Pochozersky church complex built in the 17th-18th centuries is unique architectural ensemble consisting of two churches and bell tower – one of five remaining in the Russian North, and one of only three in Arkhangelsk oblast.

The complex is of significant historical and architectural value due to the fact that it has extremely rare in the Russian wooden architecture diagonal three-dimensional composition, which is unique in Russia. Photos by Constantin Voutsen

(more…)

Tags: Arkhangelsk oblast · church · wooden

This mosque was officially opened in Saint Petersburg on February 22, 1913, on the second day of celebrations to mark the 300th anniversary of the reign of the Romanovs. The building of the mosque was constructed in 1909-1920.

The design of the mosque was based on Gur-Emir Mausoleum located in Samarkand. From 1927 to 1930 and from 1940 to 1956, the mosque was closed. In 1956 the mosque was returned to the Muslims. Photos by Yura Osinin.

(more…)

Tags: mosaic · mosque · Saint Petersburg city

Yuriev-Polskiy is one of the oldest towns in Vladimir oblast. This small town with the population of about 19,000 is the part of the Golden Ring of Russia tourist route. Yuriev-Polskiy is located 68 km northwest of Vladimir and 180 km north-east of Moscow.

The town was founded in 1152 by Yuri Dolgoruky. He also ordered to build almost circular stone fort surrounded by an earthen rampart up to 7 meters height. In 1234 in the center of the fortress St. George’s Cathedral was built. It is one of the main attractions of present Yuriev-Polskiy.

The monuments of the town give its visitors unique chance to get acquainted with the history of Russia. Photos by Alexander Lipilin.

(more…)

Tags: Golden Ring · Vladimir oblast · Yuriev-Polskiy

Rostov is one of the oldest cities in Russia located in Yaroslavl oblast. It is a part of famous tourist route Golden Ring of Russia. The town was first mentioned in the year of 862. Rostov is often called Rostov the Great (Rostov Veliky) to distinguish it from Rostov-on-Don city.

(more…)

Tags: Rostov the Great · Rostov Veliky · Yaroslavl oblast

For a small fee of 50 Rubles (about 2 USD) you can go up the bell tower of Voznesenskaya Church (Suzdal, Vladimirskaya oblast) and see in detail the origin of well-known Russian bell ringing.

Tags: bell ringing · Suzdal city · Vladimir oblast

Kurba is an old Russian village of Yaroslavl oblast situated 20 km southwest of Yaroslavl on the open high place on the right bank of the river Kurbitsy. The main attraction of the village is the Church of Kazan Mother of God Icon.

(more…)

Tags: Abandoned · church · Yaroslavl oblast

Tutaev is one of the towns of famous “Golden Ring” of Russia located in Yaroslavl oblast. The churches of Tutaev are picturesquely scattered on the hilly banks of the Volga and attract numerous tourists and architecture lovers from all over the world. The following nice winter views of Tutaev churches were taken by Petr Ushanov.

(more…)

Tags: churches · Tutaev town · Yaroslavl oblast

Wooden сhurch of St. Prophet Elisha is located in a deserted village Yakovlevskaya of Podporozhsky area (Leningrad oblast) on the shore of Lake Sidozero. The church built in 1899 and closed in 1939 is being in significant disrepair now. The photos were taken by roving-wiretrap.

(more…)

Tags: church · Leningrad oblast · wooden

The Church of the Transfiguration located in the village of Krasnoye (Staritskiy district, Tverskaya oblast) is one of the rarest in the region pseudo-Gothic buildings of the 18th century.

(more…)

Tags: church · pseudo-Gothic · Tver oblast

Belozersk is one of the oldest towns in Russia. It was first mentioned in 862 as Beloozero (“White Lake”). The town was located away from the present day Belozersk, on the northern shore of Beloye Lake, near the village Kisnema.

(more…)

Tags: Belozersk · churches · Vologda oblast