Ascension Cathedral
The visiting card of the city of Yelets is the Ascension Cathedral, the construction of which is believed to have begun in 1845. According to historical documents, it is known that on the site of the built Orthodox cathedral, which took 44 years to build, there was the Cathedral of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. The city was upset and because of the small size of the cathedral, which could no longer accommodate those who wanted to, the cathedral was dismantled and in its place according to the design of the architect K.A. Ton, the Ascension Cathedral was built, which has survived to this day.
Now the cathedral is functioning for its intended purpose. Tourists can visit this temple structure and view the 220 wall paintings inside the cathedral .
Address: Red Square-1.
Where is Yelets
Yelets was repeatedly attacked by the Golden Horde. Therefore, by decree of Fyodor Ivanovich, the construction of a new fortress city began in 1591. Under Peter the Great, Yelets radically changed its attitude towards certain areas several times, but ultimately the Yelets district was formed.
After the attack and destruction by the Tatars in 1769, the city was subject to fire, which did not even spare the surrounding settlements. Before construction began, it was decided to radically change the appearance and layout of the city; now it no longer acted as a fortress.
In modern days, it is possible to precisely limit the lands on which Yelets is located. It is located on the Central Russian Upland, on the coast of Bystraya Sosna. The exact height above sea level is impossible to determine due to the hilly surface.
The length from north to south is 9.5 km, and from west to east 12 km. Yelets belongs to the Lipetsk region, it is a city of regional subordination and forms an urban district. The distance to the regional center is 78 km. For those who want to come and enjoy the city's attractions, there are several transportation options.
Yelets on the map of Russia
| A car - in the modern world, is considered one of the fastest and most convenient means of transportation. | For residents of the northern regions of Russia, the route passes along the M4 Don highway. |
| Those coming from the south will have to travel along the P-115 highway, and then P-119. | |
| Residents of the western regions will have a direct route along the P-119 road. | |
| Railway | Option for particularly remote areas. And also a guarantee of safety on the road and increased comfort of movement. The disadvantages include the relatively high cost of tickets. |
| Bus | It is worth understanding that not all cities have buses to the small but glorious Yelets. This method is convenient to use for residents of Lipetsk and neighboring regions |
Grand Ducal Church
In the city center on Sovetskaya Street there is the Grand Ducal Church. This building, which attracts attention with its beauty and grandeur, was built at the expense of the merchant A.N. Zausailova .
Typically, the construction of churches in Russia took place in the warm season. The peculiarity of this construction was that construction began in November. For this purpose, by order of the businessman, a large heated tent for the builders was built on the construction site. Thus, the church was built in 1.5 years.
The temple was consecrated according to all Orthodox customs in 1911, and it began to be called the Grand Ducal in honor of the Russian saints Prince Mikhail Tverskoy and Alexander Nevsky.
After 1917, the church was looted, but the crystal cross, which had previously been on the dome, was securely hidden by the Orthodox. In 1991, restoration work began and the reconsecrated cross took its original place.
Thanks to the art of restorers, the Grand Ducal Church, outside and inside, acquired its former appearance, the beauty of which amazes contemporaries.
Address: Sovetskaya street, 90.
How to get around Yelets
Many guests of Yelets come to the city by rail and by bus; for them the issue of moving around the city is especially relevant. For this purpose, minibuses, buses and private cabs operate throughout the city.
Public transport runs strictly according to plan and stops at stops; their location can be found at the bus station. Minibuses start operating from 6 to 23 hours. The fare is 20 rubles.
In the city you can call or catch a taxi from several companies; the cost depends on the owner, but the average is 30 rubles per km. Yelets is an amazing city, with a rich history and interesting people. Its attractions will surprise avid gourmets. The city conveys the grandeur and mysteries of Russian counties of yesteryear.
Author: Lina Dobraya
Article design: Vladimir the Great
Temple of the Yeletskaya Mother of God
The Church of the Mother of God was built between 1893 and 1915. The construction was timed to coincide with the 500th anniversary of the appearance of the Mother of God in Yelets, who during a dream appeared to the commander of the Mongol Horde Timur Tamerlane in 1395 and ordered him to leave the Russian state, which he did.
From 1929 to 1988, the temple building was used for the economic needs of the city. The temple was returned to Orthodox believers in 1989. In 1991, after complete restoration, the first church service was held. Currently, the church is the main decoration of the southern district of the city.
Address: Oktyabrskaya street - 26.
Photos of the sights of the city of Yelets.
Yelets is a city that leaves an impression of itself! Perhaps Yelets will be included in a new alternative route along the Golden Ring of Russia.
Church of St. Michael the Archangel
At the corner of Oktyabrskaya and Sverdlov streets there is the Church of the Archangel Michael. Throughout its history, the church was rebuilt several times and therefore all its parts have different construction styles. The oldest construction dates back to the construction of the bell tower in 1788. The dining room (refectory) was rebuilt in 1828. And the church itself was rebuilt in the period from 1845 to 1860 . Since 1930 the church has been closed. The building was used as a warehouse for city retail outlets.
In 2016, after the church was transferred to the Ascension Cathedral, restoration work was carried out and on May 1, 2016 (the holiday of Great Easter), the first church service was held and from that moment the church was open to citizens and guests of the city.
Address: Oktyabrskaya street - 123.
Architectural structures
Yelets, whose sights are included in the list of architectural heritage of the region and the Russian Federation, is open to tourists at any time of the year. The city has preserved a large number of historical buildings that help tourists feel the spirit of past years.
Karakum Bridge
The bridge connected the banks of the Bystraya Sosna River. Built at the beginning of the last century, it was repeatedly destroyed and in the 80s, traffic was stopped and it began to be used for pedestrian purposes. After 10 years, it was completely closed and recognized as an emergency structure.
In 2005, a long and significant reconstruction was carried out, thanks to which the bridge again became operational for pedestrian purposes.
Taldykin's estate
The building is located on the river bank. Part of it was destroyed during the Great Patriotic War. The brick frame was preserved, so restoration work was carried out and the estate became a recreation center, due to the picturesque places and clean air. At the moment, the building is privately owned and visits are prohibited.
City clock tower
The architectural monument is located at the intersection of two streets: Sverdlova and Sovetskaya. The tower was originally used as a water tower, but in 1970 a clock was installed on it, after which it radically changed its purpose and became a decorative element. The chimes strike every 15 minutes.
Chapel in memory of Alexander II
The chapel in memory of the Tsar from the Romanov dynasty, who died in 1881 as a result of an assassination attempt, is located in the central part of the city.
The construction of the chapel dates back to 1882. The temple building was built under the craft council and was a small building made of stone and brick. In 1902, the craft council was closed and after some time services were stopped in the chapel.
In 1909, the chapel was transferred to the religious-political organization “Union of Orthodox Banner Bearers”, which began construction of the Grand Ducal Church and the chapel was to become an extension in front of the entrance to the temple.
During Soviet times, the chapel was used as city warehouses. In the 1990s, the chapel was restored. Its former appearance in the form of a royal crown was restored.
Address: Sovetskaya street.
Weather in Yelets, best time to travel
The sights of Yelets can be seen at any time of the year, but for comfort and greater opportunities, travel agencies offer to organize extensive excursions in the summer.
The city is located in a temperate continental climate, with warm summers and moderate snowy winters. The temperature and weather in Yelets directly depend on the winds; in a matter of days it can change dramatically.
Dry periods can often be seen in the summer and brief arctic temperatures in the winter. Winter begins in November and lasts until early March. The city is not prone to large amounts of rainfall. Maximum humidity is reached in May. The average summer temperature is +30°C, in winter – 20°C.
Znamensky Monastery
In the city on the top of Kamennaya Mountain, according to legend, it was on this peak that the fortress around which the city of Yelets grew was founded, on the site of a secluded residence of monks (monastery) in 1683 the Znamensky Church was erected.
After some time, the temple building and the adjacent living quarters for the monks were transformed into a nunnery. The opening of the convent took place in 1822 . By this time, administrative buildings appeared on the territory of the monastery, as well as a bathhouse at the holy spring.
In the period 1917-2003 the monastery was closed. In 2004, the monastery convent was reopened and from that moment restoration work began, thanks to which the monastery acquired its original appearance.
Address: Slobodskaya street-2A.
Interesting places to relax with children
Yelets is an ideal place for a family holiday. There are plenty of places in the city where you can relax with children. Some of them are presented below.
Ice Palace named after. A. Tarasova
In 2014, a skating rink dedicated to the activities of the famous coach Tarasov opened in the city. Here you can attend figure skating lessons, as well as relax and have fun with your children during public skating.
The palace is equipped with the latest equipment, equipment, medical personnel and strong coaching staff who are ready to help.
Children's Park named after. B.G. Lesyuka
The park was formed by Lesyuk in 1947 and continues to exist and operate. In 2006, it changed its direction and began to refer to children's centers. They received many awards and were awarded the title of a park of the highest category. On its territory you can leave children under the supervision of an animator and teachers.
City Park
The park has a large number of different attractions that will interest not only children, but also adults for a long time. You can visit the botanical garden, relax in cozy gazebos and eat in a cafe.
Yeletsky fort
On the territory of the existing prison, on Proletarskaya Street, there is a 19th century building that resembles a medieval castle. In the oldest part of the building, a functioning museum has been created, operating since 2011.
The museum consists of eight cells in which tourists, having entered this part of the prison building by appointment, can examine the life of prisoners in the period of the 19th – 20th centuries and visit a specialized exhibition of items that were once taken from the prisoners.
Address: Proletarskaya street-1b.
Natural attractions
The sights of Yelets can amaze not only with their ancient appearance and interesting museums, but also with their amazing nature, monuments created by nature itself. Anyone can visit them freely.
Vorgol rocks
The Vorgol rocks are chalk formations, which over time were almost completely covered by forest and steppe grasses.
The place is considered the most popular for relaxing from the bustle of the city , getting aesthetic pleasure and taking many photographs against the backdrop of amazing nature.
Noble Garden
No one can say for sure when and by whom the garden was founded, but according to preliminary estimates by botanists and historians, the trees are more than 200 years old. On its territory there are benches and gazebos created in the 19th and 20th centuries, and a pond inhabited by a flock of pigeons.
The noble garden seems to transport its visitors to another era, covering with its harmony the noise and heaviness of the city.
Hot beach
On a hot day, you want to plunge into the water and walk along the sandy shore. The authorities took care of the residents and tourists of the city and a beach was built on the Talchik River, on the territory of which there are changing cabins, benches, gazebos, picnic areas and a place for playing volleyball. The safety of swimmers is monitored by the rescue service.
Museum of Local Lore
The local history museum, established in 1901, is the main attraction of the city. The idea of creating a museum belongs to the Russian Soviet author of works about nature, Mikhail Mikhailovich Prishvin.
As a result of the capture of the city by the White Guard cavalry of Mamontov in 1919, the exhibits were looted. In 1922, the museum was restored and was called the “Proletarian Museum of the City of Yelets.”
During the Second World War the museum was evacuated. In 1946, all museum exhibits were returned to Yelets. Now the museum bears the official name “City Museum of Local Lore” and attracts many tourists and guests of the city.
Address: Lenin street, 102.
Modern objects in Yelets, interesting to visit
All conditions have been created to attract the younger generation to the city, including entertainment and cultural institutions. Guests of the city can also visit them.
Drama Theater "Benefit"
With the support of director Nazarov, a theater was created in the building of the People's House in 1933.
His work was continued by his students and followers, and at the moment the theater is at a high level, famous Russian actors come to perform, many authoritative publications mention the Benefis Drama Theater.
Night club Rigel
It is considered the most popular nightclub in the city. There are two bars, an equipped dance floor, and modern equipment for visitors. The cuisine surprises with its diversity: European, Asian. The club is visited by famous Russian DJs.
Cinema Luch
Built in the last century, it has not lost its popularity among modern youth.
The cinema presents not only modern works of cinema, but also historical and legendary films.
House-Museum of N.T. Khrennikova
The residents of Yeltsin are proud of their fellow countryman T.N. Khrennikov, the founder of Soviet musical classics, and in 2000 they opened the Khrennikov House-Museum on Mayakovsky Street. The museum is a one-story wooden building that has remained unchanged to this day.
After the composer's death, in agreement with his relatives, he was buried in the courtyard of his house. There are always fresh flowers on the grave of the great musician.
The museum itself consists of three halls. The first room contains documents related to the childhood of the future composer. The exhibitions in the second hall tell about the people who at one time revealed the talented abilities of Tikhon Nikolaevich. The third room contains personal belongings of the leading figure of Soviet musical classics. The museum, which houses more than 2,000 exhibits, is very popular among tourists.
Address: Mayakovsky street, 16.
Museum of Folk Crafts and Crafts
Throughout its history, the city of Yelets has been famous for the art of craftsmen in the manufacture of pottery, blacksmithing, weaving and other types of products.
In order to preserve and develop ancient crafts, a museum of folk crafts and crafts was opened in the historical part of the city in 2007. It was located in a building built by the philanthropist-merchant A.I. Zausailov. Museum guides will tell tourists about the techniques for making products that have glorified Russia far beyond its borders.
Address: Lenin street, 68.
Route for exploring Yelets on your own for 1 day
For those who decide to visit the main attractions of Yelets on their own and not miss anything important, an extensive excursion option is provided below:
- Mira street. In order to plunge into the atmosphere of the city, you need to go through the pedestrian Mira Street, which is lined with buildings from the 18th-19th centuries.
- At the intersection with Oktyabrskaya there is a view of the Transfiguration Church; it is considered the oldest surviving church in the city and is open to the public.
- Mayakovsky Street goes beyond the Elchik River, where the Znamensky Monastery is located, which is actively being restored and completed.
- After turning onto Lenin Street, you can visit the most extensive museum in the city - the Local History Museum.
- On the next street there is the amazing Assumption Church and Mikhail Tverskoy.
- Walking further you can admire the tower with the chimes and the monument to the Russian poet I.A. Bunin.
- If you deviate from the route, you can visit the amazing lace museum, where guides will tell you about its creation and demonstrate the amazing works of masters of the past and present.
- And you can end the tour on Mira Street in a cozy restaurant, enjoying excellent cuisine and admiring the antiquity of the city.
House-Museum of Yelets Lace
For more than two centuries, the production of fine lace has been considered not only in Russia, but also abroad as a Yelets miracle. Collector Evgeniy Krikunov acquired and restored a small building in the city center with the goal of opening a museum.
The opening took place in 2000. Since its opening, the house-museum of Yelets lace has attracted many tourists to this day. The collection of the two-story mansion of the 19th century contains lace that is more than a hundred years old.
Today the museum belongs to . The company's products were exhibited at international exhibitions and awarded with diplomas and medals, and were sold out in different countries of the world.
Address: Oktyabrskaya street - 108.
Where to eat in Yelets
After an exciting walk around the city, you need to refresh yourself and relax so as not to make a mistake and choose a proven establishment; below is the top 5 restaurants and cafes in Yelets.
- Cafe "Caramel". The cafe is located in the city center, the unusual interior emphasizes the general style of the city. In the cafe you can taste dishes from several cuisines from around the world. "Caramel" is considered an elite restaurant with fast and high-quality service. The average bill for lunch is 600 rubles.
- Pizzeria "TOMATO" , this place is suitable for people of all ages. The pizzeria specializes in upscale Italian cuisine, but the menu includes Japanese and American. For comfortable relaxation with children, there is a play area. The average bill is 500 rubles.
- Cafe-pizzeria “Hollywood” is in a hurry to please city guests with recipes from all over the world. Greek, Italian and European cuisine. A quiet and cozy atmosphere will complement the overall impression of the historical center of the city. The average bill is 400 rubles.
- "Milano" - offers its visitors to enjoy Italian, European and Japanese cuisine. For those who are always in a hurry, you can order food for delivery or takeaway. The average check for lunch is 300 rubles.
- McDonald's is located near the highway, which is especially convenient for visitors. Fast and high-quality service, always fresh food. A children's room is equipped for children. The average check for lunch is 250 rubles.
House-Museum of N.N. Zhukova
The museum of the artist N. Zhukov is the only one in Russia. The museum opened in 1992 and is located in the house in which the future People's Artist of the USSR spent his childhood and youth. The artist’s wife and his children were invited to the opening of the museum, who donated the artist’s personal belongings, documents, photographs and a large collection of original works by Nikolai Nikolaevich to the museum.
Daughter of Honorary Citizen of the city A.N. Zhukova-Polyanskaya constantly replenishes the museum’s collection from the fund of her father’s memorial workshop. Visitors can not only get acquainted with the artist’s paintings, but also watch a documentary about his work.
Address: 9th December Street, 42.
Museum I.A. Bunina
The future Nobel Prize winner in literature I.A. once lived and studied in the city. Bunin. The idea of creating a museum was expressed in 1968. But bringing this idea to life was not easy: the future genius of literature changed four residential addresses during his studies. The organizers of the museum decided to place the museum in the main apartment, where he lived for more than three years.
In an old one-story house of the 19th century, the interior of the room in which Bunin lived and the kitchen adjacent to the room were restored. The remaining five rooms house an exhibition of the poet’s personal belongings. The Bunin Museum is currently the only museum in Russia.
Address: Maxim Gorky street, 16.
Monuments in Yelets
Yelets, whose sights are represented by unique monuments that are works of art by famous masters, preserves the memory of great people and events. Every resident of the city knows his heroes and strongly advises guests to visit and admire them.
Monument to I.A. Bunin
The city remembers and honors the Russian poet Bunin, who lived in Yelets for many years. In honor of his 125th birthday, a monument was erected near the Victory Fountain. In which passers-by see Bunin sitting on a chair and peacefully looking at the city. His name is carved below.
Architect Achkasova used granite and bronze to create the monument. Therefore, there are several more monuments located on the territory of the city, but they are less known and loved.
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Monument to the artist Zhukov
One of the new monuments located in the city. An image of a famous artist at the time of his work was created from bronze, painting a portrait of a girl, the architect was also able to convey the interest of others, and especially children, to the magic that the artist created at the time of work.
Residents of the city claim that the sculpture is especially wonderful in spring and summer, when it is surrounded by greenery.
Memorial sign in honor of the 850th anniversary of Yelets
In 1996, Yelets celebrated the 850th anniversary of the founding of the city; in honor of this, a sign was installed on Red Square, it was created according to the design of the architect Shishin. A symbolic place was chosen to install the pedestal; previously it was the location of the city’s main cathedral.
According to the creator’s idea, the sign is intended to personify the spirit of all the eras that the city has passed through. In 2010, the monument was supplemented with a dome and a cross, and restoration work was also carried out.
