When you are visiting any new places, one of the things that are very interesting to observe is the buildings. Usually, every city has its unique character displayed by its buildings. For example, when you go to any cities in Greece, you will see temples, theatres, and stadiums that are distinctive from any other places in the world. The Greeks love using marble although initially, they used to make sue of wood material for both the basic and the whole building. One of the most famous ones is The Parthenon, a temple functioned as the gigantic Athena statue’s home. What makes this temple’s astonishing appearance is the Pentelic marble used for the construction. This type of marble is popular for its pure white appearance with traces of iron in it. This content will oxidize and makes the marble’s color change into soft honey. You can only imagine how amazing it looks during sunshine and sunset 😊
You are going to discover a different kind of architecture style when you go to New York. There are so many skyscrapers. When you are walking around the residential districts, styles like brownstone rowhouses, townhouses, and tenements are everywhere. Stones and bricks are common material used for New York’s constructions (it used to be wood). What makes it distinctive is also the bridges and tunnels. These two massive constructions are needed because of New York’s location on one of the world’s largest natural harbors. So, when you are on vacation to the Big Apple, remember to drive through the bridges and be mesmerized by not only the beautifully built bridge but also by the remarkable towers of the bridges.
Of course, Greece and New York is not the only place to go if you love architecture-themed holiday. Yaroslavl; the Russian original architecture indeed, is a must-visit. Starting with the history of Russian architecture and ending the journey there by visiting the city’s attractions, you will have an unforgettable time in Yaroslavl.
Yaroslavl: Russians’ Original Architecture
- The History of Yaroslavl
Yaroslavl is a city located 250 kilometers from Moscow. One of the most famous parts of this city is the World Heritage Site. This site is beautifully laid at the confluence of two rivers, the Volga and the Kotorosl. The other thing that makes this city is an attractive place to see is the fact that Yaroslavl is a part of the Golden Ring of Russia. This city, along with 12 other cities, is on the theme-route, arranged in the form of a ring. Riding through all those towns, ancient towns, are a nice experience for you to learn about Russian history’s significant events.
This ancient city was found in 1010 by Yaroslav The Wise. Initially, it was used as the outpost of the Principality of Rostov Veliky. In the 17th century, during the Polish takeover of Russia, this historical city was served as the country’s de facto capital city.
- The Architecture of Yaroslavl
Yaroslavl, the Russian original architecture indeed, is not a fabrication. It was indeed through the Russian Civil war and even World War II. In spite of that, the city still manages to keep the 17th, 18th, and 19th century’s urban substance. Because of this ability, the city is identified as the monument of Russian Tsardom’s architectural development and style.
As stated before, when you go to the city of Yaroslavl, you will find many architectural buildings maintained very well. This view will give you a real atmosphere of the 18th and 19th centuries. Besides observing the city, you can also find much information about Russian architecture in The Historical Centre of the City of Yaroslavl. As the oldest part of the city, this historical center is where you can see the development of Russian cities. This is a perfect way for you to find out about the urban re-development of ancient Russian cities. You can enjoy the view of 140 individual federally-protected architectural monuments. Because of its ancient vibe and great condition, these areas were put on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2005. Not only this area, the Spaso-Preobrazhensky Monastery, an eastern orthodox monastery found in the 14th century.
The historical center represents Russian’s architecture development of the 16th to 18th centuries. One part of the city is The Slobody, where you can observe the beautiful Neoclassical style. The residential areas also have an urbanize look on their two to three-story constructions. The 16th and 17th century represents the churches and monasteries, especially on its mural paintings and iconostases.
What makes this whole journey in The Historical Centre of the City of Yaroslavl worth your time is the fact that it is located at the junction of two rivers. Can you imagine how amazing the view of the archaic buildings surrounded by scenic rivers and wide water expanses? The marvelous sight will mesmerize you!
- Spaso-Preobrazhensky Monastery
As stated before, there are many monuments and housings in the area of the historical center where you can follow the development of Russia’s architecture. But, among those valuable architectural buildings, there standing an eastern orthodox monastery called Spaso-Preobrazhensky Monastery. The church was founded in the 12th century. Its strong walls and towers were built between the 16th and 19th centuries. Between the construction process, Church Of The Epiphany was found next to the monastery. You will not miss this church thanks to its brownish-red brick exterior.
Initially, this monastery was functioned as a fort and a place of worship. But finally, in 1918, this monastery was closed and used as a place for non-religious activities. Then, it was identified as the basis of the Yaroslavl State Historical, Architectural, and Artistic Museum-Reserve. As the base of Russian’s architectural development, today the monastery is used as a museum. You can buy the ticket at the entrance to get in, walk around, and enjoy the exhibitions.