If you are one of those who are afraid to travel abroad due to the virus, there is an alternative – get to know your country better. For example, go on a tour of the Golden Ring of Russia. After all, these are 8 amazing cities with historical buildings. It is not necessary to be a religious person to appreciate all the beauty of these places; it is enough to be ready to be pleasantly surprised.

[caption id="attachment_13651" align="aligncenter" width="600"] photo: vokzal.ru[/caption]

The Golden Ring of Russia includes: Sergiev Posad, Pereslavl-Zalessky, Rostov Veliky, Yaroslavl, Kostroma, Ivanovo, Suzdal, and Vladimir. Let's tell you more about them, and in the meantime, arrange your vacation!

Sergiev Posad

Interesting places await already on the approach. For example, in the village of Vzglyadnevo, there is the Gremyachy Klyuch waterfall. You can collect holy water from it in your own container, and nearby there is a healing spring where brave souls swim on a hot day. The water temperature in the spring is +6 degrees, so we recommend being prepared.

Further into the city, be sure to visit Krasnogorskaya Square. There is an observation deck from which almost the entire city is visible. Also, the postcard-perfect Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius stands there. Look to the left – next to the beautiful stucco work is the Church of the Nativity of John the Baptist. The square quickly fills with tourists, so the earlier you arrive, the better.

We also recommend seeing:

• "Blinnaya Gora" Observation Deck
• Sergiev Posad State History and Art Museum-Reserve
• "Konny Dvor" Museum Complex (Horse Yard)
• "Road to the Temple" Route
• Toy Museum

Pereslavl-Zalessky

The city stands on Lake Pleshcheyevo, and at your disposal are six monasteries and nine churches. There's plenty to see! Also, be sure to visit the lake itself. If you're lucky, you'll find a quiet spot for a light picnic, with a good view too. There's also the Blue Stone by the lake. Its secret is that it changes color from gray to blue in rainy weather. You can make a wish near it, and for it to come true, don't forget to tie a bright ribbon to a bush next to the stone. An unusual, but effective ritual!

Rostov Veliky

Remember the film about Ivan Vasilievich? It was through the corridors of the 17th-century Rostov Kremlin that the film's characters fled from pursuit. So you have a unique opportunity to walk through the filming locations! And next to the Kremlin is the Assumption Cathedral, which is considered the most beautiful cathedral in Russia.

Rostov Veliky also boasts delicious cuisine. You'll find dumplings with pike as a filling in absolutely any cafe. We highly recommend trying them, as it's a local dish.

Yaroslavl

The city stands out and is remembered for the Church of Elijah the Prophet – its white walls and green domes remain in memory forever. Be sure to stroll along the Volga embankment and in the park at Strelka.

And if you crave something cosmic, visit the V. Tereshkova Planetarium. It's relatively new – opened in 2010. Besides a huge hall with a starry sky projection, the center has a 5D attraction, a museum, and interactive classes. You definitely won't miss it – the building resembles a spaceship.

Kostroma

If you don't feel like walking among the Guardhouses, shopping arcades, and around the Romanov Museum, head closer to nature and away from concrete structures. If you're traveling with children, be sure to visit the Les-Chudodey Museum. It's a huge wooden terem, the size of a mansion. Inside, characters from beloved fairy tales await: Koschei, Baba Yaga, Leshy, and so on.

We also recommend visiting the Sumarokovo Moose Farm. Sign up for an excursion! You'll be given special feed, allowed to pet the local moose, and even learn about their life on the farm. By the way, the lifespan of these individuals is about 10 years longer than that of their counterparts in captivity.

You can also watch the sunset at Ostrovsky's Gazebo, right on the bank of the Volga.

Ivanovo

We know Ivanovo as the city of brides, but besides beautiful women, there are many interesting places in the city. For example, the Museum of Soviet Automotive Industry – car enthusiasts will definitely enjoy it. And for those who love to walk, we recommend strolling past the bright Transfiguration Cathedral and the Church of Our Lady of Sorrows. And pay attention to the dark domes of the Vvedensky Monastery – it looks unusual.

Suzdal

The main attraction of the city is the Kremlin, built back in the 10th century. It's incredible that almost all of its components have survived to this day! Be sure to walk around the territory – the centuries-old buildings will tell you many interesting things about themselves. And if you get tired of stone vaults, visit the Museum of Wooden Architecture: summer festivals are held there, and there are many beautiful windmills, no worse than Dutch ones.

Where else in Russia is no worse than in Europe?>>>

Vladimir

One of the most visited cities of the Golden Ring. Don't pass by the Assumption Cathedral, be sure to eat ice cream in Pushkin Park, and ride a bicycle in Lipki Park (they are nearby). There is also another romantic and incredibly beautiful place – the Patriarch's Garden. Here you need to keep your camera ready!

We also recommend taking a closer look at the Holy Rosary Church. It is built in a style unusual for Russian architecture of that time – pseudo-Gothic. And if you crave something sweet, visit the Gingerbread Museum. Men will find the Borodin's Forge interesting. They often host master classes for tourists there.

You can view the city from above from the "Nebo 33" Ferris wheel. The highest point is 50 meters, and the wheel completes a full rotation in 15 minutes.

Travel across Russia, because there are still so many interesting and unexplored cities!

Our Telegram channel also has useful and relevant information. We talk about places you immediately want to fly to, publish cheap tickets, share news and life hacks. Welcome!