What to See in Vladimir

It is one of the most historically important Russian Orthodox Churches. For a short period in the 14th century, the cathedral was the seat of the Metropolitan, the leader of the Russian Ortodox Church. Originally, the cathedral was built in 1158 and had only one dome.…

This is the other ancient cathedral of Vladimir. The building was constructed in 1194-97 as an in-house church of the Prince's court. Originally, galleries linked the cathedral to the palace, but they were removed during the reconstruction in 19th century. At present, St. Demetrius' Cathedral is a detached church, a unique monument of ancient Russian architecture.…

Once the entrance to the walled city, the gate was originally built in 1158-64. At that time, the city was surrounded by a rampart with five stone gates. The Golden Gate is the only remaining part of the complex and the unique monument of ancient fortifications in Russia. The ramparts were removed in 19th century, and the gate was reinforced by four circular bastions at the buttresses.…

The monastery was founded in the end of 12th century and played important role for Russian Orthodox Church during the Middle Ages. None of the ancient buildings survived, but it is worth to see the stone walls and towers from 18th century. Though there was no real threat to Vladimir at that time, the walls imitate fortifications of ancient Russian monasteries.…

The history of the Princess Convent is traced back to 12th century. The central building, the Cathedral of the Assumption, was originally built in the beginning of the 13th century. In 16th century, the cathedral was rebuilt in its present shape (known as "Moscow style" of church architecture).…

The collection of exhibits from different crafts that were traditionally developed in Vladimir region. Magnificent crystalware are manufactured in Gus-Hrustalnyi and neighboring towns. The miniature paintings are hand-made articles from Mstyora, a small settlement near Vyazniki, while embroidery is a traditional handicraft of the whole region.…

The museum covers the history of Vladimir region from the very beginning (Stone age) till the February Revolution of 1917. During the Middle Ages, the history of the region was tightly bound to the history of Russia itself, so one can find a lot of information on the Vladimir principality and the development of north-e…

This amusing monument was laid on 1958 (the 850-th anniversary of Vladimir) and completed in 1969. It is a typical example of the "Soviet realism" style. The monument shows three aspects of Vladimir's history (or three faces of the city): a warrior with a sword, an architect with a design, and a worker with a tractor. All together they look quite funny.…

This catholic church from late 19th century is a rare example of neo-gothic building in Vladimir region. The church was constructed for Polish-Lithuanian troop that stayed in Vladimir. At present, the church works under the supervision of Roman Catholic church.…

Another example of baroque-style architecture. This church is rather small and looks modest as compared to the Church of St. Nikita. The nice appearance is supplied by the neighboring hip-roof bell tower. For a long time, the Church of St. George housed a concert hall, but now it should start regular services.

This church was built in baroque style in the middle of 18th century. Bright green color and huge building sharply contrast to the harmony of the ancient white-stone cathedrals. Still, the decoration of the church is remarkable. At present, the church is not functioning and houses a restoration workshop.

A very typical building for Russian architecture of late 18th – early 19th century. The Trading Rows in Vladimir follow the general classicism style with an original project from late 18th century, although the present appearance of the building is heavily disrupted by the signboards and advertisements.

The museum reconstructs a typical merchant house from 19th century. Stoletov family is well-known in Russia: Nilokay Stoletov was a military leader, while his brother, Alexander Stoletov, was a famous physicist. The exhibition occupies a wing of the house that originally belonged to the family.

The pseudo-Russian style water tower is likely one of the most impressive and unusual secular buildings in Vladimir. It was constructed in 1868 as a part of the first water-supply system and re-built in 1912. Presently, the tower houses an exhibition on the history of Vladimir.

The museum presents a number of old weapons and a huge gallery of military leaders, originating from Vladimir region. The best exhibit is a special diorama that depicts the assault of Vladimir by Batu Khan in 1238. The diorama gives an idea how the ancient city looked like.

The regular provincial art gallery with a collection of Russian fine art. The building also houses the so-called Children's Museum Centre. The centre presents a number of fascinating historical exhibitions that were specially designed for young people.

The museum reconstructs the routine life and the atmosphere of Vladimir from late 19th century. The exhibition is more or less generic for any provincial Russian town from this period. Don't miss the observation platform on the top of the tower!

A rare example of the building from Stalin's Empire style in Vladimir. The project is rather regular and dates back to 1950, although a small tower is certainly an unusual feature that originates from art nouveau or Russian-revival fashion.

This church from 17th century (built in 1644-49) presents another example of original Russian architecture. Apart from kokoshniki, you will find a hip-roof bell tower, a typical feature of the 17th century-style.

This impressive dark-red church was built in the end of 19th century in neo-Byzantine style. It is probably one of the best (or, at least, most harmonious) representatives of this style in Russia.

The red-brick church of eclectic style (with an emphasis on Russian revival, though) from 1913-1916. Presently, it houses a museum of crystal, miniature paintings, and embroidery.

A very unusual mix of neoclassical and art nouveau styles. In the beginning of 20th century, this house was one of the cultural centres of Vladimir.

An art nouveau building from 1908 with colored brick and nice decorations. Presently, the building is occupied by Vladimir university.

School museum of Sergey Vasilisin, a national hero who took part in battles near Murmansk during World War II.

This building in the empire style from early 19th century has once been a cultural centre of Vladimir.

This red-brick building of Russian-revival (pseudo-Russian) style is now a home to the history museum.

The red-and-white neoclassical building from 1896.

A small lovely building from late 18th century.