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Yaroslavl

Yaroslavl is the largest and oldest (founded 1010) city on the Golden Ring, a fact underscored by its place of honour on the Russian 1000-rouble note (including the 15-domed church of John the Baptist on the back). Embraced by two rivers, the mighty Volga and the smaller Kotorosl, Yaroslavl’s centre is dotted with onion domes like no other place in Russia. This religious zeal dates back to the times of Kyivan Rus, when the town was founded by Prince Yaroslav to guard his realm’s northeastern flank.

Most of the churches and houses gracing the quaint, Unesco-listed historic city centre, however, were built by rich merchants in the 17th to 19th centuries, competing to out do one other in beautifying their city. Thankfully, much of that beauty has remained unscathed by Soviet development.

Explore Yaroslavl

  • M

    Music & Time

    Every object has a voice in this little house containing the late magician John Mostoslavsky’s impressive collection of clocks, musical instruments …

  • J

    John the Baptist Church at Tolchkovo

    It’s a shame that dingy industrial surroundings discourage most people from visiting Yaroslavl’s largest and most unique church – you may recognise it…

  • C

    Cathedral of the Transfiguration

    This 16th-century cathedral (built 1516) is the oldest free-standing building in Yaroslavl; inside are beautiful frescoes from the time of its…

  • Y

    Yaroslavl Art Museum (Governor's House)

    The main branch of the city's art museum, housed in the restored former governors' mansion (built 1823), showcases two permanent exhibits on 18th- to 20th…

  • C

    Church of Elijah the Prophet

    The exquisite church that dominates Sovetskaya pl was built by some prominent local fur dealers in 1650. It has some of the Golden Ring’s brightest…

  • B

    Bell Tower

    Climb to the top of the bell tower of the Cathedral of the Transfiguration for excellent views over Yaroslavl and the confluence of its two rivers.

  • A

    Annunciation Cathedral

    The city’s main cathedral originally dated from 1215, but was blown up by the Bolsheviks in 1937. What you see now is a modern replica erected for…

Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Yaroslavl.

  • See

    Music & Time

    Every object has a voice in this little house containing the late magician John Mostoslavsky’s impressive collection of clocks, musical instruments …

  • See

    John the Baptist Church at Tolchkovo

    It’s a shame that dingy industrial surroundings discourage most people from visiting Yaroslavl’s largest and most unique church – you may recognise it…

  • See

    Cathedral of the Transfiguration

    This 16th-century cathedral (built 1516) is the oldest free-standing building in Yaroslavl; inside are beautiful frescoes from the time of its…

  • See

    Yaroslavl Art Museum (Governor's House)

    The main branch of the city's art museum, housed in the restored former governors' mansion (built 1823), showcases two permanent exhibits on 18th- to 20th…

  • See

    Church of Elijah the Prophet

    The exquisite church that dominates Sovetskaya pl was built by some prominent local fur dealers in 1650. It has some of the Golden Ring’s brightest…

  • See

    Bell Tower

    Climb to the top of the bell tower of the Cathedral of the Transfiguration for excellent views over Yaroslavl and the confluence of its two rivers.

  • See

    Annunciation Cathedral

    The city’s main cathedral originally dated from 1215, but was blown up by the Bolsheviks in 1937. What you see now is a modern replica erected for…

Guidebooks

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