Today it is a provincial town in northern Russia. Some tourists will think, well, what could be so interesting there? How can the Russian hinterland be more attractive than the central cities? But there was a time when the most important trade routes crossed here. And in order to develop other areas, a royal decree was needed to ban trade in the city. Russian emperors visited the northern region more than once, and they always visited the Vologda region. And the buildings here are interesting, keeping the architectural features of the Russian North. The time spent in the city will fly by unnoticed: after all, you will have to see the main sights of Vologda.
Vologda Kremlin
The Kremlin was built in the 16th century by order of Ivan the Terrible. The monarch intended to create a strong fortification and at the same time make it his residence. Contemporaries described the Kremlin as a fortress, with half of the walls made of stone and the other half made of wood. Shafts from the earth are poured around and ditches filled with water are dug. And in the cellars are stored countless treasures. Historians claim that during the Oprichnina, the Kremlin garrison consisted of 500 guards.
But in the 17th century, the Kremlin fell into disrepair: part of the ramparts was washed away by floods, and the wooden walls rotted. Entrepreneurial townspeople dismantled stone walls to build houses. The same material went to the construction of churches. The territory of the Kremlin was reduced. In the 19th and 20th centuries, the Kremlin was constantly looted and destroyed. All that remains of it is the rarely used name of the historical center – Nason-city, traces of ditches in the form of modern park ponds and the remains of the foundations of shopping galleries on Mira Street.
In 2011, archaeologists carried out excavations at the site of the Stone and Prechistenskaya towers. Findings are hard to overestimate. Today, the Kremlin is included in the list of cultural heritage sites of Russia. But you can see the heart of the ancient Kremlin by visiting the Bishop's Court. At the time of the beginning of construction, the ensemble was located in the center of the defensive complex.
Address: st. Sergei Orlov, house 15, building 3.
Bishop's Court
Previously, the Bishop's Court was located on the Lazy Square. He was transferred to the Kremlin on the orders of Ivan the Terrible. And later the courtyard became the center of the Vologda and Great Perm archdiocese. At first, all buildings were built of wood. They have been rebuilt many times. And during the Time of Troubles, the courtyard was plundered and completely burned. And after the restoration, part of the buildings was made of stone. The territory was fenced, leaving the only entrance through the gate. A pond was arranged inside, in which fish was bred for the bishop's table.
Gradually, the Bishop's court expanded. Outside the fence came the summer bishop's house. Subsequently built:
The Bishop's Compound was the center of Orthodoxy in the Russian North until the early 1920s. And since 1923, the Vologda Reserve has been located on the territory of the courtyard. Today the Bishop's Compound is associated with the Kremlin.
Address: Sergey Orlov street, house 3 building 15.
Monument to the 800th anniversary of Vologda
The monument is installed in the most ancient part of the city. Previously, the territory was called the Lazy Playground. Until the beginning of the 30s of the twentieth century, the Resurrection Church stood on Lenivka, destroyed during the time of theomachism. And in 1959, an obelisk dedicated to the 800th anniversary of the city was erected on the site of the shrine. During the construction of the monument, gray northern granite was used. A stele directed upwards was made from it. And in the niches of the base, repeating the shape of the kokoshnik, there are bronze sculptures.
Each of them personifies the historical period of the life of the city:
The monument fell in love with Vologda residents and guests. It's always crowded around. Sights were added – oaks planted in 1965 by cosmonauts Leonov and Belyaev. The monument is located at the crossroads formed by Burmaginykh and Vorovskogo streets.
Vologda Museum-Reserve
The complex was founded in 1923. Today the reserve is a center of scientific, educational and cultural work. Guests are offered more than 40 permanent and thematic exhibitions. Visitors inspect historical and architectural monuments located on an area of more than 9,000 square meters. In addition, the staff of the center developed walking and bus tours around the city and its environs. Experienced guides talk about the traditions, crafts and inhabitants of the northern center of Russia.
Permanent exhibitions enjoy special attention of citizens and guests:
Visitors to the complex note that even a brief look at all the exhibitions is not possible. Therefore, choose something one, the most interesting. And if we take into account that the expositions are constantly supplemented and improved, then you can visit the museum many times.
Address: st. Sergei Orlov, 3.
Spaso-Prilutsky Dimitriev Monastery
The Orthodox shrine has been revered from the very moment of its foundation. When Dmitry Prilutsky built a wooden church near the village of Vypryagovo, and cells for monks nearby, the peasants gladly presented their property to the abbot. Ivan IV, not yet the Terrible, on his decisive campaign against Kazan in 1552 took the Cilician Cross kept in the monastery. Ivan Vasilyevich believed that it was the altar shrine that helped to defeat the recalcitrant Tatars.
Spaso-Prilutsky Monastery played an important role in the Patriotic War of 1812. It was here that treasures were brought from the Novodevichy, Voznesensky, Chudov, Znamensky, Novospassky monasteries, the Trinity-Sergius Lavra and Moscow churches. Everything was preserved until the liberation of Moscow from the invaders, and subsequently returned.
In the 20s of the 20th century, the Soviets closed the monastery, some of the domes of the churches were dismantled, and valuables were seized. But the buildings were saved, although they were in ruins and desolation. And in the 90s, by decree of President Yeltsin, the property was returned to the Patriarchy. Reconstruction and restoration work was carried out, and the monks again settled in the monastery.
Today, tourists can see and appreciate the beauty of the temples, the strength and reliability of outbuildings. And in the monastery shop they sell products made by monks. Entrance to the territory is free, but it is important to observe decency and respect the feelings of believers.
Address: st. Monastery, 2.
Lace Museum
There must be a similar museum in the homeland of Russian lace. And it pleases guests and citizens with an interesting permanent exhibition. The stands present all the stages of creating amazing Vologda lace, starting from sketches developed by artists, choosing threads and ending with photographs of the final product.
Adult visitors stop for a long time in front of the amazing exhibits made by craftswomen. You can see the work of lace makers from the beginning of the 20th century, the Soviet and post-Soviet periods. But young guests will benefit from a guided tour. An enthusiastic guide will tell you about how this amazing craft originated in the Vologda region, and how it developed later.
Employees are not limited to a stationary exhibition: they arrange themed ones. For example, lace craft in different countries, its development and significance for Vologda. Or an exposition of fans (including lace ones). The center has a small shop where you can buy souvenirs. And near the museum there is a spontaneous market: products of modern lace makers are sold.
Address: Kremlin Square, 12.
Zero kilometer of roads in the Vologda region
At the beginning of 2006, the city administration held a competition for the best project of the 0th kilometer. It is from this sign that the distances of the region and the city are traditionally measured. The winner was the architect Anton Porozov.
But there was some intrigue: the place of the proposed installation was encrypted in the Encouter game. It was called the beginning of the roads and invited the participants to guess what it was about.
In the process of work, changes were made to the project, so the sign was not ready on the day of the proposed opening. The solemn ceremony took place on the day of the city, June 30, 2007. Today, this sign is loved by the townspeople and tourists: photo shoots are held near it, they just walk around. Kilometer zero has become popular. The milestone, installed in a granite niche, successfully fit into the architectural ensemble of the Post Office building.
The sign is located at the Main Post Office, on Revolution Square. Address: Sovetsky Prospekt, 4.
House of Peter I
Arriving in Vologda, the emperor stayed at the house of the wealthy pharmacist Gutman. The building was designed by Domenico Trezzini, and the project was intended for the so-called vile people (poor artisans and artisans, middle-class merchants). The building is modest, but solid and even elegant. To celebrate the 200th anniversary of the birth of Peter I, the city authorities decided to create a museum of the great tsar.
For this, money was allocated from the treasury to buy the building from the last owner, the merchant Vitushechnikov. The exhibition was funded by donations. Additional funds were allocated by the Zemstvo and the city treasury. The first exhibition included more than half a thousand exhibits placed in 2 halls. After the October Revolution, the center was attached to the Museum of Local Lore, but in 1924 it was closed.
The building was handed over to the potato plant. Subsequently, government offices were located in the house. Only in 1944, the house again hosted an exposition dedicated to the life of Vologda residents in the Petrine era. Subsequently, the exhibition was supplemented by artifacts from the Hermitage.
Guests can see interesting artifacts: the dress of the Russian emperor, a goblet that belonged to Prince Menshikov, cannons of the Petrine era. The building was well preserved: during the restoration, the architects used the project of a rich urban building of the early 18th century.
Address: Sovetsky Prospekt, 47.
Sophia Cathedral
Sophia Cathedral is the oldest building in the city, made of stone. It was built in the second half of the 16th century. Soon the cathedral became the main one in the diocese. At first the building was not heated, later a warm church, the Resurrection Church, was built. During the Troubles, St. Sophia Cathedral was badly damaged by the Polish army. But the building was quickly restored. In Soviet times, the temple was closed, but not destroyed, but placed in it an exposition of the local history museum.
Today the cathedral is a monument of cultural heritage of federal significance. Guests can admire the unique architecture and amazing frescoes. The cathedral is the first temple, the walls of which were decorated with images of saints and scenes from the Bible. Painters from Yaroslavl worked on the interiors. The ceiling and walls of the temple are almost completely covered with frescoes.
Unfortunately, in the 19th century, the original murals were rewritten or partially supplemented with new subjects. But in the 20th century, during the restoration, the unique murals were restored. But you can only see the inside of the cathedral in summer. And only in the warm season, rare services are held in it. And you can walk around the building, appreciate the traditions of the northern masters at any time of the year.
Sophia Cathedral is located in the historical center, almost at the very Kremlin. An additional landmark is the Old Market.
House Zasetsky
The first of the Zasetskys settled in Russia in the 14th century. Subsequently, the family, famous in the Vologda region, became famous for its military prowess, success in local history, the development of lace-making, scientific farming, a library and a collection of artifacts. Unfortunately, the estates of the Zasetskys, located in the Vologda province, were destroyed. But their city house survived.
It is the oldest wooden building in the city. The manor was built at the end of the 18th century. Since that time, original stove tiles and doors made of precious woods, decorated with panels, have been preserved. And at the end of the 19th century, the house was rebuilt: a carving, traditional for the Russian North, was added. The Zasetsky estate is included in the list of the federal cultural heritage of Russia.
Unfortunately, the house is closed to visitors and is in disrepair: it needs a large-scale renovation. The building is destroyed by rain and plants sprouting through the foundation. But it is worth seeing from the outside, getting an idea of the traditional houses of the rich nobles of the Russian North.
Address: st. Leningradskaya, house 12.
Resurrection Cathedral
Church services in the Bishop's Court were held in St. Sophia Cathedral. But there was no heating in it, so in the cold season, worship services were not very comfortable. There are stories about hot stones that were placed in priests' cassocks to keep them warm. The first warm temple (Sretensky) was built in 1770.
But it turned out to be so fragile that it had to be dismantled. And already in 1772, the construction of the Resurrection Cathedral began, for which the Kremlin tower had to be demolished. By the way, the released stone was used for the construction of the temple. The cathedral was consecrated in 1776, but subsequently completed and the interiors were changed. Orthodox relics were kept in the temple for many years: the icon of the Holy Trinity, containing the text in the ancient Zyryan language, the icon of the Mother of God of All Who Sorrow Joy.
In Soviet times, the temple was transferred to the Museum of Local Lore, then an art gallery worked in it. But in 1995, the Resurrection Cathedral was transferred to the Russian Orthodox Church. Today it is a functioning temple with unique architecture and interiors. Vologda residents and guests of the city enjoy visiting the cathedral, built in the traditions of the Serero-Russian villainy.
Address: Kremlin Square, 1.
Orchid Museum
The center offers excursion programs for children and their parents. Here you can learn about orchids that grow in different parts of the world. Flowers from the tropics, the middle lane and even northern forests are presented. You can also hold a corporate event or celebrate a birthday among amazing exhibits. To do this, it is enough to book a room in advance. The exhibition has interactive screens showing the distribution areas of exotic plants.
The administration also conducts exciting quests and courses for adults and children. The room is unusually decorated: tropical thickets with waterfalls and ponds, small hills. It attracts fans of unusual photographs. Newlyweds usually spend their first joint photo session here. The center is an ideal place where you can spend time with benefit and relax a little.
Address: Ershovsky lane, 10A.
Monument to the letter “O”
A clear pronunciation of the sound O is a feature of the dialect of the Vologda region. It is by this that one can determine the native of the city. It is not surprising that it was decided to erect a monument to the letter O. The initiative was shown by young people: students of the Institute of Business. The city authorities announced a competition, the results of which were summed up by online voting. The winner was the architect Denis Pozdnyakov. His project was recognized as the best among 17 presented. It was supposed to install a sign on Babushkin Square.
But a large-scale reconstruction awaited it, so it was decided to move the monument to the square opposite the house of Varlam Shalamov. It is noteworthy that the work took only 2 weeks: the creators wanted to make a gift to the townspeople on the day of the city. The grand opening took place on June 29, 2012. Today, tourists and Vologda residents come to the amazing architectural composition. They take pictures here: the pictures are unusual and truly memorable.
The sign is located in the square on Cathedral Hill, next to Shalamov's house.
Chamber Drama Theater
The theater arose in 1999 on the initiative of actors who left different theaters. At first, the team did not have its own building. Performances were given at venues that were rented from different owners. For some time, the drama theater housed in a building awaiting the start of reconstruction.
During the disorder, the team almost completely changed the composition. And in 2019, the Drama Theater received a permanent building. It is worth carving out time and attending a performance: the repertoire is extensive. The troupe plays classics and plays by contemporary authors. It's easy to choose a setting to your liking.
Address: st. Mira, house 20.
Museum “The World of Forgotten Things”
The exposition occupies a wooden mansion built in the 19th century. The building is included in the list of federal cultural heritage. On the first floor, visitors get acquainted with the interiors of pre-revolutionary Vologda residents' houses. The staff quite accurately reproduced the furnishings of the living room, nursery, bedroom and office. Presented original household items, furniture.
The second floor is occupied by an exposition of portraits of Vologda residents. Here you can see paintings from the 18th and 19th centuries. The paintings were collected from private collections of citizens. The third floor is intended for thematic exhibitions. The archives of the nobility of the province, relics kept by their descendants are often exhibited here. But the work of the center does not end there. Lectures, family holidays, tea parties are arranged. It is interesting for both children and adults.
Address: st. Leningradskaya, house 6.
Temple of Constantine and Helena
In the place where the Church of Constantine and Helena is now located, there was a wooden temple. It was called the church of Dimitry Prilutsky in Kobylin street. Only at the end of the 17th century a cathedral was erected, consecrated in honor of the Holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Constantine and Helena. The temple differs from other Vologda churches: historians suggest that it was built by craftsmen who came from other regions.
The architecture is interesting: it has the features of Russian patterning and is free from Russian baroque. There are no other such buildings in the Vologda region. Until the very end of the 19th century, the church stood on the outskirts, among cabbage gardens and meadows for grazing cattle. The Soviet period was tragic for the cathedral. It was closed, defiled and looted. At various times, it housed government offices and warehouses.
In the 1990s, the building was returned to the Russian Orthodox Church. The interiors were restored, and the bells were cast in Tutaev. Today the building is included in the list of federal heritage of Russia. Guests of the city can enjoy the Russian pattern of the architecture of the temple, admire the interiors. Believers have the opportunity to venerate the lists of icons stored in VGIAHMZ.
Address: Victory Avenue, 85.
Museum of Pharmacy History
Vologda is an enlightened city. It was in it that in 1675 the 3rd pharmacy in Russia was opened. And, for the 330th anniversary of this significant date, the Vologda residents decided to organize an exposition. The administration made a titanic effort to recreate the atmosphere of 200 years ago. Pharmacy dishes, furniture, counters, scales and mirrors were searched throughout the region. Today, guests are greeted by a pharmacy charter. In the 18th century, every pharmacy was obliged not only to post the rules, but also to strictly comply with them. The most interesting thing is that the rules are not outdated.
A special delight among the guests is the pill machine. This is a semi-automatic tablet making machine. Visitors will learn that the ointment was stored in a huge vessel and sold by weight, and to cork a glass bottle, a crocodile was used – tongs that squeezed the cork. The administration of the center not only organizes excursions, but also conducts educational work among the owners of modern pharmacies. Unfortunately, this event is useful for some.
The center is located on Lenin street, house 1.
Architectural and Ethnographic Museum “Semenkovo”
Back in 1979, it was decided to establish a museum of wooden architecture in the region. Land was allocated for the exposition device. At first, a sectoral organization was envisaged. On the territory of the province there were districts that differed in the type of wooden buildings. But later the concept changed: they took the Sukhonsky district as a basis. It contains the most diverse buildings. And settlements appeared here earlier than in other places.
The exposition is arranged in such a way that guests, moving from house to house, watch how the peasant hut was improved:
The exhibits were collected in remote areas. The buildings were bought, dismantled, transported and assembled on the spot. Reconstruction was carried out if necessary. The main difficulty was that funding was unstable. In recent years, a targeted program for the development of the center has been created.
The architectural and ethnographic complex is located in the Vologda region, the rural settlement of Maysky, the village of Semenkovo.
Vologda Regional Art Gallery
The gallery has an extensive fund: more than 40,000 items, reflecting the period from the 17th to the 21st century.
In its halls are presented:
The center conducts educational work: seminars, lectures are organized. It is in the gallery that young talented artists turn to organize an exhibition of works.
The gallery is located on Oktyabrskaya street, house 13.
Shalamovsky house
The writer lived in a house on Orlova Street from birth until 1924. This building belonged to the Vologda diocese, where the clergy lived. And the prose writer's father was a priest. The townspeople decided to perpetuate the memory of the countryman. A board was installed on the house, and in the early 90s a museum was opened. Here are personal belongings of Varlam Tikhonovich, copies of manuscripts. An experienced guide will tell you about the difficult fate of the writer.
Shalamovsky house is located on Sergey Orlov street, house 15.
Church of Alexander Nevsky
In 1556, the Velikoretsk icon of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker was delivered to the city. This image was especially revered in the Russian North. And Ivan 4 ordered the icon to be delivered to Moscow for restoration. The image was delivered by procession from Vyatka, and got to Vologda on the way back. A list was made in the city from the image, and then a temple was built opposite the Ilyinsky Monastery. The church was built from wood.
Then it was transferred to the Kremlin and placed on the Famous Mountain. The mountain was called so because of the large reserves of lime in its depths. After a fire in 1698, the temple was built of stone and the main altar was re-consecrated – in honor of the Savior Not Made by Hands. But the right aisle remained Nikolaevsky. And after the miraculous rescue of Emperor Alexander 2, the temple was re-consecrated in honor of Alexander Nevsky. Since 1910, the church has become the regimental temple of Alexander Nevsky's regiment.
In Soviet times, the church was closed and used as a household or industrial facility. And in 1978 the building received the status of a state-protected monument of architecture. It has been restored. From that moment on, the church housed an exposition of the local history museum. And in 1997 the building was returned to the Russian Orthodox Church. Today, every tourist can admire this amazing temple, and believers can venerate the icons.
The temple is located on Sergey Orlov street, house 10.
House of Puzan-Puzyrevsky
Puzan-Puzyrevsky is an absolutely real person. At the beginning of the 19th century, he built an unusual house on Ekaterininsko-Dvoryanskaya Street. The building had a dress circle and a mezzanine. After the owner's suicide, the estate passed to creditors to pay the debts of the deceased. And here strangeness began: none of the tenants could hold out in the house for a long time. They were followed by fires and floods. Local residents immediately came up with the idea that the ghost of the deceased owner appeared in the building and gets rid of the objectionable.
Joking aside, even the American embassy has moved out of the mansion. The private exposition dedicated to the foreign missions that lived in the house lasted the longest. Today, an amazing house with an interesting history is empty again. Unfortunately, the city authorities do not take measures to preserve its proper form. All hope is that some daredevil will rent the building again and restore it.
The house is located on Herzen street, house 35.
Art Gallery “Red Bridge”
This is a gallery of contemporary art, where exhibitions are held on a variety of topics. For example, in commemoration of the lifting of self-isolation, the Fish Day exposition was held. The artists portrayed the fish as a symbol of Christianity. The organizers wanted to tell the guests about how this symbol was used in painting and sculpture. The Red Bridge Art Gallery is a great platform for young and famous painters. In addition, the organizers introduce the residents of the city and tourists to the traditions of the Vologda region. And none of the visitors of the vernissage leaves disappointed.
The center is located along the Embankment of the 6th Army, house 143.
Manor of the Bryanchaninovs
The Bryanchaninovs are an old noble family, leading from a certain Brenko, an associate of Dmitry Donskoy. The manor house itself was built in 1812. The Bryanchaninovs served in the army from time immemorial: the boys were raised as future officers. After the October Revolution, the Bryanchaninovs fled abroad, the estate was nationalized and plundered.
Its restoration began with the revival of the house church, in which Dmitry Bryanchaninov, the future bishop of the Caucasus and Black Sea, monk Ignatius, was once baptized. The young man entered the military service, as expected by family tradition. And then, seriously ill, he resigned and took the tonsure. The family did not approve of this move.
Ignatius (Bryanchaninov) served in difficult times. His activities are highly appreciated by spiritual hierarchs, especially by Patriarch Alexy. And after the death of the priest, he was canonized as a saint. The estate has been restored, cultural and spiritual centers operate here. Guests can visit the manor house and take a walk in the amazing park. Services are also held in the temple, but not every day.
The complex is located in the village of Pokrovskoye, Gryazovetsky district, Vologda region.
Einstein Entertaining Science Museum
If you want to entertain children with something, then you should go to the Einstein Museum of Science. Down with boring physics and mathematics! Here, the most boring objects and everyday phenomena open from an unexpected angle. Substances are transformed in the laboratory. And the visitors themselves participate in their organization.
And adults do not remain indifferent: much of the school curriculum has already been forgotten, and in the center there is a unique opportunity to fill in the gaps. Yes, and just to participate in honey mushrooms together with an admiring child is a joy. The pleasant impression is overshadowed only by the fact that guests arriving by car will have to look for a parking place for a long time.
The center is located on Leningradskaya street, house 79.