If you have already explored the whole of Moscow inside and out, it’s time to expand the range of your travels to cities located not far from the capital. For example, next weekend you can go to Suzdal.
There is no railway in Suzdal, so you will first have to take a train to Vladimir. Ticket costs from 500 rubles. And the travel time will be from one and a half to three hours. There is a direct bus from Vladimir to Suzdal, which will take you to this beautiful city in less than an hour.
Suzdal is rightfully considered the pride of the Golden Ring of Russia. Tourists come here both in summer and winter. The area of the city is only 15 square kilometers. This modest territory contains 53 temples and about 200 historical and architectural monuments, most of which are world heritage sites and are protected under the auspices of UNESCO.
It is best to start your sightseeing from the Suzdal Kremlin (on the map). The Nativity Cathedral, St. Nicholas Church and the Bishop’s Chambers are located here. The Kremlin is the oldest building in the city: its history dates back to the time of Vladimir Monomakh. Archaeologists are inclined to believe that all the Kremlin structures were erected at the beginning of the 10th century. The majestic and snow-white Nativity Cathedral is the very first Christian church in Suzdal, the main pride of which is the Golden Gate. They were made by Suzdal craftsmen using the “fire gilding” method in the first half of the 13th century.
When visiting the Bishop’s Chambers, it is worth looking into the Cross Hall, where ceremonial state receptions were held many centuries ago. The museum is open every day except Tuesday and the last Friday of the month. Ticket price – from 250 rubles.
To truly feel like a resident of Ancient Rus’ and immerse yourself in history, you need to go to the Shchurovo Settlement Museum (on the map). This is a unique place with buildings from the time of Yuri Dolgoruky. In addition to excursions, various master classes are held here, and anyone can take part in them. For example, you can ride a horse, learn archery, or become familiar with the art of wielding a sword. In addition, you can learn how to bake delicious bread in a Russian oven and visit the petting zoo with rabbits, chickens and kids. Reconstructed historical battles are often held on the museum grounds. Shchurovo Settlement welcomes visitors on weekends, with entrance tickets starting from 200 rubles, and small children under 5 years old can enter for free.
Traveling around Suzdal, you will notice that the churches were built in “pairs”: winter and summer. One of the most beautiful such ensembles is the Resurrection and Kazan churches, located on the territory of Gostiny Dvor.
The Church of the Resurrection is distinguished by its austere appearance: there are no decorative elements on its facade and even there are no platbands on the windows (on the map). Initially, the temple was wooden, but after a fire in 1719, only the bell remained, which was cast during the time of Fyodor I Ioannovich, the son of Ivan the Terrible. The church was completely restored, but from stone. Next to the temple there is a bell tower where tourists can climb to admire the stunning panorama of the Trade Square and its surroundings.
Kazan Church (on the map),
“warm”, intended for worship in winter and late autumn, was rebuilt several times, so it is quite difficult to judge its original appearance, but in its strict and laconic appearance the metal “ridge” on the ridge of the roof stands out.
A tour of Suzdal would not be complete without visiting the Museum of Wooden Architecture (on the map). Here you can look at the unique buildings of the 17th-19th centuries, stay in a merchant’s house, feel like a wealthy peasant or a simple farm laborer. There are two churches on the property; It is noteworthy that both were erected without the use of nails. All the buildings are amazing not only from the outside: historians have been able to recreate the life of peasants and merchants with incredible accuracy. The houses contain antique furniture, kitchen utensils, craft items – everything that people used many centuries ago.
In addition to churches and houses, on the territory of the museum there are ancient windmills, wells, barns and sheds. All exhibits can not only be viewed and photographed, but also touched to truly feel the spirit of antiquity. The Museum of Wooden Architecture is open every day, except Wednesdays and the last Friday of the month. Entrance ticket for an adult costs 200 rubles.
Few people know that the filming of the comedy “Balzaminov’s Marriage” took place in Suzdal. The house in which Misha’s groom “lived” still stands (on the map). It is almost the same as in the film. The only problem is you can’t go inside the house. But you can admire the structure and remember scenes from your favorite movie as much as you like!
The Cucumber Festival is celebrated annually in Suzdal. Tourists from different cities of our homeland specially come to it. In addition to celebrating the vegetable, the city hosts no less interesting events, for example, the Laptya Festival, goose fights, and the Middle Ages festival. On such days the flow of tourists is especially large. This year the holiday will be held on July 15th.
Don’t forget about memorable souvenirs for yourself and your loved ones. From Suzdal you can bring birch bark boxes, boxes, hand-painted plates, as well as original candlesticks. Also popular among tourists are skillfully embroidered icons and, of course, the famous Suzdal mead, which you can try in the tasting room of the Suzdal mead factory (on the map).
