Yaroslavl

  Yaroslavl is an ancient town located 260 kilometers northwest of Moscow. In 1010 Prince Yaroslavl the Wise founded a fortress on the spot known as Medvezhi Ugol where the Kotorosl River falls into the Volga. Yaroslavl developed rapidly because of its favorable location along the Volga trade route. In 1218 it became the capital of the independent feudal Yaroslavl principality. In 1463 the Principality merged with the Moscow state. During the XVII century Yaroslavl became a port of entry into Russia, and the city advanced to the third place after Moscow and Kazan as a center of trade. Yaroslavl reached the peak of its development. It was then that the architectural ensembles went up to make Yaroslavl one of the most beautiful cities of old Russia with churches rich in frescoes and ceramic ornamentation. During the XVIII century the city retained its importance as an economic and cultural center. Fyodor Volkov established the first Russian theatre in Yaroslavl, and the first Russian provincial magazine had its origins here in 1786. Today Yaroslavl is a regional center, an important railway junction and a river port. Its population is 630,000 people. Automobile tires, diesel engines, synthetic rubber, lacquer paints, industrial machinery and equipment are produced in Yarolavl. The city has five educational institutions, three theatres, a circus, Philharmonic Society, Fine Arts Museum, History and Architecture Museum-Preserve, and some house-museums. The mainstay on the local tour itinerary is The Church of St. Elijah the Prophet. It was constructed in the middle of the 17th century. The church features a unique, asymmetrical exterior, covered galleries, a belfry, portico and bulky spire of an adjoining chapel. The compelling overall effect is surpassed only by that of the treasures inside the building. Frescoes painted by renowned Kostroma artists blanket the entire interior. Nothing is left uncovered by the lively illustrative painting. The main sightseeing destination in Yaroslavl is the Savior-Transfiguration Monastery. Founded in the 12th century, the monastery is one of the Volga oldest and a regional sentimental favorite.