Suzdal is a beautiful town located at just a few hours from Moscow, Russia. The town is filled with rich ancient architecture and is a must-go place for anyone visiting Moscow. Suzdal is popularly dubbed as the “Pearl of the Golden Ring” as it houses centuries-old fortresses and golden-star domes. Several monuments and attractions in Suzdal have been listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Numerous people from across the globe take keen interest in the monumental history of this city and Suzdal always has something interesting for anyone who visits the town. When planning your next trip to this stunning little town, check out this specially created list of things to do in Suzdal, Russia.
1. Travel back in time at Monastery of Saint Euthymius
The monastery of our saviour and St. Euthymius was built in the year 1352 by Boris Konstantinovich, the grand prince of Suzdal and Nizhegorod. The monastery gained importance during the 16th and 17th centuries. The monastery also has a prison space that was used to lock up the religious dissidents during the pre- and post-Soviet era. The premises have an Assumption Church, the bell tower, the Cathedral of the Transfiguration Saviour with the infamous seven-domes, the museum complex managed by the Vladimir Suzdal Museum Reserve, and much more. Travel back in time and witness the evolution of Russian architecture between the 14th and 17th centuries.
Monastery of Saint Euthymius
Address: Ulitsa Lenina, 135к8, Suzdal, Vladimirskaya oblast’, Russia, 601291
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 6pm (closed on Mon)
Price: Free
2. Marvel at the white-stone architecture of Kremlin (from USD 420.0)
Enjoy a 10-hour private tour to Vladimir and Suzdal along with an English-speaking guide. The trip begins early in the morning by hopping onto a high-speed electric train to Vladimir. You will first visit the open-air Suzdal Museum of Wooden Architecture and Peasant Life. Learn about the rural life in ancient Russia and indulge in the tingling tastes of the original Medovukha, a honey-based Russian alcoholic drink at the Suzdal Kremlin market place. You will also witness the stunning white-stone architecture of the various buildings in this ancient city that date back to the 11th century. The tour ends at the Golden Gate, the only surviving gate of the seven protecting gates of the Vladimir.
Vladimir and Suzdal: Private Tour
Duration: 10 hour
3. Enjoy tranquility at Pokrovsky Monastery
The Pokrovsky Monastery is an epitome of classic Russian architecture and was built in the 17th century. The monastery was renovated in the 19th century and holds the famous tomb of Matryona, a local saint. Although Matryona was born blind, she was blessed with incredible powers of prophecy and healing. It is believed that she even predicted her own death. People also believe that St. Matryona continues to bless everyone who visit her tomb. The monastery has an active cathedral that offers Russian orthodox services. The church, the convent of intercession, and the whole of the Pokrovsky Monastery with its surrounding pastures is a picturesque sight.
Pokrovsky monastery
Address: ul. Pokrovskaja, 76, Suzdal 601293, Russia
Website: Pokrovsky Monastery
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 7am- 8pm, Sun: 6am - 8pm
Price: Free
4. Melt away at the sight of stunning wax statues
Having started as a small park exhibit of nine wax statues, the Moscow Wax Museum has come a long way in the last three decades. In the year 1990, popular sculptor named I. Brodsky created the first batch of wax statues. Today there are over 150 statues of celebrities from across the globe. It is notable that only after 2004 were these wax statues collectively displayed in one place. Until then the statues have travelled across the globe for numerous exhibits. Click pictures with your favorite leaders and celebrities in this amazing museum.
Moscow Wax Museum
Address: Suzdal, st. Kremlevskaya 3 d.
Website: Wax Museum
Opening hours: 10am - 7pm (daily)
Price: adults: 300 RUB (5 USD); students: 150 RUB (2.5 USD); children under 7 years: free
5. Visit Cathedral of the Nativity, a UN World Heritage Site
Marvel at star-studded blue domes of the the iconic Russian medieval architecture at Cathedral of the Nativity of the Theotokos in Suzdal, Russia. The cathedral was built in the 11th century with three domes by Vladimir II-Monomakh. Later in the 17th century two more domes were added and then the dilapidated building was reconstructed using white stones and bricks for the walls. The cathedral interiors were partially repaired and still contain frescoes from the 13th to 17th centuries. Despite numerous fires and natural calamities, this ancient monument stands high and mighty as a living proof of history. The Cathedral is an UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the eight popular monuments in Vladimir and Suzdal.
Cathedral of Nativity of the Theotokos
Address: Kremlovskaya Ulitsa, 10, Suzdal, Vladimirskaya oblast’, Russia, 601293
6. Witness the symbol of victory at Venerable Bell Tower
Get acquainted to the history behind the building of the magnificent 72-meter (236.22-ft) tall Venerable Bell Tower of Suzdal as you climb its stairs. With giant bells at the top, the Venerable Bell Tower was built in the 19th century to celebrate victory over Napoleon. The mighty tower is visible from anywhere across the city and it offers the most beautiful views from the peak. The tower is located within the premises of the Rizopolozhensky Monastery, which was built in the year 1207. The holy gates in this complex is another important sight to witness with two stunning white and red turrets.
Venerable Bell Tower
Address: Suzdal, Vladimir Oblast, Russia, 601293
7. Visit the wooden Transfiguration Church
One of the finest and well-preserved Russian wooden architectural monuments in Suzdal is the Church of the Transfiguration that was built in the 18th century. It was built in the year 1756 at a small village situated in the Vladimir Province called Kozlyatevo. Later in the year 1965, the two-centuries-old church was dismantled and shifted to Suzdal. The ascending octagonal tiers on the broad rectangle base, along with the church’s intricate art decorations make this one of the most beautiful architectural marvels in the city. The Church of Transfiguration is a part of the wooden architectural museum of Suzdal and is allowed only for external inspection these days. This gigantic church is a sight one cannot miss while driving along the roads of Suzdal.
Transfiguration Cathedral
Address: Spasskaya Ulitsa, 10, Suzdal, Vladimirskaya oblast’, Russia, 601291
Opening hours: 7am - 7pm (daily)
Price: 250 – 400 rub (3 - 5 USD)
8. Tour the most popular cathedral of the country
The Assumption Church- Uspenskaya tserkov was first built in late 17th century using wood. However, the church was lost to a big fire and was built again using white stone in the early 18th century. The church was constructed in the rare Suzdal-Naryshkin Barocco style with beautiful round pillars, frescoes, and stunning red exterior. Although the Assumption church is small it has numerous paintings and murals dedicated to Mary. The church functioned as the main cathedral of the Tsardom of Russia. The church has also been the prime burial place of the Moscow Metropolitans and Patriarchs. Tour this popular church and learn about its architectural and historic significance.
Assumption Church (Uspenskaya tserkov)
Address: Pokrovskaya Ulitsa, 61, Suzdal, Vladimirskaya oblast’, Russia, 601293
Opening hours: Tue - Wed: 10am - 6pm; Thu - Fri: 10am - 9pm; Sat - Sun: 10am - 6pm; Gardens and parks: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
9. Satisfy your shopaholic soul at Shopping Arcade
If you are looking for souvenir shopping in Russia, the Suzdal shopping arcade is your place to go. The 19th-century Gostiny Dvor shopping arcade has numerous shops selling wooden bowls, dolls, bags, magnets and various other local goods. This place has a number of open stalls that sell handmade articles, fruits, and locally produced mead. You can also enjoy tasty Russian foods at the restaurants in the shopping arcade.
Suzdal Shopping Arcade
Address: Lenina St., 63 A, Suzdal 601293, Russia
10. Explore the architectural wonders of Rostov-on-Don Cathedral
Popularly called as the Nativity Cathedral, the Rostov-on-Don was first built in the late 17th century and was later rebuilt after a lightning strike in the year 1795. However, the masonry temple with wooden domes were once again constructed using white stones during the reign of Emperor Nicholas I between 1854 and 1860. The cathedral was closed in the years 1937 to 1942 and was used as a warehouse for the zoo in the premises until occupied by the German troops. The church underwent re-decoration in 1988 and the damaged bell tower was fully restored in 1999 to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Rostov. This church has stood beyond the test of time and is a must-visit place near Suzdal.
Rostov-on-Don Cathedral/ Cathedral of Nativity
Address: Rostov-on-Don, Russia
11. Have a sip of Russia's traditional drink, Kvass
Kvass is a traditional Russian drink made from fermented rye bread. Rye bread, also called ‘black bread’ in some parts of Asia and Europe, contributes the the golden brown color of the drink. The drink is considered non-alcoholic as the alcohol content due to fermentation ranges between 0.5 to 1.0 percent. Kvass is also available along with different flavorings such as strawberries, mint, and raisins. Try this traditional drink at Suzdal’s very popular Kvasnaya Izba restaurant along with their wide range of eastern and Russian cuisines.
Kvasnaya Izba restaurant
Address: Pushkarskaya St., 51, Suzdal 601293, Russia
Website: Kvasnaya Izba restaurant
Opening hours: 11am - 11pm (daily)
12. Visit Rizopolozhensky Convent
Another historically significant place in Suzdal is the Rizopolozhensky nunnery and convent. Also called as the Deposition of the Robe convent, the Rizopolozhensky is seen as the first ever monastery in the town built in the year 1207. It is also believed that “miracle-worker” Euphrosyne lived in a square opposite to the convent in the 13th century. The convent was founded in the honor of the Orthodox feast and it stopped functioning for quite a long time in the 1920s during which the 12 bells of the belfry melted on the big fire. The convent resumed functioning in the year 1999.
The Rizopolozhensky Convent
Address: Ulitsa Kommunal'nyy Gorodok, 9, Suzdal, Vladimirskaya oblast’, Russia, 601291
Website: The Rizopolozhensky Convent
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
13. Try the heavenly medovukha
Another interesting traditional Russian drink on our list is the Medovukha. It is an alcoholic beverage made using honey. The drink has a heavenly taste and has been popular in the Proto-Indo-European periods and in Eastern Europe even during the pagan era. This drink has remained popular even during the 19th century. Through time this drink has evolved into a dozen of varieties and flavors including the berry and herb infusions. Russian military hero Count Suvorov founded the infamous Graf Suvorov and Mead-Tasting Hall. The hall has a wide collection of Medovukha from the alps stored under the vaulted ceilings and kitsch murals at the heart of Suzdal.
Graf Suvorov and Mead-Tasting Hall
Address: Trading Arcades, Torgovaya Ploschad, Suzdal
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 6pm; Sat - Sun: 10am - 8pm
14. Stroll across the Torgovaya Ploshchad
Torgovaya Ploshchad popularly called as the Trading Arcades of Suzdal is a square at the heart of the city where you can have fun interacting with the locals. With the stunning pillars of the the ancient times, Torgovaya Ploshchad is a popular place among the locals as well as tourists. There are several churches in and around Torgovaya Ploshchad such as the Kazan church and the Resurrection church. Shop for handmade articles, fridge magnets, Russian ‘valenki’ felt boots, a glass of Kvass or Russian mead, and more. You can also have fun tasting some of the very delicious traditional Russian dishes in the cafes and restaurants in the square.
Torgovaya Ploshchad
Address: Suzdal, Vladimirskaya oblast’, Russia, 601293
Opening hours: 9am - 6pm (daily)
15. Delight your taste buds with Russian staples
Kharchevnya is one of popular restaurants in Suzdal where you can relish the mouthwatering tastes of the local cuisine. The restaurant is located in Lenina street 73, and is a regularly visited by the local families and people of all ages. The restaurant caters to different food preferences with a wide menu consisting of starters, salads, main course, and dessert. It is also a common place of gathering for the locals as they often say that the food in Kharchevnya reminds of traditional ‘grandmother’s recipes’. The cabbage soups and blini pancakes are a must-try in this restaurant.
Kharchevnya
Address: Ulitsa Lenina, 73, Suzdal, Vladimirskaya oblast’, Russia, 601293
Website: Kharchevnya
Opening hours: 9am - 11pm (daily)
16. Marvel at the exemplary Russian wooden architecture (from USD 162.47)
On a five-hour tour to Suzdal and Kideksha, you will be visiting the Museum of Wooden Architecture and Peasant Life along with an English-speaking guide. This is a private tour that includes museum ticket fee, taxes, and handling charges. In this tour you will be witnessing the stunning architecture of the the Church of Saints Boris and Gleb, which is the first white stone building of Northern Russia dating back to the 11th century. You will also witness the centuries-old relics of St. Sophia of Suzdal, the Savior-Euthymius Monastery, the massive Pokrovsky Convent, and much more. Be in awe at the history of Suzdal, Kremlin, and enjoy shopping at the oldest arcades by the end of the trip.
Private Tour in Suzdal and Kideksha
Duration: 5 hour
Travel through history in Suzdal
Suzdal is a small city with tremendous historical significance. Suzdal has numerous historical buildings, churches, and cathedrals from the as early as the 11th century out of which eight have been listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It is one place where you can witness unadulterated Russian history and is a very popular tourist destination in the Golden Ring. Do not forget to take a birch bark souvenir and a bottle of mead on your way back home after a time travelling trip in Suzdal.
History
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