Vladimir, Vladimir Oblast, Russian Federation
Today was the first full day of my Russia Golden Ring tour with Tony from Travelrealrussia.com. We left Moscow and drove out in forest towards Vladimir. There was also steady rains.
We went first to a local restaurant. He asked if I wanted budget or fancy so I opted for fancy on day one to orient myself with the menu choices. I had ordered a borsch, traditional Russian soup with meat (300 Rub = $6 Cad)
It was covered in a pastry which I didnt know was normal or not. As I wanted more warm food on a cold rainy day I had a chicken mushroom dish (200 Rub = $4 Cad). It is also traditional to pickle fruits and vegetables for long winter months.
Returning to the Golden Gate (Zolotyye Vorota) this is the only surviving city gate, similar to one in Kiev. The surrounding hill would have been the city wall.
Nearby was the Assumption Cathedral. Entrance was 150 Rub ($3 Cad). The rains and winds were heavy as we walked towards.
Inside no pictures are allowed but they are blue painted walls and arches with lots of gold surrounds. Nearby is the Dmitriyevskiy Sobor (Cathedral of Saint Demetrius).
This is square in design and almost looks like a candle. The carvings on the side were Bible stories of David playing to the animals.
Then we drove the nearby village of Bugulyubova. We had to cross a railway track bridge crossing and have a long trek in a field to get to another square church (Tserkev Pokrova Na Nerli).
You were allowed inside and it was a small simple church. It was only 3 degrees today in the wind and rain trekking around before continuing on to our guesthouse in Suzdal.
See also vlog of todays visit https://youtu.be/LIj4MV6xIQY
2025-05-23