Defensive earthworks of Pereslavl-Zalessky

These are the remains of ancient defensive structures that have come down to us since the middle of the 12th century in almost unchanged form. They are the largest in length and height of the earthen ramparts of Northeastern Russia that have survived to this day and continue to amaze the imagination with their monumentality.

The ramparts are an earthen embankment, inside of which the remains of wooden log cabins have been preserved. At first, the builders of the fortress put a so-called cage (wooden log house) inside and outside of which earth was poured. The earth for this purpose was usually taken when constructing a defensive ditch, which was dug from the outside of the rampart. The cage prevented the earth from crumbling, strengthened the rampart from the inside, which allowed defensive walls (spinning wheels) and towers to be placed on top of it. The walls and towers of Pereslavl-Zalessky were not preserved, as they were wooden.

The Trubezh River flows from the north and northwest of the ramparts, from the east - a stream that flows into the Trubezh River, from the south and southwest – artificial ditches. The total length of the shafts is 2.5 km. You can take a circular sightseeing walking tour along the ramparts. You will see beautiful panoramas of the historical center of the city, the pearl of which is the Transfiguration Cathedral, which is the same age as the ramparts themselves.