Suzdal - a small town, nestled in river Kamenka and included in the list of 8 cities forming a tourist route - gold ring of Russia. The population of the city is a little more than 9,5 thousand people, and the main activity is just tourism. What to see in the city and what attractions there are in Suzdal, we will understand in this article. For those who are looking for a ready-made excursion from Moscow, see the options for link.
Initially, the Slavic-Meryansk village, which later became the city of Suzdal, was a fortress in the 2nd half of the XNUMXth century. The place is first mentioned in "The Tale of Bygone Years" (1024 years), how "Suzhdal". According to the linguist, Trubachev, the name comes from the Old Slavonic "sjdati" - "to mold from clay" or "to create". According to another version, expressed in the 19th century by the Finnish folklorist, archaeologist and ethnographer David Evropeyus, "suzda" comes from the Finnish word "susi" or the Estonian "suzi", which means "wolf".
In 1967, a general plan for the development of Suzdal was adopted and turned into a city-museum. Around the same time, a journalist from Moscow, Yuri Bychkov, visiting Suzdal, developed a route for tourists through ancient cities, the same "Gold ring of Russia".
Attractions in Suzdal
Suzdal is unique for its cultural monuments and monasteries. In principle, the whole city can be bypassed in 1 day. However, for a full-fledged excursion, you will need more than 2 days. Many historical sights have been preserved in Suzdal, we will focus on the most interesting and must-see during the tour.
Kremlin - the old part of the city, which belongs to the very foundation. A fortress with ramparts was erected here, stretching for 1,4 km. Subsequently, log towers were built on these ramparts, and the princely and episcopal courts were located on the very territory of the Kremlin.
In the 17th century, a wooden wall was erected, with about 15 towers, as well as several gates, but almost all wooden objects were destroyed in the fire of 1719.
On the territory of the Kremlin, a beautiful Cathedral of the Nativity of the Virgin from tuff limestone.
The difference in masonry and architectural styles add a special charm to the cathedral. In 1635, a bell tower with an 8-sided tent was erected, and towards the end of the 17th century, chimes were installed on the bell tower, instead of numbers they had letters.
Bishops' chambers , another part of the Kremlin, were built during the XV - XVIII centuries. The heads of churches lived here, and today there is a museum. All exhibits are dedicated to the history of this region.
In the west of the Kremlin is located St. Nicholas Church, 1766. It was transported from the village of Glotovo in 1960 to the site of the burnt wooden church of All Saints of the XNUMXth century.
Suzdal has an incredible number of ancient temples that are worth visiting and getting acquainted with ancient architecture. Therefore, try to allocate more time for the tour.
Evfimiev Monastery This is a real complex of museums. Here is the museum of the prince, the head of the people's militia, who liberated Moscow from the Polish-Lithuanian troops, Dmitry Mikhailovich Pozharsky (1578 - 1642).
Each of the halls of the museum has its own focus. One presents books for a period of about 600 years; The next one hosts an exhibition of jewels; Another museum is dedicated to the history of the monastery in Suzdal. In addition, all tourists can be present at the work of restorers. The monastery resembles a medieval fortress.
Museum of Wooden Architecture and "Shchurovo Settlement" offers tourists a variety of entertainment: archery, swordsmanship, making bread in a village oven and horseback riding. Children will be able to visit the petting zoo, where goats, rabbits and other domestic animals are kept.
In addition, historical reconstructions of military battles are held here. Filming took place in the museum movie "King" directed by Lungin. Holiday festivities are organized annually on the territory of the complex. For example, Maslenitsa in winter, and in July the cucumber festival.
The museum is a unique architectural complex, where buildings built in the 17th-19th centuries are preserved.
There are many religious buildings in the city. One of them - Pokrovsky Monastery (XIV century). Like any ancient building, it is shrouded in many myths and legends.
The monastery was used as a place where noble women were serving life exile. These were not only boyars and princesses, but also "objectionable" queens. Often they were exiled here not for crimes, but simply to get rid of a person. For the "nuns" they built tiny wooden cells, there was also a crypt for their repose.
In Soviet times, the buildings of the monastery were a hotel with a bar and a concert hall. Monastic life in the monastery resumed in 1992. In the Pokrovsky Cathedral there are the Holy Gates, a refectory, outbuildings and a command hut, where the punishment cell was once located.
From the 15th century, the construction of monasteries was actively carried out in the city and the old ones were reconstructed. As a result, Suzdal became one of the major centers of monasticism in Russia. Of the 11 monasteries, five remained by the beginning of the 19th century.
What else is worth seeing?
St. Elijah's Church on the Kamenka River in 1692.
Entrance-Jerusalem and Pyatnitskaya churches, as well as shopping malls.
Wax Museum. Here exhibits of the Moscow analogue are collected. Preserved in the city Posad house (XVII century), which is an excellent example of pre-Petrine stone architecture. Inside, the interior of a rich house is recreated.
Monastery of the Robe, - one of the oldest buildings of the era of the Tatar-Mongol invasion.
In addition, there are several other churches worthy of attention: Assumption Church, restored by the end of 2013, the temple of the early 18th century on Yarunova Gora, Kazanskaya and Kresto-Nikolskiye churches. The list of Orthodox churches in Suzdal is really impressive.
Another attraction of the city - Burial mound "Mzharsky" (XI - XII centuries), located in the interfluve of the Mzhara and Kamenka. This is a historical rarity. The first graves were dug up in the XNUMXth century. Count Uvarov, a lover of history and archeology. The bodies lie with their heads to the west, close to each other, which indicates mass graves. The presence in the graves of decorations characteristic of the XNUMXth century, when the inhabitants were pagans. The burial ground belongs to the pre-Christian era, later people were buried near churches.
Thus, as you can see, Suzdal keeps many unique monuments of history and culture. In addition, Suzdal is considered spiritual place of Russia. Yes, and you can come to Suzdal at almost any period of time - the climate and prices allow it.
You can get to Suzdal only by land transport through Vladimir. There are bus and railway stations. As for places to stay, the most economical guest houses and private hotels are located on the outskirts. There are also multi-bed hostels.
all photos from the site pixibay
