Sergiev Posad (founded in 1345, population
115,000) - the spiritual center of Russia, residence of the Patriarch
of the Russian Orthodox Church, where the remains of the first
national saint, Sergei Radonezh, rests. In the heart of Sergiev
Posad is a well-preserved splendid architectural ensemble of over
50 historical buildings, as well as magnificent art collections
including old Russian painting and the treasures in the vaults
of the former Trinity Monastery.
Suzdal (founded in 1024, population 12,000) - this little quiet
town is a real gem, one of the most beautiful in the Golden Ring
collection of citeis and towns. In the 11th century Suzdal became
the very first forepost of Christianity in the North-Eastern Russia
and significantly affected the religious life in Russia until
the end of 19 century. The town was destroyed by Mongols in 1238.
Later Suzdal became the capital city of Russian prince Yury Dolgoruky
who is considered to be the founder of Moscow. The second destruction
of the town came with the Polish invasion in the 17th century.
Here you can find over 100 church and secular buildings dating
from the mid-12th to the mid-19th century crowded into a area
of 9 square km.
Tutaev (founded in 1283, population 45,000) - is an old little
town sprawling on both banks of the Volga river. Tutaev (formerly
known as Romanovo-Borisoglebsk) is divided by the Volga river
into two parts. The former town Romanov is located on the left
high bank of the river, the former town Borisoglebsk is on the
right sloping one. Romanov was called after the Russian prince
Roman of Uglich who was the founder of this town, Borisoglebsk
got its name in connection with the Church of St. Boris and St.
Gleb erected there in the 15th century. The towns were united
under the new name Romanovo-Borisoglebsk in 1822. In 1918 the
town's name was changed to Tutaev in honour of the Red Army hero
who was killed during the Civil war .
Uglich (founded in 937, population 38,000) - the town was built
on a major trade route. In its history Uglich has survived destruction
by the Mongols and lived through the devastation of fires and
plagues. Uglich is famous for Russia's darkest secret - the death
of young Prince Dimitri, son of Ivan the Terrible who is often
called Tsarevich (a heir to the throne) Dmitry. The Tsarevich,
a sickly boy, was the last of the Rurik dynasty. While playing
with a knife in the yard he stabbed himself by accident or was
stabbed by an assassin allegedly sent by Boris Godunov, his competitor
for the throne. The center of the town also is a historical and
architectural landmark. The streets are wide, with various churches
standing side by side along the road. These churches vary in size
and have domes and belfries of different shapes and designs, all
of which add to the charm of this small town. Uglich is known
in Russia for simple-designed and reliable watches. The local
factory, which makes beautiful women's watches decorated with
special "Finift" paintings on porcelain which are incorporated
into the bands of the watches.
Vladimir (founded in 1108, population 400,000) - one of the oldest
Russian cities, was founded by the Russian Prince Vladimir Monomakh
on the banks of the Kliazma river. The city really blossomed in
the 12th century during the reign of Prince Andrey Bogolubsky,
who strengthened its defences, welcomed architects, icon-painters,
jewellers from other countries, built new palaces and churches
so magnificent that travelers compaired them with the ones in
the "mother of all Russian cities"- Kiev. Until the middle of
14th century the city had been an administrative, cultural and
religious center for North-Eastern Russia. During the Mongol invasion
in the 13th century Vladimir was beseiged, looted and almost totally
destroyed. Presently the city is a capital of the Vladimir province.
Yaroslavl (founded in 1010, population 600,000 ) - as the legend
goes it was founded by the famous Russian prince Yaroslav the
Wise as a fortified settlement on the Volga river. After a huge
fire of 1658 that turned most of the city into ruins, Jaroslavl
was rebuilt in stone and reached the peak of its architectural
development with palaces and churches richly decorated with beautiful
frescoes and ornaments thus earning the title "Florence of Russia".
The first Russian professional theater was established here by
Volkov in 1750. Since the 18th century Jaroslavl has been an important
industrial center. Today it is a quiet metropolitan city, one
of Russia's largest regional centres, a capital of the Jaroslav
province and one of the most beautiful cities of old Russia.
Yuriev-Polsky (founded in 1152, population 20,000) - was founded
by the Prince Yury Dolgoruky (who also founded Moscow in 1147)
and named after himself. The second word "Polsky" means "among
the fields" as it is situated in the heart of fertile and flat
Suzdal land. These beautiful landscapes inspired the great painters
and writers such as Repin, Tyutchev, Odoevsky, Soloukhin. Local
textile centre since the 18th century.
HOW TO GET THERE: By plane to Moscow. From Moscow you can travel
the cities and towns of the Golden Ring either by a tour bus or
by a river cruise ship. The last option limits the number of towns
that you can visit as they have to be situated close to the Volga
river. We recommend you to take a bus tour for 3 to 10 days depending
on your stamina and level of interest in Russian history. A typical
3-4-day tour from Moscow covers up to 7 cities and towns of the
Golden Ring. You travel during the day time in a comfortable bus
with a well-trained English-speaking guide and spend nights at
hotels with Western-class service (usually- 3 star). The Golden
Ring tour can be perfectly combined with 2-3 day program in Moscow.
Almost every major travel agency in Moscow sells Golden Ring tours
and it is much cheaper to buy them on the spot in Russia then
to purchase a tour included into a vacation package from Europe
or overseas. Communication is not a problem, these days all personnel
in respectable agencies in Russia speak English.
WHEN TO GO: The best season to travel to
Russia is summer, from June to August, the warmest time of the
year there. Rains are usual during summers, do not forget to pack
your umbrella. Weather can be unpredictably cold, even in the
European part of Russia, so take some warm clothing. You can check
next week weather forecast for Moscow here.
TRAVEL TIPS: A passport and a Russian visa are required to travel
in or transit through Russia. To learn more about how to obtain
Russian visa please visit Russian Embassy website. Without a visa,
travelers cannot register at hotels and may be required to leave
the country immediately via the route by which they entered, at
the cost of the traveler. Russian customs officers strictly follow
document regulations so travelers are advised to have all papers
in order. It is also recommended that additional copies of passport
and visa be kept in a safe place in case of loss or theft. Elderly
travelers and those with existing health problems may be at risk
due to inadequate medical facilities. Doctors and hospitals often
expect immediate cash/dollar payment for health services at Western
rates so supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas
coverage is very useful. Travelers should be certain that all
immunizations are up-to-date, especially for diphtheria and typhoid.
Quality of tap water varies from city to city but normally is
quite poor. Only boiled or bottled water should be drunk throughout
Russia. Crime against foreigners in Russia continues to be a problem,
especially in major cities. Pick pocketing, assaults, and robberies
occur. Foreigners who have been drinking alcohol are especially
vulnerable to assault and robbery in or around night clubs or
bars, or on their way home. Robberies may occur in taxis shared
with strangers. Be aware that public washrooms are difficult to
find, and usually you have to pay there. To use a public phone
you will need a token or local card. International calls can not
be made from street phones. Your mobile phone will work in Moscow
and Saint Petersburg but seldom in regional cities. Taxi fee must
be discussed with a driver before a journey. In the major cities
you can rent a car if you do not mind fairly rugged road conditions,
a few hassles finding petrol, getting lost now and then and paying
high rent price. Public transport in Russia is quite good, cheap
and easy to use though sometimes overcrowded. Restaurants seldom
have a menu in English. Tipping is expected but not mandatory.
Signs in English are common on the streets of Moscow and other
big cities. In large cities it is not hard to find a passerby
who can answer your questions in Engish. Electricity throughout
Russia is 220 volt/50 hz. The plug is the two-pin thin European
standard.
We wish you a safe and nice trip!
For more information, descriptions of main points of interest
in every town of the Golden Ring, some photographs and useful
links about Russian history please visit us: TravelMake.com
About the Author
TravelMake.com - one
of leading online discount travel agencies, a source of useful
travel information.
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