Home » Routes » Destinations »

Yaroslavl


The poet Apollon Grigoriev said, “Yaroslavl is a town of unsurpassed beauty; everywhere is the Volga and everywhere is history.” Those who have visited this architectural treasure trove will vouch for the truth of these words. Yaroslavl is one of the most beautiful cities in the Golden Ring, famed for its skyline of imposing cathedrals, austere churches, and the immense Monastery of the Transfiguration of the Saviour. This city is known in every corner of Russia, remembered in the 1000 ruble banknotes that display a likeness of its Church of John Krestilel. Like many of Russia’s delicate historical wonders, Yaroslavl is a World Heritage Site.

The city was founded in 1010 by Yaroslav the Wise at the intersection of several important trade routes. Legend has it that Yaroslav the Wise subdued the local pagans after killing their sacred bear with an axe. In the 16th and 17th centuries the city prospered through trade and soon became one of the largest cities in Russia, second only to Moscow. Its merchant population donated large sums of money to build and decorate its churches, and the result was an exuberant array of old onion-domed chapels. Yaroslavl was fortunate to survive World War II with a high proportion of this heritage intact.

One of Yaroslavl's many treasures is the Monastery of the Transfiguration of the Saviour, built in the eleventh century. It was initially designed as a fortress as most of the monasteries of the time, and it was here that the famous Russian rebels Minin and Pozharsky gathered their troops to march on Moscow in 1612. Its ensemble includes the imposing Cathedral of Transfiguration (1516), a number of churches, the Holy Gate, and a bell tower. The long climb to the top of the bell tower is well worth the effort for the breathtaking panoramic view of the city. In ancient times, the monastery had a library and still contains a fascinating ancient Russian manuscript from the twelfth century, the 'Slovo o Polku Igoreve' (Saga about Igor Troops).

Another pearl of Russian architecture in Yaroslavl is the Church of Ilijah the Prophet, built in the 17th century. The interior of this church is decorated by Gury Nikitin of Kostroma’s most colorful frescoes. The Church of John Krestitel is similar in style and age and is recommended to tourists by UNESCO. Once you lay eyes on its imposing fifteen golden onion domes, you will understand why it is a protected site.

If you have time you may want to visit the Music and Time Museum, a private collection amassed by John Mostislavsky of different music and historic antiques. The centerpiece of this collection is its array of bells and rings alongside its wealth of wonderful old musical instruments (all in working order!) and antique gramophones with recordings of Shalyapin and Vertinsky. This captivating soundscape is completed by the ding-dinging of antique clocks crafted by the most famous European masters.

Follow this link to discover Yaroslavl on one of our Russian River Cruises