The Russian Golden Ring Suzdal and Vladimir
The Golden Ring is a name for several towns located around Moscow: Suzdal, Rostov, Vladimir are among them. On the visit to 2 ancient Russian towns, You will learn about the history, traditions, architecture of the towns. Although this is only a small section of the Golden Ring, it is certainly the most beautiful part.
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Suzdal
Suzdal is full of ancient churches, wooden houses and the chirping sounds of birds and the echoing of church bells. Suzdal often called the Russian Mecca. It is just 32 km from Vladimir. Suzdal is amazingly tranquil and beautiful with its numerous attractions.
Visit the heart of Suzdal, the oldest part of the Kremlin. People believe the Kremlin dates back to the X century. It has first appeared in the chronicles in 1024. You will admire the Cathedral of the Nativity, which dates back to the beginning of the XIII century. It is the largest token of which is the Golden Gates.
Visit the Archbishops´ Chambers. It is a giant architectural masterpiece that took several centuries to be built. It holds a unique collection of historical and archaeological objects, one of them is Cross-Vaulted Chamber.
You can go to the Spaso-Yevfimievsky Monastery of Our Savior or the open-air Museum of Wooden Architecture after completing the current trip. This museum emboldens the life and traditions of the people of Suzdal in the XVIII-XIX century. This includes churches, log houses, and other structures.
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Vladimir
Vladimir dates back to the XI century and is one of the oldest and most important towns along the Golden Ring. Suzdal ‘s most significant events occurred during the 12 century. Under Yuri Dolgoruky´s son, Andrei Bogolyubsky (1157-1175), Vladimir prospered becoming the center of the Vladimir-Suzdal Principality. From the early 12th century until the Mongol invasion in 1237, it is considered as the city's Golden Age. It is assumed that during this time the Golden Gates and the Cathedral of the Assumption were constructed.
The architecture of Vladimir's white stone cathedrals, towers, and palaces is extremely unique and completely different from other buildings in Russia.
The decline of Vladimir began when it was attacked by the Mongol-Tatars in 1238. A fire destroyed 32 limestone buildings on the first day itself. The grand prince and all his family croaked in a church where they sought refuge from the fire. The priest of Vladimir managed to escape. Vladimir never fully recovered but from 1299 to 1325, the city was controlled by the metropolitans of Kiev and All Rus.
The Golden Ring one of the most beautiful and interesting areas in Russia and Eastern Europe full of interesting history, amazing art and culture.
The Russian Golder Ring is anyways very popular as a luxury tour to Russia, but these 2 small towns are not to be missed for their great history.