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Golden Ring

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The Golden Ring

ROSTOV THE GREAT, dates back to the IX century, and is the oldest town in Northeast Russia. The Assumption Cathedral is topped with a famous bell loft, under which a visitor has an opportunity to listen to the real bell music of ancient Russia. Rostov is well known for its unique collection of the Archbishop's, specifically: a fairy tale settlement made up of dozens of churches, chambers, and towers beautifully decorated with coloured frescoes and tiles.

JAROSLAVL, founded in 1010 by Yaroslav the Wise, is a real Russian fine arts reserve. The most ancient buildings of the town are located at the Monastery of the Savior , where the manuscript of the "The Tale of Igor's Feat" was found. The best monuments in the town are by far the beautiful churches, dating back to the XVII century are adorned with delicate stone carvings, tiles and frescoes. In Tolchkov, Jaroslavl architecture reaches unsurpassed heights; it contains a magnificent church that supports fifteen domes!

The History of KOSTROMA is quite different from Jaroslavl. This town is known for its downtown area, dating back to the XVIII – XIX centuries. This area was constructed in the style of Russian Classicism. The real treasure of Kostroma however, is the Ipatiev Monastery, this magnificent building is situated in the outskirts of town and once housed the first Tzar of Romanov dynasty, Michael Fyodorovych.

Contrary to Kostroma, SUZDAL is the ancient center of the dukes. It has retained its original design as well as a huge number of medieval monuments, many of which are on the UNESCO list. In the Suzdal Kremlin one should visit the Cathedral of the Nativity and Metropolitan's Chambers. This town is ultimately famous for its incredible landscape and panoramic views.

If the XII century sparks interest, an area that is famous for its XII century influence is the capital of a powerful principality, VLADIMIR. Not to be overlooked is the Cathedral of the Assumption (1160 – 1185) with frescoes by A.Rublev. The St. Dimitry Cathedral (1197) is a highlight with its magnificent white stone, high relieves and the only Golden Gates in the fortification walls of Russia.

The Church of the Intercession, built in 1165 and situated on the Nerl River, as well as ancient residence of Duke Andrew in Bogolyubovo and Vladimir are regulated by UNESCO. The unique monuments of church architecture of the XIV – XV centuries are concentrated here, in the centre of Russian Orthodoxy. The city rose around the Trinity St. Sergey Laura (Troitse Sergiyeva Lavra) , a historical and architectural ensemble of world importance. The monastery was founded in the XIV century by the Saint Sergey Radonezh, the most revered saint in Russia , whose name is associated with the notion of "Holy Russia". His imperishable relics are kept in the ancient (XV century) Trinity Cathedral, in the Trinity St.Sergey Laura. For the first time St.Sergy consecrated the cloister to the Holy Trinity. The cloister was founded during the Tartar Mongol yoke. It became a centre of unity for the Russian princes and the whole people. In praise of St.Sergey Andrew Rublev painted his famous Holy Trinity, which is kept in the Tretyakov Gallery. The murals of the Trinity Cathedral are painted by the great Andrew Rublov and Daniel Chorny. The world famous monk's choir sings in the Trinity St.Sergey Laura.

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