Sights of Vladimir – 30 most interesting places

In 1108, a fortress appeared on the banks of the Klyazma, which laid the foundation for the white-stone Vladimir. For many years this city was an important political and Orthodox center of Russia. He was honored by the Grand Dukes – Andrei Bogolyubsky, Vsevolod the Big Nest, Alexander Nevsky and Yuri Dolgoruky, and Andrei Rublev worked on decorating the main cathedral. Until the Middle Ages, Vladimir competed with Moscow.

Cathedral Square

In the very heart of the city lies the Cathedral Square, named so due to the nearby Dmitrievsky and Assumption Cathedrals. This place has seen many events in its lifetime. Veche was held here, prayers were read, militia gathered, rallies were held. In the 18th and 19th centuries, “Vladimirka” stretched across the square – the road along which, rattling with shackles, thousands of convicts were heading to Siberia.

The stylistic center of Cathedral Square is a monument erected for the 850th anniversary of the city, which is an impressive 22-meter truncated pyramid. At its foot sit bronze figures of a warrior, an architect and a worker. As conceived by the authors, the sculptures should symbolize the past and present of Vladimir. The people, however, judged differently: the locals call the monument none other than “Three Fools” or “Three Lazybones”.

Like hundreds of years ago, today the cozy Cathedral Square is the center of public life. Folk festivals are held here, city and state holidays are celebrated on a grand scale. On New Year's Eve, a merry Christmas fair convenes guests, and a tall fir tree shines with multi-colored lights next to the House of Friendship.

Assumption Cathedral

For more than 850 years, the five-domed Assumption Cathedral has flaunted on the banks of the Klyazma. Its founder Andrei Bogolyubsky dreamed of building the most majestic church in Russia. The wish of the most illustrious prince came true. Shining with golden domes, the white-stone structure, the construction of which brought together the best architects, rushed up to 32.3 m, thus surpassing Kiev's St. Sophia Cathedral.

The grandiose temple was repeatedly rebuilt. But even after numerous reconstructions, it amazes with the elegance of stone carving, semicircular capitals of the facade and portals made of gilded copper sheets. The interior decoration looks amazing too. For nine centuries, the colors of the priceless frescoes by Andrei Rublev and Daniila Cherny have not faded. No less impressive are the bizarre stucco moldings, luxurious chandeliers and the iconostasis going under the arches.

Not only believers can visit the magnificent monument of ancient Russian architecture. The church is open daily (except Monday) from 10:00 to 17:00. The vestibules and the middle part of the cathedral, as well as the necropolis, where Andrei Bogolyubsky with his sons Izyaslav and Gleb and other noble princes are buried, are available for inspection. The temple is closed to tourists during services.

Demetrius Cathedral

The initiator of the construction of the Dmitrievsky Cathedral was Vsevolod the Big Nest. In 1194, the Grand Duke wished to build a church in his yard to the glory of St. Demetrius of Thessalonica – the heavenly patron of the lord. Until 1917, prayers and services were held in the temple. After the revolution, the house of God became the property of the Vladimir Museum, under whose wing it remains to this day.

For the abundance of patterned stone reliefs, the Dmitrievsky Cathedral was called the “white stone book”. Hundreds of images of historical figures, mythological creatures, biblical heroes and heraldic symbols adorn the three-tier facade. The interior decoration surprises with the restraint of lines and the absence of pompous details. Ascetic walls are set off only by a domed openwork 4-meter cross and a few preserved icons and frescoes of the 12th century.

The main treasures of the temple are a chased silver reliquary with pieces of St. Demetrius of Thessalonica and the icon of the saint. The image of the great martyr sitting on the throne, dressed in red princely clothes, was created by Byzantine masters in the 12th century. The relic is not the original: the original is kept in the Moscow Tretyakov Gallery.

Golden Gate

During the reign of Andrei Bogolyubsky, Vladimir was surrounded by a fortress ring, which had seven gates. Only one guardian of the ancient city has survived to this day – the Golden Gate, built in 1164, whose oak doors were covered with gilded copper sheets shining in the sun. For four centuries, noble princes have passed through the triumphal arch, preparing to ascend the throne.

The Golden Gate served not only as a front door, but also as a bastion. During the siege of 1238, the army of Batu found it impossible to storm the impregnable fortress and attacked Vladimir from the side of the city walls. By the way, the locals, who prepared for defense, hid the gilded plates that adorned the gates from the enemy. The priceless relic has not yet been found.

In Soviet times, the KGB archives were located inside the building. In the mid-90s of the XX century, the icons of the Savior and the Virgin Mary reappeared above the arch. Today, the outstanding creation of ancient architects keeps the rarities of the Military Historical Exposition. In the upper part of the building, samples of weapons from different times and a diorama depicting the assault on Vladimir by the Mongols are exhibited.

Historical Museum

The idea of ​​creating an exposition introducing the history of the native land belonged to the secretary of the Vladimir Provincial Committee Tikhonravov. Through the efforts of the ethnographer and with the support of local patrons, in 1869 a collection of 300 items was placed in one of the halls of the men's gymnasium. The Historical Museum received its own building, located not far from the Dmitrievsky Cathedral, only in 1906.

The building itself is worthy of attention, within the walls of which artifacts collected over the years are stored. Built in the pseudo-Russian style, the two-story red-brick building resembles a boyar tower. Inside there are archaeological finds, frescoes, icons, weapons, coins, clothing, household items and archival documents that tell about the stages of the formation of the Vladimir region – from ancient times to the beginning of the 20th century.

Exhibited exhibits will appeal not only to local residents. Anyone who is not indifferent to the history of Russia will be interested in seeing the tools of labor of the primitive Sungir people, and a chest with decorations of the 12th century discovered in 1993, and samples of fonts from the illegal printing house of the RSDLP. The collection can be viewed daily from 10:00 to 17:00. Day off is Wednesday.

Vladimir Central

For those who have ever heard the songs of Mikhail Krug, the name of the infamous Russian prison is familiar. “Vladimir Central”, the construction of which cost the provincial treasury 145 rubles, opened its inhospitable doors in 1783. According to the will of Empress Catherine II, the first imprisoned in the casemates were recidivists and dangerous criminals. At the beginning of the 20th century, the prison turned into a political isolator.

At one time, revolutionary Mikhail Frunze, writer Daniil Andreev, actress Zoya Fedorova, singer Lidia Ruslanova and Stalin's son Vasily Iosifovich visited the dungeons. Today's Vladimir Central is a special regime prison. Those convicted of murder, violence and robbery get into her cells. Most of the prisoners were sentenced to long terms or life imprisonment.

In 1996, an exposition was opened in the government house, introducing the fate and simple life of prisoners: personal belongings, home-made playing cards, figures made of bread, photographs and drawings of convicts. Visitors had to obtain special permission to enter the prison grounds. The museum is currently not accessible to tourists.

Museum Center “Chambers”

A stone's throw from the Cathedral Square is an impressive three-story building built in 1790 in the style of classicism. Snow-white semi-columns, granite steps, pilasters and an openwork fence make it look like a palace. Until 1993, “Chambers” served the needs of the provincial, and then the regional administration. Today, various exhibits of the Museum Center are exhibited in the ceremonial halls.

The lower floor is occupied by the children's section. Young fans of history and art can find themselves in the past, visit the country of toys and travel to different cities of the planet. One floor above is the Art Gallery – a collection of icons, copies of frescoes from Vladimir churches and paintings by Russian artists of the 18th – 20th centuries. There is also an exposition shedding light on the estate life of the Vorontsov and Khrapovitsky families.

In addition to permanent and temporary exhibitions, the complex offers its guests to become participants in cultural and entertainment programs. The museum regularly puts on theatrical performances, organizes children's and family holidays, gives lectures, and holds themed evenings. For visitors “Chambers” are open from Monday to Saturday. Opening hours: from 10:00 to 17:00.

Museum “Old Vladimir”

Looking at the unusual three-tiered building, built according to the canons of the pseudo-Russian style, it is hard to believe that it was originally intended for the needs of the city's water supply. The red-brick walls, high windows, cornice rollers and lancet arches of the water tower, erected in 1912, look too elegant and solemn.

The tower performed its main function until the 50s of the last century. In 1971, the rather dilapidated building was restored, and four years later a museum was placed in it. About 800 exhibits reveal the pages of the daily life of the city in the late 19th – early 20th century: what advertisements were printed in the marriage newspaper, what fashionistas wore, what delighted customers in shops and what performances were given in theaters.

In addition to everyday and cultural artifacts, the collection includes whole ensembles. So, here you can see a typical tavern, a church shop and a police station. On the top floor, where the water tank used to be, there is an observation deck covered with a tent. From here, a majestic panorama of the city spreads with its white-stone cathedrals, historical buildings and boundless expanses of the Klyazma.

The expositions can be viewed from 10:00 to 18:00 (Tuesday-Sunday) and from 10:00 to 19:00 (Saturday).

Museum “Crystal. Lacquer miniature. Embroidery”

In 1916, a brick Trinity Church appeared near the Golden Gate, the construction of which was timed to coincide with the 300th anniversary of the Romanov family. The last liturgy in the Old Believers' Church, nicknamed “Red” by the people, was served in 1928. In 1974, a museum was opened within its walls, which stores beautiful handicrafts.

Works of amazing beauty can be created not only by Murano wizards. Russian master glassmakers are not born with a bast. This fact is confirmed by the fragile creations of craftsmen from the city of Gus-Khrustalny. In showcases set under vaulted ceilings, multi-colored vases, wonderful goblets, carved glasses, sumptuous dishes and elegant figurines sparkle and shimmer. Of particular value are works made in the 18th century.

The second part of the museum treasures are boxes decorated with miniature lacquer painting. And in the premises previously occupied by church choirs, samples of fabric with skillful patterns are exhibited without a face and inside. This is Mstyora embroidery, a unique type of folk arts and crafts, which began in the 18th century by the novices of the monastery of St. John the Merciful. You can admire the beautiful collection every day (except Tuesday) from 11:00 to 19:00.

Monument to Prince Vladimir and St. Fedor

In 2007, a significant date was celebrated in the ancient city – the 850th anniversary of the transfer of the capital of the Russian land from Kiev to Vladimir. And it is not surprising that the solemn opening of the monument to the baptizers of the Vladimir-Suzdal Principality: Vladimir Svyatoslavovich (Red Sun) and St. Fedor (Archbishop of Rostov) was timed to coincide with this event.

The sculptural composition by Sergei Isakov and Sergei Gerasimov rises on the observation deck of Pushkin Park, from where a picturesque panorama of the city opens. On the pedestal, girdled with bas-reliefs with the names of historical characters and images of saints, Prince Vladimir is seated on a war horse. Above the head of the Baptist of Russia, dressed in military armor, a banner with the face of the Savior flutters.

Near the Equal-to-the-Apostles Prince stands St. Theodore, dressed in the robes of a metropolitan. The archpastor, thanks to whom the Suzdal and Rostov pagans accepted the Orthodox faith, holds the Holy Scripture in his left hand; the fingers of the right are folded in a blessing gesture. The eyes of both baptists are turned to the full-flowing Klyazma.

Central Park of Culture and Leisure

The largest park in the city, founded in 1951, covers an area of ​​15.5 hectares. Until the beginning of the 21st century, most of the local territory was a green zone. After the reconstruction in 2015, new streetlights, paved paths and neat lawns appeared here. The place of obsolete pavilions and sculptures of the Soviet era was taken by entertainment centers and art objects.

Birch and linden alleys stretch from the main entrance, located on Mira Street. Walking paths and bicycle paths are laid between dense trees, comfortable benches are placed here and there. In the Amusement Town there are carousels for big and small ones: from swing boats to a giant Ferris wheel. An open-air cafe is open during the warm season.

Park entertainment is not limited to walking along shady alleys and riding a carousel. There is a health complex, a tennis court and a football field, popular among Vladimir residents, where the city mini-football championship starts in summer. On the open stage opposite the fountain, concerts are held, holidays are celebrated, and social and political events are held.

Ferris wheel “Sky33”

Vladimir with its ancient buildings, boundless Opolye and swampy Meshchersky forests is one of the most beautiful places in Russia. There is something to admire in the city and its environs, so there are enough observation platforms here. The best views are from the Ferris wheel booths, installed next to the fountain of Central Park.

The height of 50 m makes Nebo33 one of the largest Ferris wheels in Russia. You can enjoy the 15-minute ride in any weather – each of the 32 transparent cabins is equipped with a split system that maintains a comfortable temperature. Those who wish to see the city in detail can use binoculars. Tourists who decide to take a ride on the attraction after sunset will get even more impressions, when hundreds of iridescent lights illuminate the giant structure.

There is an exhibition pavilion next to Nebom33. Inside there is an unusual exposition with an area of ​​16 m², which is a model of the historical and central part of Vladimir. It took about one year to create churches, monasteries and ancient houses made with jewelry precision. A souvenir shop is open next to the miniature city objects.

Planetarium

On Bolshaya Moskovskaya Street there is the Nikolo-Kremlin Church, whose history goes back more than 250 years. Once upon a time, in the yellow-white building, crowned with an onion cupola, liturgies were served and prayers were offered to St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. Today, the former temple houses a planetarium opened in 1962.

There is a small museum in the lobby, where exhibits such as the Foucault pendulum and models of artificial Earth satellites are kept. Then visitors enter the observation hall, on the dome of which circular paintings of Martian depressions and lunar craters come to life. The employees of the planetarium do not disregard any event of a “universal scale”. A solar eclipse, a parade of planets, a meteor shower – all these phenomena appear before the eyes of the guests of the Star House.

The planetarium is not only a museum exposition and watching “heavenly” films. Lectures on astronautics, astronomy and geography are given here, musical evenings are held and
exhibitions are organized. You can learn the secrets of the Universe and take part in interesting events on weekdays from 08:45 to 17:15, on Saturdays from 10:00 to 14:00. Sunday is a day off.

Puppet Theatre

In 1967, a puppet group joined the staff of the Vladimir Regional Philharmonic Society, which laid the foundation for a new theater two years later. In 1973, the Melpomene temple received its own building, located on Gagarin Street. However, the building, built at the beginning of the 20th century, required a thorough reconstruction, so for the first time the curtain of the youngest city theater rose only in December 1977.

Since then, more than 150 performances have been played on the cozy stage. The repertoire is based on fairy tales of the peoples of the world, works of foreign and Russian classics, works of authors of modern literature. Little viewers have already met the strict Moidodyr, the resourceful Ali Baba, and the mysterious Aelita. In addition to puppets, live actors often take part in productions.

The activities of the troupe are not limited to showing performances. Creative workers regularly hold meetings, arrange exhibitions, participate in regional and all-Russian art festivals. School Days are gaining more and more popularity, during which young Vladimir residents try their hand at decorating theater corners and writing scripts.

house of friendship

The two-storey brick building on Bolshaya Moskovskaya Street invariably attracts attention. The eye rejoices when you look at the keeled architraves, carved cornices, triple arches and the corner turret crowned with a weather vane. The architect Yakov Revyakin, built in 1907, was the creator of the building. The architect's special pride is two richly decorated tents rising above the hipped roof.

The building, resembling a fabulous Russian tower, before the revolution served as a home for the City Duma, the orphan's court and the insurance company, which occupied the top floor of the building. Below were the malls. After 1917, the premises that previously belonged to officials and merchants were transferred to the Council of People's Deputies, and then to the Palace of Pioneers.

In 1985, schoolchildren were moved to a new building. The halls of the former City Duma were empty for 20 years, gradually falling into disrepair and requiring large-scale repairs. The lengthy renovation ended in 2008. After the restoration, the House of Friendship was opened here, where concerts are held today, guests of honor are received, negotiations and award ceremonies are held.

Church of the Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary

The only regional representative of the Catholic Church – the pseudo-Gothic Church of the Holy Rosary – is located on Gogol Street. He owes his appearance to the former soldiers of the Polish-Lithuanian regiment, transferred to Vladimir from the territory of the Russian lands of the Kingdom of Poland. The temple, built at the expense of settlers, was consecrated in 1894.

The brick church consists of three parts: the bell tower, the altar and the main building. The entrance is preceded by a multi-tiered tower with lancet windows. The interior decoration differs from the luxurious interiors of large Catholic churches: strict white walls, rows of wooden benches, several wall images and a golden crucifix above the throne open up to the gaze of the parishioners.

After the revolution, the Church of the Holy Rosary suffered the fate of most Russian churches. In 1930, the parish was closed, and in the 70s, expositions of the Vladimir-Suzdal Museum were placed in its premises. The temple was returned to the parishioners in 1992. Nowadays, not only liturgies are served here, but organ music concerts are also organized.

Museum “Old Pharmacy”

Exhibits of the Pharmaceutical Museum are exhibited in an old house on Georgievskaya Street, where a city pharmacy was opened in the 19th century by decree of the governor. Ancient walls are decorated with archival documents and photographs. A variety of beakers, test tubes, burners, flasks and vials lined up in neat rows on authentic shelves and tables.

The museum has three rooms. In the main hall there are cash registers, rare scales, medical brochures. In the pharmacist's office, medical suitcases, a wardrobe, ancient abacus and a cage with a canary coexist. The atmosphere of an old rich house is recreated by a small fireplace room filled with luxurious European furniture, ornate mirrors and painted ceiling lamps.

In addition to the permanent collection, the exposition includes products from one of the oldest Italian pharmacies, Santa Maria Novella. The history of the Perfume and Pharmaceutical House opened by the Florentine monarchs has more than 400 years. The museum also has its own phytobar, which sells herbal infusions, medicinal teas and cosmetics.

Opening hours: Tuesday-Sunday from 10:00 to 19:00.

Drama theatre

A veteran of the cultural life of Russia, the Vladimir Drama Theater appeared in 1848. Its founders – actor Ivan Lavrov and entrepreneur Boris Solovyov – managed to convince the governor of the need to create their own temple of Melpomene in the provincial town. The first performances were held on a simple wooden stage, the audience sat on hastily knocked down benches.

The popularity of the young theater grew rapidly: the troupe performed not only at home, but also actively toured the country. In 1905, the team celebrated a housewarming party by moving to the People's House. During the Great Patriotic War, the actors changed the stage to an impromptu front-line stage, forming a mobile theater brigade.

A striking event in the life of the Drama Theater was the move to a new building on Dvoryanskaya Street, where it thrives to this day. On the local stage, they are not limited to staging plays by Russian and foreign authors. In 2020, the festival “At the Golden Gates” started here for the sixth time, for the main award of which the teams of the best Russian theaters competed.

Mother of God-Nativity Monastery

For many centuries, the Monastery of the Nativity of the Mother of God, founded by Vsevolod III in 1191, remained the Orthodox center of Russia. Until the 14th century, the Metropolia was located in the male monastery, and in 1722, the first digital school in Vladimir. In the bosom of the shrine, Alexander Nevsky found rest, whose relics under Peter I were transferred to the Alexander Nevsky Lavra.

The locals call the ancient monastery the “Vladimir Kremlin”. Behind the high wall, built of white stone, there is a whole complex of structures that have preserved the late medieval appearance. The focus of the spiritual life of the monastery is the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Virgin, next to it is the Alexander Nevsky Church and the Holy Gates. From the western part, fraternal cells and bishops' chambers stretch towards the churches in a long line.

The Soviet era became the time of sunset for the monastery. For 70 years, the Directorates of the GubChK, KGB and NKVD services were located here. During the years of Stalinist repressions, enemies of the people were shot in the holy walls. The revival of the architectural ensemble began after the collapse of the USSR. In 2004, the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Virgin, destroyed by the Bolsheviks, was erected, and two years later, the bell tower. The ancient monastery became active again.

Holy Dormition Knyaginin Convent

In 1200, the wife of Vsevolod III Maria founded the Holy Dormition Monastery. After her death, the monastery became the last refuge of the female half of the Grand Duke's house. The first to be buried in the tomb was Mary herself, a few days before her death, she took the schema with the name Martha. The children and wives of Vsevolod III and Alexander Nevsky are also buried here.

The fate of the monastery cannot be called easy. In its long life, it survived several devastating fires and the perfidious invasion of the Tatars in 1411 and 1238. In 1923 the monastery was abolished. The novices ended up on the street, their property was confiscated in favor of the state. The monastery returned to the bosom of the church in 1992. The sisters again settled in the cells.

The spiritual center of the Knyaginin Monastery is the Assumption Cathedral, for the painting of which the best Moscow icon painter Mark Matveev was invited. His colorful works – The Last Judgment, frescoes of the columns, the altar arch and the Akathist have survived to this day. Two of the greatest shrines are kept within the walls of the temple: the miraculous icon “Our Lady of Bogolyubskaya” painted in the 12th century and the shrine with the relics of the martyr Abraham of Bulgaria.

Patriarchal garden

There is a legend that the history of one of the most picturesque places in Vladimir began in the XII century. Andrey Bogolyubsky, who wanted to set up a fragrant oasis next to his tower, brought cherry seedlings from Kiev. Since then, the cultivation of these fruit-bearing trees in princely courts and monasteries has become a tradition. Cherry itself has become a living symbol of the city over time.

The first archival documents mentioning the green zone date back to the 16th century. Since the metropolitan clergy liked to honor the well-groomed garden with their attention, it received the name “Patriarchal”. The park delighted local residents until the 30s of the XX century. Then the trees began to be mercilessly cut down, and those that escaped the ax died from the cold. Fortunately, in 1948 a decision was made to restore the recreation area.

The modern Patriarchal Garden is an area of ​​2.5 hectares, where ornamental and garden trees grow freely. There are about 100 kinds of them here. The center of the park is a multi-jet fountain with a stone staircase leading to it. In addition to plants, fragrant flowers, sculptures and alleys, there is a Young Naturalist Station. Its employees offer to take part in a tour of the colorful arboretum.

spoon museum

It would seem, what can such a banal object as an ordinary spoon tell about? It turns out a lot! This fact is confirmed by the Spoon Museum, located on Oktyabrskaya Street. His collection, collected over 26 years, includes more than 20,000 samples: silver, bronze, wood, pewter, porcelain and even coconut. Not the entire fund is presented in the halls: visitors will see “only” 3,000 copies.

The historical and modern cutlery displayed in the windows came from 150 countries around the world. There are Egyptian artifacts, coronation accessories of English monarchs, German “Hildesheim roses”, Welsh love spoons and American “inchers” with fragments of Andersen's fairy tale carved on them. A separate stand is dedicated to the products of Vladimir manufacturers.

Thematic excursions that shed light on the history, rituals, traditions and signs associated with a spoon will be a great addition to getting to know the collection. Master classes on serving, table etiquette and painting wooden spoons will help you take a fresh look at such a familiar thing. The museum is glad to see its guests every day from 11:00 to 18:00.

Gingerbread House Museum

The gingerbread house exists not only in the magical forest of the Brothers Grimm. A painted hut made of sweet cakes and dozens of other honey confectionery products of various shapes and colors lined up in the windows of the Gingerbread Museum, which is located on Bolshaya Moskovskaya Street. All exhibits are prepared by Pokrovsky craftsmen, using wooden printing templates and edible paint.

The museum's collection introduces the history of the delicacy and the ancient rituals associated with this pastry. In the hall, stylized as the royal chambers, stucco, carved, printed and silhouetted gingerbread specimens, as well as amazing sweet paintings, are exhibited. And, of course, different-sized samovars, because Russian tea drinking is impossible to imagine without them.

The crown of the excursion program is the holding of master classes, immersing in the traditions of making delicacies. Here, everyone chooses an occupation to their liking, whether it is painting royal gingerbread, modeling Pomeranian goats or creating a funny amulet doll. If there is no desire to cook sweet masterpieces with your own hands, you can buy them in a souvenir shop.

Open from 10:00 to 19:00 (weekdays) and from 10:00 to 20:00 (weekends).

Forge-Museum of the Borodins

The workshop located on Georgievskaya Street also belongs to the family of unusual exhibitions. Yuri Borodin works here, a hereditary blacksmith who participated in the restoration and decoration of dozens of city and regional museums. In business, the master is helped by his son Alexei. Creating forged masterpieces, craftsmen use unique ancient technologies and traditions of their dynasty.

Like many years ago, the Borodins' workshop blows coals for “fiery work” with air heated to 1,500 °C. On an anvil with two noses, blacksmiths create not just forged products, but real works of art. Fine figurines and openwork candlesticks are displayed on the workbenches, the walls are decorated with impressive metallic flowers and decorative panels.

Unique products can be purchased as a keepsake, or you can make your own.
Blacksmith workshops invite you to feel the weight of a hammer in your hands and make a nail out of an iron rod. Frequent guests of the studio are newlyweds forging horseshoes for good luck. The workshop is open to visitors on Saturdays and Sundays (from 10:00 to 18:00) and on Fridays (from 12:00 to 18:00).

Trinity Church

The Trinity Church has been rising near the Golden Gate since 1912. The temple, popularly referred to as the “Red” for the bright color of the brick facade, appeared in the city thanks to the community of Old Believer merchants. The construction of the house of God by the Old Believers was timed to coincide with the celebration of the 300th anniversary of the reign of the Romanov family.

Among the many temples in Vladimir, the Trinity Church stands out for its original appearance. In its appearance, the traditions of Russian architecture and the architectural techniques of Byzantium merged together. The main building and the bell tower adjacent to it are crowned with helmet-shaped domes. The red façade contrasts pleasantly with the white-stone window slopes, plinth and portal. The magnificent structure is decorated with bizarre belts and bulkheads.

Divine services were held in the church until 1928. Then, by decree of the new government, which declared war on the Orthodox faith, the temple was closed to parishioners. The archival office moved into the building. In 1960, the question arose of the destruction of the parish, and only thanks to the city's activists, the demolition was avoided. Today, exhibits of the museum “Crystal. Lacquer miniature. Embroidery”.

Nikitskaya church

The Nikitskaya Church stands apart in the architectural ensemble of the historic city center. The white-green building, bearing the characteristic features of the provincial baroque, was built in 1765 with the money of the wealthy merchant Semyon Lazarev. The philanthropist dedicated the house of God to the memory of the miracle worker of Pereslavl – St. Nikita the Stylite.

The original structure bore little resemblance to the building located today on the left side of the Golden Gate. In 1849, the Nikitskaya Church acquired two boundaries, erected at the expense of the soap magnate Pyotr Kozlov. And the current appearance, with its high windows with baroque architraves evoking thoughts of palace buildings, the temple acquired at the end of the 19th century. This happened after the restoration, organized by one of the “fathers” of the city, Nikolai Filosofov.

After the events of 1917, the authorities of the Soviets repeatedly tried to close the parish, which happened in 1938. All three floors were occupied by restoration workshops. Believers received access to the temple again only in 2015. By the way, few people know that there is a small observation deck in the bell tower, where an episode of the film “Flying in a dream and in reality” was filmed.

chocolate workshop

The main attraction for those who cannot imagine their life without sweets is located on Bolshaya Moskovskaya Street. Chocolate Workshop is a popular place where it is always tasty, interesting and fun. Museum employees have all the information about the product loved by millions and generously share it with their guests.

Every self-respecting sweet tooth should know all the ins and outs about the coveted delicacy. Therefore, the journey into the world of the Chocolate Workshop begins with a short excursion. The guide will reveal to its participants the secrets that the fragrant dessert keeps; will talk about the benefits of the product, the intricacies of its production and famous personalities who are not indifferent to chocolate.

Only homemade chocolate can be tastier than chocolate. During the master class, novice confectioners learn the basics of making first-class tiles and sweets. In addition, in the museum you can celebrate a birthday, organize a party, go through a quest and, of course, buy sweets or order an outlandish chocolate fountain.

Opening hours: from 10:00 to 19:00 (Monday-Friday) and from 10:00 to 20:00 (weekends).

Church of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God

In 1782, a stone temple appeared in the Yamskaya Sloboda, replacing the wooden Kazan Church. The building, erected in the provincial baroque style, was built using the latest engineering technologies at that time: there were no supporting columns, a closed brick vault consisted of eight blades.

In 1938, worship services ceased. After 12 years, a screen was installed on the site of the altar, the faces of the saints were painted over, and a cinema was opened in the nave. In 1970, despite the exhortations of architects and local residents, the church was razed to the ground. The ancient masonry was so powerful that it had to be destroyed with cast-iron bobbins and tanks. On the site of the destroyed temple, the authorities erected the Victory Monument.

The church experienced its second birth at the beginning of the 21st century. The opening of a new parish with a gilded dome and a low bell tower took place in November 2008, on the day of honoring the icon of Our Lady of Kazan. Since then, the temple located behind the Victory Monument has been part of the memorial complex dedicated to the memory of those who died for the Motherland.

Prince Vladimir Temple

In 1785, a church was erected on the territory of the city cemetery, named after the baptist of Russia – Equal-to-the-Apostles Prince Vladimir. Funds for the construction were collected from all over the world. The place chosen for the parish was covered with many legends. According to one of them, before the birth of Christ, a pagan temple was located here, where they worshiped the god Yarila.

The Prince-Vladimirsky Temple is the only city church built in the style of classicism. The main neat building is devoid of external gloss: it is decorated only with a large green dome with one cupola. The bell tower looks completely different. The grandiose three-tiered building is decorated with pilasters, as well as friezes lined up in several rows and patterned cornices.

It is noteworthy that divine services in the Prince Vladimir Church never stopped. Even in the dashing 20s of the last century, when parishes were closed everywhere in Russia, and priests became victims of severe persecution, the doors of the church on Bolshaya Nizhegorodskaya Street were open to parishioners. Here, even today, prayers are read, liturgies are served, rituals and sacraments are performed.

Scientific and educational center “Evrika”

All schoolchildren who consider physics lessons to be a boring pastime should visit the Eureka Center. About 150 exhibits will clearly show that there is nothing more interesting than electrodynamics, optics, mechanics and magnetism. The principle of the museum collection is to give new knowledge through experiments in which children and their inquisitive parents take part.

There are more than enough objects for studying the surrounding world in Eureka. Here you can touch the rainbow, check the electrical conductivity of your body, launch lightning, play the electric guitar, draw in space or sit on a chair with nails. And if you still have questions, the answers to them can be found in the 3D cinema, the gravity room and the gallery of scientific illusions.

For young experimenters, the museum complex hosts master classes such as “Magic of Color”, “Spy Stories” and “Science in the Kitchen”. Every weekend in Eureka there will be exciting science shows. The topic is chemical and physical experiments. A cozy cafe awaits those who are hungry, and those who want to take unusual photos can enjoy amusing optical attractions.

Evrika Center welcomes guests daily from 10:00 to 20:00.