We finally got to Rostov, Yaroslavl Oblast. Very rural place, quite empty, 'interesting looking' shops and rain...I was then starting to reevaluate my decision to visit the place, unable to view the beauty of what was said to be the tourist centre of the Golden Ring. But as we walked into the centre, the sight of the City Citadel (the Kreml) erased all my doubts. Rostov has a magnificent architectural heritage dominated by churches, monasteries and cathedrals as it was till the 17th century a centre of religious learning and missionary activities. This history began when Prince Vladimir of Kiev, the Christianizer of Russia, gave the Rostov lands to his son Yaroslavl, now known as 'Yaroslavl The Wise'. This one started an effort to convert the largely pagan population of the region, introducing numerous Christian missionaries. Even after the Mongol capture of the city in 1237, most cathedral and monasteries remained and were preserved. Most of the churches were rebuilt in the 19th century and the town was designated a historical preserve in 1970 becoming a touristic attractive site. So imagine those breathtaking buildings in the middle of a deserted, somehow stuck in the 70s gloomy provincial town! That's a view I would recommend! The most beautiful frescos I have ever seen in my life
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AuthorThird year student at the University of St Andrews, Scotland. Studies Russian, German and International Relations. Loves traveling. Loves languages. Loves to share. Hence, this BLOG! Archives
January 2018
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