Forget the carbon-copy matryoshki you see at tourist stalls everywhere – 'City of Craftsmen' sells beautiful hand-painted nesting dolls that are several cuts above, including sets of animals, old Russian kings and even astronauts. There are also carved wooden boxes and lovely Christmas ornaments. You can also take a class (R500) and paint your own matryoshka (advance booking required).
Gorod Masterov
Sergiev Posad
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
Trinity Monastery of St Sergius
0.24 MILES
In 1340 St Sergius of Radonezh founded this lavra (senior monastery), which soon became the spiritual centre of Russian Orthodoxy. St Sergius was credited…
Abramtsevo Estate Museum-Preserve
8.37 MILES
In 1870 Savva Mamontov – railway tycoon and patron of the arts – bought this lovely estate 45km north of Moscow. Here, he hosted a whole slew of artists,…
Saviour Church ‘Not Made by Hand’
8.4 MILES
The prettiest building in the grounds is Saviour Church ‘Not Made by Hand’ (Khram Spasa Nerukotvorny). The structure epitomises Mamontov’s intentions…
8.4 MILES
Built in 1873 by Victor Gartman, the ornate Russian-style wooden studio is notable for the carved art nouveau detailing on the exterior. It contains an…
8.4 MILES
Several rooms of the manor house have been preserved intact, complete with artwork by various former resident artists. The main attraction is Mamontov’s…
8.4 MILES
Completed in 1878, this is a good example of old Russian architecture, with a wood-carved exterior and chequer-painted roof. When the Mamontovs lived on…
0.57 MILES
The multiple changing exhibits feature toys from throughout Russian history and around the world; recent exhibits have included toys from the royal…
8.41 MILES
Formerly the estate kitchen, this outpost now contains a small exhibit of folk art. Built in 1870, the building originally served as living quarters for…
Nearby Sergiev Posad attractions
1. Trinity Monastery of St Sergius
0.24 MILES
In 1340 St Sergius of Radonezh founded this lavra (senior monastery), which soon became the spiritual centre of Russian Orthodoxy. St Sergius was credited…
0.57 MILES
The multiple changing exhibits feature toys from throughout Russian history and around the world; recent exhibits have included toys from the royal…
3. Abramtsevo Estate Museum-Preserve
8.37 MILES
In 1870 Savva Mamontov – railway tycoon and patron of the arts – bought this lovely estate 45km north of Moscow. Here, he hosted a whole slew of artists,…
8.4 MILES
Built in 1873 by Victor Gartman, the ornate Russian-style wooden studio is notable for the carved art nouveau detailing on the exterior. It contains an…
5. Saviour Church ‘Not Made by Hand’
8.4 MILES
The prettiest building in the grounds is Saviour Church ‘Not Made by Hand’ (Khram Spasa Nerukotvorny). The structure epitomises Mamontov’s intentions…
8.4 MILES
Completed in 1878, this is a good example of old Russian architecture, with a wood-carved exterior and chequer-painted roof. When the Mamontovs lived on…
8.4 MILES
Several rooms of the manor house have been preserved intact, complete with artwork by various former resident artists. The main attraction is Mamontov’s…
8.41 MILES
Formerly the estate kitchen, this outpost now contains a small exhibit of folk art. Built in 1870, the building originally served as living quarters for…