It is difficult to overestimate the importance of this city in the history of Russia. It is considered to be the source of the origin of the native Russian wooden architecture, which has no analogues. Rostov is associated not only with numerous temples and architectural masterpieces, but also with black-glazed ceramics and finish.

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 method, especially since it is best to walk around the city – so you can see more and enjoy the unique nature. It will be more convenient to travel from St. Petersburg by train or bus. But you need to choose the right route, without transfers.

The history of the city

The first mention of Rostov has been known since 862. Initially, the territory was inhabited by Meryans and Chudsky tribes, then the Novgorodians, Vyatichi and Krivichi pulled up here. Gradually, the city grew and became a crossroads of trade routes.
Rostov was baptized in 988, but for many years the locals did not abandon their faith. It is for this reason that rebellions periodically broke out here, led by the Magi, who wanted to restore the communal and tribal system and the former religion. But gradually such uprisings were suppressed, and numerous temples appeared in the city.
The Great Highway connecting Arkhangelsk and Moscow passed through Rostov. During the reign of Ivan the Terrible, many temples were also laid, transforming the center of Rostov. A hundred years later, the city was plundered by Polish-Lithuanian invaders, but soon Rostov the Great flourished again. The second half of the XVII century became a real golden age of its development — the Rostov Kremlin was founded, numerous buildings with unique architecture were built on the monastery lands.
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 is interesting to see in Rostov:

• The Rostov Kremlin, which is now a museum-reserve, and was previously the residence of Metropolitan Jonah Sysoevich.
• The Assumption Cathedral, which is associated with the famous epics about Alyosha Popovich.
• Incredibly beautiful Lake Nero, which is also called the "mud sea".
  And you should definitely walk through historical places and enjoy views of ancient architecture, including the Spaso-Yakovlevsky and Avraamievo-Bogoyavlensky cathedrals, visit the Rostovskaya Finift factory, participate in master classes or purchase unique products.

Sights of Rostov

Rostov is a real open-air museum city. There are many attractions here – these are not only temples and monasteries, but also numerous museums, parks, and a Craft yard.
The most famous monument is the Rostov Kremlin Ensemble. There is a museum here, and guests are offered a variety of exhibitions that allow them to get to know the history of the city closely. On the territory of the Kremlin there are the Assumption Cathedral, the Samuel Building, the belfry, the gate Church, the Red Chamber, the Stable Yard and many other buildings. Visitors are offered master classes, various exhibitions dedicated to crafts, and a Museum of Church Antiquities.

What to see in Rostov:

1. Metropolitan Garden.
2. The Museum of Church Antiquities.
3. Bell Art Research Center.
4. Art exhibitions on the territory of the Red Chamber, including exhibitions dedicated to the history of Rostov.
5. Exhibitions dedicated to icon painting, sewing, and weaving in the Church of the Hodegetria.
6. A unique museum cinema on the territory of the Rostov Kremlin.
7. The cultural center "House of the peasant Elkin".
8. Factories and workshops for the production of the famous Rostov finifty and ceramics.

Holidays and festivals

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

The local Carnival gathers a lot of guests. At this time, there is a fair, numerous food courts with local cuisine, souvenir shops. Another traditional holiday is "At the behest of the Pike", which is held in February. It is believed that it was in Rostov that the events of the well-known fairy tale unfolded.

May in Rostov the Great is a time of entertainment events and holidays. These are the festivals of crafts and music "Living Antiquity", the competition "Great Rostov Ear — X centuries of traditions", the City Day. There is a spectacular water show in the city garden on the embankment, and a fleet parade on Lake Nero.

In May, a festival dedicated to the Rostov finifty is held. In August, you can visit the Rostov Action Festival, dedicated to medieval culture.

Where to stay in Rostov

Rostov offers guests of the city different options where they can stay and relax comfortably — not only modern hotels, but also guest houses stylized as old mansions.
The Azimut Hotel is distinguished not only by its increased comfort, but also by its interesting appearance, which allows you to mentally travel back a couple of centuries ago. A large green area for walking, a picturesque pond, unusual architecture for our days – all this attracts visitors to the city. The hotel is located at 29a Okruzhnaya Street. The average room price is 1,900 rubles per night.
An interesting combination of local flavor and modern comfort can be found in the Selivanov Hotel-restaurant. The establishment is located near Lake Nero, has modern living conditions and excellent cuisine. Address: 5 Okruzhnaya Street. The cost of accommodation is about 1900 rubles per night.
Guest House O’27.Silvuplé is an excellent choice for those who prefer to plunge into an authentic environment and enjoy a comfortable stay. The hotel is located in an old merchant's house, which was built in the XVII century.
The building has been completely renovated, but the decorative elements and the original layout have been completely preserved, which allowed the owners of Gostiny Dvor O’27.Silvuplé to recreate the atmosphere. The building retains stoves and fireplaces, the interiors include wooden furniture in the salon style, imported from France. Gostiny Dvor is located at 27 Okruzhnaya Street.
On the way from Moscow, the Yaroslavna Hotel is located (village of Levy, Yaroslavskoye highway, 1b). This large hotel courtyard, which looks like a Russian village, is located near Lake Nero and the adjacent canal. Guests are offered cozy cottages made of cedar and pine, a real Russian bathhouse. You can visit museums or participate in hunting.
The Rostovsky tourist complex, located at 39 Dostoevsky Street, offers a comfortable stay, a visit to the Lukova Sloboda museum-restaurant or amazing dinners at the Shchuchy Dvor National Academy of Fish Soup. The complex has everything for a good rest, including a real Russian sauna. You can stay in the cozy rooms of the hotel or hostel.
By appointment, it is possible to attend a puppet show that will interest children of any age. In the cafe "Lukova Sloboda" you can not only have a delicious lunch, but also buy local marmalade or the famous onion jam. Festivals dedicated to the famous Rostov fish soup are held on the territory of the restaurant every year.

What to bring as a souvenir from Rostov

The most popular souvenir from Rostov is the Rostov finish: enamel ornaments, icons and even paintings with images of nature or city views. In Rostov, you can find branded stores, including at a factory or museum, where original works by local craftsmen are sold. In total, five factories and specialized workshops work with enamels in Rostov.
The second type of souvenirs is black–glazed ceramics. Such products are made only in Rostov from special clay. Back in the XIX century, local craftsmen learned how to make crafts and dishes from it, which in appearance are completely indistinguishable from cast-iron ones. The main place where products from black—flattened ceramics are made is Shabalov's workshop. Dishes, figurines, souvenirs are made by hand. You can also bring gingerbread from Rostov. Unfortunately, the secret of ancient baking has been lost, but even today in Rostov you can buy real printed gingerbread cookies that are no longer produced anywhere else