The Yaroslavl region is popular not only among domestic tourists. It is visited with pleasure by foreigners, three regional centers are included in the world famous Golden Ring. Among them are Pereslavl-Zalessky, Rostov the Great and Yaroslavl itself, the historical center of which is recognized by UNESCO as a historical heritage site.
In terms of tourism potential in Russia, the region is not a leader, but it is constantly developing in this direction, since the unique nature and historical heritage of the region contribute to this. The main directions of local tourism are ethnography, religious pilgrimage, visits to museums and numerous festivals. The Volga flowing through the territory of the region gave impetus to the development of ecological and recreational areas.
The most interesting and beautiful places in the Yaroslavl region
List, photos with names and descriptions of the best attractions in the region!
Yaroslavl Museum-Reserve
It occupies the center of the city, the territory of the former male Spaso-Preobrazhensky monastery. Therefore, a significant part of the collection is religious items, for example, a rich collection of icons and utensils, church manuscripts, books, and unique precious sewing. Five more permanent exhibitions are also deployed: four historical ones (including the one dedicated to "The Lay of Igor's Host"), one - entomological and regional studies. The most valuable collections are considered to be the collection of local treasures, artistic silver, oriental silk, a provincial portrait of 130 paintings and ancient icon painting collected from all over the region.
Rostov Kremlin
The main attraction of Rostov, originally built as a decoration of the city without a defense purpose. Therefore, the architects had the opportunity to let go of fantasy and make the architectural complex a work of art. It was used as the residence of the Metropolitan of the Rostov Diocese, on the territory there is a majestic Assumption Cathedral and a number of churches. The temple complex is famous for its belfry with unique bells, in addition to visiting the Kremlin itself, tourists come to listen to their harmonious ringing. In addition to churches, visitors have the opportunity to see other old household buildings and the Metropolitan's garden.
Pereslavl Museum-Reserve
A huge architectural complex-fortress of the former Goritsky monastery. The ensemble of the museum is represented by a temple and a number of buildings, the largest is reserved for the artistic part of dozens of rooms with several permanent exhibitions. In the collections: samples of old icon painting, the world of wildlife in the region, a collection of wooden sculptures, folk art of the Russian countryside, an art gallery and typical interiors of commoners and nobility of the Yaroslavl province a century ago. The museum, together with its branches, owns more than 80 thousand exhibits, most of which are exhibited directly within the walls of the main department.
Don't miss: 45 main attractions of Pereslavl-Zalessky.
Myshkin
A city on the high bank of the Rybinsk reservoir. There are five museums here, forming a single "Myshkin Folk Museum", the most famous is dedicated to the mouse, since the name of the city is associated with the legend about this rodent. It contains objects related to mice: from paintings and toys to sculptures and dishes. On the basis of the institution, the "Mouse Festival" is held. Tourists are also interested in the valenok and flax museums, which have rich thematic expositions. The favorite place of townspeople and tourists is the embankment of the reservoir, from where the ferry goes to the left bank of the Volga, which is used by them as a promenade.
Pleshcheyevo lake
A national park popular with ecotourists. Visitors here are attracted by a diverse fauna, represented by 300 species of animals, including Red Book deer, roe deer, baby shrew and birds - white-tailed eagle, peregrine falcon, black stork. There is a special inhabitant in the lake - a unique Pereslavl vendace, although you won't be able to taste the rare fish - the status of a national park imposes serious restrictions.
Nikitsky monastery
A functioning monastery near the Pleshcheyevo Lake National Park. The monastery was founded in 1010, but acquired its present appearance in 1702. The religious institution is active, but it is not forbidden for the laity to visit it. The only inconvenience is the distance from the roads and, accordingly, inaccessibility, but thanks to this, the place is very quiet. Nearby there is a holy spring equipped with a font.
Tolgsky monastery
Located in Yaroslavl between the Tolga River and the left bank of the Volga. Fortress-monastery, a functioning religious institution with free access to visitors. It is famous for its huge artificial Siberian cedar garden, which is unique for the Yaroslavl region. A place of pilgrimage that attracts believers by the presence of a miraculous icon named after the place of appearance - the Tolgskaya Mother of God, ordinary tourists come to admire the architecture.
Spaso-Yakovlevsky monastery
On the territory of this active male monastery there are two cathedrals, one church, a bell tower and a number of outbuildings. Access is free, it's easy to get here and there is something to see: unique frescoes that are used to paint all three temples and the architectural complex itself. Believers come to bow to the shrine with the relics of a local saint - Dmitry of Rostov, who has the gift of healing.
Nikolsky monastery
An ancient monastery of the XIII century, was partially destroyed and converted into housing and outbuildings after the revolution. Now the monastery has become a woman's and has been completely restored. Although in fact the entire complex is a remake of the building of the 2000s, the restorers approached the matter as responsibly as possible, practically restoring the original architectural ensemble and the interior decoration of the temples.
Rostov Borisoglebsky Monastery
The main attraction of the monastery: 15 towers and majestic 13-meter walls, a kilometer long, that encircle the temple complex. The entrance to the territory is free, in summer walks along the fortress wall with a visit to the towers are available. Inside there are several temples where services are held: the monastery is active, but it is in a state of protracted restoration.
Lake Nero
Large in area, but shallow lake, on the shore of which Rostov is located. There is good fishing here, a standard set for Russian reservoirs is caught. The lake is especially popular with fishermen in winter, during the period of ice fishing. But you won't be able to swim: the bottom is heavily silted up with the legendary "Rostov sapropel" - a special type of bottom sediments, plus discharge from all over Rostov is carried out in Nero.
Museum reserve "Karabikha"
Located in the village of the same name near Yaroslavl, it is an 18th century manor with several outbuildings and two adjoining parks. It is famous for its eminent owners, among whom was the family of the princes Golitsyn and N.A.Nekrasov, a poet. Unofficially, the reserve is also called the "Nekrasov Museum". The estate was recently restored, and new exhibits were added to the expositions dedicated to the poet.
Rybinsk Museum-Reserve
The huge building of the former Rybinsk Bread Exchange with the attached building of the flour yard has become the largest museum in the Yaroslavl region. Among the permanent expositions are the nature of the region - stuffed animals and a zoological exhibition of the living, ancient history, collections of archaeological finds, an art gallery, the history of Rybinsk and its traditional crafts - fishing and boiling.
Church of Demetrius on the Blood
On the territory of the Uglich Kremlin, at the site of the murder of Tsarevich Dmitry, a church was erected, included in the list of candidates for obtaining the status of a World Heritage Site. It is considered the most beautiful temple in the Yaroslavl region. In the Kremlin itself, you can also see the preserved princely chambers, the Spaso-Preobrazhensky monastery with an adjoining bell tower and the building of the city council built in 1815.
Recommended: 45 main attractions of Uglich.
Church of St. John the Baptist in Tolchkovo
A monument of federal significance, famous for the unusual solution in the design of the roof with a complex system of domes and unique painting. And her image will surely seem vaguely familiar to any tourist: she is depicted on the back of a thousand-ruble bill. The peculiarity of the architecture lies in the use, in addition to the standard rectangular brick, also figured, about 40 forms.
Church of Elijah the Prophet in Yaroslavl
The first church in the city, located in the very center. It is an example of a separate Yaroslavl school of church architecture. Tourists can admire the ancient frescoes in the temple itself and visit the museum of its history at it. Admission is free, but the institution is active, which should be taken into account when visiting. The temple also closes in damp weather and cold due to the risk of damage to the painting.
Pereslavl Kremlin
A huge complex containing a majestic 12th century cathedral, several churches and a monastery. The Kremlin was made of wood and the fortress walls have not survived, but powerful earthen ramparts with a length of 2.5 km and a height of 18 meters remained. In addition to visiting religious monuments, tourists like to walk along the top of the rampart, from where an excellent view of the entire architectural complex and its surroundings opens up.
Museum-estate "Boat of Peter I"
The history of the museum began in 1803, the basis was the miraculously preserved small boat of Peter's amusing flotilla "Fortuna". Half a century later, the White Palace was rebuilt here, which has now become the main building of the museum. On the territory of the estate there is a Botny house that stores the very same ship, two monuments to Peter I, a rotunda, a gatehouse and a triumphal gate. When visiting, it should be noted that Monday at the museum is a day off.
Volzhskaya embankment
It was founded by order of Alexander I in 1823 and soon became a favorite place where the rich of Yaroslavl settled. Walking along the Volga coast, you can see several dozen old merchant houses, institutions and churches. The embankment rests against a landscape park on the famous Strelka - a cape at the confluence of the Volga and Kotorosl rivers, the main attractions of which are the singing fountains and the huge coat of arms of Yaroslavl.
Yaroslavl Art Museum
First of all, the museum is famous for its huge collection of Old Russian painting, represented by icon painting. In addition, the exhibitions feature paintings by a number of famous Russian artists, such as Bryullov, Repin, Kramskoy and others. There are about 73 thousand storage units in total. The institution annually organizes up to 50 exhibitions of works of art, in addition, balls and literary readings are regularly held here.
Museum "Cosmos" in Nikulsky
The village of Nikulskoye is the birthplace of the woman-cosmonaut Tereshkova and the small museum located here is dedicated to her and a number of Yaroslavl residents involved in the development of the space industry. Here are the personal belongings of Valentina Vladimirovna: letters, photographs and exhibits related to space flights, such as a spacesuit, a capsule of a descent vehicle, spacecraft chairs and samples of astronauts' food rations.
Pereslavl Railway Museum
A small outdoor exposition dedicated to the development of the railway in the Yaroslavl region. Among the exhibits are old steam locomotives and various railway equipment. True, unlike other similar museums, you cannot touch the exhibits with your hands, just watch and listen to the guide. But for a small fee, you can ride a hand carriage and a narrow-gauge steam locomotive.
Russian park in Pereslavl-Zalessky
A huge museum complex dedicated to the traditions, customs and outstanding features of the Russian people. In addition to viewing expositions and exhibitions, you can find many interactive entertainment: master classes in throwing an ax and handling a whip, or enjoy traditional dishes with drinks. The park is located very conveniently, right at the entrance to the city, so it's very easy to get there on your own or by public transport.
Museum of the History of Hydropower
An interactive museum dedicated to hydropower in Russia and the history of human use of electricity. True, you can only get there with a guided tour, so you should be strictly guided by the schedule. Competent guides will clearly tell you about the most difficult things and show you amazing experiments with electricity. One aspect is that young children can be boring due to the abundance of technical terms.
Valentina Tereshkova Planetarium
An excellent planetarium, equipped with a modern cinema hall, where fascinating science-fiction films about space with full immersion are shown. Also, be sure to visit the space museum at the institution. The exposition is small, but very exciting, with elements of interactivity, for example, you can try on an astronaut's spacesuit, sit in the pilot's chair of a spaceship.
Rybinsk tower
Fire tower of Rybinsk, 48 meters high, built in 1912. It is notable for its unusual shape: the round one at the bottom turns into a quadrangular structure tapering towards the top. This is the first such reinforced concrete structure in Russia. Unfortunately, you can only admire the building from the outside, access is closed. But she can be seen from any part of Rybinsk and there will be no difficulties with her search.
Church of St. John the Evangelist on Ishna
One of the few wooden churches in the Yaroslavl region. It is in excellent condition, even the original carvings have been preserved. The interior decoration of the church is also wooden, even part of the iconostasis is carved. The temple is not active, the visit is free, though only in the warm season and except on Wednesday. It is easy to get there, the village of Ishna (Bogoslovo) is just 15 minutes' drive from the outskirts of Rostov.
Village Vyatskoe
An old merchant village that has become a historical and cultural complex. There are ten expositions dedicated to merchant life and advanced ideas in the mechanization of production and everyday life at the end of the 19th century. For example, the history of printing, a museum of "kitchen machinery", a polytechnic exhibition, a museum of Russian entrepreneurship, and so on. The attendance of the facility is high, therefore there is a hotel and a restaurant.
Big Salts
The medical center on the banks of the Solonitsa river with its own healing mineral spring is located in the village of Nekrasovskoe. Check-in is carried out on a voucher, which includes everything at once and no additional costs are required. Since this is a hospital, there is no entertainment program here, but concerts are regularly held and you can get out to the neighboring village.
Rostov enamel
Enamel is a special craft for making decorative products from glass powder and enamel. The Rostov enamel factory has a two-hundred-year history with rich traditions and special style. The production has its own store, which looks more like a real museum. Here you can buy an unusual souvenir at no extra charge or just admire the true masterpieces from Rostov masters.
