In our article, we will talk about one of the oldest cities in the Moscow region. Zvenigorod was founded by Yuri Dolgoruky in 1152. However, in official documents the first mention of it dates back to 1339. At that time, Ivan Kalita gave Zvenigorod to his son. Since then, the city has been the center of several principalities. He was repeatedly devastated by the Tatars and Poles. Currently, the city is becoming increasingly popular as a tourist center. Therefore, we want to talk about what to see in Zvenigorod.
Zvenigorod town
Tourists who come to the city are primarily interested in the sights. What to see in Zvenigorod? If you are attracted by historical places, then you should start exploring the ancient monuments from the Zvenigorod town. After all, it was with him that the city began. In 1152, Yuri Dolgoruky liked the steep bank of the river, so he decided to found a village here. However, too much time has passed since then. There were no traces left at the site of the first settlement. Only a large wasteland survived, surrounded on all sides by ramparts with pine trees. Here is the white stone Assumption Cathedral. Experts believe that it was erected in 1399. Only those shafts are older than it. From the cathedral there is a gentle slope passing into a steep mountain leading to the river bed. Thus, the protection of the settlement was built in due time.
Nearby is another temple - the Epiphany Church. The building is relatively new, since it was erected on the site of the old in 1893.
An interesting fact is that in the Assumption Church the walls in their original form, painted by Andrei Rublev, survived. Little is known about the artist himself, but his work is clearly evidenced by his work.
Unfortunately, to this day in the wasteland, where the Zvenigorod town once stood, only the Assumption Church survived. Once there was still a tower-palace, oak towers, log cabins. But all the buildings disappeared during the raids of the Tatar-Mongol.
Savvino-Storozhevsky monastery
Even if you are passing through here, you will probably be interested in the sights of Zvenigorod. What to see in one day to have at least some idea of the city? Locals recommend paying attention to the Savvino-Storozhsky monastery, which is considered to be the main attraction. It is worth noting that it is one of the most revered monasteries in Russia. This monastery was first awarded the status of a laurel. It was founded at the end of the 14th century by the monk Savva, a disciple of Sergius of Radonezh.
Over a 600-year history, the monastery has experienced periods of prosperity and decline. Now the monastery boasts chic Tsaritsyny chambers, beautiful temples and the palace of Alexei Mikhailovich (XVII century).
From the annals, the date of foundation of the monastery became known - 1398. Initially, only the wooden Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary was built. Later, Savva built a monastery near her. In the XV-XVII centuries, the monastery became an outpost for the Moscow principality. She was often visited by kings. Under Alexei Mikhailovich, the monastery served as a suburban residence. It was at that time that the palace and the chambers were erected. The monastery was not damaged during the war of 1812. After the revolution, it was closed, and the values were taken out of it. The monastery began to revive in 1995 and continues to this day.
Savvino-Storozhevsky Skete
What can I see in Zvenigorod? You can visit the Savvinsky monastery. It is he, and not the Savvino-Storozhevsky monastery, that is known far beyond Zvenigorod.
On giving, St. Savva Storozhevsky retired from his teacher and settled on the banks of the Storozhka River in solitude. However, his fame did not give him the opportunity to live in solitude for a long time. In speed he was surrounded by numerous novices.
Since then, a lot of time has passed - about 600 years. But the Savva cave, which he built for himself, still attracts many tourists and believers. Next to it is a holy spring, near which the font was equipped. At the end of the 19th century, a church and cells for monks were built on the site of the cave. Later, additional premises were completed. Here also appeared the house church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. The territory was constantly expanding, new buildings were being completed. After the revolution, many buildings were destroyed. Only the Savvinsky monastery remained. Now it is being restored, the temple itself has been restored.
Alexander Nevsky Church
Tourists are very impressed with the historical sights of Zvenigorod. What to see in the city among such a variety of architectural monuments? One of the key objects is the Alexander Nevsky Church, made of brick. The complex includes a bell tower and a refectory. The history of the temple began in 1895. The townspeople decided to honor the memory of Alexander III, but there was no better way than to build a church.
The temple was erected with donations from local residents. In the future, the fate of the structure was pretty good. In 1898 it was closed, and services ceased. Within the walls of the temple was a female dormitory, and later a communications center. The building was rebuilt to meet new needs. The Alexander Nevsky Church was returned to the church in 1991. Seven years later, the appearance of the building was recreated. Now services are being conducted in the church, a Sunday school is working, and an Orthodox library has been formed.
Prishvin Museum
Temples are not the only attractions in the city. What to see in Zvenigorod in one day? Noteworthy is the Prishvin House Museum. It is located five kilometers from the city. In the village of Dudino, the writer lived with his wife since 1946. Prishvin's house is striking in its architecture. It is completely unlike the rest of the estates near Moscow. But this is understandable, since the first mistress was from Finland.
Near the house there is a small plot and an apple alley. After the death of the writer, his wife insisted that the house be turned into a museum. For a long time, she herself worked as his caretaker. Prishvin Museum will be interesting to all admirers of his talent.
Museum of History and Architecture
Do not know what's interesting to see in Zvenigorod? Visit the historical and architectural museum on the territory of the Savvino-Storozhevskaya monastery. As we have already mentioned, the monastery complex itself is unusually beautiful. And one of the most memorable buildings on its territory is the museum, which is located in a 17th-century building. One-story mansion was built for the wife of Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich - Maria Miloslavskaya. Therefore, the building was called the Tsaritsyn Chambers. The central part is equipped with a massive porch and decorated with columns. She intended for the queen herself. Side rooms were reserved for the retinue.
The museum in the building has been located since 1920. In those distant years, the exposition was dedicated to landlord life and church utensils. One of the most valuable items in the collection are the icons of the XVII century. It is worth noting that the whole monastery survived in due time due to the fact that it became part of the museum complex as an architectural heritage. Nevertheless, the museum was closed several times and other institutions were located in its premises. Unfortunately, this led to the fact that many exhibits were lost.
The museum is one of the most interesting places in Zvenigorod. What to see in its walls? Within its walls, the exposition "Ancient Zvenigorod" and "Chambers of the Noblewoman of the 17th Century" are open. The latter gives guests an idea of how the nobility lived 400 years ago. In 2006, ornaments on the walls of the palace were restored. During the tour, tourists are told a lot of interesting things about how the queen lived, what she ate, what she did in her free time.
The second part of the exhibition tells about the history of the city. In the museum you can see valuable books, archaeological finds, icons, utensils, furniture and utensils. The Historical and Architectural Museum can be safely called one of the most interesting sights in Zvenigorod.
Ascension Church
The Ascension Church dates back to the 16th century. A wooden building once stood on the site of the present building. But the temple of fragile material was replaced by a stone. And later built a bell tower. The temple was badly damaged during the war of 1812. But fortunately, it was quickly restored.
In 1898, a small reconstruction was made in the temple, during which the murals and murals were updated. And near it began to build the church of Alexander Nevsky. After the revolution, it was closed, and in 1941 dismantled. At the end of the 20th century, a chapel was erected in memory of the Ascension Church. And in 2003, it was decided to revive the temple, and to do it according to a new project, and not according to old drawings. But before starting work, the hill began to be studied by historians and archaeologists. During the excavations, finds were made that made it possible to study the life of the population of the Middle Ages.
After the construction of a new church, the grave of a clergyman was found. The remains were solemnly reburied on the hill. Now the Ascension Church is the most revered in the suburbs.
Ershov Manor
What is a must see in Zvenigorod? Local guides recommend going to the estate of Ershov, which is one of the most picturesque places in the region. Centennial lindens planted in orderly rows of alleys, the Count's Palace and stunning ponds with bridges create a special atmosphere here.
Now in the walls of the Olsufievs' estate is a rest house, but its territory is open to all comers. Therefore, every tourist has the opportunity to feel the spirit of antiquity.
It is worth noting that the estate is one of the few that survived in the Moscow region after the war of 1812 and the Great Patriotic War. This place is one of the most outstanding in Zvenigorod. What to see in the estate? It is worth paying attention to the facades of the building. On the courtyard side, the house is decorated with a terrace and arched staircase, and on the garden side - a glazed loggia with an antique colonnade. Now the building houses the administration of the holiday home, so tourists can only visit the first floor. A small exposition dedicated to the Olsufievs family is exhibited here. You should also take a walk along the alleys of the park, which are open to all comers. It is worth noting that the stands have retained the original layout. Here you can walk along the linden alleys and admire the lake with islands and a bridge.
Museum of Russian dessert
What to see in Zvenigorod with children? The Museum of Russian Dessert is one of the most interesting places in the city. Here you can not only learn a lot of interesting things about the appearance of sweets in Russia, but also drink a hot seagull with goodies.
The museum has an unusual design. It is made in the style of an old Russian hut with characteristic furniture. In the main hall there are various boxes and jars of sweets that can be purchased. And in the second room you can see the traditional Russian stove and utensils of those times. Judging by the reviews, the children really like the museum, because tables are set here, where you can enjoy desserts. And the teas offered by employees are brewed according to old Russian recipes. If you have not yet decided what to see in Zvenigorod in 1 day, feel free to go to the Museum of Russian Dessert!
INASAN Observatory
What you should definitely see in Zvenigorod is the observatory. Not everyone knows even about its existence. Meanwhile, this is a very interesting place. The observatory is located 12 kilometers from the city, near the village of Lutsino. It was built in 1964 as an observation station for Earth satellites. And only in 1996 the station received the status of an observatory. Currently, the observatory is observing artificial satellites of the planet and space debris. During the tour of the station, you can see the first equipment that was installed here and which is no longer in use. The most interesting device is the astrograph. In addition, visitors have the opportunity to look at the sky through a telescope.
Manor Big Vyazemy
What to see in the summer in Zvenigorod? There are a lot of attractions in the city. In the warm season, you can visit not only interesting places in Zvenigorod itself, but also in the immediate surroundings. Tourists will certainly be interested in visiting the museum complex of Pushkin in the village of Big Vyazemy.
The estate was built at the end of the XVI century. At that time, Godunov was its owner. The Transfiguration Cathedral and a group of wooden buildings, as well as fortifications with ramparts, were built in the village. Big Vyazemy was a full-fledged fortress with ramparts. In 1694, the estate passed to Boris Golitsyn, after which it fell into decay. During the XVIII century, the princely palace, residential buildings and other buildings were erected here. In the XIX century, Napoleon and Mikhail Kutuzov visited the estate. Later, the estate was visited by Leo Tolstoy and the nearby Pushkin-Hannibal family. In Soviet times, the estate was abandoned. And only in the 80s of the last century did Big Vyazemy begin to rebuild. Currently, the estate conducts excursions and educational work.
Museum "Back to the USSR"
An unusual museum appeared on the wave of nostalgia. The creators of the institution provide an opportunity for guests here to give pleasant memories. The museum exposition consists of household items, interiors and clothes of the Soviet era. Here you can see toys, books, cameras, vacuum cleaners and other things of those times. It is noteworthy that all exhibits can be touched.
They conduct interesting sightseeing tours for students and adults, which last 30 minutes. During this time, you can completely immerse yourself in the era of the 50-80s.
Children's excursion is designed mainly for those who did not find the Soviet era. Children can find out how their peers lived, what they did, how they spent their leisure time without mobile phones, computers and tablets. Usually the toys of those years are puzzling to contemporaries. Nevertheless, children are very interested to see the exhibition.
In the museum’s cafeteria you can taste the milkshakes prepared on the Soviet Voronezh installation, drink lemonade, taste the cake prepared according to GOST, watch the Soviet cartoon.
In the hall for children, master classes are held where children are taught to burn wood, craft paper crafts, paint gingerbread cookies and build houses. The museum has a slide projector, where you can watch cartoons. And for adults, workers include songs from those years. A museum has been opened at the museum, which sells Shipr cologne, Red Moscow perfumes, tin toys and other interesting things.
What to see in Zvenigorod in one day?
Very often, tourists come to the city for the weekend. One day trips are very popular and quite suitable for sightseeing in Zvenigorod. What to see in 1 day? This question is asked by all guests.
Inspection of the village can be started from the center. It is worth noting that Zvenigorod is a small town with very motley houses. Here you can see not only high-rise buildings, but also old wooden houses. In the center you can walk without any specific route. Walking along the streets, you will certainly stumble upon the Lyubov Orlova Cultural Center, a monument to Chekhov.
Near Moscow Street is the park and the Church of the Ascension. Among the must-see sites is the Museum of Russian Dessert.
Then you can go to Gorodok - the oldest district of the city, and then visit the Chekhov House-Museum. Fans of antiquity should definitely go to the Savvino-Storozhevsky monastery. There are many interesting places in Zvenigorod, so a day trip route can be built based on your interests and preferences.