Over a thousand-year history, more than 700 cultural and historical monuments have appeared and survived in the city. Ancient churches, merchant houses, ancient towers - tourists will have a wide range of places to visit. The historic center of the city is under the special protection of UNESCO. You should definitely visit the architectural ensembles of the Yaroslavl Museum-Reserve. Separately, it is worth highlighting the places associated with the founder of the city Yaroslav the Wise and the poet Nekrasov.
You can view panoramic river landscapes from the Volzhskaya and Kotoroslnaya embankments, as well as from Strelka Park. It will be especially interesting to make a river cruise along the Volga River. A visit to the unique Yaroslavl Dolphinarium and a landscape-type zoo should be added to the list of entertainment. Such objects as an interactive show model and a Ferris wheel are dedicated to the Golden Ring.
The most interesting and beautiful places
List, photo with names and descriptions of popular sights of the city.
Yaroslavl Museum-Reserve
One of the largest museums in the country. Its objects represent the history, culture and architecture of the area. The main expositions are located on the territory of the Spaso-Preobrazhensky Monastery. At the disposal of the museum fund are more than 350,000 exhibits that make up the collection of weapons, tiles, rare books, etc. The most impressive is the architectural collection, presented by the surviving buildings of ancient Russian architecture.
See also: the main attractions of the Yaroslavl region.
Volga river
The views of the Volga and Yaroslavl were captured in his canvases by the artist Ivan Belonogov. The beauty of the landscapes of the famous Russian river can be appreciated with your own eyes on a boat trip. During the navigation season, such services are offered by river trams. Various routes have been developed for tourists, the flight to the Tolgsky Monastery is especially popular. On the banks of the Volga within the city, there are beaches with golden sand. There are many places to stay with tents.
Volzhskaya embankment
One of the favorite places of citizens and guests of the city. On the lower tier there is a walking area, there are roller and bicycle rental, retail outlets. In the dark, you can watch a light and music show at the fountains. From the upper tier it is good to see the sights - Ilyinsky Church, Metropolitan Chambers, Bolkonsky's house. The Volzhskaya Embankment is connected to the Kotoroslnaya Embankment, which is quieter and more comfortable.
Park on the Strelka
Located at the confluence of the Kotorosl and Volga rivers. The park offers beautiful views of Damansky Island, river landscapes and church domes. There are rides and bike rentals. The landscape park consists of two parts. Its upper part is the historical beginning of the city. The park is decorated with a large flower bed in the form of the coat of arms of Yaroslavl and a modern complex of light and music fountains.
Kirova street
Half pedestrian street in the city center. It is called "Yaroslavl Arbat" - it is always lively, there are many cafes and shops, including souvenir shops. Some of the houses have retained their historical appearance in the classicist style since the 19th century. Modern buildings of the 20th century in the Art Nouveau style also appeared. The most interesting are the building of the former hotel Bristol built in 1910, the building of the Yaroslavl University built in 1786.
Transfiguration Cathedral
Built in the XII century, rebuilt in 1501. It is located on the territory of the monastery - the most fortified structure in Yaroslavl. Ivan the Terrible often came here. The cathedral has preserved frescoes and an iconostasis from the 16th century. In 1865, the monastery territory became the property of the Yaroslavl Museum-Reserve. The main objects of inspection are 4 towers, entrance gates, temples, belfries, a chapel. During the summer, the cathedral is closed for viewing.
See also: famous temples of Yaroslavl.
Church of Elijah the Prophet
It is called the pearl of the religious architecture of Yaroslavl. Since the 17th century, it has remained practically unchanged. Its walls are decorated with frescoes and an iconostasis of 6 tiers, consisting of 100 icons. The frescoes were applied by Yaroslavl masters in the 18th century and over the past centuries the colors have not lost their brightness. The church was built in a classic Byzantine style. Visiting the church is prohibited during the rainy season to protect the frescoes from moisture.
Church of John the Baptist in Tolchkovo
Differs in unique interior paintings and special elegance of the facade. Her image is located on the 1,000-ruble note. It took 16 years to build the church, from 1671 to 1687. Painstaking work on the details demanded great art from the masters. The basis of the decorative adornment is figured bricks in the form of kokoshniks, beads, tiles, rollers. The building is 44 meters high. At different times, the church was visited by the great dukes.
Assumption Cathedral
The white-stone cathedral on the right bank of the Volga is one of the main symbols of the city. It was founded in 1215, was destroyed at the beginning of the 20th century, and restored in 2010. The relics of the temple are the relics of princes Constantine and Basil, the icon of the Mother of God. The monumental building is 50 meters high and can accommodate up to 4,000 parishioners. The facade is decorated with a mosaic icon of the Most Holy Theotokos and colored tiles.
V. Tereshkova Center Planetarium
The modern planetarium building was opened in 2011. It is unusual in its architecture - its 300 m² dome projects the image of 7000 stars. In the hall of the star theater, you can feel the atmosphere of motion in outer space, see the Sun, Moon, planets, nebulae, the Milky Way. Educational films are designed for different age groups. Thousands of space objects can be seen in the astronomical observatory.
Places of worship - churches and temples
Places of power, beautiful religious buildings with an interesting ancient history.
Tolgsky monastery
A nunnery located at the confluence of the Tolga with the Volga. Founded in 1314. In 1554 the monastery was visited by Ivan the Terrible, according to legend, who healed the sore legs of the miraculous monastery icon of the Mother of God. Other august persons also visited the Tolga Monastery - Peter I, Catherine the Great, Nicholas II. To date, the oldest surviving building of the monastery is the Church of the Exaltation of the Cross in 1620.
Kazan women's monastery
Built in 1610. In 1835, an earlier wooden church was rebuilt in stone. By that time, he was known for his masters of icon painting and singing. The main shrine of the temple was the icon of the Mother of God, now lost. However, in the main church of the monastery there is a copy of it, made by the nuns of the temple before it was abolished during the Soviet era. At the end of the 20th century, the monastery was reconstructed, Yaroslavl artists were engaged in painting the altar.
Temple ensemble in Korovniki
It is located on the territory of a former craft settlement on the banks of the Volga, not far from the confluence of the Kotorosl River. The ensemble of religious buildings consists of the Church of St. John Chrysostom, the bell tower, the Church of the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God. The complex was built for several decades, each of the master architects added something of their own to the decoration. The architectural monument looks harmonious, it is decorated with many colored tiles.
Church of St. Nicholas Rubleny
Built in 1695 on the territory of the former Yaroslavl Kremlin. It is considered one of the most harmonious and sophisticated buildings in the city. In 1918, the church suffered from fragments of explosions during the White Guard uprising, but restoration work saved the church from complete destruction. Currently, it houses the Yaroslavl Art Museum. The building itself looks modest, there are no paintings and decorations.
Church of the Savior on the City
A classic white-stone domed temple located on the Kotorosnaya embankment in the historic center of the city. The church was built on the site of a wooden church in 1695. More than 20 masters were engaged in its painting. In Soviet times, the church was badly damaged; its restoration began at the end of the 20th century, after the building was handed over to the Museum of Local Lore. The facades and the bell tower were completely restored, the territory was decorated with beautiful flower beds.
Church of the Epiphany
Built at the end of the 17th century. It is interesting with frescoes on the walls in the interior design and tiles on the facades. The author of the frescoes, as well as the exact date of their application, are unknown. In the middle of the 18th century, the wooden chapters were replaced with new ones of a more bizarre baroque shape. The red brick church looks beautiful and monumental, with 9 tall windows that illuminate the interior of the main cube especially stand out.
Architectural landmarks
Monuments of architecture and urban planning - interesting houses and buildings in Yaroslavl.
Former Ascension Barracks
An architectural monument of the neoclassical style. Founded at the end of the 19th century in the buildings of a former silk factory. During the White Guard revolt, they were used as defensive structures. In 1952, the main decoration of the barracks was built - a high hipped tower topped with a pointed spire with a star. The monumental buildings were supplemented with a third floor. They house offices, shops, concert and exhibition halls.
Vlasyevskaya tower and Znamenskaya church
The tower and the church are a double building in the historical center of Yaroslavl. The tower is a federal cultural heritage site, the church is a regional one. The Church of the Sign was built in 1779, and in 1897 it was rebuilt in the pseudo-Russian style. The Vlasyevskaya tower was built at the end of the 17th century and was one of the fortifications of the Zemlyanoy city. At the present time, classes of YSU are located in it.
Metropolitan chambers
One of the oldest surviving examples of civil stone architecture. They were built in the 17th century. The building was erected as the residence of the Metropolitan of Yaroslavl and Rostov. It is a house with a spectacular porch and sloping roof. The building is located on the banks of the Volga in the historic center of the city. It is surrounded by old churches and a beautiful park. Now it houses a museum of ancient Russian art.
Fire tower on Red Square
The original building appeared in the city center in 1820. In 1909, the building was rebuilt to meet modern needs. The tower's height was 30 meters. The style of the building is Art Nouveau, which distinguished the building from other city buildings. Over the years, a spectacular illumination has been made on the facade of the building. Currently, not only the fire and rescue unit is located in the tower, but also a division of the Ministry of Emergency Situations.
Volzhskaya tower
One of the preserved fortifications of the Zemlyanoy city. The brick tower was built at the end of the 17th century. In the 17th century, the tower housed an arsenal, in the 19th century - a tavern. Currently, the first floor of the tower is occupied by a cafe. The modern look of the tower differs from the original. Now it has a strict rectangular appearance and slightly widens upward. Instead of loopholes and a hipped roof with a sentry post, there are narrow windows and a hipped roof.
"House with an arch"
Residential building built in the 30s of the XX century. The architects were faced with a difficult task - to create a house that would fit into the multi-style building of the main square. The house, which occupies an entire block, is balanced and harmoniously combines many details. The style of construction is defined as "Stalinist classicism". The townspeople call it a "mystical landmark" and tell scary stories about the fate of the residents of the house.
Cultural landmarks of Yaroslavl
The most interesting and visited museums and theaters in the city.
Yaroslavl Art Museum
Located in the building of the Governor's House - an architectural monument protected by UNESCO. The estate was built at the beginning of the 19th century and was the residence of the Yaroslavl governors. The house was handed over to the museum in 1969. There are guided tours around the house, including interactive ones. On them you can attend a ball and dance a waltz. The exposition of the museum consists of paintings by Russian artists - Polenov, Repin, Shishkin, Kuindzhi.
See also: list of the best museums in Yaroslavl.
Museum-reserve of N. A. Nekrasov "Karabikha"
The estate, where the museum-reserve is located, is located 15 km from Yaroslavl. The mansion is a fine example of palace architecture from the late 18th century. Since 1861, Nekrasov lived here, here he wrote some of his most famous works. The museum includes an outbuilding, a front yard, parks, two ponds, a stream, and an orchard. The 55,000 exhibits of the museum are divided into several thematic exhibitions.
Museum of the history of the city of Yaroslavl
Founded in 1998 in the former estate of the merchant Kuznetsov of the 19th century. The museum's collections tell about the thousand-year history of Yaroslavl. The exhibits have different themes - everyday life, arts and crafts, science and technology, painting, graphics, books, weapons, numismatics. In total, there are about 25,000 exhibits in the museum's funds. The museum conducts excursions, educational activities, lectures. There are also city bus tours.
Museum "Music and Time"
It is located on the Volga embankment in the historic center of the city. This is a private museum with unusual collections. An interesting record library of 15,000 records is located in the foyer of the museum. It presents rare recordings of such singers as Chaliapin, Utesov, Vertinsky. There is an original collection of bells. The museum has an organ hall, which often hosts concerts. The Museum of Samovars and the Museum of Porcelain are also located here.
Russian Drama Theater named after F. Volkov
Founded in 1750. The theater building is a cultural heritage site. It was built in 1911. Its facade is decorated with figures of Greek gods. You can get behind the scenes of the theater with a guided tour. The troupe of one of the largest provincial theaters consists of 55 people, the repertoire consists of 29 performances. The theater has two stages - the main one and the chamber one. Large theater festivals, including youth ones, are held.
Monuments and monuments
Famous monuments and memorials, sculptures that adorn the city.
Monument to Yaroslav the Wise
The image of the monument is inscribed on a 1000-ruble note. The five-meter bronze figure of the ruler is installed on Epiphany Square. Boris Yeltsin was present at the unveiling of the monument in 1993. This place immediately became popular with tourists. Few of them did not take a photo for memory with a bill in their hands against the background of the monument. The prince is depicted in the canonical icon-painting image. A bas-relief was built at the base of the monument.
Recommended: 30 popular monuments of Yaroslavl
Sculptural composition "Trinity"
Located in the city center near Strelka Park. The sculptor of the project is Treyvus, the architect is Bobovich. It is a sculptural embodiment of the famous doctrine of the Holy Trinity. The opening of the monument was approved by Patriarch Alexy II, and Archbishop Micah consecrated the sculpture. The composition is installed on the site of the destroyed Assumption Cathedral. The newlyweds of Yaroslavl have a ritual - to throw coins into the bowl of the sculpture.
Monument to the 1000th anniversary of Yaroslavl
Opened in 2010 on the embankment near Strelka Park. A 20-meter granite stele is installed on a pedestal. The structure is crowned with a sculpture of a two-headed eagle made of bronze. The pedestal depicts the figures of Yaroslav the Wise, Yaroslavna with a baby, a citizen, a soldier and a priest. The bas-reliefs on the pedestal reflect significant milestones in the history of the city. The sketch of the monument was developed by Mikhail Tocheny, Kovalchuk became the sculptor.
Monument-monument "Eternal Flame"
Installed on Mira Boulevard in the historic center of the city. The Eternal Flame is located between two embossed granite walls. One of the walls depicts a working woman, the other a warrior.This symbolizes the labor and military valor of the Yaroslavl people. In the opening of the walls, the Assumption Cathedral is clearly visible. The eternal flame was lit from the fire at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in the capital, which was brought to the city by General Batov P.I.
Chapel of Our Lady of Kazan
The chapel has an unusual look. It is built in the shape of a rocket aimed at the sky. Located at the gates of the Spaso-Preobrazhensky Monastery. Project architect - G. L. Dainov. The chapel was opened in honor of the 385th anniversary of the release of the militia of Minin and Pozharsky from the walls of the monastery, in 1997. It contains images of saints, and the stained-glass window illustrates the icon of the Kazan Mother of God. It is believed that good luck awaits tourists throwing a coin at the bell.
Monument to Nikolai Nekrasov
The monument to the poet is located at the intersection of the Volzhskaya embankment and Pervomayskaya street. This place offers a beautiful view of the Volga, so beloved by the poet. The sculpture of the poet also faces the river. Nearby is a stele, which depicts the heroes of Nekrasov's works - Arina, peasants, Grisha Dobrosklonov. The monument was erected in 1958. The author of the project was the architect L. M. Polyakov, the sculptor - G. I. Motovilov.
City gardens and parks
Nice places where you can go for a walk, breathe fresh air.
Park on Damansky Island
It is a favorite place for walking among guests and residents of the city. This is a wonderful recreation area covering several hectares. More than 30 entertainment venues are located among the beautiful alleys. There is a children's and an adult Ferris wheel, merry-go-rounds, slides, a trampoline, a swimming pool with boats, electric car rental, a laugh room. You can ride in the park on rented bicycles and scooters. There is a boat rental for boat trips along the river.
Demidov Garden
Founded in 1885. Located on Chelyuskintsev Square in the city center. Century trees grow in the alleys of the garden. There are several monuments in the garden - the Demidov Pillar, a monument in honor of the victims of the White Guard uprising. The decoration of the park is a light fountain. Demidov Garden is a specially protected area of the region. The entrance to the park is free. Tourists can enjoy its beauty at any time of the year.
Peter and Paul Park
It is located in the industrial area of the city on the territory of a former large manufactory. Broken at the beginning of the 18th century. The green area has several artificial dams, each of which has its own name. The most interesting attraction of the park is the Church of Paul and Peter from the middle of the 18th century. There is an almshouse built in 1880, an entrance gate from 1790 and a church gatehouse from 1730.
Attractions for children
Ideas where to go with children - interesting places with children's entertainment.
Show layout "Golden Ring"
The interactive museum gives guests the opportunity to visit the cities of the Golden Ring of Russia without leaving Yaroslavl. The exposition of the museum occupies 300 m². The layout is full of events and plots of the symbolic life of cities. Brides walk around the city in Ivanovo, there is an excursion in the Rostov Kremlin, in Kostroma they go skiing from the slopes. The nightlife of the cities is especially interesting with the use of 40,000 LEDs.
Yaroslavl children's railway
Designed to teach children to professions related to railway transport. Its length is 5.7 km. Open from April to September. It is a narrow-gauge railway running along the left bank of the Volga in Yakovlevsky pine forest. It includes a depot, beautifully decorated train stations, two stations and three platforms. At the Pionerskaya station there is the Museum of Extraordinary Travels.
Yaroslavl Dolphinarium
Located 15 km from Yaroslavl in the village of Dubki. The performances are attended by marine animals - beluga whales, walruses, seals, dolphins. You can take pictures with animals, swim, take a course of dolphin therapy in a special health center. There are recovery and rehabilitation programs for children with disabilities. A hotel has been built for the guests of the complex, they provide SPA services, and there is a restaurant.
Yaroslavl Zoo
Opened in 2008 on the territory of Smolensky Bor. The zoo has a landscape, not a cage type, which allows the animals to feel comfortable. The area of the zoo is 120 hectares. Spacious open-air cages are equipped for animals. In 2017, the zoo was included in the top 10 zoos in the country. It is inhabited by camels, deer, bears, llamas, cheetahs, wolves, zebras, ostriches, kangaroos, and birds. There is a zoo exoterrarium in the style of an ancient city.
Ferris wheel "Golden Ring"
The unusual attraction was opened in 2018. Its height is 65 meters. This is the highest sightseeing attraction in the cities of the Golden Ring. It allows you to see the main city sights from a bird's eye view. There is an audio guide in the booth. 30 cabins are decorated in the style of old Russian cities, they are equipped with air conditioning and heating. There are superior cabins for VIP guests.
"Residence of the Empress of the Main Maslenitsa of the country"
The only interactive museum in the country with a similar theme. It is part of a Russian city restored according to drawings. Here you can get acquainted with the traditions and rituals of the Maslenitsa celebration. Guests will see the Empress's study and her luxurious dressing room. The puppet theater shows performances based on Russian folk tales. Guests participate in old games and amusements, taste food from the Russian oven.
Yaroslavl State Circus
It is located on Truda Square in a building that underwent a large-scale reconstruction in 2011. It can accommodate up to 1600 guests. At different times, famous artists performed on the circus arena - animal trainer Zapashny, illusionist Kio, clowns Oleg Popov and Karandash. Currently, the circus presents new entertainment programs almost every month, including performances by international artists.
Where else can you go and what to do?
UKRK "Arena 2000"
The cultural and sports complex was opened in 2001. Its total area is over 30,000 m². The capacity is over 9000 people. The sports arena can be quickly converted into a concert hall. Performances of famous Russian and foreign stars often take place here - Patricia Kaas, Time Machine, Toto Kutogno, DDT, Scorpions. International competitions are held - fights without rules, the Delphic Games.
Water Park "Tropical Island"
The water park, with an area of 8000 m², can accommodate about 1000 people at a time. It is divided into two zones - active water entertainment and SPA. Here the temperature is maintained from +28 to +30 degrees, there is a cafe, services for holding children's parties. Guests are offered different types of attractions - simple and extreme. For the youngest guests, there is a separate children's water play area. There is a wave pool and a lazy river.
