Monuments of Rostov the Great

Rostov the Great was first mentioned in the ancient chronicles in the year 862. The exceptional role of this town in the development of Russian culture and its unique architectural ensemble secured for it a place of prominence among the museum cities of European and world significance. This fascinating town, whose very stones embody the inexhaustible genius of Russian masters, has retained for us a heritage which arouses deep emotions and enriches everyone who appreciates artistic accomplishments of past ages.

The Rostov Kremlin

The Rostov Kremlin, a pearl of Russian architecture of the 17th century, was built according to a single artistic pattern on the initiative of Metropolitan Jonah Sysoevich, built by Pyotr Dossayev, a brilliant artist. The Dormition Cathedral with its five majestic onion domes is the ensemble's oldest structure (16th century), adjoining it towers the Belfry (1682-1687) with a unique set of bells. Near the Dormition Cathedral spreads out the metropolis itself, built to a single pattern and made up of churches, cathedrals, chambers, dwellings, store-houses, etc. All the structures are encircled with stone walls capped here and there with towers, which make the metropolis resemble a Russian Kremlin.

Avraamievsky Monastery

Of considerable interest is the Avraamievsky Monastery (founded as far back as the 11th century) with its cathedral dating from the reign of Ivan the Terrible. On the one hand the monastery carried out function of a fortress, and with another - function of the ideological center, promoting in an initial stage of the history to distribution and strengthening of Christian religion. Under the legend this monastery has been constructed on a place where a temple to Veles (god of farm animals) once stood. Now this is one of the most interesting architectural and historical monuments of the past.

Borisoglebsky monastery

Not far from Rostov, on the road leading to ancient Uglich, there is another masterpiece of Russian architecture-the Borisoglebsky Monastery. It takes you 18 klms. to get to this monastery from Rostov. This old and famous monastery was found in the 14th century by two brothers saints Boris and Gleb. This monastery is famous for saint Irinakh Zatvornic. He had a gift of prophecy.

Lake Nero

The city of Rostov is located on coast of lake Nero. The name of lake Nero with the help of the modern languages of Finno-Ugrian group is translated as "boggy", "oozy".

As we travel on the road from Moscow a panorama of rare beauty unfolds before our eyes some seven miles out of Rostov. Dramatic - looking clouds float by in the usually overcast sky. There's not a ripple on the lead-grey of the lake which at one time could accommodate the large vessels sailing along the Kotorosl River on their way to the Volga. Once the lake was really navigable and connected Rostov with Volga.

This lake of a glacial age, but it is very difficult to name the definite age. Name 20, 30, 40 and even 60 thousand years. Now the area of lake - 53 sq.klm. Length of a coastal line is about 45 klms, depth up to 3 m., and a layer of silt from 6 up to 20 m. Lake silt can be used as excellent fertilizer.

The lake Nero is magnificent in any seasons. All city holidays pass on the coast of this lake. The most favourite holidays for inhabitants and visitors of town are holidays "the Pancake week", "Day of youth" and "Day of town". The lake can please fishermen with a pike, a perch, a crucian, small fry, and ruffs.

Varnizky monastery

In northwest of Rostov the Great on a place where ancient large village was situated Piously Troizco Varnezky monastery has settled down. It has been based in 1427 by Rostov archbishop Ephrem on that place where there was a house of parents of Saint Sergey Radoneschsky - sacred Maria and Cyril.

This monastery has never been rich. Till second half of 18th century all constructions were wooden. In 1771 bishop Rostov Aphanasy erects in the monastery the first stone temple - Troizky cathedral. Then the bell tower has been constructed also. The cathedral was cold, and in winter the service passed in Vvedensky temple which was constructed in 1828. A monastery is famous for the well with holy water.

After 1917 the monastery has been closed and then destroyed. Desolation proceeded till 1992 when in memory of the 600-anniversary from the date of death of Saint Sergey, on the place of Troizky cathedral, the chapel has been constructed. In 1995 the revival of the monastery began. Nowadays on the territory of this monastery the rebuilding of destroyed areas and the constructions of new buildings is going on. On the territory the church school is working. At present times Varnizky monastery is a place for pilgrims of the faithful.

John Bogoslova

Rostov the Great - small old Russian town with more than thousand-years history. It is possible to say, that experience of wooden construction here is equal to the age of the town. Under the certificate of the annals the very first temple in northeast Russia stood in Rostov. It was church of the Dormination of the Virgin (991). It was built from oak. In the ancient chronicles mentioned that it was unusually beautiful. The marvellous church has burnt down during one of numerous fires. From all wooden churches in the Yaroslavl territory the church over the apostle and evangelist John Bogoslova, constructed in 1687 - 89 near river Ishna was kept. The church has been enclosed from three sides with covered gallery (northern and east parts have now escaped only). You can enjoy simply and nobly internally furniture of a temple. The entrance from a church porch in refectory is made out by a different portal. Facades of gallery, windows, and choirs are decorated with carved ornaments.

Church of the Nativity of the Virgin

Christmas monastery has been based in 14th century. Till 17th century all constructions of it were wooden. The beginning of stone construction in a monastery concerns to the end of 17th century when metropolitan was Ion Sysoevich. The first stone church is constructed in the name of Christmas of the Virgin. This extensive two-storied building except for places for prayers had spacious dinning room. Numerous alterations and losses (the bell tower is disassembled) have deformed a monument. But also in the common architectural forms which have reached us it gives concept about art taste of an epoch and presence of talented architects in Rostov. Nowadays this is working woman's monastery.

Spaso-Yakovlevsky monastery

On the western suburb of Rostov, near lake Nero, at the end of14th century has been based Yakovlevsky monastery. It plays especially important role in a panorama of the town, the first meeting approaching of Moscow. Here architects of several generations skillfully connect constructions 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. Among them a remarkable sample of Russian classicism - Church of St.George (Dmitrievsky cathedral). This church was constructed and decorated on means of Russian count Sheremetjev with his serf masters. This cathedral is one of the most considerable monument of Russian culture in Rostov. In the territory of this monastery Church of the Immaculate Conception is located .It was built in 1686 and is famous by its beautiful interior. Near to Yakovlevsky monastery since 13th century Spassky monastery has been situated. It was based by the widow of the Rostov prince Vasilko Maria, who was buried there in 1271. In 1764 it has been abolished and attributed to Yakovlevsky monastery. The monastery was visited by imperial family; the photo of that time was kept. Now Spaso-Yakovlevsky monastery is working man's monastery. The prior father Evstafy made all efforts to revive the former olden time.

Tolgskay Church (Church Ivana Milostivogo)

Tolgskay church was built in 1761. From churches of 18th century it was rather well kept. It is a small single dome church with a bell tower. The architect finds a proper correlation of parts and consequently the monument makes impression of modest rather poor, but cosy building. In this church there are icons of the ancient 14th and 16th centuries. Now this church is working.

Church of Saint Nikolay

Church of saint Nikolay was built in 1813. In XVII century on this place there was a wooden tent church, and even earlier there was a monastery. In architecture of it, features of classicism are appreciable: facades are decorated with porticoes with four columns everyone, with pediments. From the West the two-story bell tower adjoins to church. In a temple there are ancient icons of 15th and 16th centuries. The church is working now.

Spasa-na-Peskakh (Saviour on the Sands) Church

This church is now all that has survived of a monastery founded by Princess Maria, a widow of the heroic Prince Vasilko of Rostov who was tortured to death by the Tartars in 1238. Princess Maria has the destinction of being the first and possibly the only woman chronicler of events of medieval Russia.

Rostov the Great represents architectural and art value and causes interest for tourists. Having visited Rostov the Great, you receive weight of unforgettable impressions, and by all means want to return and see this city once again.

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