| Federal District: | Central |
| Founded: | 1010 |
| Population: | 606 703 (2016 Census) |
| Area: | 205,80 km2 |
| Federal City Day: | Last Saturday of May |
| Federal District: | Central |
| Founded: | 1010 |
| Population: | 606 703 (2016 Census) |
| Area: | 205,80 km2 |
| Federal City Day: | Last Saturday of May |
Stretching for 18 miles along the banks of the Volga River, Yaroslavl is one of the jewels of Russia’s Golden Ring. The ancient city is dotted with magnificent cathedrals and churches, boasts a UNESCO-recognized historical center, and its serene riverside promenades are perfect for a summer’s stroll. Whether you visit Yaroslavl for a day trip or as part of a Golden Ring tour or Russian river cruise, what are the sights that you mustn’t miss?
The foundation of Yaroslavl dates back to 1010. Legend has it that Yaroslav the Wise, a prince of Kievan Rus’, was sailing down the Volga when he stopped at a pagan village named Medvezhy Ugol (literally ‘Bear’s Corner’). The local people were not pleased to see the prince and set a bear on him, but Yaroslav killed the creature and decided to establish a fortress on this very spot. The town of Yaroslavl soon flourished but was devastated during the 13th and 14th centuries, by fires which tore through the wooden city, the invasion of the Mongol Horde, and the blight of the Black Death. However, these misfortunes didn’t spell the end of the city and Yaroslavl became part of the powerful Grand Duchy of Muscovy in 1463.
Did you know? The coat of arms of Yaroslavl depicts a bear holding a silver axe, honouring the city’s foundation myth.
In the 16th century Yaroslavl’s fortunes were looking up, thanks in part to Ivan the Terrible, who made generous donations to the city’s monasteries which he had visited in pilgrimage. It was also down to Yaroslavl’s fortunate position on the Volga, which made it an ideal trading center between Moscow and Archangelsk and attracted Northern European merchants who wanted to trade with Russia and the Orient. By the 17th century, Yaroslavl had grown into Russia’s second largest city after Moscow.
Did you know? Yaroslavl was made the capital of the country in the spring of 1612, during the Polish-Lithuanian occupation of Moscow.
In the late 18th century, Catherine the Great bestowed on the city a unique urban development masterplan, which merged its ancient monuments with modern parks and wide boulevards lined with Classical buildings. The architecture and city planning turned out so beautifully, that Yaroslavl is known as the ‘Florence of the Russian North’. Unfortunately, many of the city’s historical buildings were damaged during the Soviet period, during the Yaroslavl Uprising in the summer of 1918 and by Nazi bombing during the war.
Yaroslavl played a vital role in helping the people of Leningrad during the Second World War. On the outbreak of war thousands of Yaroslavl’s residents travelled to Leningrad to help build defences around the city. Over the course of the war, nearly 100,000 children were evacuated from Leningrad and its surrounding region to Yaroslavl – many of them over the Road of Life crossing Lake Ladoga.
Today, Yaroslavl is one of the most visited cities in Russia. Visitors from all over the world are drawn to its UNESCO-recognized historical center, whose noteworthy monuments preserve the spirit of centuries of Russian history. Yaroslavl is well connected to Moscow, with journey times taking approximately 4 hours by train and 5 hours by bus, and the city is often visited as part of a tour of the ancient Golden Ring cities.
Did you know? Embroidery is a famous folk craft of Yaroslavl and the surrounding region – in particular, white stitching which stands out against an outline of brightly coloured thread. This is a perfect souvenir to bring a piece of Yaroslavl home with you.
The church was built 1647-1650 by brothers Anikey and Nifantey Skripin who were merchants trading in in Siberian furs. Brick on the outside, the church has very ornate and unusual interior. The real gem are frescoed murals that were painted by a team of 15 people headed by Guriy Nikitin and Sila Savin and that depict not only the life of Elijah the Prophet but also show domestic life in 17th century Russia with scenes from everyday life showing birds, animals, weddings, hunting and everyday work.
Founded in the 12th century, the Transfiguration Monastery became one of Russian's richest and best-fortified monasteries by the 16th century. The oldest surviving structures built in 1516, are the Holy Gate and the Transfiguration Cathedral.
This is a classic St. Petersburg - Moscow cruises that takes you to the Two Capitals as well a number of charming ancient towns on the way: Mandrogui village, Kizhi island, Goritsy, Yaroslavl, and Uglich.
Visitors will enjoy this tour to 6 ancient Russian towns along the Golden Ring. This tour takes you through Suzdal known as the Russian Mecca, majestic Kostroma, beautiful Yaroslavl and Vladimir. One of our most popular tours, you will truly feel the heart and soul of Russia.
This is our most complete tour across the entire Golden Ring. You will visit magnificent Vladimir, serene Bogolubovo, picturesque Suzdal, majestic Kostroma, beautiful Yaroslavl, ancient Rostov Velikiy, and Sergiev Posad sometimes called the Russian Vatican.
This is our most popular cruise covering Moscow and St. Petersburg and all of the significant towns between these 2 cities. Besides the Two Capitals, you will visit the ancient towns of Uglich, Yaroslavl and Goritsy, the island of Kizhi, and Mandrogui village.
This is our most popular St. Petersburg to Moscow cruise. Besides in depth visits to St. Petersburg and Moscow, the cruise covers all the most important areas between the two capitals: Mandrogui - a colorful village famous for local handicrafts, amazing Kizhi Island with its beautiful nature and wooden architecture, as well as the ancient towns of Goritsy, Yaroslavl, and Uglich.
With this 12-day cruise, you will visit Russia's largest cities - Moscow and St. Petersburg - and several charming small towns and villages, all rich in Russian culture and history: Uglich, Yaroslavl, Goritsy, Kizhi, and Mandrogui
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