The village of Velikoe

Historical significance: 

The village of Velikoe is a unique settlement with almost a thousand years of history, which was one of the richest and busiest shopping centers of the Yaroslavl province in the XVIII–XIX centuries. This is a "city that did not happen" — the large-scale layout and stone buildings indicate its claims to the status of a city.

Key events: 

In 1612, the people's militia of Minin and Pozharsky stayed here. In 1722, Peter the Great visited the village on his way to the Persian campaign, which gave a powerful impetus to its development. In 1913— the Great met the last Russian Emperor Nicholas II.

Architectural heritage: 

The ensemble of the central square with the church of the Bogolyubsky Icon of the Mother of God (XVIII century) and Faceted (Shopping) rows resembles a provincial town. The real gem is the ensemble of the former estate of the manufacturer Lokalov, a magnificent neo—Russian style building (late 19th century), now a boarding school. Other monuments have also been preserved: the Church of the Nativity of the Virgin (XVIII century), brick merchant mansions, the building of the former zemstvo hospital.

Traditions and crafts: 

The village was famous for gardening and trade, as well as blacksmithing and pottery. Local traditions are carefully preserved, including through folk art and folklore.

Current state and tourism potential: 

Velikoe is an open—air museum with the authentic atmosphere of an ancient merchant village. Tourists are attracted by:

• Guided tours of architectural monuments and the Museum of Local Lore in the former hospital building.

• A unique object is an active wooden mill-shatrovka at the beginning of the XX century.

• Cultural events: the annual Petrovsky Festival, the Velikoselskaya Ukha festival.

• Velikoselskaya Fair.

• Infrastructure: development of a network of guest houses and souvenir shops.

The village of Velikoe is an ideal point on the tourist map of the region for those who want to immerse themselves in the true history of Russia, feel the scale and spirit of the place where time stood still, preserving a unique heritage for future generations.