The main symbols of Vladimir Rus'
The main symbols of Vladimir Russia are associated with the era of Andrei Bogolyubsky (son of Yuri Dolgoruky), who moved the capital of the ancient Russian state from Kiev to Vladimir.
The Golden Gate is a symbol of Vladimir
Golden Gate of Vladimir / photo by S. Makhlov
The Golden Gate has stood on this site since 1164. Prince Andrei Bogolyubsky built them not only as a defense, but also as a main entrance to ancient Vladimir - a rarity for medieval Europe.
The gate stands in the middle of the road, and in ancient times it was adjacent to an earthen rampart with a wooden wall on top. You can see what the fortress looked like then in the diorama museum located in the gate church.
As you climb the narrow stairs here, pay attention to the wall on the right side. In the opening of the battle door there are inscriptions left by the defenders of Vladimir in the winter of 1238, when Batu Khan broke into the city.
The diorama shows how the Tatar-Mongols tried to break through the Golden Gate. They never succeeded. The invaders took Vladimir only when they destroyed the wall on the rampart near the Spassky Church.
- Where: st. Bolshaya Moskovskaya, 1A.
- When: daily from 10:00 to 18:00, closed on Thursdays.
- How much does it cost: 150 rubles. for adults, 100 rub. for children.
Holy Assumption Cathedral: frescoes by Andrei Rublev
Assumption Cathedral in Vladimir, 2022 / photo by A. Patrikeev
From the outside, the Assumption Cathedral seems ordinary - white stone, five domes. It was founded in 1158. Here, first the Vladimir and then the Moscow sovereigns were crowned princes.
Inside the temple there is a treasure - 300 m² of frescoes painted by Andrei Rublev and Daniil Cherny more than 600 years ago.
The most famous: “Procession of the Righteous to Paradise”, “Apostles and Angels”, “The Last Judgment”. After restoration, they are beautifully illuminated during excursions.
The image of this particular temple inspired architects to create masterpieces. For example, the Italian Aristotle Fioravanti during the construction of the cathedral of the same name in the Moscow Kremlin.
The cathedral operates as a museum, but services are held.
- Where: st. Bolshaya Moskovskaya, 56.
- When: from 7:00 to 20:00, excursion time from 13:00 to 16:45.
- How much does it cost: during the excursion 200 rubles, before and after free.
Church of the Intercession on the Nerl - along one road
Church of the Intercession on the Nerl / photo dorogi-ne-dorogi
The marvelous temple on the Nerl is not geographically in Vladimir itself. But it’s so close that to be here and not see the Intercession of the Nerl is ridiculous. The journey by car from the city center will take no more than half an hour.
The temple was founded by Prince Andrei Bogolyubsky in memory of his son Izyaslav, who was killed in the war with the Volga Bulgars.
The construction is dated back to 1158–1165.
A lonely church stands a kilometer from Bogolyubov in a quiet meadow, reflected in the bayou of the Nerl. In spring, the meadow is almost completely flooded with water, and the temple floats across it on a small artificial hill.
Initially, the church was surrounded by a gallery with columns half the height of the temple; there is a door from it in the southern wall. The frescoes inside have not been preserved, but outside you will see reliefs. The man sitting on the throne is King David. In his hands are psalms, and next to him are lions and doves - symbols of power and meekness of spirit.
The church is functioning - you can light candles, submit notes of health and remembrance.
How to get there: Vladimir region, s. Bogolyubovo, st. Vokzalnaya, 8.
You cannot go to the temple by car. There is a small area near the Bogolyubovo railway station, leave your car there. The journey on foot will take about 20 minutes - first along the bridge over the tracks, and then along the stone-paved path. All the pilgrims are here. Everyone goes the same way.
Bogolyubovsky Convent - a bloody trace of the history of ancient Rus'
Monastery in Bogolyubovo.
The princely tower is clearly visible at the base of the bell tower of the Bogolyubov Convent, very close to the temple on the Nerl. It occupies the territory of the palace-castle of Andrei Bogolyubsky.
The monastery itself is a much-hyped place, but the remains of the prince’s tower, in which the Vladimir-Suzdal prince was killed, are worth seeing.
In a niche of the Staircase Tower, which resembles a bell tower, there is a memorial monument. They are not allowed inside; they are allowed to look from behind a barred door.
How it was
In 1174, conspirators entered the prince’s chambers at night and seriously wounded him. He was able to crawl up the stone steps of the spiral staircase into a niche - he wanted to hide there. But Prince Andrei was found following a trail of blood and finished off.
A list of conspirators and murderers of Andrei Bogolyubsky was found on the wall of the Transfiguration Cathedral in Pereslavl-Zalessky during restoration in 2015.
Read about this and what else is interesting in Pereslavl-Zalessky in the online guide.
This is the only civil building that has come down to us from the times of pre-Mongol Rus'.
Nearby is the Neolithic site of Sungir , an archaeological site that is 34,000 years old. There is nothing to do at the parking lot itself - there is a field there, but the finds in the Historical Museum (read about it further) are interesting to see.
- Where: Vladimir region, s. Bogolyubovo.
- When: services daily at 7:30, 17:00.
- How much does it cost: free.
Temples and monasteries in Vladimir
Dmitrievsky Cathedral - a white stone masterpiece
Dmitrievsky Cathedral - a classic of Vladimir-Suzdal architecture / photo by A. Patrikeev
Dmitrievsky Cathedral was the family, palace temple of Prince Vsevolod the Big Nest.
The church is built of white limestone. The facades of the upper part of the cathedral are “carved” with ornate patterns, flowers, images of lions and holy martyrs. There are only about 1,500 carved stones - and this is the 12th century, no power tools, everything by hand.
The inside is not as interesting as the outside, but you can take a look at the rest of the Last Judgment fresco and the museum. An audio tour is recorded every half hour, so don’t leave right away, wait.
- Where: st. Bolshaya Moskovskaya, 60.
- When: daily from 10:00 to 18:00, except Tuesday - closed.
- How much does it cost: 150 rubles. (preferential - 100 rubles).
Mother of God Nativity Monastery - a place of sorrow
View of the Mother of God Nativity Monastery / photo by S. Makhlov
Pray and punish - the whole history of the monastery comes down to two words. The monastery was founded between 1197 and 1206. Now you can see buildings from the 17th century - the archimandrite's chambers and cells in the Baroque and eclectic styles.
Facts you need to know:
- During Batu's invasion the monastery was destroyed (1237). The abbot and brethren were killed and the monastery was burned.
- The Laurentian Chronicle was created and stored here.
- Alexander Nevsky was buried in the monastery before the saint’s relics were transferred to the Alexander Nevsky Lavra.
For about 70 years, the bodies of the USSR were located in the holy monastery: OGPU, NKVD, KGB. Pre-trial detention centers were set up in the monastery cells. The sentence was carried out here. In the western wall of the monastery in memory of this there is a memorial cross, and next to it is a execution list - there are 28 names on it.
- Where: st. Bolshaya Moskovskaya, 68.
- When: the temple is open from 6:00 to 20:00, check the schedule of services.
Nikita Church - collapsing baroque
Nikitskaya Church / photo S. Makhlov
Nikitsky Church is the “black sheep” among Vladimir Orthodox churches. 17th century, provincial baroque, green façade with white trim and pilasters. Very beautiful, non-touristy, sort of hidden away from the center.
There is no trace left of the former grandeur of the Baroque church; the façade is crumbling. There is an observation deck at the top, but climbing this bell tower is a medieval extreme. The stairs are very steep, the corridor is extremely narrow.
- Where: st. Knyagininskaya, 8.
- When: daily from 8:30 to 18:00.
- How much does it cost: entrance to the observation deck - 100 rubles.
Trinity Church - contrasts of the Old Believers
Trinity Church and the Golden Gate / photo by S. Makhlov
The Church of the Life-Giving Trinity is the last pre-revolutionary one and the only one in Vladimir that was built by the Old Believers. Popularly known as the Red Church at the Golden Gate, because of the color of the brick.
The temple was founded in 1913 - the year of the 300th anniversary of the celebration of the House of Romanov. Built in pseudo-Byzantine style, with elements of Vladimir-Suzdal architecture and Moscow pattern design.
As a church, the building lasted only 12 years, and in the 1960s it was almost demolished. Allegedly, there was already a plan to lay explosives (they were making room for Theater Square), but the writer Vladimir Soloukhin and the public stood up for the architectural monument.
Now inside is the Crystal Museum (more about it in the section “Interesting museums in Vladimir”).
Where: st. Dvoryanskaya, 2.
Church of the Holy Rosary - soulful neo-Gothic
Church of the Holy Rosary / photo S. Makhlov
An unexpected temple in the old Orthodox Vladimir (neo-Gothic, 1894).
Everyone is welcome here: non-believers, unbaptized, Buddhists, Protestants and just the curious. This is stated in the announcement at the entrance - a kind of FAQ on how to behave in a Catholic church.
The inside of the church is light and beautiful: there are figures of saints, and photography is allowed. On weekends they give concerts of sacred organ music (plus violin or flute). From September to May, the nuns teach Polish to those interested.
- Where: st. Gogol, 12A.
- How much does it cost: charity contribution for a concert - from 200 rubles.
The main sights of Vladimir can be seen over the weekend. We tell you how best to build a route in the article “What to see in Vladimir in 2 days on your own.”
Assumption Cathedral
This amazing monument of Russian architecture of the pre-Mongol period can certainly be considered the hallmark of Vladimir. Built in the 12th century, the temple became a model for the construction of cathedrals in later times.
Construction of the cathedral began in 1168 by Andrei Bogolyubsky, but the cathedral was already painted in the time of Vsevolod. The real pearl of the ancient Russian temple are the original frescoes by Andrei Rublev. Thousands of pilgrims and tourists come to Vladimir to see this wonderful monument of architecture and wall painting.
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Vladimir in detail: original buildings
Water tower
Water tower in Vladimir / photo by S. Makhlov
The unusual structure was erected in 1912. The reservoir of the Water Tower held more than 103 thousand liters of water - a supply of 8,000 buckets.
The monument of industrial architecture resembles a fortress in appearance - arched niches like loopholes, pointed arches above the windows. When the tower was converted into a museum in the mid-1970s, the similarity was enhanced by adding a hipped roof with a weather vane.
Now there is the Old Vladimir Museum. There is an observation deck on the 4th tier, but the view from it is not the best.
- Where: Kozlov Val, 14.
- When: daily from 10:00 to 18:00, closed on Monday.
- How much does it cost: 150 rubles. for adults, 100 rub. for schoolchildren.
House of Friendship - a miracle tower in pseudo-Russian style
Teremok on Bolshaya Moskovskaya and the monument to Andrei Rublev / photo by S. Makhlov
The building became the House of Friendship ten years ago, when official delegations began to be met here and receptions were held. The building looks like a tower: keeled arches, a hipped roof with hipped roofs, and platbands.
Initially this is the building of the Vladimir City Duma. Built in 1907, it looks like its “big sister” - the Moscow Duma (an old building on Red Square, now housing the Historical Museum). The same red brick, the same pseudo-Russian style.
Where: Bolshaya Moskovskaya, 54.
Men's gymnasium with a strange flat church
Men's gymnasium / photo S. Makhlov
This provincial gymnasium (1786) seems ordinary only at first glance. The main facade is decorated with columns and a multi-step staircase. The children of nobles and officers studied history, Latin, and other sciences there.
What is unusual here is to be found at the end of the building. These are the remains of a decorative red brick belfry. The building was popularly nicknamed the “strange flat church” - it seems to float in the air, with only one of the walls pressed against the school. Previously, on this site there was a house church in honor of Alexander Nevsky for teachers and schoolchildren.
Now the building houses a Children's Art School.
Where: st. Bolshaya Moskovskaya, 35.
Red Cross - ambulance with bell tower
Red Cross Hospital in Vladimir / photo by S. Makhlov
The building, built during the First World War as a Red Cross hospital, is more reminiscent of a landowner’s estate, decorated in the style of Russian patterns.
Everything here is unusual for a hospital:
- porch-locker, similar to the entrance to the Gorokhovets merchant chambers,
- stone lace along the entire façade of the building and intricate window shapes,
- carved friezes, semicircular and keeled platbands, as in the Vladimir-Suzdal churches,
- a tall tower resembling a belfry in a bell tower.
During the Covid-19 epidemic, an infectious diseases hospital for patients with coronavirus will be deployed here.
Where: st. Gorky, 5.
Puppet Theater or People's Sobriety House
Puppet theater building / photo by S. Makhlov
The beautiful building was built in 1905 as the People's House for the Temperance Society. The imperial Ministry of Finance allocated money for the construction. Empire, Art Nouveau and Neoclassicism are mixed here - the architect Yakov Revyakin did his best.
During the revolution of 1905, revolutionaries secretly gathered in the house, held public meetings, and held rallies. And during the First World War it was given to the needs of refugees.
Now there is a puppet theater here.
Where: st. Gagarina, 7.
Interesting museums in Vladimir
Vladimir Historical Museum: main artifacts
Historical Museum in Vladimir / photo S. Makhlov
The museum is small but interesting. Here is everything about the history of Vladimir before the 1917 revolution. Artifacts found during excavations at the Sungir site are stored there.
What to see:
- In the first hall there are archaeological finds, including a collection of jewelry that Vladimir beauties hid from the Mongol Tatars in 1238.
- In the second room there are paintings with images of Andrei Bogolyubsky and Alexander Nevsky, icons and documents from the reign of Nicholas II.
On the way out, take a closer look at the building itself: the facade is decorated with ancient Gorokhovets tiles with primitive Russian drawings.
- Where: st. Bolshaya Moskovskaya, 64.
- When: daily from 10:00 to 16:00, closed on Tuesday.
- How much does it cost: adult ticket - 150 rubles, schoolchildren free.
Museum: stand on peas
The building of government offices to the left of the Assumption Cathedral / photo by S. Makhlov
Chambers are provincial government offices.
A large three-story building was built by 1790 for the administrative apparatus. On the ground floor there was a printing house and the editorial office of the Vladimir Vedomosti and where Herzen worked.
Things to do:
- On the ground floor you can see how the life and education of our ancestors was organized, try to make fire and stand on peas.
- On the second floor you can admire the art gallery, as well as antique interior items.
- On the third floor you can find out at a special exhibition how the museum was created.
The museum center hosts master classes and temporary photo exhibitions.
- Where: st. Bolshaya Moskovskaya, 58.
- When: daily from 10:00 to 17:00, closed on Mondays.
- How much does it cost: entrance to the children's museum center - 100 rubles, to the exhibition on the 2nd floor - 200 rubles, the exhibition "The Birth of the Museum" is free.
Old Pharmacy: how poisons were stored
Sculpture of the Pharmacist at the Old Pharmacy / photo by A. Patrikeev
Old pharmacies across Russia are multiplying like mushrooms after rain. Vladimirskaya does not stand out against their background. But if you haven’t been to others, it’s worth a look.
It is located in a real pharmacy that has been preparing and selling miracle potions for colds and heartburn since 1805.
There are more than 100 exhibits here: Dr. Geizman's atlas, bottles of poisons made of blue Moire glass, perfume leaflets of the 18th century and all sorts of rare apothecary "things".
- Where: st. Georgievskaya, 3.
- When: daily from 10:00 to 19:00, except Mondays.
- How much does it cost: excursions - 200 rubles. for adults, 100 rubles for schoolchildren, master classes - from 300 rubles.
Borodin's forge: a nail instead of a ticket
The Borodins' forge in Vladimir / photo by S. Makhlov
There is a forge behind the Old Pharmacy. The blacksmiths here are real, hereditary, charismatic - the Borodins.
List of blacksmithing tasks for adults and children:
- see how the blacksmith's forge is lit,
- try on and walk around in heavy chain mail,
- drink tea from a real samovar,
- forge the first nail with your own hands (you will receive a blank instead of an entrance ticket).
The cat Ryzhik lives in the forge, grab him a gift and don’t forget to pet the “fiery” guide.
- Where: st. Georgievskaya, 3G.
- When: Friday to Sunday.
- How much does it cost: excursion - 250 rubles. for an adult, 150 rub. for children, they will teach you how to forge your own nail for an additional 200 rubles.
Retro warehouse: you can touch everything
Motorcycle at Retrosklad / photo S. Makhlov
Retrosklad is a time machine in Vladimir style. Enter the former carriage depot of the Vladimirsky railway station and fall into the Soviet past.
The eras are mixed here: next to a wartime motorcycle there are cassette recorders and rotary telephones. Nearby are souvenir plates, button accordions on retro chairs, along the wall are old skis with fastenings with rubber bands and wire. There are cameras on the shelf - film cameras, Zeniths, FEDs.
The mosaic grandfather Lenin looks at all this sternly.
- Where: next to the railway station (entrance through the parking lot)
- When: daily from 11:00 to 18:00.
- How much does it cost: 100 rubles. per person (or free in exchange for an old item).
Temple-museum: crystal and lacquer miniatures
Another view of Trinity Church.
In front of it is a large fountain (turned off in the photo) / photo by S. Makhlov You will find the Museum of Crystal and Lacquer Miniatures in the Old Believer Red Church near the Golden Gate (I talked about the building itself above). It is light and airy here, but there are not as many exhibits as in Gus-Khrustalny. It’s like a smaller copy of the country’s main crystal museum.
In the display cases you will see cups, decanters, and decorative items. The main value is Muratov’s installation “Memories of Venice”.
On the second floor, in the choir, there is an exhibition of embroidery and lacquer boxes.
Famous monuments in Vladimir
Monument in honor of the 850th anniversary of the city
There is an architect in the foreground, a warrior can be seen on the left / photo by S. Makhlov
The monument has stood on Cathedral Square since 1958.
It depicts three men: the architect is facing the Assumption Cathedral, a warrior with a sword is looking at the Golden Gate, and a worker with a tractor is looking at the industrial zone of Vladimir.
Residents of the city treat the monument with jokes: they call it “Three Fools”, and “Three Lazy People”, and “Three Non-Drinkers” (since everyone is located with their backs to each other).
Where: st. Bolshaya Moskovskaya, 35/33.
Monument to Prince Vladimir
Monument to Prince Vladimir next to the Assumption Cathedral / photo by A. Patrikeev
The monument is located on a panoramic platform near the Assumption Cathedral. Next to Prince Vladimir is Saint Feodor, the first Bishop of Rostov and Suzdal.
The monument was erected in the year of the 850th anniversary of the transfer of the capital from Kyiv to Vladimir.
Where: st. Bolshaya Moskovskaya, 43.
Monument to Alexander Nevsky
To the left of the monument you can see a corner of the planetarium / photo by S. Makhlov
You will find the monument at the western wall of the Mother of God Nativity Monastery.
Alexander Nevsky spent the last years of his life in Vladimir. From here he went on his last diplomatic mission to the Horde, and here he was then buried (now his relics are in the Alexander Nevsky Lavra).
In 2022, Russia will celebrate the 800th anniversary of Alexander Nevsky.
Where: st. Bolshaya Moskovskaya, next to the planetarium.
Steam Locomotive Monument
Steam locomotive of the “L” series / photo by S. Makhlov
The steam locomotive is the first thing you will see if you arrive in Vladimir by train. It's right next to the train station. If you don't come close, you won't be able to touch it - the locomotive is surrounded by a fence. Nearby there is a water filling station, a semaphore and a freight car - a kind of mini-museum of railway equipment in the open air.
Where: to the left of the railway station.
Monument to the Janitor
Vladimir janitor / photo S. Makhlov
The monument to the janitor is a rare character on Russian streets. It is far from the center of Vladimir. This is just a monument to a simple janitor. He leans on his broom and looks sad. According to the authors, a kind of philosopher from the street from the books of Gogol, Dostoevsky and Gilyarovsky. Watchmen from the housing and communal services department, which is nearby, keep an eye on him.
Where: st. Belokonskaya, 2.
How old is the city really?
Only in Vladimir can you get an appointment with the Three Fools. Walk a little up from the historical museum. Before you is a worker, an architect and a warrior - a monument that is officially called the monument to the 850th anniversary of Vladimir. The catch is that historians still haven’t decided who founded the city and when. Some believe that the city was founded in 990 by Vladimir, the baptist of Rus'. Then the city at the time of erection of the monument was already more than 960 years old - a discrepancy. Others claim that it was Monomakh, in 1108. It is this version that is considered official.
Vladimir with children: from gingerbread to clouds
Gingerbread Museum
Showcase of the Gingerbread House / photo by S. Makhlov
There are several tasteful museums in Vladimir. The Gingerbread Museum is one of them. Vladimir gingerbreads, or rather Pokrovsky gingerbreads (Pokrov is a city in the Vladimir region), differ from Tula gingerbreads in their recipe - they are custard. And also as a decoration - multi-colored glaze is always applied to the sweets. They teach you how to do it correctly in a master class at the museum. It will take a maximum of an hour.
- Where: st. Bolshaya Moskovskaya, 42.
- When: daily from 10:00 to 19:00.
- How much does it cost: excursion with a master class on gingerbread painting and tasting - from 400 rubles.
Chocolate workshop
Another sweet place, which is located in the same building. While the fidgets are making their own chocolates, they will be told how cocoa beans grow, how milk chocolate differs from bitter chocolate, and who invented the sweets.
- Where: st. Bolshaya Moskovskaya, 42.
- When: daily from 10:00 to 19:00.
- How much does it cost: from 380 rubles. on weekdays, from 430 rub. on weekends.
Vladimir Planetarium
This is what the Vladimir planetarium looks like.
In the foreground is a monument to Alexander Nevsky / photo by S. Makhlov The Vladimir Planetarium will be of interest to both preschool children (there is a program for 4-6 years old) and older children (11+).
Here they will learn why constellations were named after animals and see a real piece of a meteorite, and also learn to recognize the brightest stars in the sky. There are virtual trips to Mount Everest and even to the Mariana Trench. And on the dome of the planetarium they show landscapes of the jungle, the North Pole and the Moon.
Programs begin when groups are recruited.
- Where: st. Bolshaya Moskovskaya, 66A.
- When: Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 17:00, Saturday from 11:00 to 14:00, Sunday - closed.
- How much does it cost: entrance for adults - 90 rubles, for children - 70 rubles.
Ferris wheel Sky 33
On the local Ferris wheel in the city park you will be able to rise to the clouds and see Vladimir from a 50-meter height.
“Sky 33” is one of the top 10 tallest Ferris wheels in Russia.
You can also come here with small children, because the cabins are closed, so you don’t have to worry about safety. The appearance will not make much of an impression on adults. But the wheel is new, the cabins are comfortable, and children will be curious.
- Where: st. Mira, 36.
- When: from 10:30 to 22:30 (Thursday from 13:30).
- How much does it cost: adults - 200 rubles, children - 150 rubles.
Sounds and cultural life of the city
If you arrive in late May, take any bus or trolleybus from the center and go to Garden Square. At the Philharmonic box office. S.I. Taneyev you will be able to grab tickets to “Jazz-Thunder”.
Every year the Vladimir High Life Jazz Orchestra takes part in the international festival. The jazz string orchestra is led by musician and composer Andrey Shevlyakov. He did not leave to conquer the capital, he stayed here to preserve jazz in his hometown. The main thunderer at the festival is jazzman Sergei Zhilin, famous from the show “The Voice”.
Once a year, famous Moscow musicians and foreign groups gather at the Philharmonic to stage a 3-hour show with a jam-session (general improvisation of all participants).
Grab your umbrellas; for several years in a row the festival has lived up to its name. On opening day, it rains and there is real thunder.
The youth in the city are very creative. Every second person here is an artist, a young writer, a musician or former musician, a theatergoer or a dancer. We also have many young entrepreneurs who do not expect anything to change in the city, but take matters into their own hands. One of them, Vladimir Semyon, opened ReFresh in 2022, when he was 20 years old.
Photo: Anna Kandalova
Fresh juices, smoothies, blue and green matcha and delicious sweet waffles appeared in the city. A cool place where you can drink cold lemonade in the heat and hot coffee in winter. There is a summer atmosphere and smiling baristas here all year round. The place is located in the center, on the back side of the Trading Rows. Nearby there is an eco-shop “Ivan-da-Chai”. Come here for a heart-to-heart chat about health, herbs, nature, raw food and yoga with the vendors.
Are you planning to come for a few days, but don’t know what to do with work? Go to Streletskaya, 25. A day in a coworking space costs 300 rubles.
Another young entrepreneur, Grisha Orlov, created the place with a team of interested guys. They call themselves the center of urban culture and host candid exhibitions, screenings of original documentaries, musical brunches and restaurant days where you can eat delicious food for free.
Photo: Anastasia Martynova
The entire creative “elite” meets here to talk about aesthetics, the problems of humanity and just have a great time. Streletskaya, 25 is located opposite a very unusual meteorological center.
You came to Streletskaya in the evening, and there was no one there? This means that everything in the GreyWale cultural center is Vladimir-style, GW is the city’s musical abode, a rehearsal base created by local musicians.
At concerts in GV, electronic music, psychedelic and post-rock sounds, and exhibitions of young Vladimir artists are held.
Take the “eight” (circular trolleybus) and get off at the “Central Market” stop, look for the address Sacco and Vanzetti, 50. The cultural center is located in the building of a former musical instrument factory.
It's just a stone's throw from Moscow to Vladimir. The fastest and easiest way to get to the city is the Lastochka high-speed train. You will spend only an hour and forty on the road, travel 180 km for 600 rubles (the lucky ones get tickets for 200 rubles).
It’s cheaper to use the BlaBlaCar service - from 230 to 500 rubles, if you don’t mind spending 2.5–3 hours.
Come visit us for a few days to explore Vladimir from all sides.
Other sights of Vladimir
Vladimir Central - the museum is closed
Everyone has heard the song, so they persistently go to see the place glorified by Russian chanson. There's nothing to see here. The prison building is ordinary; there are currently no tours inside. The Vladimir Central Museum is closed.
For reference
The prison was built by order of Catherine II. Among the legendary prisoners were Mikhail Frunze, Vasily Stalin, Lydia Ruslanova.
Now a maximum security prison, most inmates will spend between 15 years and their entire lives here.
Where: Bolshaya Nizhegorodskaya, 67.
Georgievskaya Street - small but remote
On Georgievskaya Street / photo by S. Makhlov
Georgievskaya Street is one of the oldest in Vladimir. This is a pedestrian zone - Vladimirsky Arbat. A meeting place with funny monuments.
It stretches parallel to Bolshaya Moskovskaya and runs along the edge of the high slopes.
What heroes will you meet on Georgievskaya Street:
- The pharmacist at the Old Pharmacy - rub his bronze nose (no need to take away the bottle of medicine).
- An artist on the observation deck - a sparrow flew onto his easel. Make a wish and pet him.
- The skank and the filler - you will find them near the flea market area. The thief is brazenly waiting for the victim, and the policeman is hiding behind a stand for posters.
- Brave fireman - press the hose lever, water will flow (only in summer).
There is also a stylish Customs booth here, but it is for beauty, without meaning. And the monument to the Vladimir cherry tree - more on that later.
Patriarchal Garden - the charm of Vladimir cherry
View of the Patriarchal Garden from the observation deck near the Assumption Cathedral / photo by S. Makhlov
According to legend, the Patriarchal Garden was founded by Prince Andrei Bogolyubsky. There is a version that he personally brought cherries for the garden from Kyiv. Officially, the garden is more than 400 years old - this is evidenced by the archival documents of the Mother of God Nativity Monastery.
The garden positions itself as a botanical garden - there are 130 varieties of fruit and berry trees, so entry is paid. It is especially beautiful here in May, during the cherry blossom period. There is a working fountain, many gazebos, benches, easy privacy. This is a place for relaxation and dating.
- Where: st. Kozlov Val, 4A, 5.
- When: daily from 10:00 to 19:00.
- How much does it cost: adult ticket - 150 rubles, children's ticket - 80 rubles.
If you come to Vladimir for the weekend, you won’t be able to see all 33 attractions. Choose what interests you or check out our version of a self-guided program around Vladimir in 2 days.
Have you been to the unofficial capital of the Golden Ring of Russia? Tell us what other sights of Vladimir are worthy of attention, and which ones are better not to waste your time on.
Russian Alcatraz
Thanks to Mikhail Krug, the whole of Russia learned about Vladimir - and not only: the song “Vladimir Central” was heard in Italy, Spain, the Netherlands and Portugal.
Until now, the author’s out-of-town acquaintances, when mentioning the city, hum the line: “Vladimir Central, north wind...”. In Tsarist Russia and Soviet times, prison was intended for political prisoners. Thus, since 1953, the youngest son of Joseph Stalin, Vasily, was kept here. Rumor has it that no one has ever escaped from here except Frunze. But in fact he escaped from the courthouse.
Central is not the only reason to visit Vladimir.
