Highlights of the Golden Ring

A little information about Vladimir. There is a dispute about the founding date of the city, either 990 or 1108 but regardless, the city's most significant events occurred during the 12th century. Under Yuri Dolgoruky´s son, Andrei Bogolyubsky (1157-1175), Vladimir prospered, becoming the center of the Vladimir-Suzdal Principality. The city's Golden Age is considered to be from the early 12th century until the Mongol invasion in 1237 during which the Golden Gates and the Cathedral of the Assumption were constructed. The architecture of Vladimir's white stone cathedrals, towers, and palaces is unique and unlike other buildings in Russia, their exterior was elaborately carved with high relief stone sculptures. The decline of Vladimir began when it was attacked and overrun by the Mongol-Tatars in 1238. A great fire destroyed 32 limestone buildings on the first day alone, while the grand prince and all his family perished in a church where they sought refuge from the fire. The bishop of Vladimir managed to escape. Vladimir never fully recovered but from 1299 to1325, the city was seat of the metropolitans of Kiev and All Rus until the see was moved to Moscow.

Bogolyubovo is the residence of Prince Andrei Bogolyubsky built between 1158 and 1165 at the mouth of the Nerl River. Andrei spent 17 years of his reign here until his murder in 1174. Russian Orthodox Christians believe that Bogolyubovo was founded on the spot where Prince Andrei saw a vision of the Virgin Mary who appeared to him in a dream-like vision holding a scroll in her right hand, and commanded him to build a church and monastery on the place of the vision. On this spot, the Church of the Intercession of Neri was constructed. Today, the church is on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Suzdal dates back to 1024. In its early history it was the capital of several principalities and later became an important religious center. The town is full of churches and at one point in its history had 40 churches for approximately 400 families. Today the town only has a population of around 10,000 and has retained its country village feel with many of the roads remaining unpaved and livestock roaming the streets. The atmosphere is extremely pleasant due to its rustic, country atmosphere combined with its medieval monuments. In short, Suzdal is an extremely special place and we are certain that you will enjoy your time there.

Kostroma is located at the confluence of the Volga and Kostroma Rivers. It was founded in the 13th century and has played a major role in Russian history. After being destroyed by the Mongols in 1238 it became a small principality under the leadership of Prince Vasily the Drunkard the brother of the Russian hero Alexander Nevsky. In the early 17th century, the young Mikhail Romanov who was living at the time at the Ipatiev Monastery was offered the Russian throne - thus beginning the Romanov Dynasty and ending the Time of Troubles. From that time on, the Romanov's always had a special connection to the city and played an important role in its development. Kostroma was frequently visited by the Romanov family including the last Russian Tsar, Nicolas II. The city's most prominent landmarks are the Ipatiev Monastery, the Trinity Cathedral, the local market and a museum of wooden architecture and monuments.

Yaroslavl: Stretching for 18 miles on both banks of the Volga, Yaroslavl is an important Volga port with a population of 600,000. It was founded in the 1010 by Prince Yaroslav the Wise. It was destroyed by the Tatars in the 13th and 14th centuries but then restored and rebuilt and by the 17th century it had become Russia's second largest city after Moscow and an important cultural and political center. Today, Yaroslavl retains many noteworthy monuments of its colorful past. Of special interest is the magnificent 13th century Spassky(Savior) Monastery ensemble, a group of majestic 17th century cathedrals, an elegant rotunda and remnants of an ancient trading center. The churches of St. Nicholas and Elijah the Prophet have some of the Golden Ring's most impressive frescoes.

A little information on Rostov Veliky. It is thought that Rostov was an important Viking trade settlement along the Volga trade route. First mentioned in 862, Rostov was already quite important and by the 13th century, Rostov became the capital city of one of the most prominent Russian principalities. However, in 1474 it was incorporated into Muscovy. Rostov has always been an extremely important ecclesiastic center for the Orthodox Church. From 988 it was the see of one of Russia’s first bishoprics. In the 14th century, the bishops of Rostov became archbishops and in the 16th century - metropolitans. Rostov was sacked by the Mongols in the 13th and 14th centuries and invaded by the Poles in 1608. The city also saw fierce combat during WWII.