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Yaroslavl is the capital of the Golden Ring, a city with a thousand-year history and many cultural and architectural monuments. Most of them are located in the center, but for some interesting points you will have to go to the surrounding area. The main historical and unusual points, museums and everything that is worth visiting first are in this post.
- Main attractions
- Unusual places
- Museums
- How to get there
- Map
Main
Spaso-Preobrazhensky Monastery
The Spaso-Preoborazhensky Monastery is located on the embankment of the Kotorosl River and is part of the Yaroslavl Museum-Reserve. First of all, this place is famous for the fact that “The Lay of Igor’s Campaign” was found here. The monastery was founded in the 12th century, but only later buildings from the 16th century have reached us. Gradually the monastery became the religious and cultural center of the region and gained great influence. In 1612, the militia of Minin and Pozharsky with the provisional government was stationed here. It was from here that the militia began their march on Moscow. Since the 1950s, a museum complex has been located on the territory of the monastery.
Here you definitely need to see the oldest building of Yaroslavl - the Transfiguration Cathedral, the Uglich, Mikhailovskaya and Bogoroditskaya towers, monastery cells, the belfry and the Holy Gate through which the entrance is made. Among the new monuments are a stele dedicated to Pozharsky and a monument to the kopeck of 1612, also associated with the militia.
Church of Elijah the Prophet
The first church of Yaroslavl was founded by the founder of the city, Yaroslav the Wise. However, the building itself from those times has not survived, and now we see a temple from the 17th century. With perestroika, the Robbery Chapel appeared, located on the right. The 17th century was the heyday of the Yaroslavl architectural style - one of the most beautiful pre-Petrine styles of Russian architecture.
However, the temple is beautiful not only from the outside. The interior painting looks truly impressive. These are frescoes consisting of 970 subject compositions on biblical themes. They cover the entire area - from the floor to the high arches.
Arrow
Probably the most iconic place in Yaroslavl is Strelka. It is believed that at the confluence of the two rivers Volga and Kotorosl, the city was founded more than a thousand years ago. For the anniversary in 2010, Strelka was turned into a large landscaped park with monuments to national heroes, fountains and a stele.
If you go down to Strelka, then opposite you will see the temple complex in Korovniki. Korovnitskaya settlement is one of the oldest settlements, famous for craftsmen and fishermen. The main thing that has been preserved from the former settlement is a brick temple with colorful azure platbands, a carved iconostasis and picturesque frescoes.
Assumption Cathedral
Another important point of the Strelka is the Assumption Cathedral. The original version was built in the 13th century, but was destroyed in 1937 during an anti-church campaign. In 2004, its restoration began, but the modern project was very different from the destroyed building. The modern cathedral turned out to be much larger in size, and also in an architectural style completely uncharacteristic for Yaroslavl. Feedback from residents about the implemented project varies: some believe that the Strelka panorama has been restored, others are categorically against the remake in a historical place.
In any case, the modern architectural composition gives an idea of what the most important spiritual place looked like before.
Trinity
In front of the cathedral there is a sculptural composition “Trinity”, referring to the biblical Trinity. The sculptures were created in 1995 in a modern style.
Church of St. Nicholas Rubleny
While walking along Strelka, be sure to pay attention to the Church of St. Nicholas the Ruben. Unlike the Assumption Cathedral, this is an ancient temple that was rebuilt and now represents two eras at once: on the one hand, it is a typical example of Yaroslavl architecture, and on the other, a later classical temple.
Volzhskaya embankment
The most beautiful walking place in Yaroslavl, Volzhskaya Embankment, departs from Strelka. It once served as a unloading area for fishermen and a trading point, but was landscaped by order of Alexander I. At the same time, beautiful mansions were built along the alley. Now the three-tier embankment consists of an alley for pedestrians, a bicycle path, a cafe and souvenir shops.
The elegant rotunda gazebo of the 19th century also attracts attention; there is a similar project in Kostroma.
The embankment is extremely rich in museums: the Historical Museum, the Metropolitan Chambers, “Music and Time” and the Bolkonsky House. Read more about museums in the section below.
Drama Theater named after. Volkova
The oldest drama theater in Russia, operating since the 18th century. The richly decorated classical building immediately stands out in the square of the same name. It is considered one of the best in the country; many outstanding actors began their work here.
Stories, routes and tips from tourists with photos
To effectively plan your time in Yaroslavl and get impressions of top places, you should read reviews from other travelers. In the reports you will find real impressions with authentic photographs. Reviews like this will help you plan your time hourly and choose really worthwhile objects to visit.
Reviews about holidays in Yaroslavl from tourists:
- “Walk through the thousand-year-old Yaroslavl” - route from Valeria Belousova
- “According to the waves of my memory, the time of the worthy” - a story about the sights of Yaroslavl from Irina Ananyeva
- An unusual view of the city from Vladimir Shalaev: “Yaroslavl. Looking for details"
- “Winter in glorious Yaroslavl” - route with recommendations and photos from Svetlana
All tourist reviews about trips to Yaroslavl
Church of Elijah the Prophet Photo: © Sergey Makhinin
Church of the Beheading of John the Baptist in Tolchkovo
The church is located outside the historical center, so it is not included in standard tourist routes. Meanwhile, this is a beautiful temple, which, unfortunately, is now not in the best condition. Colored tiles also stand out brightly on the red brick walls. It’s definitely worth going inside, as the interiors have preserved ancient frescoes. By the way, the temple is depicted on the back of the thousandth banknote.
Church of Guria, Samon and Aviva of the Nativity Parish
Near the embankment there is also a beautiful church from the 17th century, which marked the peak of construction and the heyday of the Yaroslavl style. In addition to many unusual architectural details, it is unique in that it is a bell tower church.
Mansions
There are many mansions of the pre-revolutionary era in the center. The most outstanding examples: Governor's house (Volzhskaya embankment 23), Kurakin's house (Volzhskaya embankment, 45), Pastukhov's mansion (Respublikanskaya st., 42), Dunaev's (Oktyabrya Ave., 38), Matveevsky estate (Chelyuskintsev Square, 16 ).
But even if you don’t remember the addresses, but just walk along the central streets, you will definitely come across the most beautiful former merchant and noble mansions.
Toy railway
Address: st. 3rd Yakovlevskaya, 54 Website: https://vk.com/ydzdrzd
Tourists with children will be interested in visiting the unique children's railway. Its length is almost 6 km, there are three platforms - Green, Lugovaya and Yubileinaya. The rolling stock includes two diesel locomotives and four passenger cars.
Children here not only ride the train, but also drive it. They are drivers, conductors, and working personnel. Traveling here is reminiscent of a fairy tale, especially since the road is located in the forest, on the outskirts of the city.
Unusual places
Monument to Yaroslav the Wise
The monument to the founder of the city, Yaroslav the Wise, although it was created in 1993, immediately became one of the symbols of Yaroslavl. All because it ended up on the thousand-ruble bill, along with the Strelka and the Kazan Chapel. Many people joke that Yaroslav is holding an Easter cake, but in reality it is a model of the future city.
Kazan Chapel
Another modern landmark, which, despite the fact that it was created in 1997, has become a Yaroslavl symbol. Like the monument to Yaroslav, it ended up on the thousandth banknote. The chapel is located opposite the monastery, where the militia of Minin and Pozharsky was based. The place was not chosen by chance - it is dedicated to the exit of the militia from the walls of the monastery.
Butusovsky village (residential area)
Some buildings in Yaroslavl will also attract the attention of lovers of Soviet architecture, of which there is, of course, not as much here as in Ivanovo. For example, a residential area on Sverdlova Street, built in 1932 in a constructivist style. It was created as affordable housing for workers, and its layout was consistent with the ideas of socialism: shared kitchens, dining rooms and other public spaces. Now the houses remain residential, but have been redeveloped into individual apartments.
Kotoroslnaya embankment
The Kotorosl embankment is very different from the Volzhskaya embankment - it is quieter and even forgotten. Therefore, it is perfect for quiet walks, for example, to the Millennium Park, where there is a lot of sports and children's entertainment. On the embankment there is another example of constructivism - an abandoned flour mill. Another example of constructivism is the flour mill on Kotoroslaya embankment, which now stands abandoned.
Bolkonsky House
Address: Volzhskaya embankment, 7/2
It is considered one of the most romantic places in the city: it was here that the last meeting of Leo Tolstoy’s characters Natasha Rostova and Andrei Bolkonsky took place. The mansion was built at the end of the 18th century, when simplicity and monumentality began to replace the magnificent architectural forms. As a result, it combines classicism and baroque.
This is a four-story building with three mezzanines on the roof. Its creators are unknown. The only information about them is that during the War of 1812 they transferred the mansion to a military hospital. Tourists can only admire the mansion from the outside, as it now houses a private company.
Museums
If you only have one day, you probably won't have much time to visit museums. Conveniently, almost all of them are located in the center, and several are concentrated on the Volzhskaya embankment.
Yaroslavl Museum-Reserve
The main museum is located on the territory of the Transfiguration Cathedral. It includes a historical exhibition and constantly changing temporary exhibitions dedicated to the Yaroslavl region, icon painting, archaeological excavations and others.
Bogoyavlenskaya sq., 25
Working hours: 09:00-18:00
Entrance: to the territory - 70 rubles, to the exhibition - 130-250 rubles, single ticket - 500 rubles.
Music and Time
Most of the exhibition consists of musical instruments, records and players, through which unusual stories associated with them are told. This is the first private museum in Russia, and its collection began with the personal collection of the owner. Now the museum complex also includes a collection of porcelain and samovars.
Flickr/akk_rus
Volzhskaya embankment, 33
Working hours: 10:00-19:00
Entrance: 350 rub.
Historical Museum
The museum is dedicated to the history of Yaroslavl, which is revealed primarily through everyday objects, examples of decorative and applied arts, archaeological finds and much more. The model of what the city looked like in the 13th century is noteworthy. In addition, in the mansion where the museum is located, it was possible to preserve the original interiors of two centuries ago.
Volzhskaya embankment, 17
Working hours: 10:00-18:00
Entrance: 120 rub.
Art Museum
The museum consists of several branches, the main one of which is the Governor's House on the Volzhskaya Embankment. It houses a rather impressive collection of Russian art of the 18th-20th centuries, including works by the most famous artists: Aivazovsky, Bryullov, Repin. Both classical, avant-garde and Soviet styles of painting are presented. Other branches house collections of foreign art. The Metropolitan Chambers (at Volzhskaya embankment, 1) displays a collection of ancient Russian art.
Volzhskaya embankment, 23
Opening hours: Tue-Sun 10:00-18:00
Entrance: 150 rub.
Modern Art Museum
The museum is located in a beautiful neo-Gothic mansion from the 19th century. Temporary exhibitions of contemporary art are held here, as well as quests, seminars, film screenings and master classes.
st. Tchaikovsky, 23a
Opening hours: Wed-Sun 11:00-19:00
Entrance: 200 rub.
Nekrasov Museum-Reserve “Karabikha”
No longer in the center, but not far from Yaroslavl in the village of Karabikha, the Nekrasov estate has been preserved, which is now occupied by a museum-reserve. A unique palace and park ensemble of the 18th century was built and was the Golitsyn estate for a long time. Later Nekrasov bought this estate and lived here for more than 15 years.
The exhibition is dedicated to both the Golitsyn family and the Nekrasov family - the interiors have been restored and household items and personal belongings have been collected. This is a very atmospheric place, interesting both from a historical and architectural point of view, and for walking through a beautiful park.
Wiki/Commons
st. Shkolnaya, 2, Karabikha
Opening hours: Tue-Sun 10:00-16:30
Entrance: 120 rub.
Yaroslavl streets
There are several good places for walking in Yaroslavl. In addition to Volzhskaya, there is Tveritskaya embankment . It's shorter, but more comfortable. They especially like to visit it in the summer - the best beach in the city is located here. The embankment is part of the old city; pre-revolutionary houses, a royal tower and a factory for the production of felt boots have been preserved here.
It will be interesting to walk along Kirova Street - it is pedestrian and the shortest in the city. Its peculiarity is its numerous cozy cafes and restaurants, some of which are built in the national spirit. The “House of Actor” restaurant is considered very colorful . There are two red lanterns in front of the entrance, and inside there are theater posters hanging on the walls and smoke from cigarettes. Local residents call this street “Yaroslavl Arbat”.
The best time to come to Yaroslavl is from May to October. Many museums, galleries and even churches are open only at this time of year to prevent frost from damaging ancient frescoes and icons. Only during this period does the Volga appear in all its glory - with picturesque steep banks and slopes. You can even take a boat ride along it. In the warm season, the golden domes of ancient temples and monasteries shine brightest in the sun, reminiscent of the past and proudly looking to the future.
If you plan to stay in Yaroslavl for a week, you can set aside a few days to visit the surrounding, very interesting cities:
- Rybinsk - from the Yaroslavl bus station by bus in 1.5 hours.
- Myshkin - 30 minutes by bus from Rybinsk, from the square in front of the railway station.
- Uglich - 1 hour from Rybinsk by bus.
- Plyos - 2 hours by car via Kostroma
How to get there
You can get to Yaroslavl in all possible ways: by bus, train (there is a high-speed one) or car from Moscow (270 km and 5 hours), by train or plane from St. Petersburg. Yaroslavl has rail connections to St. Petersburg, Moscow, Rybinsk, Vologda, and bus connections to all nearby cities, including Ivanovo and Vladimir.
The most picturesque and exciting way to get here is a river cruise on the Volga. You can choose a cruise along the Golden Ring, including the most beautiful cities of the Volga, or a simple Moscow-Yaroslavl cruise. Find the best deals here.
Dolphinarium
Address: Yaroslavl district, village. Dubki, st. Shkolnaya, 1 Website: https://www.yardelfin.ru/ Phone: Cost: from 150 to 700 rubles, children under 3 years old - free. Swimming with a dolphin - from 7,000 rubles. How to get there: from the bus station to the dolphinarium - by bus 104.
Not far from Yaroslavl there is a dolphinarium, which is interesting not only for children, but also for adults. Three times a day there are shows with sea animals - seals, dolphins, whales. For a fee you can swim with them in the pool. And also have lunch in a cafe overlooking the pool.
Embankment of the Volga River
From Strelka you can walk to the embankment towards the Volga. The modern, landscaped square does not create a contrast with the general appearance of the ancient city. On the contrary, they complement each other. It’s better to start your acquaintance from the second level, which offers an incredible panoramic view. Also, many historical monuments and valuable architectural objects are concentrated here: the Volga Tower, the Music and Time Museum, the Metropolitan Chambers, ancient houses and estates.
Volzhskaya embankment
The embankment has a fence, and each architectural monument has its own stand with detailed information. The embankment is decorated with musical fountains, cozy gazebos, and summer cafes with terraces, which provide a pleasant atmosphere for walks and cultural recreation.
Park on Strelka
The park is interesting to visit both during the day and in the evening. During the day, admire the greenery and flowers. In the evening - with beautiful decorative lighting and fountains.
The park is surrounded by the Volga and from it you can see the Damansky Island park - an amusement park.
Strelka is a cape located at the confluence of the Kotorosl River and the Volga.
In the park there is a monument to the 1000th anniversary of Yaroslavl and the sculpture “Trinity”.
You can take a walk, sit on a bench and move on.
Video about Yaroslavl
Video tour of Yaroslavl:
Beautiful video with the main attractions of the city using Timelapse technique:
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Treatment
Housing near Yaroslavl is mainly boarding houses and sanatoriums. Most often they are located on the banks of the Volga (for example, in the villages of Krasny Volgar, Zolotoy Kolos, Norskoye) and have their own beach.
In the vicinity of Yaroslavl, about 200 years ago, deposits of medicinal salts were discovered. They are used in the treatment of diseases of the musculoskeletal system and dermatological diseases. The main sanatoriums of this profile are “Big Salts” and “Malye Salts”.
In addition, many sanatoriums are located in coniferous forests, and this promotes recovery from respiratory diseases.
The Chernaya Rechka children's sanatorium is also located in the Yaroslavl region. In addition to treatment programs, it offers summer holidays for children: health improvement is combined with sports, creativity, and education.
Volkovsky Drama Theater
The first drama theater in Russia
The Volkov Theater was the first drama theater in the country. It began its work back in 1750. The first performances for the audience were staged by Fyodor Volkov, who came from a merchant family. They took place in a barn for the production of leather goods.
The troupe was first moved to the theater premises in 1911. The repertoire presents classic works with a completely new vision.
Boulevard Pervomaisky
While walking along Pervomaisky Boulevard, be sure to visit the Kazan Convent.
The alley runs through the central part of the city: from the Volzhskaya Embankment through Red Square to Volkov Square. The boulevard is distinguished by its variety of valuable architectural monuments: the Kazan Convent, the sculpture of Saints Peter and Fevronia, the oldest theater in the country - the Drama Theater named after F. G. Volkov, as well as the Ognyanov estate and the monument to Nekrasov. In the evening, the boulevard becomes especially lively with crowds of tourists and locals in restaurants.
Show layout “Golden Ring”
This museum is a must visit for everyone, young and old. Here you can externally visit the cities of the Golden Ring, which are presented in miniature.
While viewing the exhibition in small towns, the time of day will change, accidents and fires will occur, and, of course, they will be successfully eliminated by the relevant services.
While you walk along the panorama, real life will be in full swing here - trains, cars, and everything is synchronized in such a way that when the train moves, the cars will patiently stand and wait at the crossing behind a closed barrier - and this is only part of the spectacle that you you can see there.
Well, and finally, you will be offered to take a photo with a souvenir magnet, so that you can later remember how you visited this museum.
The interesting thing is that the model is constantly being refined and new details appear on it - you can see the blanks in the workshop, which is located right there “behind the glass”, and in which work is constantly in full swing.
A short video from the Golden Ring Show Layout Museum
And photos from the museum:
Museum address: Sovetsky lane, 2/23A
Opening hours: daily from 10:00 to 20:00.
In addition to the entrance ticket, you will be given a map with tasks. In every city you will need to find a fairy-tale hero. Be sure to take part in the quest; interesting tasks are exciting for adults and children.
Ticket prices
We also recommend renting an audio guide and binoculars, as... There are many small details on the layout. For two people, one pair of binoculars and an audio guide is enough.
- Binoculars cost 300 rubles (+ 500 rubles deposit).
- Audio guide – 300 RUR (+ 500 RUR deposit).
Nutrition
Organizing meals in Yaroslavl is easy: the city has many restaurants and cafes serving European and Asian cuisine. In addition, there are restaurants that specialize in the traditions of Russian cuisine - they can usually be recognized by their name.
For example, in the family restaurant “Aleshina Lepeshki” the tables are arranged around a Russian oven. Well, in the refectory chambers of “Ivan Vasilyevich”, as expected, they serve pancakes with all sorts of fillings, black, red and eggplant caviar, twirled hare kidneys - in general, everything that was eaten in the film “Ivan Vasilyevich Changes His Profession”.
A children's menu (pasta, dumplings, French fries, desserts - all in a funny design) is offered by the Anderson family cafe. In other catering establishments, as a rule, there is no special menu for children, but many restaurants equip a children's play corner.
The largest number of food supermarkets are located in the Kirovsky and Leninsky districts of the city.
