Rostov the Great is one of the oldest cities in Russia, the same age as Novgorod and Kiev. It is located on the shores of the picturesque Lake Nero, not far from Yaroslavl. This quiet provincial town is an integral point and pearl of the popular tourist route "The Golden Ring of Russia". Its history keeps many stories and legends. It contains many monuments of ancient Russian architecture and various museums. It is this, as well as the unique natural landscape, the inimitable atmosphere of Ancient Rus that attracts many tourists to Rostov.
There are more than three hundred architectural monuments in Rostov. However, its main attraction is the Kremlin. It is with him that you should start your raid around the interesting places of this city. The Rostov Kremlin has never been a fortification. Initially, within its walls was the residence of local bishops. Over time, it became a princely fortress. On the territory of this Kremlin, the film "Ivan Vasilyevich Changes His Profession" was filmed. If you do not know this, during the walk you will have a persistent feeling of deja vu.
Here you can see old farm buildings, a garden and several churches. The Assumption Cathedral deserves special attention, which has a certain similarity with the cathedral of the same name in the Russian capital. Inside you can see a perfectly preserved iconostasis from the 18th century, made in the Baroque style. The belfry of this cathedral consists of thirteen bells, each of which has a different tone. The noon ringing of the Assumption Bell Tower sounds just magical and is carried far away. In addition, they are the property of world culture.
In addition to historical buildings, the Rostov Kremlin is ready to offer its guests a variety of expositions and exhibitions. Popular is the picture gallery, which houses a collection of paintings from the 18-20th centuries, an archaeological exhibition and the exposition "Yamskie bells and bells".
Next to the Kremlin are the Trading Rows - an imposing complex of buildings erected at different times and, as a result, in different architectural styles. At one time, the Rostov fair thundered here, which was held once a year and brought a considerable income to the city. For more than two centuries, the shopping malls have not ceased to fulfill their function - a brisk trade is conducted here today. The area around them is always full of people, most of whom are tourists.
Lake Nero is the main natural attraction of the city. This is one of the oldest lakes in the country. Its age is about 500 thousand years! It pleases local fishermen with pike, ruff, pike perch, roach. The lake is beautiful at any time of the year. Walking on a boat or a motor ship on its flat surface will leave an unforgettable experience: it is from the lake that the most magnificent views of Rostov open up. Several monasteries are located along the banks of the Nero. Among them is the Spaso-Yakovlevsky Monastery, on the territory of which there are three churches. This ensemble combines various architectural trends - from pseudo-Gothic to Baroque, which makes this monastery look like a fairytale city. The relics of the saints are kept here, and there is a source in the chapel.
The enamel museum deserves special attention, which is definitely worth a visit. Rostov enamel is known all over the world. This is the oldest decorative and artistic craft, in other words, painting on enamel. The museum has a souvenir shop where you can buy unique works of art at manufacturer's prices.
Rostov the Great is a truly picturesque city that amazes even the most sophisticated traveler with its magnificence. Having visited this city once, I want to get into it again in order to discover new mysteries of its ancient and great history.
