Vladimir and Bogolyubov City

It is impossible to imagine the multifaceted history of the ancient capital of Russia – Vladimir without visiting Bogolyubovo. The history of Vladimir Rus has many different pages and perhaps the most significant period is associated with the Grand Duke of Vladimir Andrei Bogolyubsky. I invite you to embark on a journey in the footsteps of this strong and powerful man. We will visit the “New City”, which appeared after Andrei’s decision to move the capital from Kiev to Vladimir. We will see all the masterpieces erected by foreign architects in the 12th century, make a wish under the arch of the Golden Gate, admire the Patriarchal Garden, visit the former residence of Andrei Bogolyubsky and his father Yuri Dolgoruky.

We will walk along the “Vladimir Arbat”, admire the expanses of the famous Zalesya from several observation platforms. In the most ancient part of the city we will see where Vladimir began, we will visit Pushkin on Pushkin Boulevard and try to unravel the ancient message, forever encrypted on the walls of Dmitriev Cathedral. Then we will go to Bogolyubov Castle – this is the place where the Grand Castle of Andrei Bogolyubsky was once located. Here the ambassadors were met and the fates of the powerful were decided. It was here that the tragedy occurred, which to this day is considered one of the most terrible and mysterious murders in the history of medieval Russia. We will visit the monumental church of the 19th century on the territory of the Holy Bogolyubsky Monastery, and learn what connects it with the Cathedral of Christ the Savior in Moscow.

And finally, we will make a real pilgrimage to the most beautiful church of Russia – the Church of the Intercession on the Nerl. This is a place that has a huge force of attraction and extraordinary beauty. For the tour, it is advisable to stock up on comfortable shoes and hats (for women) for visiting temples. The transition to the Church of the Intercession on the Nerli and back takes about 3 km, only a pedestrian way of transportation is possible. The program can be adjusted based on weather conditions.

The tour can be organized on your car, or for an additional fee – on my car (up to 4 people), minibus (up to 20 people).

If desired, you can organize and schedule lunch, folk evening, master class, etc.

A story about the history of Vladimir and Bogolyubovo, an auto-pedestrian tour of all significant places. The route includes 5 iconic monuments of pre-Mongolian architecture, which are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List:

The Golden Gate, which was built in the image and likeness of the Gate of Kiev, Constantinople and Jerusalem.

The Assumption Cathedral, conceived by Prince Andrei Bogolyubsky as the main cathedral of All Russia and painted by the legendary icon painter Andrei Rublev.

Dmitrievsky Cathedral is a magnificent example of stone carved decoration, erected by Vsevolod the Big Nest.

The remains of Andrei Bogolyubsky Castle, a unique monument of pre-Mongol civil architecture.

The Church of the Intercession on Nerley. For many, this church is the most perfect church of Russia: it is considered a standard of harmony of proportions and incredibly harmonizes with the surrounding beautiful meadows and rivers.

Supplementary offer of the Museum (the cost of the tour to each object is paid additionally + entrance tickets):

- Visit one of the most famous cathedrals of Russia - Uspenskoye Cathedral. We will go inside, learn the mystery of this temple, why it is called the Cathedral-Matryoshka, see ancient frescoes, stand on the royal place (where she stood during the service of Catherine 2) and learn many other secrets associated with this temple. Tour of the Cathedral - 30 minutes.

- Visit to Dmitriev Cathedral. Inside, we will see the frescoes of an unknown master of the 12th century, the reliquary of Dmitry Solunsky (lists of icons and a copy of a relic), the burial of 1 Governor-General Vladimir and, finally, just visit the space where the children and grandchildren of Yuri Dolgoruky once stood in the service. Tour of the Cathedral - 20 minutes.

Visit to the Historical Museum with expositions. In the museum you can deeply and substantively immerse yourself in the history of the Vladimir region, see the layout of the city of the 12th century and compare how it was able to preserve its ancient features, finds, documents, photographs. After the museum, you can safely consider yourself a history expert and easily navigate the historical part of the city. The city will become your native and understandable. The tour lasts about 40 minutes.

Visit to the Christmas Cathedral in Bogolyubovo. The 12th century Cathedral was rebuilt due to the destruction in the 17th century, but it has preserved part of the foundation and wall, on which we can appreciate the merits of the creation of Andrei Bogolyubsky in the 12th century. There are also exhibits and schemes of monuments of the Middle Ages, which have not reached us in their original form. And at the entrance you can get acquainted with the owner of the city Bogolyubovo, or rather with the reconstruction of its appearance, which will definitely surprise you.