Vologda: sights to see

The entry was published on October 22, 2022 by Daria Savelyeva in the category Finds for tourists with the tags Vologda, travel, cities, attractions, vacation.

What do you associate Vologda with? Of course, with delicious Vologda oil, lace, and for older people - with “a house with a carved palisade.” In fact, this is a very ancient city, in which countless historical riches are concentrated - ancient monuments of architecture and Russian culture. The vacation rental booking site TVIL.RU has prepared a short guide that will tell you about Vologda, the sights of which are worth visiting and what else to see in the Vologda region. Ancient churches and monasteries, various museums, cozy streets, noble estates and modern restaurants will create their own special Vologda flavor that will make your vacation unique. So, we offer you a list of Vologda attractions, photos with descriptions of which see below.

Top 15 popular places in the city

We will show you the most popular attractions for Vologda, photos with descriptions, which are definitely worth a visit to get to know the city, especially if your vacation is limited in time and you want to see all the best. In fact, the list of interesting places is much longer. Therefore, if you decide to stay in this city for a few days, you can be sure that you will never be bored.

Vologda Kremlin

It was from this ancient fortress that the history of the lace capital began. The medieval building was built at the behest of Ivan the Terrible in 1567. The restless tsar took a liking to these places, and he even planned to make the city the capital of Russia. Therefore, for the construction of the Kremlin, they did not skimp on building materials and built on a grand scale. Therefore, the perimeter of the fortress walls reached 3 km, and along the entire length of the stone fence there were two dozen towers. The area of ​​the fortress is more than 50 hectares. It housed barracks for defenders, residential buildings, shopping arcades and other medieval infrastructure. Over the several centuries of its existence, the Vologda Kremlin has undergone serious tests. The structure was severely damaged by the invaders during the Polish-Lithuanian intervention. However, today there is also something to see.

Sights on the territory of the Vologda Kremlin:

• St. Sophia Cathedral with bell tower
• Consistory courtyard
• Bishop's Court
• Vologda Museum of Local Lore.
• A park with landscape design and a fragment of a barrier rampart and ponds.
• The Kremlin Square and the river embankment are located nearby.

Address: Vologda, st. Sergei Orlov.

Photo by: Galina

Saint Sophia Cathedral

Another medieval cultural monument of which the city is rightfully proud. The sights of this era, for the most part, appeared thanks to the grandiose plans of Ivan the Terrible. St. Sophia Cathedral is part of a large-scale royal development project. This temple is credited with a significant role in history. According to legend, during its construction a brick fell on the stern king’s foot. An injury at a construction site allegedly forced Ivan the Terrible to reconsider his plans to move the capital to Vologda. Although pragmatists are sure that the problem is not the brick, but the fall of the oprichnina. The snow-white cathedral has been restored several times. It is decorated with five onion domes and an almost 80-meter bell tower, which can be seen from different parts of the city. There are chimes installed on it. Frescoes from the 17th century have been preserved on the interior walls of the building.

Photo by: Vladimir Yachmenev

Bishop's Court

The courtyard of the Vologda Kremlin is a separate attraction. The residence of the bishop of the Vologda diocese was located here - hence the name. It is surrounded by fortress walls, so its other name is the Small Kremlin. On its territory there are buildings from different eras: the Ekonomic, Simonovsky buildings with the Nativity of Christ Church, the Resurrection Cathedral, the chambers of Joseph the Golden - now the Museum of Local Lore. While visiting the Small Kremlin, we recommend visiting the exhibition of ancient Russian art, as well as the Consistory building.

Address: st. Sergei Orlova, 15.

Author: Superman 2014

Lace Museum

There is another attraction on Kremlin Square - an exhibition complex dedicated to lace making. This is a unique attraction, the only one in Russia. The exhibition occupies about 600 square meters.

On the ground floor there are lace-making studios, shops, cafes and temporary exhibitions. The main exhibition is located on the second floor, where more than 700 examples of this aerial art created in different eras are presented.

Address: Kremlin Square, Lace Museum.

Author: Superman 2014

Resurrection Cathedral

The Cathedral is a key object in many tourist guides, which give a fairly detailed description of the Vologda attractions. The main thing to see is that the temple houses a unique shrine - the 14th-century “Zyryan Trinity” icon with an inscription in the ancient Komi-Zyryan language.

The building itself was built in the 1770s. It was planned as a church for holding church ceremonies in the winter. It is located in the southeastern part of the Vologda Kremlin.

Photo by cadwizard

Spaso-Prilutsky Dimitriev Monastery

The monastery is named after the founder, student of Sergius of Radonezh Dmitry Prilutsky. His relics are kept in the monastery church. Orthodox believe that they have miraculous effects.

The monastery complex dates back to 1371. Like many churches during the Red Terror, the monastery was plundered, and the monks and novices were repressed, exiled or shot. Over the years, the monastery buildings housed a prison, a cinema and a warehouse. Today the monastery is operating again. The main buildings are considered to be the Assumption Church - one of the oldest wooden churches in the tent style, as well as the refectory, monks' cells, storerooms and the Vvedenskaya Church. The monastery is located in a picturesque location on the river bank.

Address: Monastyrskaya street, Spaso-Prilutsky Dimitriev Monastery.

Author: Boris Ustyuzhanin

House-Museum of Peter I

Peter's house is located in the stone house of the widow Goutman, where Peter loved to stay. The collections of the Petrovsky House contain about 100 artifacts related to the founder of the Russian fleet. These are Peter's clothes, a death mask, elegant Dutch chairs from the 18th century, dishes and much more.

On the adjacent territory there is a park with a monument to Nikolai Rubtsov, a Soviet lyric poet, author of many famous songs.

Address: Sovetsky Prospect, House-Museum of Peter I.

Vologda Regional Art Gallery

Art connoisseurs will be interested in visiting the art gallery of Vologda - the only one in the region. Today the museum houses more than 30 thousand exhibits. These are paintings and graphics, objects of arts and crafts and folk art. The core of the collection are paintings by Benois, Vrubel, Kuindzhi, Vasnetsov and others. The art gallery is located on Kremlin Square.

Photo: vologda.bezformata

Vologda State Drama Theater

This is one of the oldest theaters in Russia - it is 172 years old. Young and famous actors perform on its stage. The theater's repertoire includes plays by Ostrovsky, Gogol, and Shakespeare. Current contemporary works also appear in the posters. We also recommend that theatergoers visit the Vologda Chamber Drama Theater.

Address: Sovetsky Prospekt, Vologda Drama Theatre.

House-Museum of A.F. Mozhaisky

It is dedicated to the Russian military inventor who went down in history as an aviation pioneer. He designed and built the first aircraft in Russia. His aircraft was one of the first in the world. The Kotelnikovo estate is located near Vologda. The family of Alexander Mozhaisky occupied it in the 1860s. With the advent of Soviet power, the Bolsheviks, according to tradition, set up a warehouse, a club, and then a communal apartment there. The estate became only in 1986. The exhibition is located in five halls and consists of household items, furniture, photographs and much more.

Address: Vologda region, village. Mozhaiskoye, House-Museum of A.F. Mozhaisky.

Photo: House-Museum of A.F. Mozhaisky"

House of Puzan-Puzyrevsky

The Vologda estate of the nobleman Puzan-Puzyrevsky is just about the same “carved palisade” from the song. But only with a special, slightly gloomy atmosphere. The building with wooden “lace” is a monument of wooden architecture - an excellent example of Vologda wooden architecture. The house was erected in 1838.

Over the course of its history, the building has seen a lot - it housed the American consulate, a hostel, a watermen's club, and a sanitary and epidemiological station. As a transitional banner, the building passed from hand to hand, but never found a permanent owner and is currently deteriorating without proper care. Residents of the city are sure that it is the restless soul of Mr. Puzan-Puzyrev that survives all the owners. According to legend, the nobleman went bankrupt and committed suicide out of despair, which is why his ghost wanders around the elegant house with a mezzanine and columns.

Address: st. Herzen, 35, Vologda.

Photo: Puzan-Puzyrevsky’s house

Museum of Pharmacy of the Vologda Region

Another attraction is the pharmacy museum. It is located in the building of a pharmacy - the third in Russia and the first in Vologda, opened in 1675. The exhibition features ancient pharmaceutical equipment reminiscent of an alchemist's treasures. The interior also immerses you in the atmosphere of antiquity. During the tour, the caretaker will offer visitors a cup of healing herbal tea, made according to ancient pharmacy traditions.

Address: Lenin Street, Museum of Pharmacy of the Vologda Region.

Photo: Museum of Pharmacy of the Vologda Region

Museum "World of Forgotten Things"

If you want to completely immerse yourself in the world of pre-revolutionary Russia, in the measured life of a noble estate, you should definitely visit the Vologda “World of Forgotten Things”. It is located in the three-story mansion of the writer Zasodimsky. The interior of all rooms accurately recreates the life of the nobility of the late 19th - early 20th centuries. The second floor features a gallery of portraits, and the third floor is occupied by temporary exhibitions.

Address: Leningradskaya street, World of Forgotten Things.

Photo: vologdamuseum

Shalamovsky House of the Vologda Regional Art Gallery

This house is dedicated to the Soviet period in the history of our country. Known for chronicling the terrible Stalinist repressions, Varlam Shalamov, who went through the hell of the Kolyma camps, is the main character of the exhibition. Before leaving for the capital in 1924, the writer and his family lived in a cozy two-story house of the 18th century, not far from the St. Sophia Cathedral. The exhibition presents the writer’s personal belongings, documents, photographs, etc.

Address: Sergei Orlov Street, Shalamovsky House of the Vologda Regional Art Gallery.

Photo: cultinfo

Saint Sophia Cathedral

The construction of this cathedral took place between 1568 and 1580. The initiator was again Ivan the Terrible. They tried to make the building as similar as possible to the Moscow Assumption Cathedral. Frescoes and iconostasis from past centuries are still preserved here.

Saint Sophia Cathedral

Now this temple is open only in the summer . If you want to attend a service, you will have to find out information about it in advance, since such events are rarely held. However, the cathedral has fascinating architecture, so seeing it will be a great success.

Where to go in Vologda with a child

You can explore the sights of Vologda with a little traveler - there are a lot of interesting locations for children. It all depends on the age and interests of the young tourist. If your child doesn’t want to see a church or monastery, give him real children’s entertainment! To do this, we recommend visiting the Vologda Regional Puppet Theater “Teremok” . The architecture of the building looks unusual, because it is located in the former church of Zosima and Savvaty Solovetsky. The theater's repertoire includes favorite children's fairy tales: Cinderella, Thumbelina, Gray Neck, etc. The theater is located on the street. Lenin.

Another option to keep an inquisitive fidget busy is to visit the Einstein Museum of Entertaining Sciences in Vologda on Leningradskaya Street. All conditions have been created here to interest a young traveler in natural sciences and give parents a break. Indeed, during the visit, children will be offered an interactive program in which they themselves will become participants in experiments and experiments from the world of biology, physics and chemistry. But there is no need to fear for the health of the kids - all activities here are completely safe for young researchers.

What to see in Vologda in one day

The number of attractions in Vologda is quite extensive; the daily program depends on the wishes and physical capabilities of the tourist. After all, you will have to walk a lot and for a long time, so it is best not to set yourself the task of embracing the immensity, but to limit yourself to a few sights of Vologda, and then sit in a cozy cafe or restaurant and discuss what you saw in a pleasant atmosphere and outline what to see next time.

You should start getting acquainted with the city from the central square of the city - now Revolution Square. During the Soviet years, the churches were demolished. Ancient buildings have survived to this day. The most beautiful is the house of the Bryzgalov merchants. Today it operates the Golden Anchor Hotel. The square itself is very picturesque - with squares, flower beds and places to relax.

Photo: cultinfo

Vologda attractions: what to see in a day

We offer an approximate route that you can follow in a day and see several interesting places that will help you appreciate the beauty and originality of Vologda.

• Prechistenskaya embankment
• Center for Arts and Crafts "Carved Palisade"
• Square on Cathedral Hill
• Vologda Kremlin
• Lace Museum
• Church of St. John Chrysostom
• Spaso-Prilutsky Dimitriev Monastery

If you are ready to go outside the city to plunge into the atmosphere of the Vologda land, then it is worth visiting the Semenkovo ​​architectural and ethnographic museum.

Since 1979, unique monuments of wooden architecture - village houses, bathhouses, churches, barns of the 9th - 20th centuries - were brought to the territory of the complex (with an area of ​​12 hectares!). The main highlight of the exhibition is the ancient pillar mill. The territory of the ethnographic museum covers an area of ​​12 hectares. The buildings house exhibitions with household items from peasants in the Vologda region.

Holidays and Events

Vologda is not only a major lace-making center and the linen capital of Russia, it is the cultural and historical center of the entire Vologda region, and it is not at all surprising that there are so many different kinds of events and holidays here.

Vologda celebrates City Day annually on the last Saturday of June, and in June 2011 the First International Lace Festival was held here, the birth of which was facilitated by the opening of the Lace Museum in 2010. The initiator of its holding was the Governor of the Vologda region, now the holiday pleases its guests every three years.

Every September in Vologda they organize an annual open festival of poetry and music named after. N. M. Rubtsov “Rubtsovskaya Autumn”, dedicated to the work of one of the most famous poets of the Vologda region. The festival appeared in 1998, when a monument to Rubtsov was erected in the city. Since then, meetings at the monument and reading poetry have grown into a big holiday, known even outside the Vologda region.

Every 3 years in June-July the International Theater Festival “Voices of History” is held, the stage of which is set up in the open air right in the middle of the monuments of the Vologda Kremlin. The festival originated back in 1991 on the initiative of the Vologda Drama Theater and the Ministry of Culture, and received International status only in 2003.

How to get there

There are different ways to visit Vologda.

1. The fastest and most expensive option is air travel. A plane flies from Moscow and St. Petersburg. Ticket prices start from 12 thousand rubles. The nearest airports in Vologda are located in the villages of Dorozhny (10 km from the city) and Cherepovets (110 km).
2. From Dorozhny you can get to the city center by bus No. 36. The stop is at the fork in the road in front of the airport. Ticket price starts from 100 rubles. You can also take a taxi - the trip will cost about 500 rubles.
3. Intercity buses run from Cherepovets to the city; the last one leaves at 21.40.
4. Trains from Moscow to Vologda depart several times a day from Yaroslavsky Station. There are routes from Belorussky Station. The trip will take more than 6 hours, the ticket price starts from 1,700 rubles (the price varies depending on the season). From the station to attractions you can take buses No. 6, 7, 11, 14, 23, 28, 29, 30, 37, 40 for 26 rubles. A taxi ride to the city center will cost from 200 rubles.
5. An economical way to visit Vologda is to buy a bus ticket from Moscow. Buses depart from Domodedovo Airport, from the VDNH bus station. The trip will take just under 7 hours. Ticket price - from 800 rubles.
6. You can get to Vologda by car along the M8 highway (E115). The exit to it is located near Mytishchi. You need to drive towards Yaroslavl to Emelyanovo, from there turn onto Marshal Konev Street. From here to the center of Vologda is a 15-minute drive. In total the trip will take about 6 hours.

Beaches

There is only one official city beach, 11 more are located in nearby settlements - Veliky Ustyug, Cherepovets, Belozersk. In reality, there are more places for swimming - Volga residents have chosen many picturesque sections of the coast with convenient entry into the water and clearings for a picnic.

The administration cares about safety - it checks the water and soil wherever citizens swim.

The main beach is located within walking distance from the center of Vologda, on the territory of Mira Park. River sand is regularly brought there to renew the coating. On the shore there are benches, umbrellas and changing rooms, and nearby there are children's and sports grounds. There are rescuers on the tower from 9:00 to 21:00, who have a boat and medicine at their disposal. Several times during the season, a black flag is hung over the shore - you are not allowed to swim. Far from the center there are areas where it is allowed to enter the water, but there is no infrastructure there, as well as lifeguard towers - you can swim at your own peril and risk.

Vologda

Where to eat in Vologda

After sightseeing in Vologda, it’s nice to recuperate in a cozy restaurant, cafe, coffee shop or canteen. The city has many catering establishments to suit every taste and budget. The choice depends on the preferences and budget of the tourist. We recommend you the best cafes and restaurants popular among tourists.

1. Restaurant “The Scarlet Rose” (La Rosa Rossa)

The Italian restaurant is located in the historical center of Vologda. Pleasant interior, excellent dishes, polite staff - everything is very dignified and suitable for visits of respectable people. The prices are quite high, but correspond to the level of the establishment.

2. Restaurant "Burrata"

The establishment specializes in Italian and Mediterranean cuisine. The menu includes oysters, mussels, octopus, home-made cheeses, and farm products. The dishes are exquisite, which will satisfy even the most demanding gourmet, the service is excellent, the establishment itself is very worthy. But the prices here are quite high.

3. Restaurant "Parovozov"

An ideal place to combine a cultural escape with a delicious lunch. The menu includes original Vologda dishes, and service is provided by steam locomotives together with the waiters. In short, such an interactive lunch will definitely be remembered for a long time. The popularity of the establishment is so high that when there is an influx of guests, you can only get here by appointment.

4. Restaurant “Pizza Factory”

An excellent option for a family lunch. In addition to pizza, there is quite a large selection of first and second courses. The restaurant has a children's room with an animator - a nice bonus for parents. The prices are reasonable.

5. Restaurant “Inzhir” on Kamenny Most

Delicious cuisine, expensive dishes, and original design give the establishment a special charm. Add to this delicious oriental and Caucasian cuisine - and it’s hard to find a better place for a hearty lunch. We recommend trying khachapuri boats - they are here. Truly worthy. The restaurant is suitable for families with children, there is a children's room.

6. Gastrobar of the Library Hotel

The interior of the establishment is based on world literary classics. The restaurant's menu is quite small, but quite suitable for lunch. Delicious steaks, pies, desserts. The selection of cocktails is very wide. It's a nice place to spend an evening with friends.

7. Coffee house “All Yours” on Sovetsky Prospekt

It is located in the historical center in the building of the Golden Anchor Hotel. The establishment is considered one of the best in the city, serving excellent coffee of different types, sandwiches and a variety of desserts.

8. Cafe "Kitchen"

A good cafe option for daily lunch. It is located near the main attractions of Vologda. The dishes are tasty and varied, and there is a veranda open in the summer. The prices are reasonable.

9. Coffee house "Parisian"

Vologda residents love this confectionery. It is open from early morning, so you can have a delicious breakfast here. Delicious desserts are the pride of the establishment.

10. VoSU student canteen

This is just a godsend for budget travelers, because you can have lunch in the canteen of the Vologda University for 150 rubles. It is located in the main building of the institution. It is open on weekdays, but if you are traveling in a group, you can negotiate with the management of the establishment and you will be received on a day convenient for you.

Weather

• Today
• Tomorrow

• January 22
  , Saturday

  Mainly cloudy

  -13 °C during the day -17 °C at night

• January 23

  , Sunday

  Cloudy, light snow

  -14 °C during the day -13 °C at night

• January 24

  , Monday

  Cloudy, light snow

  0 °C during the day - 4 °C at night

• Weather for 2 weeks

The climate of Vologda is temperate continental, formed under the influence of the northern seas. The city owes them the white nights that can be found here in the summer. The weather is quite capricious - in February there are often thaws, and at the end of March frosts can strike; even in summer, spring coolness periodically rolls in.

In general, the climate is characterized by long, frosty winters with sharp temperature changes and short, hot summers. From November to March, cold northern winds often blow in the city, so when planning a trip, it is better to stock up on warm clothes. In spring and autumn, you shouldn’t neglect sweaters either - it can be quite cool.

Souvenirs from Vologda: what to bring as a gift

• You can bring elegant birch bark products as a souvenir of an interesting trip or as a gift to friends from Vologda . The most popular gift is bast shoes - decorative, souvenir or life-size - the choice here is huge.
• You can also look at various thujas, jars, boxes and other utensils that will decorate any kitchen. Boxes, wall panels and much more - you will be surprised what local craftsmen manage to make from birch bark. Another original gift will be Vologda felt boots . Some models with embroidery and colored inserts look like masterpieces of felting craftsmanship.
• Vologda lace is a traditional souvenir that will be an excellent gift for friends or family. However, the present will not be cheap - its cost starts from 1000 rubles. The more skillful the work and the larger in size (scarves, tablecloths, etc.). the higher the price will be. By the way, lace jewelry looks quite original - earrings or a necklace made of Vologda lace will be an original gift for a fashionista.
• Enamel products will become a rare and expensive souvenir . This is the ancient art of enamel painting. These items are handmade by private craftsmen. Each of them is unique. Finift is popular among tourists visiting Vologda.
• Another original souvenir is unique ceramics . It is produced by an artist in the village of Kurakitno, Vologda region. Here you can order souvenirs to suit your taste or buy ready-made dishes, tiles or toys. There is a ceramics museum in Kurakino, which will be interesting to visit with children.