34 best sights of Vologda that are worth seeing

What to see in 1 day on your own Itinerary Museums of Vologda in 1 day Stories, routes and tips from tourists with photos Where to stay in Vologda Excursions from Vologda for 1 day

Vologda is one of the oldest cities in the Russian North. This is a town with charming wooden buildings, white-stone cathedrals and provincially cozy museums. Vologda has long been famous for its lace and linen products, butter and balm made from northern herbs.

The city, founded in 1147, 3 centuries later became the capital of the Vologda Principality. During the time of Ivan the Terrible, there were even plans to make Vologda the capital of Rus'. It was during this period that the city flourished as a large shopping center, and many attractions were founded at the same time. What to see in Vologda in 1 day? You will have time to admire the openwork palisades and ancient architecture, see museum exhibitions and try local delicacies. To have time to visit all the interesting sites, take a route around Vologda for 1 day.

Photo: © Igor Butyrskii

Sights of Vologda in one day

Vologda State Museum-Reserve

The facility occupies an area of more than 9,000 square meters. m. The museum-reserve has more than 40 architectural monuments, and the fund includes approximately half a million exhibits.

Visitors explore with interest the collections of the museum, which are attracted by ancient Russian paintings, wooden sculptures, various textiles, a collection of fine arts, painted furniture, ceramics, archaeological finds and other exhibits.

Address: st. Lenina, 15, Vologda

Working hours: 10.00-17.30

House-Museum of Peter I

The house where Peter lived is an architectural and historical object of the second half of the 17th century. The Tsar, coming to Vologda, stayed in the house 5 times. The museum with permanent exhibition was founded in 1872.

The appearance of the one-story stone house is modest and nondescript. Of interest to visitors are the vaulted ceilings, as well as Dutch stoves, which are richly decorated with 17th-century tiles.

Address: Sovetsky pr., 47, Vologda

Opening hours: 10.00-17.00, except Monday, Tuesday

Admission: full – 80 rubles, reduced – 40 rubles.

Lace Museum

The museum is located in a historical stone building on two floors, the former State Bank. The grand opening took place in 2010.

The whimsical patterns of lacemakers from the Vologda region are presented in a rich exhibition. The exhibition samples amaze visitors with their beauty and quirkiness. Beautiful lace products can be bought in the store - most of them are available in a single copy.

Address: Kremlin Square, 12, Vologda

Working hours: 10.00-17.20

Entrance: 120 rub.

Center for Folk Crafts "Carved Palisade"

The center is a green wooden house, which is surrounded by a carved palisade.

In the premises there is a table covered with a lace tablecloth and chairs decorated with carvings. There are brushes, paints, colored pieces of fabric, threads, and objects for modeling.

Master classes are held, thanks to which children make and paint clay toys, carve patterns on wood, sew dolls, and weave lace. Masters gather in the center, lectures, exhibitions, expositions, and concerts are held.

Address: st. Zasodimsky, 5, Vologda

Working hours: 10.00-19.00

Saint Sophia Cathedral

The stone building of the St. Sophia Cathedral was built for quite a long time - from 1568 to 1587. The temple was destroyed and burned in the 60s. last century was restored - it was restored to its 17th century appearance. Comprehensive restoration was carried out in 1999-2007.

St. Sophia Cathedral is open to visitors who want to see the ancient architecture of the building not only outside, but also inside. On church holidays, services are held in the church.

Address: st. Orlova, 15, Vologda

Working hours: 10.00-17.00

Free admission

Resurrection Cathedral

The two-story building of the Cathedral is located in close proximity to the Church of Sophia. The building was made in the Baroque style in 1772-76.

The facades of the five-domed building are decorated with pilasters and columns. The entrance to the cathedral is decorated in the Empire style, the window frames are made in the Northern Russian style. The relics of saints are kept inside the temple. The attraction attracts people who are interested in 18th-century architecture.

Alexander Nevsky Church

The year of foundation of the oldest church is 1556. Until the end of the 18th century. the building was wooden, then a stone temple was built in its place around 1782.

Currently the church is brick, with a classic-looking bell tower. The church has a theater studio and a Sunday school. Inside the church there is a memorial plaque with the names of those killed in various military conflicts. The ancient architecture of the building deserves attention. In addition, the church is active, which also attracts believers.

Address: st. Orlova, 10, Vologda

Working hours: 9.00-17.00

Entry: free

Spaso-Prilutsky Monastery

The complex of ancient architectural and cultural monuments is located on the banks of the Volga. The peaceful monastery houses the relics of D. Prilutsky, who is the founder of the Orthodox monastery.

The monastery attracts many lovers of ancient Russian culture, due to the fact that the original appearance of the monastery has been preserved almost completely. Spaso-Prilutsky Monastery is a center of pilgrimage.

Address: microdistrict Pryluky, st. Monastyrskaya, 2, Vologda

Opening hours: services and excursions by arrangement

Admission: free, donations from 50 rubles.

Official website: https://spas-priluki.ru

House-Museum of V.T. Shalamova

House-Museum of V.T. Shalamov is located next to the St. Sophia Cathedral, in which the father of the future Russian writer V.T. served. Shalamov. The house is a monument of the 18th century. Initially it was at the disposal of the St. Sophia Cathedral. In 1907, V.T. was born in this house. Shalamov, who lived there from 1907 to 1924. In his autobiographical story “The Fourth Vologda,” the writer described this house in artistic form.

Vologda Memorial plaque to V.T. Shalamov (2018)

Vologda House-Museum of the writer V.T. Shalamova (2018)

Sights of the surroundings of Vologda

Museum A.F. Mozhaisky

Museum of A.F. Mozhaisky

The museum is located 12 kilometers from Vologda. Its work as a branch began in 1986.

The exhibition is dedicated to the life of an aircraft designer and the research of an aviation pioneer. Visitors can learn about the lives of famous aircraft designers and Vologda hero pilots. Nearby, on an area of 3 hectares, there is a well-kept park, which was laid out in 1861 - an ideal place for walks.

Address: s. Mozhaiskoe; GPS: 59.12559, 39.79606

Opening hours: 10.00-17.00, except Sunday, Monday

Admission: adults – 100 rubles, pensioners – 80 rubles, students – 50 rubles.

Architectural and Ethnographic Museum "Semenkovo"

The open-air museum was opened in 1979. It is located 13 kilometers from the city center. The territory of the Museum of Wooden Architecture occupies 12.7 hectares.

Guests can stroll through the scenic grounds where attractions are located. These are windmills, residential buildings, St. George's Church, the chapel of Elijah the Prophet, barns and other buildings transported from the villages of the Vologda region.

Address: near the village of Semenkovo; GPS: 59.27766, 39.71676

Opening hours: from 10.00, in summer until 18.00, in winter until 17.00, days off - Monday, Tuesday

Admission: full – 150 rubles, reduced – 50 rubles.

Brianchaninovs' estate

The village of Pokrovskoye in the 17th century. granted to the Brianchaninov family. In 1809-10 An estate was built near the family cemetery, and a year later a church was built. The building was rebuilt, it housed a sanatorium, and in 1997-2009 it was restored according to the drawings of the past.

The estate is a two-story rectangular building with an attic in a classical style. White bas-reliefs were used as decoration for the pink walls, and the roof was entirely red.

In the premises there are antique pieces of furniture, carpets on the walls, paintings. On the territory there are stables, a necropolis, warehouses, a church, and a magnificent park. The place will be interesting for both adults and children.

Address: Gryazovets district, Pokrovskoye village; GPS: 59.03448, 39.9567

Opening hours: Wednesday-Sunday 10.00-18.00

How to get there

There are different ways to visit Vologda.

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).
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.
Intercity buses run from Cherepovets to the city; the last one leaves at 21.40.
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.
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.
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.

Where to go in Vologda and what else to see

Temple of Constantine and Helena

The temple, made of stone, is an example of Russian patterning. The building was built approximately in 1690.

Of the many shrines in the city, the church is the most attractive to tourists. It has two floors: cold and warm. Inside there is an ancient five-level iconostasis, where the relics of saints are kept. The temple is operational - daily services and liturgies are held, and prayers are performed.

Address: Pobeda Ave., 85, Vologda

Working hours: 8.00-18.00

Entry: free

Official website: https://srckie-vol.cerkov.ru

Regional Art Gallery

The main building of the gallery is located in the Resurrection Cathedral. In addition, the museum has four exhibition spaces. The gallery presents works, the collection of which began in Ancient Rus'.

Landscapes, portraits, and graphics deserve attention. The museum also displays contemporary works by Russian and Western European artists, as well as Vologda masters.

Address: Kremlin Square, 3, Vologda

Opening hours: 10.00-18.00, except Sunday, Monday

Entrance: 120 rub.

State Drama Theater

The Drama Theatre, which existed since 1849, was located in several places - these were wooden buildings and the Pushkin People's House. In 1974, a new building was built for the theater.

Both honored actors of Russia and young artists work in the drama theater. Performances are held for spectators of all ages. The repertoire includes classical dramas, productions for children, and vaudeville.

Address: ave. Sovetsky, 1, Vologda

Cash desk opening hours: 12.00-18.00, Monday – 14.00-18.00

Entrance: 200-600 rub.

Chamber Drama Theater

A group of artists from the state theater created the Chamber Drama Theater in 1999. The group did not have its own building for a long time; it appeared only in 2010.

Guests of Vologda can see performances of classical and modern plays, both Russian and foreign, on stage. The troupe tours in different regions of Russia and participates in various festivals.

Address: Mira street, 20, entrance from the yard, Vologda

Opening hours: 12.00-18.00, performances from 19.00

Puppet theater "Teremok"

The theater is located in the historical building of a former temple. The activity of the puppet theater began in 1937. The architecture of the building is unusual, reminiscent of a tower - hence the name “Teremok”.

Basically, the theater presents puppet shows for children and adults. Various festive events, masquerades, and behind-the-scenes excursions are also held.

Address: st. Lenina, 21, Vologda

Opening hours: 10.00-19.00, except Monday, Tuesday

Entrance: check ticket prices by phone +7 (8172) 72-45-40

House of Zasetskys

The remarkable building, made of wood, has existed since 1790. The first residents of the mansion were the Zasetsky nobles. At the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, the building was changed, rebuilt, and decorated with carved wooden elements.

The monument of wooden architecture, built in the classical style, attracts lovers of antiquity. The house is bright: the roof is red, the walls are painted green. The façade is decorated with a portico of four columns that support the balcony.

Address: st. Leningradskaya, 12, Vologda

Opening hours: inspection around the clock

Entry: free

House of Puzan-Puzyrevsky

A beautiful building with large wooden columns was built in 1831. Many people lived in this house at different times. One of them was the popular photographer of Vologda Baraneev. Then the building housed a club where clerks spent time. Then, in 1918, the house was given over to the American embassy.

At this time, the mansion is empty, and tourists can see the architecture of the ancient building and admire the skill of the craftsmen who built the huge columns from wood.

Address: st. Herzena, 35, Vologda

Opening hours: daily

Admission: free viewing from outside

Red Bridge

The Red Bridge served to connect Dobrolyubova and Kalinin streets. The first structure was built in 1918-21. – wooden, with two paths for pedestrians.

The structure was dismantled in 1970 to build a new pedestrian bridge in 1971. Opposite the bridge is an art gallery of the same name. Here you can see the works of artists from different periods and styles.

Address: 6th Army Embankment, 143

Church of Varlaam Khutynsky

The two-story church was erected in 1780 in the style of early classicism. The saint to whom the majestic temple is dedicated was very revered in the city.

Visitors are attracted by the majesty and unusualness of the building. The eastern side of the building is decorated in a very original way - flowerpots with stucco molding, reminiscent of the houses of wealthy citizens. On the opposite side there is a through quadrangle, topped with a spire.

Address: st. Zasodimskogo, 14 A, Vologda

Working hours: 9.00-18.00

Entry: free

Church of the Intercession on Kozlen

The temple was erected at the beginning of the 18th century. on the site of a wooden, but subsequently burned, church. The building was rebuilt, restored, repaired. It housed a furniture factory, a military registration and enlistment office, and since 1991 the temple began to be used for its intended purpose.

The appearance of the building, which has a Moscow Baroque style, is attractive. The church is notable for its ancient frescoes created by masters of the Yaroslavl school.

Address: st. Pervomaiskaya, 12, Vologda

Working hours: 9.00-17.00

Entry: free

Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker in Vladychnaya Sloboda

Nicholas Church is the third oldest in Vologda, built in 1669. The temple is huge, which makes it stand out among others in the city. Built in Baroque style, with a lot of stucco. The building housed dispossessed peasants, a toy factory, and other groups of people.

Visitors are surprised by the large size of the temple and are amazed by the interesting decor. The church is decorated with platbands with pediments in the form of triangles, half-columns in the corners, and double pilasters.

Address: st. Gogolya, 108, Vologda

Working hours: 8.00-17.00

Entry: free

Official website: https://www.svnikolai.ru

Church of the Presentation

The temple was built in 1731-35, and by 1830 the architecture of the porch and bell tower was changed. The consecration of the warm and cold churches took place at different times: the first in 1735, the second in 1837.

Guests are attracted by the architectural appearance of the stone building - Russian Baroque and patterned. Patterned brickwork decorates the wide cornice, bell tower, and drums. Inserts of tiles of different configurations are placed on the platbands and pediment. All this together creates a majestic picture of the entire structure.

Address: Blagoveshchenskaya st., 51A, Vologda

Working hours: 8.00-18.00

Free admission

Gorne-Uspensky Monastery

Much earlier than the monastery, the Assumption Church was built on this site. It is believed that the year the monastery was founded is 1590. Then the building burned down and took a long time to be built, and at the end of the 20th century it housed a hospital and an orphanage. In 2014, the monastery was restored, giving it its current appearance.

The women's monastery is of interest to lovers of ancient architecture. On the territory of the monastery you can also see three more beautiful churches.

Address: st. Burmaginykh, 19 A, Vologda

Opening hours: in the morning from 08.15, in the evening from 17.00

Free admission

Church of St. Andrew the First-Called

The temple is an ancient landmark - erected at the end of the 17th century. Initially, the church was made of wood, then a two-story stone building was built in its place. At different times, the temple was used as a transit point, a warehouse, and during the Great Patriotic War there were machine tools in it. The church was then restored and returned to the believers in 1990.

The spectacular, expressive white and green temple looks great against the backdrop of the river and greenery. The church holds services and a Sunday school.

Address: st. 6th Army, 205, Vologda

Working hours: 09.00-17.00

Free admission

Official website: https://apostol1.cerkov.ru

Museum "World of Forgotten Things"

The museum is located in a two-story high mansion, built in the mid-19th century. The building, made in a classic style, has a mezzanine and beautiful windows on the pediment. The museum began operating in 1991 and is classified as a museum-reserve.

The exhibition halls have restored interiors from the 19th and early 20th centuries. Items from that time fit organically into the historical setting. Visitors can get acquainted with the traditions and life of the city nobility.

Address: st. Leningradskaya, 6, Vologda

Opening hours: 10.00-17.00, except Monday, Tuesday

Entrance: 80 rub. preferential – 40 rub.

Museum "Vologda Link"

The museum is located in a wooden two-story building. It was in this house that I.V. lived. Stalin, when he was exiled to Vologda, like many other revolutionaries. The permanent exhibition opened in 1937, then it was remodeled and later closed. In 2007, access to the updated exhibition was opened.

On the second floor of the building, visitors can view the archive. The first contains prison items that belonged to both prisoners and gendarmes.

Address: st. M. Ulyanova, 33, Vologda

Opening hours: 10.00-17.00, except Sunday, Monday

Admission: full - 80 rubles, reduced - 40 rubles.

Museum "Literature. Art. Century XX"

The museum is located in a wooden house built in the 18th century, where the Sitnikov sisters lived. The exhibition is dedicated to the lyrical poet of the 20th century. Nikolay Rubtsov.

Thanks to the literary exhibition, guests can get acquainted with the life and work of N.M. Rubtsova. The magnificent landscapes of the Vologda region give the exhibition a special mood - poetry and lyricism. Rubtsov's personal belongings, photographs, autographs have been preserved. The museum will be of particular interest to lovers of literature and art.

Address: st. Herzena, 36, Vologda

Opening hours: 10.00-17.30, except Sunday, Saturday

Museum of Pharmacy of the Vologda Region

The pharmacy, which was the third in Russia, opened in 1675. Local residents organized the exposition for the 330th anniversary of the opening.

The museum displays pharmaceutical utensils, furniture items, scales - all this was sought throughout the region.

Visitors inspect with interest the pill machine for the production of tablets and get acquainted with the pharmacy regulations. This unusual museum will become another important point for lovers of interesting places in Vologda.

Address: st. Lenina, 1, Vologda

Opening hours: daily

Einstein Museum of Fun Science

The entertainment and educational center began operating in 2013. The museum is suitable for guests of any age - both children and their parents.

Visitors are introduced to chemistry, physics and other sciences in a playful way. The exhibits located in the museum are not inviolable - they can be touched and put into action. Children enjoy independently conducting various experiments, walking through a mirror maze, creating an optical illusion, etc.

Address: st. Leningradskaya, 79, Vologda

Working hours: 10.00-20.00

Entrance: from 300 rub.

Museum-apartment of K.N. Batyushkova

The building in which the museum is located was built in 1810. The historical building has been used for museum exhibitions since 1983.

Two halls are available to guests: the first tells about the life of the poet, the second shows the interior of the Grevens salon. The poet was allocated only one room, since practically no belongings of his were preserved.

The museum houses a copy of K.N.’s library. Batyushkov, in which there are authentic exhibits of the 19th century. In the museum you will get acquainted with various ancient books, as well as the life of the poet.

Address: st. Batyushkova, 2, Vologda

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FAQ

Where can you go with children in Vologda? House-Museum of Peter I, Teremok Puppet Theater, Einstein Museum of Entertaining Sciences.

What sights in Vologda should a tourist see first? Vologda State Museum-Reserve, House-Museum of Peter I, Lace Museum, Folk Crafts Center "Carved Palisade", St. Sophia Cathedral, Resurrection Cathedral, Alexander Nevsky Church, Spaso-Prilutsky Monastery.

What sights of Vologda can you see on your own? Kremlin Square and Vologda Kremlin, Revolution Square, Bishop's Courtyard, Vologda State Museum-Reserve, House-Museum of Peter I, Lace Museum, Center for Folk Crafts "Carved Palisade", Regional Art Gallery.

Stories, routes and tips from tourists with photos

Ideas for a Vologda route for 1 day can be found in tourist reviews. Traveler reports provide useful tips and advice. You will find real impressions of the sights of Vologda, true photos. Reviews from tourists will help rid your route of not the most interesting objects.

“Shall we sit and relax?” - a story from Julia.
“Vologda lace” - photo album from Vladimir.
“Forward to the Russian North! In Vologda, on the day of remembrance of All Saints" - report from Konstantin Pavlov.
“Vologda” is a photo album from Igor Butyrsky.

All tourist reviews about trips to Vologda

And also advice on what to bring from Vologda