The real embodiment of the ancient crafts of the Russian people, their culture and religion is the city of Vladimir. Where is such a significant place for our country? Vladimir is on the list of cities in the Russian Golden Ring. It is located one hundred eighty kilometers from Moscow, on the banks of the Klyazma.
History
The first references to the ancient Russian settlement located on the Klyazma River were found in the annals of 990. But the history of the city of Vladimir itself dates back to 1108. It was during this period that the fortress was built by Prince V. Monomakh. The fortification was named in his honor.
The location of the fortress in these places was not chosen by chance. From the north it was protected by the Lebed River, and from the south - the steep banks of the Klyazma. From the east and from the west, deep ravines did not give access to the fortress.
The history of the city of Vladimir is inextricably linked with Prince Yuri Dolgoruky (heir to Monomakh). By his order in 1157 a new courtyard was built in the fortress, in which the Church of St. George the Victorious was erected. After that, the city began its rapid growth.
Prince Andrei Bogolyubsky (son of Yuri Dolgoruky) Vladimir, instead of Kiev, was proclaimed the capital of Russia. From this period, grandiose construction began in the city, during which new ramparts were erected with wooden walls and passage gates, and the defensive ring was expanded.
It came in 1238. Tatars attacked Vladimir. They ravaged and burned the city. To the former greatness, he could no longer rise. Destroyed buildings rebuilt very slowly.
At the end of the 13th century the residence of the Russian metropolitans, it was decided to move from the devastated Kiev to Vladimir. For some time, the city became the center of the north-eastern regions of Russia, in which congresses of princes were held and a chronicle-wide Russian arch was conducted.
In the 14th century the episcopal and grand princely thrones from Vladimir were transferred to Moscow. The city became ordinary, leaving itself memories of past greatness, as well as rebuilt shrines.
During the 14-17 centuries. raids on Vladimir, robberies, fires did not stop. That is why in the 17th century. large-scale construction of stone structures was launched. By 1668, about four hundred houses were built in Vladimir, in which nine hundred and ninety people lived.
In 1796, the status of the city changed. He became the center of the Vladimir province. And again, construction resumed here. During this period, the bell tower of the Assumption Cathedral, the governor's house, living rooms, the Noble Assembly, and other buildings were built in Vladimir. In 1861, a railway first appeared in the city.
Vladimir today
The city is a regional center. It is considered the gateway to the famous Golden Ring of Russia. A large number of attractions in Vladimir made the city attractive for tourists. A special decoration are samples of ancient architecture. In the city, to date, ancient monuments have been preserved.
However, despite this, the development of Vladimir continues today. Modern facilities are appearing in the regional center.
Tourists are offered a large variety of souvenirs, which depict architectural monuments. In addition, lacquer miniatures, stone jewelry, scarves, towels, etc. can be purchased.
What can tourists see in Vladimir?
The city, which begins the journey along the Golden Ring of Russia, attracts visitors with a large number of monuments of ancient architecture. What to see in Vladimir? In the village there are many structures, places and monuments that are significant for Russian history. One of its main attractions is the Golden Gate. They were erected on the orders of Prince Andrei Bogolyubsky as early as 1164. They were assigned the role of not only a security and protective structure. They were triumphant in nature. To cover the gates, sheets of copper were used, which shone in the sun. Hence the name of this building. Unfortunately, tourists will not be able to see the gate in its original form. Numerous enemy raids and fires are to blame for this. Contemporaries can only admire the option that the masters worked on in the late 19th century.
What else to see in Vladimir? The city has a large number of unique architectural monuments, whose age goes back more than one century. This is a water tower and the Stoletov’s house, a monument that was erected in honor of the 850th anniversary of Vladimir, etc. It is worth bearing in mind that it was in this village in Ancient Rus that Christianity was born. Therefore, the question of what to see in Vladimir, you can definitely answer: “Temples”. In their list is the Trinity and Transfiguration Churches, the Assumption and Dmitrievsky Cathedrals and many other buildings.
What other attractions are there in Vladimir? What to see for tourists? Of course, these are monasteries. They are one of the most ancient monuments of Russia. Particularly noteworthy are the male Bogolyubovsky and also the female Assumption Monasteries. In them you can see old icons that were painted from the eleventh to fourteenth century. As for the convent, it was repeatedly closed. There was a time when it was used as a hospital. However, in the nineties of the last century, he again went to church.
How long will it take to admire all the attractions in Vladimir? What to see first? Attention of tourists is attracted, first of all, by monuments of architecture. However, for their inspection will take more than one, or even two days. This is not surprising: each of these monuments is a landmark that stores many unique exhibits. Those who love painting are given the opportunity to visit the art gallery, which houses a large number of magnificent works. There is in the city of Vladimir what to see with children. Young travelers are interested in visiting the exhibits of the Museum of Nature and the Children's Museum Center.
Assumption Cathedral
What to see in Vladimir for a tourist? Those who are attracted by the architecture of Ancient Russia are advised to visit the Assumption Cathedral. It began to be erected in 1158. In Vladimir, which at that time was the capital of the Russian state, it was the largest building.
The Assumption Cathedral is a magnificent example of Russian architecture of the twelfth century. For its construction, a hilltop was chosen. That is why visitors to the cathedral can see the panorama of Vladimir.
Many specialists were involved in the construction of this facility. Moreover, they attracted architects not only from different parts of Russia, but also from other countries.
The history of the Assumption Cathedral remembers the strong fire that happened in 1185. Unfortunately, the building was damaged so much that it was not possible to restore it in its original form. The temple was rebuilt after a fire for four years.
In 1238, the Tatars attacked Vladimir. They set fire to the cathedral, in which many citizens and the princely family took refuge. The temple suffered from fire, but survived.
The iconostasis of the Assumption Cathedral, as well as its dome in 1408, were painted by Andrei Rublev. Among the exhibits stored in the temple, you can see fragments of frescoes that were made in the 12th century. unknown masters.
Fires in the Assumption Cathedral have happened more than once. In this regard, by the 18th century. the structure was extremely dilapidated and had a lot of serious damage. Subsequent repairs changed the original appearance of the structure. Its original appearance was restored as a result of the restoration of 1888-1891.
The Assumption Cathedral is included in the list of famous architectural monuments of federal significance. And now it is the main operating temple of the Vladimir-Suzdal diocese. It is on the UNESCO list of monuments.
Dmitrievsky Cathedral
The temples of Vladimir are beautiful and interesting buildings. One of those attracting the attention of many tourists is the Dmitrievsky Cathedral. It was laid in 1194 in honor of the holy warrior Dmitry Solunsky. This is one of the most original structures related to the era of Vsevolod the Big Nest (son of Yuri Dolgoruky). The cathedral is small, it looks elegant and solemn. For the first time in Russian architecture, numerous sculptural decoration was used in it. In this regard, the temple looks simply openwork. Its decorations are carved stones.
In the center of the composition of each of the facades is an image of King Solomon surrounded by plants, birds, griffins and animals. To this day, some 12th-century murals, as well as fragments from a composition called The Last Judgment, have been preserved in the cathedral. Dmitrievsky temple is a monument of federal significance, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Female Holy Assumption Monastery
Going to Vladimir (city)? What to see in those parts? One of the architectural monuments of Ancient Russia is the Holy Assumption Monastery. It was founded in 1200 by Prince Vsevolod III at the request of his seriously ill wife, Mary. Subsequently, the woman took the tonsure, receiving the name Martha. That is why the monastery has a second name - Knyaginin.
On the territory of this monument of architecture are located the tombs of the Grand Duchy of Vladimir and the Princesses, as well as the shrine - the miraculous relics of Abraham of Bulgaria.
Church of the Intercession on the Nerl
In the UNESCO World Heritage List is another building of Vladimir. This is the Church of the Intercession on the Nerl. It was built in 1165. The building is striking in its harmonious proportionality, conciseness and perfection of forms. The architecture of the Vladimir-Suzdal state is traditionally decorated with white stone carvings. The masters who built the church were able to create the impression of weightlessness and an abundance of light.
Versatility
The first advice for those who went on a trip to Vladimir (city): you must have a map of the regional center.
The village attracts tourists with its multifaceted nature. It is like a crystal, one facet of which is ancient monuments of architecture, and the other is the parks of the city of Vladimir, its museums, fountains, theaters, restaurants and cafes. There is certainly something to see everyone.
Vladimir is the only city in Russia where a monument to the janitor is erected and the Baba Yaga Museum is open. Bright and interesting holidays are held here. One of them is the Vladimir carnival fun, reminiscent of a procession in Rio de Janeiro.
City parks
When tourists are overwhelmed with new experiences, they want to take a break from the hustle and bustle, just breathe in the fresh air and take a walk while admiring nature. This can be done by visiting one of the many parks in Vladimir.
It is interesting that the city is small in area, but it boasts a dozen squares and parks. Which one do you prefer? This can only be solved by yourself. One will enjoy the view from the observation deck located in the Pushkin Park. Another will prefer a country park, the territory of which is fifty hectares of pine forest. The third will like figures of cubs in Kursantsky park ....
City walks
Tourists can walk along Bolshaya Moskovskaya Street, and then to the fountain located on Oktyabrsky Avenue. At this place is the Historical Museum. Here you can look at exhibits telling about the history of Vladimir from the earliest times until 1917. Walking along the streets of the city, tourists can walk to the Golden Gate, and then climb to the observation deck and enjoy the panorama that opens.
Entertainment
Tourists who come to Vladimir with children can visit Dobroselsky Park. Attractions are set in it, there is karting. Not far from the park is an entertainment cinema center.
You can visit numerous art galleries and theaters in Vladimir. Recently, an exhibition hall has opened in the regional center.