You love to travel, but you don’t have enough time for long trips? We advise you to visit the ancient capital of North-Eastern Rus’ – the city of Vladimir. Here you can have a pleasant time, get acquainted with the masterpieces of ancient Russian architecture and simply take a break from the rhythm of life in the capital.
Vladimir is located 180 kilometers from Moscow: just a couple of hours by bus or car and you are there. There is a more convenient way. Almost every hour, trains depart from Kursky Station in this direction. The cost of a ticket to Vladimir starts from 500 rubles and depends on the departure time and type of train.
Vladimir is included in the list of historical cities of Russia, approved by the Ministry of Culture. According to some sources, it was founded by Prince Vladimir the Great. According to others, it was built by Vladimir Monomakh, who ruled 2 hundred years after his namesake.
The main attractions of the city are temples and monasteries. For example, the Nativity of the Mother of God Monastery (on the map) is popular among city guests. The first mention of it dates back to 1191. Externally, the monastery looks very strict, even ascetic. Despite all historical adversities, it managed to preserve its historical appearance. Now he appears to tourists almost exactly the same as Queen Elizabeth saw him, making the final adjustments to his appearance.
An interesting fact – it was here, in the church of the Nativity Monastery, that the relics of Alexander Nevsky were kept for a long time. Only in 1724, on the initiative of Peter the Great, they were moved to St. Petersburg.
The Trinity Church, located in the very center of the city (on the map), is also of interest to travelers. It became the last church built in Vladimir during Tsarist Russia. Its construction was timed to coincide with the 300th anniversary of the reign of the House of Romanov. Ironically, by the time construction of the Trinity Church was completed in 1916, the position of the imperial family was quite precarious.
In the 1960s, they wanted to demolish the church, but, thanks to the efforts of the city community, the monument was defended. The churches even found cultural use – since 1974, the building has housed an exhibition of the Vladimir-Suzdal Museum.
It is curious that locals call this church “Red”; the fact is that its walls are made of red brick.
Next to the “Red Church” there is another Vladimir landmark – the Golden Gate (on the map).
Back in 1164, Prince Bogolyubsky appointed Vladimir as the capital of his principality and, in order to strengthen his own possessions, ordered the construction of 5 gates. Only one, called “Golden”, has survived to this day. At one time, this gate was central and served as a ceremonial entrance to the richest part of the city. Above them is an elegant, compact chapel. It is believed that she blesses all guests of the city.
Prince Yuri Dolgoruky, maintaining the tradition of his predecessors, built a church in Vladimir in honor of his own guardian angel. This is how the Church of St. George the Victorious appeared (on the map). In 1778 it completely burned down. So the building we see today is a reconstruction done in 1784.
In Soviet times, the temple was closed and used for the needs of state industry. Fortunately, today guests and residents of the city again have the opportunity to visit it. Since August 8, 2008, regular services have been held in the temple.
One of the main attractions of Vladimir is the Assumption Cathedral (on the map). Not a single excursion is complete without visiting this place. The temple was erected during the reign of Prince Andrei Bogolyubsky in the middle of the 12th century. The purpose of its construction is to store the Icon of Our Lady of Vladimir; however, in 1521 the icon was transported to Moscow.
The Assumption Cathedral is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. It is decorated with frescoes that are more than 600 years old, and Andrei Rublev participated in the painting of the cathedral.
Despite the fact that people go to Vladimir for its historical and religious architecture, you can visit it on some unusual excursions. For example, you can go to the museum of the Vladimir Central prison (on the map),
gained nationwide fame thanks to the song of the same name by Mikhail Krug. The museum’s exhibits include crafts, photographs, and sometimes personal documents of prisoners. Records of prominent prisoners are also presented. In the museum you can learn about the history of this prison.
Vladimir is a city where every visitor begins to feel as if he is traveling in time. Ancient and surprisingly well-preserved buildings here coexist with completely modern shopping centers, cafes and souvenir shops. In addition to traditional magnets, tourists often buy Pokrovsky gingerbreads, wicker items, birch bark products, painted jewelry and incredibly delicious Vladimir chocolate in Vladimir. These and many other souvenirs will be a great reminder of your trip.
