Golden Ring of Russia: what to see on the popular tourist route

The Golden Ring of Russia is not just a tourist route, it is a real journey through the centuries, which will allow you to see unique architectural monuments, ancient monasteries and temples, as well as enjoy the unique atmosphere of the Russian province. To decide in advance whether such a trip is suitable for you or not, you can read reviews about it, contact a trusted tour operator, for example, onlinetours, which you can learn everything about first-hand on popular review sites, on social networks or on travel forums.

Route with history

The term “Golden Ring of Russia” was first used in 1967 by journalist Yuri Bychkov in a series of essays about ancient Russian cities published in the newspaper “Soviet Culture”. The idea of ​​the route was inspired by the popular tourist route “Silver Ring” at that time, which passed through the cities of Western Europe.

This type of excursion quickly became popular among tourists. It has changed over the decades, but has always been interesting. Today this is one of the most popular tours in Russia with a variety of options, from classic to thematic.

Main cities of the Golden Ring

The ring route begins and ends in Moscow. Along the way there are cities with different histories, architecture and cultural life. Among the most popular:

1. Sergiev Posad, where the famous Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius is located - the spiritual center of the Russian Orthodox Church, as well as the Posad Kremlin with museums, exhibitions and souvenir shops. You are expected to visit the Toy Museum, one of the oldest in Russia, where a large collection of toys from all over the world is presented.

2. Pereslavl-Zalessky is a city founded in the 12th century by Yuri Dolgoruky. Here you can see many historical monuments, as well as visit iconic places that introduce you to the life of Peter I.

3. Rostov the Great is one of the oldest Russian cities, which is famous for its belfries, which can be heard anywhere in the city.

4. Yaroslavl is a large city on the Volga, founded in the 11th century, where the Spaso-Preobrazhensky Monastery, the Yaroslavl Art Museum are located, as well as the Tolga Monastery - founded in the 14th century, which houses a cathedral with frescoes from the 17th century.

5. Kostroma with many historical monuments and museums dedicated to the life and activities of the royal family.

6. Ivanovo is the center of the country's textile industry, where you can learn a lot of interesting things from the history of textile production.

7. Suzdal is the birthplace of Russian mead making, a real open-air museum where you can see many unique architectural monuments. There is the Suzdal Kremlin with the miraculous icon of Our Lady of Suzdal. You can visit the museum of wooden architecture, as well as the Suzdal shop, where you can buy souvenirs traditional for Suzdal, such as mead, gingerbread, icons, and others, and also try traditional Russian dishes. The highest belfry in Russia is located in the Suzdal Kremlin.

Traveling provides an opportunity to get acquainted with Russian culture and traditions and take a break from the bustle of the city. To go on a tour of the Golden Ring, you need to plan your trip in advance, book tickets and accommodation, and take into account seasonality. Choose comfortable shoes and clothes and don’t forget to take your camera with you.

A trip along the Golden Ring of Russia demonstrates the beauty and grandeur of Russian architecture, immerses you in the atmosphere of antiquity, and gives you the opportunity to touch history.