How to get

Rostov Veliky can be reached from Moscow by car, bus or train. The distance is only 200 km, so you can choose any way, especially since it is best to walk around the city – this way you can see more and enjoy the unique nature. It will be more convenient to travel from St. Petersburg by train or bus. Tunoshna Airport is located 53 kilometers from Rostov.

History of the city

The first written mention of Rostov the Great is contained in The Tale of Bygone Years. Initially, the territory was inhabited by Meryans and Chud tribes, then the Novgorodians, Vyatichi and Krivichi moved here. Gradually, the city grew, becoming a crosshair of trade routes.

Rostov's importance as the center of the Slavs began to increase in the 920s and 930s due to its increased colonization by the latter. In 989-1010, the young Yaroslav the Wise, later Grand Duke of Kiev, reigned in Rostov.

In 1207, the independent principality of Rostov arose, founded by Konstantin Vsevolodovich, the eldest son of Vsevolod Bolshoe Gnezdo. It quickly turned into one of the important political centers, with the influence of which was considered in other Russian principalities. At that time, Rostov the Great, one of the largest cities in the northeast, was in unprecedented prosperity, experiencing an economic and cultural upsurge.

For many centuries Rostov remained a significant religious center of the country. The Rostov diocese was not limited to the modern Yaroslavl region. The Rostov bishops were among the most influential church leaders. At the end of the 14th century, they were elevated to the rank of archbishops, and then metropolitans. The Rostov Archdiocese was one of the richest in Russia.

In the 19th century, numerous industrial enterprises appeared in the city, the first city water supply system, a university and a gymnasium were opened. Rostov fairs attracted numerous merchants and guests from other cities, which only contributed to the active flourishing of Rostov. 

What's interesting to see in Rostov:

• The Rostov Kremlin, which is now a museum-reserve, and was previously the residence of Metropolitan Jonah Sysoevich.
• Assumption Cathedral, which is associated with the famous epics about Alyosha Popovich.
• Incredibly beautiful Lake Nero, which is also called the "tin sea".
• You should also visit historical sites and enjoy views of ancient architecture, including the Spaso-Yakovlevsky and Avraamievo-Bogoyavlensky Cathedrals, visit the Rostovskaya Finift factory, a Honey factory where you can taste native Russian honey drinks according to restored recipes, including the already famous Yaroslavl Dusheparka, participate in master classes or purchase unique products.

Sights of Rostov

1. The Rostov Kremlin State Museum-Reserve

2. Lake Nero

3. The Dutch Fortress

4. Spaso-Yakovlevsky Dimitriev Monastery

5. Belfry

6. Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

7. Trinity-Sergius Varnitsky Monastery

8. The Cross of Worship

9. Gostiny Dvor

10. Rostovskaya Finift Factory Museum

11. The gingerbread establishment of the merchants of Semantic

12. Baklusha Museum and Jam Library

13. The Museum of Hedgehog Petrovich

14. Prince Vasilko Square

15. Gymnasium named after A.L.Kekin

16. Honey factory

17. Museum of Rostov Merchants

18. The Frog Princess Museum

19. Monument to A.L.Kekin

20. Moravsky Square

21. Isidore the Blessed Church on the ramparts

22. A.A.Titov House Cultural Center

23. Komsomolsky Park

24. City Garden

Holidays and festivals

When traveling to Rostov, you can schedule dates in such a way that you can participate in the many holidays and festivals that this city is famous for.

The local Carnival gathers many guests. At this time, there is a fair, numerous food courts with local cuisine, souvenir shops.

The modern Gostiny Dvor has become a venue for many major events.

But the largest event is the Rostov Fortress. At the festival, everyone will find something to their liking! Artisans and merchants will tell you about the way of life of our ancestors and will allow you to master ancient crafts. Performances and musical performances will create a medieval mystery that will show guests how people lived three hundred years ago. Guided tours for time travel have been prepared especially for the guests of the festival.

Stroll through the streets of the revived ancient city, filled with streams of citizens. Go to the city auction and see the work of artisans. Visit a military camp with archers and gunners and witness the storming of an earthen fortress built in 1634 by decree of Tsar Mikhail Fedorovich Romanov. Hear the volleys of muskets, the trampling of cavalry and the thunder of cannons on the ramparts of the ancient fortress.

All this can be done at the Rostov Fort

What to bring as a souvenir from Rostov

The most popular souvenir from Rostov is the Rostov finish: enamel ornaments, icons, and even paintings depicting views of nature or the city. In Rostov, you can find branded stores, including at a factory or museum, where original works by local craftsmen are sold.

The second type of souvenirs is black–flattened ceramics. Such products are made only in Rostov from special clay. Back in the 19th century, local craftsmen learned how to make handicrafts and dishes from it, which in appearance are completely indistinguishable from cast-iron ones. The main place where black—flattened ceramics are made is Shabalov's workshop. Dishes, figurines, souvenirs are made by hand.

You can also bring a number of gastronomic souvenirs from Rostov. Real printed gingerbread cookies, onion marmalade and onion jam made from the famous Rostov onion. Pike cutlets made from lake pike. Be sure to bring various honey-based drinks from Rostov Veliky.