Staraya Ladoga is a small village a couple of hours drive from St. Petersburg. A picturesque cave, an ancient fortress and a street that is more than 500 years old - this is not a complete list of local attractions.
1. Visit the capital of Northern Russia
Old Ladoga is over 1250 years old. In the second half of the 9th century, Rurik laid a wooden fortress on the banks of the Volkhov; later, stone fortifications were rebuilt in its place. This village was originally a city; historians call it the ancient capital of Northern Russia.
The stone fortress houses a museum of local lore, which displays birch bark products and other household items of the ancient Slavs. In Staraya Ladoga, excavations are constantly being conducted, thanks to which archaeologists find valuable artifacts.
2. Visit the most ancient temple in Russia
In Staraya Ladoga there is the St. George Church of white stone; it is considered one of the oldest temples in the country. Historians claim that it was in her that the young Prince Alexander blessed his weapon for battle, after which he received the nickname Nevsky.
3. See an earthen city
At the southern side of the fortress there is a defensive fortification - the Earthen City, built at the end of the 16th century by order of Boris Godunov. Initially, it was surrounded by a palisade and towers. Now they are just hills.
4. Wander along the oldest street in Russia
In Staraya Ladoga there is Varyazhskaya street, which was first mentioned in 1500. During the excavations, it was possible to find objects related to the 9th century. The street is recognized as the oldest in Russia. It looks like a typical rural street, if you do not know that it is at least five centuries old. There is a house on it that belonged to the Kalyazin merchant family. Now there is a museum of archeology.
5. Bow to the grave of Prophetic Oleg
In Staraya Ladoga there is a natural boundary with a ten-meter hill in the center. Historians consider it to be the burial place of the Prophetic Oleg himself.
6. Admire the sunsets
In Staraya Ladoga there is the Nikolsky Monastery, which, according to historians, was founded by Prince Alexander after the successful outcome of the Battle of the Neva. It stands on the banks of the Volkhov. A picturesque wooden pier has been built nearby, from where you can admire the stunning sunsets.
7. Follow the advice of Nicholas Roerich
The famous Russian artist often visited these places. In his memoirs, he noted that when he looked at Staraya Ladoga, he was overwhelmed with a sense of his native antiquity. Here he was inspired to write the painting "Overseas Guests", which is dated 1901. The fortress depicted in the picture has not survived to this day.
8. Climb into the cave
A ten-minute drive from the center of the village is Tanechkina Cave. It stretches for at least 6 km. According to rumors, underground passages lead to the ancient fortress. Those wishing to climb into it must be ready to meet with bats.
