VladimirThings to do

Things to do in Vladimir

  1. A

    Assumption Cathedral

    A white-stone version of Kyiv’s brick Byzantine churches, the Assumption Cathedral was begun in 1158 – its simple but majestic form, adorned with fine carving, was innovative for the time. The cathedral was extended on all sides after a fire in the 1180s, when it gained the four outer domes. Inside the working church, a few restored 12th-century murals of peacocks and prophets can be deciphered about halfway up the inner wall of the outer north aisle; this was originally an outside wall. The real treasures are the Last Judgment frescoes by Andrei Rublyov and Daniil Chyorny, painted in 1408 in the central nave and inner south aisle, under the choir gallery towards t…

    reviewed

  2. B

    Military Museum

    Vladimir’s Golden Gate – part defensive tower, part triumphal arch – was modelled on the very similar structure in Kyiv. Originally built by Andrei Bogolyubsky to guard the main, western entrance to his city, it was later restored under Catherine the Great. Now you can climb the narrow stone staircase to check out the Military Museum. It is a small exhibit, the centrepiece of which is a diorama of old Vladimir being ravaged by nomadic raiders in 1238 and 1293. Across the street to the south you can see a remnant of the old wall that protected the city.

    reviewed

  3. C

    Palaty

    The grand building between the Assumption Cathedral and the Cathedral of St Dmitry is known as the Palaty and contains a children’s museum, art gallery and historical exhibit. The former is a welcome diversion for little ones, who may well be suffering from old-church syndrome on this trip. The art gallery features art dating back to the 18th century, with wonderful depictions of the Golden Ring towns.

    reviewed

  4. D

    Crystal, Lacquer Miniatures & Embroidery Exhibition

    The red-brick building opposite the Golden Gate was built in 1913 to house the Old Believers’ Trinity Church. Now it is a Crystal, Lacquer Miniatures & Embroidery Exhibition, which features the crafts of Gus-Khrustalny and other nearby towns. The shop in the basement has a decent selection of crystal for sale.

    reviewed

  5. E

    Old Vladimir Exhibition

    The red-brick water tower atop the old ramparts houses the Old Vladimir Exhibition, a nostalgic collection of old photos, advertisements and maps, including a photo of a very distinguished couple taking a ride in Vladimir’s first automobile in 1896. The highlight is the view from the top.

    reviewed

  6. F

    Traktir

    The liveliest place in town is this quaint wooden cottage, serving a simple menu of Russian food. In summer, the terrace opens up for cold beer and grilled shashlyk. With live music on weekends, it’s a popular spot for young people to congregate and celebrate.

    reviewed

  7. G

    Golden Gate

    Vladimir's Golden Gate - part defensive tower, part triumphal arch - was modelled on the very similar structure in Kyiv. Originally built by Andrei Bogolyubsky to guard the main, western entrance to his city, it was later restored under Catherine the Great.

    reviewed

  8. H

    Cathedral of St Dmitry

    A quick stroll to the east of the Assumption Cathedral is the smaller Cathedral of St Dmitry, built between 1193 and 1197, where the art of Vladimir-Suzdal stone carving reached its pinnacle.

    reviewed

  9. I

    History Museum

    Across the small street from the Palaty, the History Museum displays many remains and reproductions of the ornamentation from the Assumption Cathedral and the Cathedral of St Dmitry.

    reviewed

  10. J

    Stary Gorod

    One of two side-by-side establishments on the main drag. Choose from the cosy bar, the elegant dining room or, if the weather is fine, the lovely terrace with views of the Cathedral of St Dmitry.

    reviewed

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  12. Tokyo

    Sushi is not only for the big cities. You can get your raw fish fix right here in Vladimir, in this cosy second-floor sushi bar. Noodles, curries and other Japanese fare are also on the menu.

    reviewed

  13. K

    St George Church

    The St George Church, near the Old Vladimir Exhibition, houses the Vladimir Theatre of Choral Music, where performances are often held on summer weekends.

    reviewed

  14. L

    St George's Chapel

    Adjoining the cathedral on the northern side is the 1862 St George's Chapel.

    reviewed

  15. Bell Tower

    Adjoining the cathedral on the northern side is an 1810 bell tower.

    reviewed