Famous Personalities from Pereslavl-Zalessky
Pereslavl-Zalessky was founded by Prince Yuri Dolgoruky, who also founded Moscow. Yuri Dolgoruky was a son of Kievan Grand Prince Vladimir Monomokh, whose crown can still be seen in the State Armory Museum today. As a prince of 12th century, Prince Dolgoruky founded several cities now on Russia’s Golden Ring.Pereslavl-Zalessky is also known as Alexander Nevsky’s place of birth. Alexander Nevsky was a Grand Prince from the 13th century who later became a saint. This medieval hero, who was instrumental in protecting Russian cities from invaders, features prominently in Russian culture to this day.
The Russian navy, founded by Peter the Great, is said to have its beginnings in Pereslavl-Zalessky. In fact, one of only two surviving ships from Peter the Great’s original fleet can be seen here in the Botik Museum. The Russian navy was an important factor for building the empire’s strength and reputation, and Emperor Peter’s determination to create a fleet of ships helped to establish Russia’s connection with other parts of the world.
Another saint is associated with Perslavl-Zalessky. St. Nikita, for whom Nikitsky Monastery is named, chained himself in a basement cell as an act of self-punishment. The handcuffs that he used are on display and are said to be imbued with holy powers.
Sights in Pereslavl-Zalessky
The unassuming Cathedral of the Transfiguration of the Savior, with its white walls, green roof, and single onion dome, is an edifice that was built during the time of the city’s founding, which makes it about 850 years old. This cathedral is a symbol of Peraslavl and medieval Russia.St. Nikita Monastery was founded in the 11th century, but it was Ivan the Terrible who later invested in permanent stone structures, some of which survive today.
The St. Nikola Convent is an elegant group of religious structures that has undergone renovation to preserve this convent’s heritage, which dates from the middle of the 14th century. The stone structures that remain from a Soviet-era demolition project inside the convent’s walls date from the 17th and 18th centuries.
Rostovskaya Street is a main thoroughfare in Pereslavl where the look of the city of past centuries is preserved. Along this road, you’ll see manor houses and former apartments.
The old kremlin walls can be identified by the grassy ring of raised earth that surrounds the central part of the city, all that’s left of the original walls from the 12th century. In those days, kremlins were made of wood (as were most of the buildings within the city), and a high wooden fortification topped the earthen defensive structure.
Lake Plescheyevo, a lake of significant size, lies to the northwest of Pereslavl-Zalessky. The Trubezh River, which helped inhabitants defend the old kremlin from the north, feeds into the lake. It’s possible to follow the river to the lake, which was in royal Russia’s time, a source for herring. Today, the lake has a beach for sunbathers and swimmers.
Getting to Pereslavl
Unfortunately, no trains go to Pereslavl-Zalessky, so those who want to get there from Moscow must go by bus. Buses from Moscow (Schyolkovsky Bus Station) to Yaroslavl often stop in Pereslavl en-route. The bus trip can take three hours or more, so plan accordingly.Sights within the town are not as easily walkable as in other towns, but taxis can be found waiting near the bus station if you need one. Also look for the number one bus, which transports passengers from the bus station to the historic center.
Hotels in Pereslavl
Because a trip to Pereslavl-Zalessky can take longer than expected from Moscow, you might want to book an overnight stay in the town. A variety of hotels are available, but during the warm-weather season, they are often booked full. If you think you may need to stay overnight in Pereslavl, call ahead to confirm that the hotel can reserve a room for you.- Hotels in Pereslavl-Zalessky: Compare Prices
