroslavl, Kostroma, etc.) with their magnificent architectural monuments and the breathtaking views of the Russian landscapes. All cities and towns are located relatively close to each other, forming a ring, hence, giving this route its name. You can easily get from one place to another by bus, commuter train or by car.

The towns of the Golden Ring represent 1,000 years of rich Russian history written in stone and wood, from an 850-year old church in Rostov to a 19th-century log house in the Suzdal’s open air museum. Each of the “golden” Russian towns once played an important role in the history of Russia and was connected in one way or another with famous historical figures such as Alexander Nevsky, Ivan the Terrible, Peter the Great and many others. In addition to their great historic value, the towns represent the true provincial Russia.  Such towns as Vladimir, Ivanovo, Kostroma, Yaroslavl can give you a pick of the traditional Russian way of life, not yet as much westernized and hectic as the big cities.

Vladimir

The City of Vladimir is one of the oldest Russian communities. It is located in the heart of the historic Vladimir region (Vladimirskaya Oblast) 115 miles northeast of Moscow on the bank of the Klyazma River. The city was founded in either 990 or 1108, depending on which historians you consult. For the better part of two centuries (from 1157 to the mid 1300s) it was the capital of ancient Rus’. Vladimir is now considered one of the major members of the Golden Ring of communities which have played a significant role in Russian history.

Among many other attractions, the City boasts three UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These are the Golden Gates, Vladimir’s unofficial symbol, and the Assumption and St. Demetrius Cathedrals. The city is also home to several award winning museums, art galleries and theaters; a number of world-class performing groups, artists, and artisans, and several first rate institutions of higher learning.

Suzdal
Suzdal is another notable town in the Golden Ring. It thrived between its founding in 1024 and its sacking by Mongols in 1238, and has remained peripheral ever since. Its residents have retained a quiet dignity and sometimes the town feels untouched by Russia’s past century of upheaval. It boasts 50 well-preserved examples of ancient architecture contained within a relatively small area, providing a wonderfully coherent vision of its past.

Suzdal’s highlights are its convents and monasteries. The oldest and the first on most tours is Rizopolozhensky Monastery, founded in 1207. Most structures inside date from 300 years later, including the three-domed Rizopolozhensky Cathedral at the center of the complex. Monks again wander the grounds, seemingly unperturbed by tourists.

Sergiev Pasad

This town’s magnificent 14th-century monastery and its history as the holiest of Russia’s Orthodox shrines draw pilgrims from around the country and plenty of non-Russian tourists and are often called the Russian Vatican. Suzdal is a great place to study Russian architecture and sociology, as well as Orthodox traditions. Music enthusiasts will appreciate informal choral concerts – even a small midday church service produces hypnotizing harmonies. The town also claims to be the birthplace of the matryoshka, the ubiquitous nesting doll.

Rostov

While the official name of the town is Rostov, it is better known to Russians as Rostov Veliky (Rostov the Great). This name is used to distinguish it from Rostov on Don, which is now a much larger city.

Rostov is one of the oldest towns in Russia, tracing its roots back to 862 AD. The town has a long history of rebellion, and many of its inhabitants (including women who dressed in men’s clothing) went on to fight other principalities and invading armies. The city played a critical role in Russian history, having been a major site of siege and revolt against the Mongols in the 13th and 14th centuries, and the birthplace of some of the most influential leaders and clerics of the early Russian state.

Yaroslavl
Yaroslavl is one of the bigger cities in the Golden ring with over half a million of population.  It is a unique city on the Volga River where the breathtaking beauty of the nature, the splendor of ancient architecture and the modern industry coexist in harmony. The town was first mentioned in Russian chronicles at the beginning of the 11th century. As the ancient legend goes, on the precise location of today’s city Great Kiev Prince Yaroslav the Wise killed a bear and ordered to build a fortress. Another legend says that the Prince with the retinue conquered a small pagan settlement and cut out a heathen picture of bear with an axe. These legends explain the emblem to the town – a bear with a pole-axe represented on a silver shield.

Yaroslavl has some of the Golden Ring’s most impressive churches and monasteries featuring country’s most beautiful frescos. It is also a college town, with about a dozen universities. The city boasts the oldest remaining theater in all of Russia, the Volkov Theater built in 1750.

Kostroma
This town stands at the confluence of the Volga and the River Kostroma. It is a renowned cheese-making centre. Its most outstanding building is the Ipatievski Monastery-Fortress. Built during the first half of the 14th century, it became the Romanovs’ residence three centuries later. The open-air museum features a collection of traditional Russian buildings, including wooden churches, log cabins and windmills brought from all over Russia.

Useful things to remember when traveling to Russia:

VISAS

Travel in Russia has become easier than ever. Remember however that visa is required. And you need a fully licensed travel company like Go To Russia Travel (www.gotorussia.com) to provide the necessary visa support and registration

TOURS:

We recommend taking a tour to fully see all beauty and historic importance of the towns of the Golden ring. Book your tour here: http://www.gotorussia.com/travel_services_tours_and_packages.htm

FLIGHTS:

Getting to Moscow from the US requires a non-stop 10-hour flight from New York, Atlanta, Washington D.C. or Chicago. You can book your tickets at www.eufares.com

TRAIN TICKETS:

You can travel the Golden ring by train from Moscow, trains tickets are available online http://www.trainsrussia.com/en/travels

Russia Golden Ring of Russia, KLM, Russia holiday, Russia travel, Suzdal, The Golden Ring, Vladimir