RUSSIA - 1992/01/01: Russia, Yaroslavl, Monastery Of The Transfiguration Of The Savior, View Of City. (Photo by Wolfgang Kaehler/LightRocket via Getty Images)

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Monastery of the Transfiguration of the Saviour

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Founded in the 12th century, the Unesco-listed Monastery of the Transfiguration of the Saviour was one of Russia’s richest and best-fortified monasteries by the 16th century. The oldest surviving structures, dating from 1516, are the Holy Gate (святые ворота) near the main entrance by the river and the Cathedral of the Transfiguration. A bird's-eye view of Yaroslavl and its rivers can be had by climbing up to the top of the cathedral's bell tower.

Other buildings house exhibitions on history, ethnography, icons and the Treasures of Yaroslavl Exhibition, featuring works of gold, silver and precious gems dating back to the 17th century.

If you don't want to buy the joint ticket you can also pay for individual exhibits, which cost R70 to R250 for adults (R35 to R100 for kids). To visit the grounds only is R40 for adults (free for kids). Note that ticket sales cease 30 minutes before closing time.


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1. Cathedral of the Transfiguration

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

2. Treasures of Yaroslavl Exhibition

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Yaroslavl's most valued artefacts are on display here inside the Monastery of the Transfiguration of the Saviour, including gold icons and jewellery of…

3. Bell Tower

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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.

4. Ploshchad Volkova

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6. Annunciation Cathedral

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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…

8. History of Yaroslavl Museum

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This museum is in a lovely house built in 1894 by a local merchant. The main exhibit recounts the history of Yaroslavl through many artefacts from the…