About Suzdal

Suzdal (founded in 1024, population 12,000) - this little quiet town is a real gem, one of the most beautiful in the Golden Ring collection of citeis and towns. In the 11th century Suzdal became the very first forepost of Christianity in the North-Eastern Russia and significantly affected the religious life in Russia until the end of 19 century. The town was destroyed by Mongols in 1238. Later Suzdal became the capital city of Russian prince Yury Dolgoruky who is considered to be the founder of Moscow. The second destruction of the town came with the Polish invasion in the 17th century. Here you can find over 100 church and secular buildings dating from the mid-12th to the mid-19th century crowded into a area of 9 square km.

Main Attractions

The Kremlin. The most interesting architecture monuments are based within its area. The Kremlin Rampart (XI-XII centuries), the Nativity of the Virgin Cathedral (XIII-XVI centuries, frescos of XIII, XV, XVII centuries, iconostasis of XVII century) boasts the sumptuous bell tower with a marquee roof (1635), the Archibishop’s Chambers (XV-XVIII centuries), the 1766 wooden St. Nicholas’ Church brought from Glatovo village. The Spasso-Efimievski (Our Savior and St. Euthymis) Monastery founded in 1352 with great fortress walls 1200 meters long, with 12 towers of XVII century and some constructions of XVI-XVIII centuries.

The Pokrovski (Intercession) Convent founded in 1364 retained the constructions of XVI-XVII centuries, the convent walls of late XVII century. Under the building of the Pokrovski Cathedral there is a vault where all Tsarinas, Grand Princesses, famous noble ladies of Old Russia exiled to the convent were buried. The St. Alexander Monastery according to the legend was founded in 1240 by Alexander Nevsky. Rizopolozhensky (Deposition of the Robe) Convent founded in XIII century. The first stone constructions appeared on its territory in XVI century.