Yaroslavl developed rapidly because of its favorable location along the Volga trade route. In 1218 it became the capital of the independent feudal Yaroslavl principality. In 1463 the Principality merged with the Moscow state.
During the XVII century Yaroslavl became a port of entry into Russia, and the city advanced to the third place after Moscow and Kazan as a center of trade.
Once you reach the city of Yaroslavl, you will be able to appreciate the World Heritage place situated on the Volga and Kotorosl crossing. Yaroslavl has some of the most magnificent monasteries and churches in Russia, boasting some of the country’s most beautiful frescoes and architectural “Yaroslavl type” churches (red brick and bright tiled exteriors).
It is a town of trades and crafts, of majority of churches impressing you with its original beauty. Of special interest are the Monastery of the Transfiguration of the Saviour, founded in 12th centuty, and the majestic Church of Elijah the Prophet.In August, Yaroslavl holds an annual international festival of choral and bell chime music "Transfiguration" to celebrate the holiday of the Transfiguration of the Lord.
Monastery of the Transfiguration of the Saviour is the most ancient monastery made of stone of the town of Yaroslavl. Founded in the pre-Mongol times and re-built under the Prince Konstantin Vsevolodovich in 1515-1516.
The new monastery combined traditional formes of ancient architecture with Italian style which impacted the Russian architecture at the end of XV and the beginning of XVI centuries. Yaroslavl played a significant role in the historical life of the city, being its spiritual, cultural and economic center for a long time. Due to removing of Metropolitan's department from Rostov city to the town of Yaroslavl, the monastery was transformed into the Yaroslavl bishop's house.
In 1808 the construction of two-storey building was terminated, in 1809 - the repair of Holy walls and gates. In the middle of XIX century the walls of the monastery were completely remade.
The new monastery combined traditional formes of ancient architecture with Italian style which impacted the Russian architecture at the end of XV and the beginning of XVI centuries. Yaroslavl played a significant role in the historical life of the city, being its spiritual, cultural and economic center for a long time. Due to removing of Metropolitan's department from Rostov city to the town of Yaroslavl, the monastery was transformed into the Yaroslavl bishop's house.
In 1808 the construction of two-storey building was terminated, in 1809 - the repair of Holy walls and gates. In the middle of XIX century the walls of the monastery were completely remade.
The second attraction of Yaroslavl city located in the city-center of the Soviet Square, an outstanding monument of Yaroslavl School of Architecture of XVII century - Church of Elijah the Prophet. Founded in 1647-1650, the church fully preserved its decoration and style. At the present time the church is administered by the Yaroslavl historical, architectural and art museum.
