Day Schedule

➤Vladimir city tour: Dormition Cathedral, Cathedral of St. Dimitriy

➤Lunch

➤Drive to the most iconic of all Russian churches: "the Nerl"

➤Transfer to Yaroslavl and overnight

Vladimir

Once the medieval capitals of Russia, the town has significant buildings surviving from the 12th century; two cathedrals and a monastery a listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A chronicle has it that Prince Vladimir Monomakh founded the town in 1108. it became to grow quickly to protect the Rostov-Suzdal principality. Vladimir owes its heyday to Prince Andrey Bogolyubsky, who moved the capital of the principality here in 1157.

The Church of the Intercession on the Nerl

Russians borrowed its early architecture, like its icon painting, from Byzantium. One of the best-known Russian churches in the northern style is the Church of the Intercession on the Nerl (Pokrova na Nerli). Today it stands alone in the midst of green meadows, the small lake below reflecting its white walls and single dome. This church is one of the most poetic creations of early Russian architecture which ever come down to us out of the past. It was built in 1164 in memory of Prince Andrey Bogolyubsky's son who had fallen during the final battle against the Volga Bulgaria.

Several times in history, the Church of the Intercession on the Nerl was about to be destroyed, but each time it miraculously remained intact. It is no surpise it is now one of UNESCO World Heritate Sites.

Take a note, there is no road for cars/vans. We will drive as close as we can but need to walk the final 1.2 kilometer.