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Where to Go: Sergeev Posad Why to Go: Sergeev Posad is the former religious capital of Russia and offers beautifully restored architecture, as well as a taste of what smaller towns in Russia are like. Budget: Better part of a day, 1000ru ($30) or less.
Sample Itinerary: Leave in the morning and it will take about two hours to get there. The major sites of the town (the monastery) may be seen within a few hours. Afterwards, there are several restaurants which line the major street in front of the monastery. Most of these serve traditional Russian food (excepting the new McDonald's). Stop off to visit the numerous souvenir and antique stands on the way. After lunch, visit the WWII memorial just down the river from the monetary. Then, take some time to wander the city - there are many traditional-style Russian homes here as well as some beautiful parks. On your way back to the bus or train station, visit the city rinok (down the street from the station) where one can buy electronic media, clothes, souvenirs, etc. quite cheaply. How to Get There: Trains leave regularly (about one per hour) from the Yaroslavski Railroad Station (located at the Komsomolskaya Metro stop). Busses leave regularly from VDNH-VVC Bus Station (located at VDNH Metro stop). Look for busses with "s.p." (с.п.) written in the window someplace.
Both options are inexpensive – it should only cost you a few dollars to get there and back. Short history: In the mid-14th century, a young, pious man named Sergius wandered into the woods north of Moscow to begin a life of prayer and religious contemplation. He was soon visited by groups of travelers seeking wisdom and miracles from him, which Sergius was soon known for giving freely. Monks from the Orthodox Church soon heard of him and traveled to study with him. The monks and Sergius founded a monastery that would become, perhaps, the most important in all of Russia. From Sergeev Posad (which means "Sergius' Planting"), Sergius led the drive to unite the country against the Mongol yoke. It would also be Sergius who blessed the troops before they achieved the first decisive victory against the Mongols. St. Sergius is now the patron saint of Russia. The town was renamed Zagorsk by the Soviets and the important monastery was closed for several years. It was allowed to reopen after WWII, during the "thaw" which followed that period, and became the head of the Orthodox church, the official residence of the Patriarch, and a popular place for pilgrimages. Today, Sergeev Posad is a beautifully restored church-filled town, still visited by the Russian faithful seeking enlightenment and miracles (as well as many, many tourists). Sergeev Posad is also known for the production of wooden carvings (toys in particular) and matryoska dolls. As the closest of the Golden Ring cities to Moscow, Sergeev Posad is a recommended, if not required day-trip.
Web Resources: (in English) The main site of the museum-monastery, the city’s main attraction. Includes maps of the site and current events.
www.musobl.divo.ru/ The city of Sergeev Posad’s official website. Includes a map of the city and interesting local information.
http://svdot.ru/demo/sposad/ Information about Sergeev Posad’s reputation as the “capital of the toy kingdom” and about its toy museum.
www.rustoys.com/fist_matryoshka.htm Find Out More!
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| Train from Moscow: 2 Hours |
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