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Vladimir is one of the oldest cities in Russia with a rich history and part of the popular Golden Ring tourist route. He managed to preserve most of the historical heritage, so there are many unique monuments of ancient Russian art and architecture, and on the central streets it is easy to mentally transport yourself back several centuries. What you should visit during your visit and what sights you need to see are in this post.
- Attractions
- Interesting places
- Map
List of places
Bolshaya Moskovskaya Street
Bolshaya Moskovskaya is the main street of Vladimir, where most of the attractions are concentrated. It is amazing that it has retained its 19th-century appearance - which is very rare for Russian cities. Almost every building is a historical and architectural monument. From this street you can judge what the cities of Central Russia looked like two centuries ago, and only modern signs and active traffic remind us of the present.
City Duma
On Bolshaya Moskovskaya, the impressive building of the former City Duma, built in 1907, immediately attracts attention. At the beginning of the 20th century, the pseudo-Russian and “brick” style was popular, and this is one of its successful examples.
Mother of God Nativity Monastery
Also on Bolshaya Moskovskaya there is the ancient Nativity of the Mother of God Monastery, founded by Prince Vsevolod Yuryevich in 1191. It was here that Alexander Nevsky was originally buried, whose relics were then transferred to St. Petersburg. Unfortunately, not much has survived from ancient times from the original buildings, since the monastery has experienced several destructions over its long history. Now the oldest buildings are the former defensive walls.
In the 13th century, the monastery was plundered during the invasion of Batu. In the 19th century, ancient pre-Mongol temples were dismantled. The ancient churches were demolished in the 1930s as part of an anti-church campaign, and the Cheka and a pre-trial detention center were located on the territory of the monastery. In the 1990s, a revival began and the destroyed buildings were rebuilt. Detailed information can be read at the stands; entry to the territory is free.
Dmitrievsky Cathedral
Once upon a time there was a Kremlin in the center of Vladimir, but its walls have not been preserved, so now you enter its territory unnoticed. Inside the Kremlin there was the Demetrius Cathedral, which has survived to this day in a reconstructed, but nevertheless close to its original form. It was built by order of Vsevolod the Big Nest in 1194-1197 and named after the icon of Dmitry of Thessalonica. Over such a long period of existence, the temple lost some parts and elements, but what has survived is a truly unique example of ancient Russian architecture.
The façade is decorated with bas-reliefs of mythical creatures and animals, which are generally typical of medieval architecture, but are very rare in Russia. Based on the subjects of the white stone carvings, one can judge the folklore of that time and see the mixture of pagan and church traditions. Such an amazing contrast is noticeable in the proximity of smiling lions with saints and historical figures.
At the same time, the very structure of the Dmitrievsky Cathedral is traditional for Orthodox churches and, in general, is a striking example of Vladimir-Suzdal architecture. Initially it was built as a house temple for Prince Vsevolod and his family.
If possible, it is worth going inside, as fragments of frescoes from the 12th century have been preserved inside. There is also a small historical exhibition; entrance costs 150 rubles.
How to get to Vladimir?
Everything is very simple here! Dozens of trains and buses run between Moscow and Vladimir daily, but I recommend that you use trains so as not to depend on the situation on the road.
Trains to Vladimir
There are several types of trains departing to Vladimir, including:
- regular electric trains with 6000 numbering. Travel time is 3.5 hours, but you can get discounted travel. The fare is 485 rubles*
- “fast” trains and “branded express”. Travel time—2 hours 40 minutes. Fare—530 rubles*
- Lastochka and Strizh trains are the fastest and most modern trains to Vladimir. Travel time - 1 hour 40 minutes. Travel cost - from 1200 rubles**
* according to the portal tutu.ru.
** according to the portal lastochka-poezd.ru
In fact, you can go for a walk to Vladimir for just 1 day, without stopping overnight. In general, some people living in Moscow take longer to get to work than it does to travel from Moscow to Vladimir by Lastochka and Swift. But, if you can stay overnight, you will have the opportunity to spend a whole unforgettable weekend in the city.
By car from Moscow to Vladimir
By personal transport, the journey to Vladimir is not that long, only 250 km. I wrote about my own experience here - In Vladimir for the weekend | Description of the trip and difficulties along the way
Interesting places
Pedestrian streets
In the area of the Nikolskaya and Spasskaya churches along Geogrievskaya Street, a pedestrian quarter was created with antique-style signs, posters and advertisements. This atmospheric place is great for photography and walking.
There are several interesting points in the quarter: a monument to a fireman, where you can try to pump water yourself, the sculpture “Scientist Cat”, a customs booth and a chapel in honor of the 2000th anniversary of Christianity. Many people visit the Old Pharmacy Museum with historical pharmaceutical exhibits and the Borodins' forge with an interactive exhibition.
Water tower
The historic water tower, which worked for its intended purpose until the mid-20th century, now houses the Old Vladimir Museum. The exhibition is dedicated to the urban life of past centuries: the interiors, clothing, and household items of the townspeople of that time were recreated. On the top floor there is a glass observation deck. Entrance costs 150 rubles.
Patriarchal Garden
Below the water tower is the Patriarchal Garden with a rich collection of plants. It is believed that the garden was founded nine centuries ago. In the spring, orchards bloom and flowers bloom in the garden, but at any other time of the year the park offers picturesque views of the landscaped landscape with fountains, gazebos and a pond.
Where to stay for a short time?
The main places of Vladimir are in the central part. Therefore, in order to have time to visit all the sights of the city, you should live in close proximity to them.
The best solution is to rent a room at Sokroma hotels in the historical center of Vladimir. Sokroma offers guests three hotels within walking distance from significant tourist locations. Each of them is equipped for the convenience of guests' stay.
Boutique Hotel on Nikolskaya
– 17 rooms, each of which has: WiFi, LCD TV, refrigerator, kettle, hairdryer, wardrobe, etc. Pets are allowed.
It is located 7-10 minutes from the Assumption Cathedral, the Chamber of Representatives Museum, the House of Spice, etc. From the hotel to the main place of the city, the Golden Gate - 200 m.
Apartments "Vladimirskaya Rus"
– full-fledged apartments with a sleeping area, equipped kitchen and bathroom.
There is parking and a children's playground in the yard. McDonald's, KFC, cafes and restaurants are within walking distance.
Apartments "Historical Vladimir"
with all the amenities, high-quality repairs and homely furnishings. The territory is fenced. It's a 3-5 minute walk to Cathedral Square and the Golden Gate.
There are many restaurants and cafes nearby (including children's). Convenient location for traveling anywhere in Vladimir by car or public transport.
VladimirGagarin Street, 8 — Yandex.Maps
A little about the city
Vladimir could currently be the capital of Russia, because it was founded before Moscow, and the formation of the state began with it in the 11th-12th centuries. There are 2 versions of the emergence of Vladimir. According to one, it arose thanks to the baptist of Rus', Vladimir Svyatoslavovich, who erected a fortress on the banks of the Vyazma River in 990. According to another, the city was founded by Vladimir Monomakh in 1108.
From the beginning of the 12th century, Vladimir was the center of North-Eastern Rus' and the capital of the Rostov-Suzdal principality. In 1157 it became the capital of Rus', and remained so until 1439.
After numerous plunders of the city by the Tatar-Mongols, Vladimir began to submit to the Moscow princes and gradually became a provincial town. In the 20th century (1944) it became the administrative center of the Vladimir region, and in the 21st century it became part of the Central Federal District.
According to the State Statistics Service 2017-2018, over the 5 years from 2012 to 2022, the population of Vladimir grew from 345,907 to 356,138 people. Up to 82% of the city's population are Orthodox Christians, the remaining 18% are Catholics, Muslims, and Baptists. About 97.5% of the population is Russian, and 3% are Ukrainians, Belarusians, Armenians, Tatars and other nationalities.
Vladimir map
Vladimir is located just 176 km from Moscow in a temperate climate zone. It snows for almost 4 months in the city and rains for 4.5 months, but in total there is not much precipitation - only 58.4 cm per year. There are clear, cloudless days in Vladimir for only 4 months. Average summer temperatures are 17°C, winter temperatures are only -8°C, although they can reach +37 and -43°C.
More than half of the territory of the Vladimir region is occupied by mixed forests, in which, in addition to the frequently occurring birches, pines and spruces, you can see:
- Siberian larch;
- oak trees;
- hazel;
- viburnum;
- rowan
The natural relief includes both hills not covered with forests and swampy lowlands.
Places in the area are rich in berries such as blueberries, lingonberries, raspberries and various mushrooms. And in the swamps you can find cloudberries, blueberries, and cranberries. Many of the 1,400 plants and 230 species of mosses found in the region are listed in the Red Book. The fauna is quite diverse.
Among the mammals in the nearby forests of Vladimir you can find:
- deer;
- moose;
- wolf;
- fox;
- bear;
- bison and others.
More than 200 species of birds live in the vicinity of the city: partridges, capercaillie geese and many others. Among the fish in lakes and rivers, not only crucian carp, perch, pike perch, pike and catfish are caught, but also sterlets. Some species of fauna are listed in the Red Book: brown bear, bison, muskrat, sterlet.
Dinner time
Vladimir may not be a leader in gastronomic tourism ratings, but there are a dozen or two good establishments there. Do you want juicy signature steaks? Take you to the fashionable Soho, which is considered the best restaurant in the city. By the way, in the evening after a cultural voyage you can sing karaoke and have a wine tasting. Russian cuisine is prepared well in Oblomov, Barin or Monomakh. But the prices there are not the lowest.
Options with a lower price: pizzeria "Peperoni", family cafe "Wheat Cat", vegetarian restaurant Veggie Bro.
If you don’t want to bother and spend money, there are numerous fast food establishments at your service: “Potato Papa”, “Tonya and her dumplings”, “Tashir Pizza”, “Pancake Line”. And the good news for coffee lovers is that in Vladimir there are coffee shops at almost every turn.
Where to go for the weekend: 9 cool cities near Moscow and St. Petersburg.
Winter holidays
It is good to come to Vladimir in spring-summer and autumn. In winter, tourists are also able to visit all cultural attractions. It is enough to walk along Bolshaya Moskovskaya Street and look at the buildings of Temples and monasteries along the way.
What to see in one day from the sights of Vladimir in winter during frosty weather can be found in guidebooks. The number of tourists decreases at this time, and it becomes easier to get to many historical places.
Ubiquitous illumination and numerous Christmas trees turn the city into a real fairy tale. The largest and most beautiful Christmas tree decorates Cathedral Square. You can have fun at this time at the skating rinks in Gorky Park, Lipki, at the Lebed-2 stadium, and near the Rus-Kino cinema.
All skating rinks are equipped with skate rentals, storage rooms and cloakrooms. Small buffets for meals are available to visitors. After the New Year's festivities, the city becomes calmer, and he lives the ordinary life of a provincial town.
