To the observatory
Description:
Zvenigorod is located in the west, 50 km from Moscow, and is rightfully considered unique for its history, its location and vocation. It amazes with its beauty, unusual relief, marvelous views and hilly terrain. Zvenigorod was founded in the middle of the XII century by Yuri Dolgoruky and arose as a stronghold of the prince on the land of the Slavic settlement of Vyatichi. It stood on an important waterway, because the navigable Moscow river connected Moscow with the west. Unusually clean air, magnificent landscapes, ancient temples and winding streets - all this creates an unforgettable unique portrait of Zvenigorod. On the territory of Zvenigorod land there are two unique monuments of Russian history and architecture - Savvino-Storozhevsky and New Jerusalem monasteries, in which monastic life has been revived. It is difficult to overestimate the importance of these monasteries, both in the life of Zvenigorod and in the history of the Russian state.
Tour programme:
10:30. Arrival in Zvenigorod. Meeting with a guide.
10:30 - 11:30. Sightseeing tour of Zvenigorod.
A sightseeing tour of Zvenigorod includes acquaintance with its past and present, with the sights of the city and its memorable places. The tour route includes: inspection of the central part of the city, monuments, temples, the Ascension Cathedral, a visit to the former Zvenigorod Kremlin, where today the ramparts and the oldest Dormition Cathedral of the XIV century with frescoes by Andrei Rublev, the holy source, places related to the life and activities of A.P. Chekhov are well preserved.
11:30 - 13:00. Excursion to Savvino - Storozhevsky monastery.
The monastery is located 2 km from the center of Zvenigorod on the banks of the Moscow River. It was founded by the Monk Sava Storozhevsky, a disciple of Sergei of Radonezh at the end of the XIV century. The unique architectural ensemble of the monastery has been preserved to this day and now thousands of pilgrims and excursionists visit this famous Orthodox shrine. The monastery is functioning – monastic life is revived here, temples and famous bell ringings are restored, and farms are being maintained. The excursion program includes an inspection of the architectural ensemble of the monastery, acquaintance with its history, a visit to the Christmas Cathedral of the XV century, a walk along the fortress walls and climb to the watchtower. Visit the souvenir and grocery store (here you can buy monastery kvass, honey, bread and much more).
13:00 - 14:00. Lunch.
14:00 - 16:00. Excursion to Zvenigorod Observatory
Zvenigorod Observatory was founded in 1957 and is located ten kilometers from the city center. The station was created as an experimental one, for processing the methods of observing artificial earth satellites, technical solutions in the design of new instruments, as well as for training observers. At the Zvenigorod station, more and more advanced methods of observation were used, which were then transferred to other stations.
There are currently:
The laboratory building and a number of utility rooms, a Vau tower with an opening roof, an astrograph tower (both of these devices are raised to a 10-meter height so that the dusty surface layer of air does not interfere with observations), a pavilion in which 4 tools are installed: two satellite cameras, a laser satellite rangefinder, a photographic anti-aircraft pipe; two towers with five-meter domes.
In the program: Inspection of unique equipment! Interesting story of an astronomer! Super - interesting facts! Getting the skills to work with night vision devices! Interactive!
16:00 - Departure to Moscow.