No one will argue that our fatherland is rich in unique places.

Take at least Staraya Ladoga in Leningrad region and its attractions.

Walking through this village, you can not only relax, but also plunge into the history of our country, learn a lot of new and interesting things. You can talk for hours about this village, which was once a formidable and mighty Russian capital city ...

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Where did the name come from

No one can say for sure what served as the name of the settlement. After all, the others are also called geographic features: river, lake. They got their name before the settlement appeared.

Staraya Ladoga- the oldest trade and craft settlement of the North-West. People lived here in the Neolithic period, but the official date given by archaeologists is 753

There are many variations on the origin of the name. In short, some researchers believe that the word is of Scandinavian origin, because the Scandinavians were the first to master this place, almost two decades earlier than the Slavs. Judging from this fact, the word is translated as a low area near the river.

Russians began to settle here in the middle of the 13th century. The settlement played an important role: master node linking trade sea routes. Moreover, Staraya Ladoga at one time was the first capital city of Rus'. Rurik reigned in it. That is why the flag of Staraya Ladoga rural settlement they placed a trident in the form of a diving golden falcon - a sign of the Rurikovich. During the excavations, a birch bark scroll was found, on which a boat was depicted. Who knows, maybe this sea transport is a symbol that gave the name to the settlement.

Geographic location

It should be noted that at the beginning of the 18th century, Staraya Ladoga was considered a city. Today it is a large village that attracts not only the inhabitants of Russia with its unique sights. An endless stream of tourists flows to Staraya Ladoga. The village belongs to the Leningrad region, Volkhov municipal district.

The geographical position of Staraya Ladoga was very advantageous. It is located in that place on the way from the "Varangian to the Greeks", which is almost impossible to bypass. Even if the merchants sailed to the Volga across the Svir River, their path still lay along the southern bank Lake Ladoga, that is, past Staraya Ladoga. Staraya Ladoga was a trading center

Today the ancient village is a museum-reserve. Beginning in 1971. In 1984, it became a historical and architectural museum, and at the same time received the title of a museum-reserve of federal significance.

Many tourists who dream of seeing amazing places are thinking about how to get there: on public transport or by car? From St. Petersburg to the village 120 km.

This can be done in different ways:

1. By car: An asphalt road passes through Staraya Ladoga, which is called differently - M18, E-105 and "Kola Route".
2. By train:(ticket price from St. Petersburg is about 200 rubles) to Volkhov, then transfer to the bus. There is no rail traffic to the ancient village. Buses run 3 times a day.

As you can see, it is not so easy to get to the village, but tourists are not afraid of difficulties.

Attractions

Today, life in the village is not much different from how other Russians live. Although it should be noted that everything is measured and calm in it. Why do tourists, not afraid of difficulties, come here in streams? There is nothing to be surprised. The inhabitants of the village, despite the past centuries, managed to preserve the unique architecture of their settlement in its original form. No wonder Staraya Ladoga often became an object of inspiration for artists - paintings dedicated to it were painted by many eminent Russian painters.

Staraya Ladoga - a small village in the Leningrad region with a great past, was once one of the ten largest Russian cities. Today, it is distinguished from other villages by an ancient fortress, standing on the high bank of the Volkhov, and several ancient monasteries and churches beyond its borders.

There is something to see in winter and summer. Tourists, arriving in the village, visit monasteries, churches, museums. They admire mounds, caves and others amazing places. After visiting these memorable places, you better understand the history of the country, become an accomplice of distant events.

Any person who visits this museum-reserve feels attention and care. There are places to stay for every taste and budget, there are cafes, restaurants that cook delicious food.

It is worth noting: accommodation on the territory of the museum-reserve costs from 1350 rubles per person.

Most often tourists visit:

• cafe "Prince Rurik";
• cafe "Ladoga Compound";
• cafe "Ladya".

Information about hotels, catering places can be found on the official website and in guidebooks.

If you order a sightseeing bus, then the cost:

• adult ticket from 1650 rubles;
• preferential from 1550 rubles;
• for children from 1250 rubles.

In this case, the guide will show the most important sights. In addition, tourists can take water from the holy spring of Paraskeva Pyatnitsa with them.

There are many presentations on the Internet on the topic of what to see and where to go for tourists. We will try to tell you about everything that is worth a look when you arrive in the old village.

Defensive structures

The settlement served not only as a junction of sea routes. It was located on the border with other states, so it had another important role - the defense of the borders of Rus' from the attacks of enemies. It is clear that it was not possible without the construction of reliable fortresses with thick walls.

The walls, built of limestone on lime mortar, reached a height of 8 meters. The Ladoga stone fortress outlined the path in defensive architecture, which became widespread only a century later. It turned out to be invulnerable to the Swedes and Germans, and during the XII-XV centuries it reliably defended the northern Russian lands.

Unfortunately, many of the fortresses have sunk into oblivion, there are not even memories left of them. But travelers can visit unique place, imagine yourself in the place of your ancestors who defended the city of Staraya Ladoga by visiting the Staraya Ladoga fortress.

Ancient Old Ladoga Fortress

On the opposite side of Varyazhskaya Street is the Staraya Ladoga Fortress. In ancient times, it reliably protected the settlement. The stone part of it came close to the water. The presence of the river, which served as a natural moat, did not allow the Vikings to quietly get close to the Slavs.

Staraya Ladoga Fortress - located in the village of Staraya Ladoga on the Ladoga Cape, at the confluence of the Volkhov River Ladoga

The review was carried out from four round and one square towers (gates to the fortress). Three walls were made of wood, but the earthen fortifications were powerful. The inhabitants always stocked food and water so that the defenders could hold out for a long time.

The stone fortress was laid in 1116 by order of the posadnik Pavel. Today she was in the center of the village at the confluence of the Elena and Volkhov rivers. In ancient times, it was a safe harbor for ships that could not pass through the destructive rapids of the Volkhov River. Strengthening the fortress began on the orders of Prince Oleg.

Today, the fortress can be freely visited by anyone. The standard entrance fee to the territory of the fortress is 20 rubles, a single ticket to all museums is 150 rubles.

Monasteries and temples

There are many temples and monasteries in this ancient village.

Inside the fortress there are the St. George's Church and the wooden church of Dmitry Solunsky, the St. Nicholas Monastery, the Assumption Convent, the Merchant Life Museum (the second half of the house is occupied by the post office), the St. John the Baptist Monastery. Only one temple survived from the entire monastery - the huge Cathedral of the Nativity of John the Baptist, built in 1695.

Over the centuries, many of them have lost their former greatness, fell into decay. But those that still remain are able to melt the ice of the coldest hearts.

Nikolsky Monastery

Nikolsky Monastery has been classified as a historical monument of federal significance since 74 of the last century.

The building of the monastery was erected in the year 40 of the XIII century, when Alexander Nevsky managed to defeat the Swedes on the ice of Lake Nevsky.

Founded in 1241 by Alexander Nevsky after a victorious battle with the Swedes in the Battle of the Neva at the mouth of the Izhora River, dedicated to St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, Archbishop of the World of Lycia

Do you know that: the commander Alexander Nevsky highly honored Nicholas the Wonderworker and dedicated a new monastery to him - Nikolsky.

Over the years, there have been many troubles, even complete destruction. But believers again raised the monastery from the ruins. The building was last restored in the 19th century. With the advent of Soviet power, the monastery was closed, it housed various institutions.

At the beginning of the 20th century, Patriarch Alexy II ordered the restoration of the historical monument. Today, the relics of Saints Sergius and Herman are kept in the active male monastery.

On the territory of the monastery there is the Church of St. John Chrysostom, St. Nicholas Church, the bell tower. These objects attract tourists with their uniqueness and originality.

Note: There is no charge for visiting the Nikolsky Monastery. It works every day from 9.00 to 17.00. Located on Nikolskaya street, house 1.

Assumption Monastery

The exact date of the construction of the Assumption Monastery is not in any historical source. Supposed to be 15th century. It was erected on the site of the Assumption Cathedral (12th century). The monastery building and courtyard buildings can be safely called an architectural masterpiece.

The ensemble of the monastery is mentioned already in the 15th century, the date of its foundation is considered to be 1156. In 1718, the first wife of Peter I, Evdokia Lopukhina, named Elena, was transferred to the Ladoga Assumption Monastery. She stayed in the monastery until 1725

Interesting fact: the oldest Assumption Monastery was the place of imprisonment of Evdokia Lopukhina, the disgraced wife of Peter the Great.

Address: Uspensky lane, left bank of the Volkhov. The monastery is open every day from 9 am to 7 pm.

Cathedral of Nicholas the Wonderworker

The Cathedral of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker belongs to the 15th-16th centuries. Volkhov plates and bricks were used for its construction. It has a height of 23 meters, its length is 21 meters, and its width, including the northern aisle, is 20 meters. By the way, the chapel was added much later, already in the 18th century. The initiator of the construction was the merchant Barsukov.

Cathedral of Nicholas the Wonderworker main temple Staraya Ladoga Nikolsky Monastery. A unique monument of ancient Russian architecture of the XIII century. Not currently in use, being restored

Before going to the sea, the fishermen went to the cathedral and prayed to Nicholas the Wonderworker to be a protector during the fishing season. Near the icon was a mug for donations.

The church was never empty; people from the surrounding villages came to pray. Unfortunately, when the cathedral was closed in 1938, the icon disappeared without a trace. Where it is now is unknown ... What to say about the temple decoration: there is practically nothing left of it.

Currently, restoration is in full swing, but there is still a lot of work.

Note: tourists can enter the Cathedral of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker for only one hour. If you get there by bus, then it just stops at 16 Nikolskaya Street.

They accept visitors from 9.00 to 18.00. The entrance is free.

Church of Alexander Nevsky

On the embankment of the Staro-Ladoga Canal there is another ancient building- Church of Alexander Nevsky. It was built on the territory of a military prison during the time of Suvorov.

The Church of Alexander Nevsky was built as a military prison in 1871 (the Suzdal regiment was stationed in Novaya Ladoga, which was once commanded by Suvorov). It was rebuilt in the old days, and now it is a utility room.

This is a two-story building. It was rebuilt after the prisoners escaped. Almost all windows were bricked up. They were pierced already in the last century.

Worth considering: Currently, the temple of Alexander Nevsky is not operating.

Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

This stone cathedral was built before the invasion of the Mongol-Tatars, it is the main temple of the Holy Dormition maiden monastery.

The Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin in Novaya Ladoga used to be part of the complex of the Ioannovsky and Nikolo-Medvedsky monasteries, now abolished. Initially, it was consecrated as a temple of John the Theologian, since 1954, by the name of the chapel (1733), it has been called the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Virgin

In its architecture there is no splendor, a lot of asceticism inherent in Christianity. At one time, portals were attached to it from the north and west.

The cathedral impresses with its decorative relief crosses. You can also see the surviving niche - golbets, intended for painting. On the dome is an old faded cross. In the inner space there are special recesses for burial.

This functioning cathedral, open to tourists, is located on Karl Marx Avenue, at 49.

Church of Alexis, man of God

The church was built in the year 31 of the 19th century on the initiative of the parishioners of the Assumption Convent. Two years later, the merchant Semyon Kalinin and other wealthy people built a stone temple with their personal savings.

The church was built in 1831 at the expense of the St. Petersburg merchant Semyon Kalinin and other parishioners of the Staraya Ladoga Assumption Monastery and belonged to him along with the cemetery. At one time, the temple was even the main source of income for the monastery.

The Soviet government did not disregard the Orthodox church, closing it for services. The premises were used for various activities. In 2000, the church was restored by the employees of JSC "Volkhovskiy aluminum", thus almost the memory former director B. A. Alekseeva.

Take note: today it is a functioning church that welcomes parishioners and tourists. The location of the Church of Alexis is near the cemetery.

Church of George the Victorious

St. George's Church, built in the 12th century - another monument of world culture, is included in the register world heritage UNESCO.

The "visiting card" of Staraya Ladoga in general and the fortress in particular is St. George's Cathedral (canonical name - Church in the name of the Holy Great Martyr George the Victorious), built in the 1160s, was originally a monastery and ceased to be such in the 18th century. Not active now, being a museum

Two great traditions intertwined in it: Byzantine and Novgorod stone temple architecture. The temple, together with the bright head, rises 15 meters above Staraya Ladoga.

During construction, limestone slabs were alternated with plinths (a kind of brick), they were laid on a lime-cement mortar. It consisted of slaked lime and brick chips. It was also used for facade cladding. Therefore, it had a warm creamy surface, on which brown spots appeared. It seemed that the facade was made of marble slabs. Walls and other structural elements are connected with wood.

It is important to know: Currently, the Church of St. George the Victorious is not operating, it is a museum of one fresco "The Miracle of St. George about the Serpent", the oldest image of St. George the Victorious. Located on the Volkhov River.

Church of Demetrius of Thessalonica

Judging by the old records, the church was built around the end of the 9th century. Rurik ruled here at that time. The building is wooden, the interior space is divided into cages, in fact, everything is arranged in it as it was in the peasant's hut.

Modest wooden church in the name of Demetrius of Thessalonica. Currently not active, it houses a museum of peasant life

The design of the dome resembles scales, it is covered with the use of an aspen plowshare. There is nothing superfluous either in terms of architecture or decoration inside the church: simplicity and asceticism. The royal gates attract the attention of tourists, but they appeared much later - in the 16th century.

Church of Clement of Rome

The first stone church was located in Staraya Ladoga, the construction dates back to 1153. The church, which is now located in Novaya Ladoga, was moved here by order of Peter the Great, built in 1704. At first it was a wooden building, and in 1741-43 a stone building was built on the same site.

It was built from 1741 to 1743 in the style of Russian churches of the 17th century. In the 1870s, a high bell tower was added to it, which greatly distorted the appearance of the church. In 1938, a cinema was set up here, and then the building was abandoned.

Restoration was done at the end of the 19th century. The spire was updated, fixing it on a metal structure, a bell tower and an iconostasis. The work was carried out according to the project of the architect Fortunatov. The restoration was led by the elder Stolyarov and the priest Nikifor Verolsky.

The temple was closed in 1937, and a cinema was set up in it. Today it is almost destroyed, does not work. From its former grandeur, after repeated robberies, you can admire individual fragments with which the dome and walls were painted.

Good to know: the temple of Clement of Rome is located in Novaya Ladoga along Engels street, 10.

Church of the Savior of the Holy Image

Time of construction - 1763-67, erected after a wooden building burned down. The elegance of the five-domed onion attracts attention. As for the frescoes, which were previously a distinctive feature of the church, they have practically not been preserved.

The Chapel of the Savior Not Made by Hands is a non-functioning Orthodox chapel in the village of Staraya Ladoga, Leningrad Region. It is part of the monastery wall of the St. Nicholas Monastery

Under Soviet rule, the church was closed and beheaded (1935). .). The revival began in 2002. Under the leadership of Archpriest Roman Gutu, a new chapel was built, and a place appeared where parishioners now come to pray. The temple is famous for services, Sunday school.

Do you know that: The Church of the Savior Not Made by Hands is engaged in charity work (from the donations of parishioners), provides assistance to needy children and the elderly.

The temple stands on Rumbolovskaya Hill, therefore it is clearly visible from anywhere in Novaya Ladoga. Open from 9.00 to 18.00, admission is free.

Church of the Nativity of John the Baptist

This temple, located on Malysheva Hill, was built in the 15th century. At first it existed as a monastery, but after the abolition in 64 of the 18th century, a parish was opened.

The Church of the Nativity of John the Baptist is a former four-pillar five-domed cathedral of the John the Baptist Monastery, now a functioning Orthodox church with a chapel of St. Paraskeva Pyatnitsa and an octagonal pillar-shaped bell tower, located on the northern outskirts of Staraya Ladoga.

It has a cubic shape, standing on four domed pillars, with five domes and one seven-sided altar apse. The walls are decorated with bricks, there are many niches, carved platbands on the windows.

It has been closed since the 1920s and reopened in 1991 after a renovation. Assigned to the Nikolsky Monastery. For parishioners, liturgies are held on holidays and Sundays. Pilgrims love to visit here.

Interesting fact: from the center of the village to Pozemskaya street, 1 - only 642 meters. The parish of the Church of the Nativity of John the Baptist is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 7 a.m. yesterday. You don't have to pay for entry.

Church of Basil of Caesarea

The monastery has gone through many difficult times. The wooden structure often fell into disrepair. In 1618, there were only 8 monks who lived in a literally crumbling building.

The Church of Basil of Caesarea was built and consecrated in 1684-86. as a temple at the Vasilyevsky Monastery on the money of Tikhon Bestuzhev

After forty-plus years, the temple fell into complete disrepair. In 1686, voivode Bestuzhev built a new monastery with his own money. The monks lived in it until the year 64 of the 18th century, later it was abolished and a parish was opened, which still operates today.

Spring of St. Paraskeva Pyatnitsa

Paraskeva Pyatnitsa patronized merchants and church ministers. In her honor, the Assumption Convent was built (end of the 13th century). The holy spring was known in ancient times, worshiped since the 9th century. The symbols of this are Varangian crosses and crosses dating back to the X-XII, XVI centuries.

A spring in the name of St. Paraskeva Pyatnitsa under Malysheva Gora, the construction of which began in the period from 1276 to 1299. A place for water intake is equipped at the holy spring, a cross with a prayer to Paraskeva Pyatnitsa is installed, a stone font and a wooden dressing room are equipped

In the slope of the shore, going behind the temple, you can see the source.

Tourists and parishioners can:

• collect water in a specially designated place;
• take a dip in a stone font (change clothes in a wooden locker room);
• read the prayer, the text of which is on the cross.

Note: the water in the font of the spring of St. Paraskeva Pyatnitsa is icy, it seems that ice needles are pierced into the body. But no one catches a cold, on the contrary, after a while, heat spreads through the body.

Having reached the village, immediately at the entrance you need to go towards the Predtechensky Cathedral. The source is very close. There is no entry fee, but you can leave a donation.

Museums

There are many museums in the village, whose history began many centuries ago, that help to know the past of all of Russia as a whole.

Archaeological Museum

Archaeological research has not stopped for many decades. Every year there are more and more discoveries. In the archaeological museum, household items, weapons of battle, labor and much more are widely represented.

The museum is located in the two-story house of the merchant Kalyazin, located in the center of the village, near the walls of the Staraya Ladoga fortress. The building itself is quite modern - it was built in the 19th century. The exposition of the museum is so extensive that it is considered one of the most interesting in our country. Some of the museum's unique exhibits date back to the 8th century.

Lovers of antiquity collected various exhibits, but it was impossible to combine them in one place. The first exposition was presented to the court in 71 of the last century. A huge number of exhibits, their skillful presentation captured the souls of visitors. Since then, the museum has been visited by a huge number of Russian citizens and foreigners. After 13 years, the museum received the status of a federal nature reserve

The museum is located right in the Staraya Ladoga Fortress, in the Gate Tower.

Open seven days a week from 9 am to 5 pm. For an adult ticket - 150 rubles. Discount for children's tickets. There are also discounts for privileged categories of citizens.

Museum of Local Lore

The Museum of Local Lore is located in a house built in the 20th century by the merchant Timofeev. The audience saw the first exposition in 1987. It consists of 8 halls, in which there are various objects that help to know the life and way of life of our ancestors.

Now visitors have the opportunity to see the restored Klimentovskaya and Vorotnaya fortress towers. One of them houses the Staraya Ladoga Museum of Local Lore. In 1984, the local history museum received the status of a historical, architectural and archaeological museum-reserve of federal significance.

Works:

• in May-September every day, working hours from 9.00 to 18.00;
• in October April working hours 9.00-16.00 all days, day off Monday.

The duration of the tour is 2 hours 30 minutes.

For groups over 15 people the following fees apply:

• for an adult - 60 rubles;
• student discount for 20 rubles;
• children under 14 free of charge.

If less than 15 people arrived on the tour, then the cost of tickets increases by 15 rubles.

Note: the museum is located on Pionerskaya street, house 16.

House of merchant Kalyazin

In the very center of the village on Varyazhskaya Street, 8, you can see the house built in the 19th century by the merchant Kalyazin. After the revolution, various organizations were located here. Until 2003 - Russian Post. Then there was restoration, repair, and finally, the museum "Archaeology of Ladoga of the VIII - XIII centuries" was opened.

House of merchants Kalyazins, known as a museum of merchant life. An exposition of merchant life is now open in a wooden house on the banks of the Volkhov

In the halls you can see medieval objects, various weapons, jewelry. The model of the ship on which the Vikings arrived in Ladoga delights all visitors.

The surviving monastic and church frescoes have also been collected.

Fortress Museum

Various expositions constantly operate in the Staraya Ladoga fortress.

Museum exposition in Staraya Ladoga

You can visit museums on your own, or as part of excursion group. At the same time, the prices are acceptable, for example, those wishing to get into the program "Holy cloisters" will pay 150 rubles, the program "On the roads of medieval Ladoga" - 200 rubles, you can take a sightseeing tour of the entire fortress and learn about ancient crafts for only 250 rubles. Details should be found directly in the museum or on the official website.

Architectural monuments

There are many architectural monuments in the village, which the villagers cherish. It is impossible to tell about everyone. We present some of them.

Barracks of the Suzdal Regiment

The second half of the 18th century was marked by numerous peasant riots. Not passed such a share and Staraya Ladoga. To pacify the rebels, the Suzdal Infantry Regiment was transferred, commanded by Suvorov.

The barracks arose at the beginning of the 18th century, when Peter the Great ordered the construction of a canal here to bypass Lake Ladoga during storms. Workers lived in the buildings

At first, the soldiers were placed in private houses. It was difficult to manage the scattered army.

Suvorov initiated the construction of barracks with all the necessary buildings.

In addition to the premises for soldiers, on the same territory are located:

• stable;
• infirmary;
• officer club;
• parade ground with a shooting range;
• wooden temple.

At present, the barracks are dilapidated, but the memorial plaque, in which Suvorov is noted, is on the wall.

Take note: The monument to the Barracks of the Suzdal Regiment is located on Proletarsky Kanal Street, house 12.

If the tourist arrived by regular bus, then he will reach the barracks in a quarter of an hour. You need to go towards the exit from the village, cross the canal and turn left. The monument of antiquity will be on the right.

Gostiny Dvor building

There is no exact date of construction of Gostiny Dvor, but historians suggest that the time of construction was the 19th century. Going inside, you can see the area of ​​a quadrangular shape. Along the walls are benches where merchants used to sit.

It has a standard layout typical for buildings of this type: a quadrangle with an area inside, along the perimeter of which merchants' shops stretch, fenced off from the street by an arcade. The building is believed to have been built in the 19th century.

The house is located in Novaya Ladoga, 11 kilometers from Staraya Ladoga. Between Karl Marx Avenue and Pionerskaya Street.

reservoirs

The Leningrad region is rich in various reservoirs. There are some remarkable places in the museum-reserve.

Volkhov River

The village of Staraya Ladoga is located on the banks of the Volkhov River. The "culprit" of this name was one of the Scythian princes - Sloven. At first, of course, the name of the Magi (wizard) was given to the tribes living on the coast.

View of Staraya Ladoga from the Volkhov River during sunset

At all times the river was rich in fish. Today, tourists can do not only fishing, but also go boating along the difficult Volkhov riverbed.

Take note: tourists who are not afraid of difficulties can go by boat along the path along the Volkhov River “from the Varangians to the Greeks”.

Staraya Ladoga Canal

The Staraya Ladoga Canal, 117 kilometers long, connects the Volkhov and the Neva, while bypassing Lake Ladoga. The canal begins on the Volkhov River four kilometers from the mouth and leads to the Neva.

The Staraya Ladoga Canal in the Leningrad Region. An object cultural heritage, included in the UNESCO list - however, its condition does not correspond to a high status. Experts say that the monument is threatened with complete destruction. It has not been possible to clean or repair the canal for many years

Peter the Great himself began and supervised the construction of the canal, who removed three wheelbarrows of earth with his own hands. At the same time, the tsar gave freedom to every peasant who came to work, and this was in 1719. The construction was very difficult and proceeded slowly, ending only in 1731 during the reign of Anna Ioannovna, who broke through the earthen lintel with a shovel. These tools - a wheelbarrow and a shovel were stored for a long time in a chapel built near the canal.

Ladoga lake

Lake Ladoga was called differently: "Little Sea", "Lake of Life", Ladoga. In ancient times, the lake was named Nevo, then it became known as Ladoga after the name of the fortress.

Lake Ladoga is the most big lake in Europe. Our ancestors considered Ladoga to be a sea, and they called the Varangians precisely because of this sea, and not because of the Baltic Sea

The shores and waters of the lake have experienced many events. Archaeologists have been studying the bottom of the lake for decades and have found many historical artifacts.

This is the largest lake in Europe of glacial origin. From the north there are rocks cut by skerries. There are no cliffs on the other shores of the lake. Part of the coast is sandy, part is difficult to access due to swamps. It did not always flow into the Neva, a new channel was formed after the Karelian Isthmus was raised.

It is important to know: During the Second World War, an important artery passed through Lake Ladoga - the road of life, which saved many Leningraders from starvation and death.

Other attractions

Mounds of Staraya Ladoga

The burial mounds were left from the Varangians, there are only three of them: one large, the other two are smaller. On the territory of Russia there is not one ancient monument, except for Oleg's Grave, in which the princes were buried.

The mounds located in the Sopki tract look like ordinary hills or mounds overgrown with grass. Experts believe that the hill has a kind of biofield that has a positive effect on people. Some doctors and psychologists believe that Oleg's Grave helps to put thoughts in order and get rid of overwhelming psychological attachments.

Mounds at all times attracted lovers to profit, so there are no tops. But archaeologists still manage to find interesting things. For example, in 2008 they discovered a form in which until the middle of the 16th century the coats of arms of the descendants of Rurik were cast. It depicts a trident-falcon. This suggested that the Rurikoviches were buried here.

A large mound, as historians suggest, is the burial place of the Prophetic Oleg. The mound is quite steep and high, up to 30 meters. Climbing to the top is not as difficult as descending from it. There are not many daredevils. But what a view from there!

Note: the location of the cave is the lower slope of the Malyshevskaya mountain from the north of the settlement. Usually guided by the Church of John the Baptist.

Caves of Staraya Ladoga

Staraya Ladoga is famous for its dungeons, which are called caves: Staraya Ladoga Cave and Tanechkina. Travelers cannot miss these sights.

The former place of extraction of quartz sand, quarries were created in the 19th century,
represent a partially flooded and collapsed column, stretched along the Volkhov. Several species of bats live in the Tanichkina cave

Interesting fact: the caves of Staraya Ladoga of artificial origin remained after they stopped extracting white quartz sandstone.

When scientists visited them, they found fossilized animals. The caves have their own reservoirs, limestone deposits on the walls.

Getting into the Staraya Ladoga cave is not so easy: it was partially filled up or flooded. In this dungeon, at any time of the year, the temperature never changes, it stays at around +6 degrees.

The length of the Tanechkina cave is almost 8 kilometers. It is also partially inaccessible to tourists. The most interesting thing in the cave is a large lake underground. It has stable water content. The main inhabitants of the dungeon are bats, almost 400 species!

It is strictly forbidden to visit the cave on your own without an escort. Tanechkina cave consists of narrow, low passages. Before visiting, it is advisable to wear appropriate clothing.

Worth considering: from the Church of John the Baptist to the cave of Staraya Ladoga, you need to walk 100 m. If you walk from the Old Ladoga burial mounds, you will have to walk at least a kilometer.

Varyazhskaya street

There is no older Varyazhskaya street in Russia. It stretched for 200 meters. Appeared in the XV century. In the 18th century, it was rebuilt and even changed direction. The chapel appeared on it in the 13th year of the last century; it was erected with funds provided by the Imperial Geographical Society.

The most ancient street in Rus' from the now preserved is Varyazhskaya. Facilities in the yard, water from the well. Street leading to the temple (to the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin). Just around the corner is a booth with an unleashed dog. The dog is vicious, big. The path to the true faith is thorny and difficult ...

The street is also famous for its monuments - the house of Kalyazin and archaeological museum. In 2003, a sculpture appeared - a small falcon. It is he - main character Staraya Ladoga, its image on the coat of arms. Tourists put a coin in their beak for good luck.

Rurik and Prophetic Oleg stood on the street, like eternal guards, in 2015. Travelers come to bow to this monument.

Reconstructions of ancient battles

An interesting spectacle opens up to tourists every year. You can watch theatrical fights, the participants of which are actors dressed in the armor of medieval warriors.

You can often hear - "amazing-nearby ..." And this is true, because one and a half to two hours drive from St. Petersburg there are such places: the ancient capital of Northern Rus' - Staraya Ladoga

Having been here once, I want to come back here again and again plunge into the historical past of Russia. No difficulties of travel can become an obstacle. Once again, the photographs and pictures below will help you enjoy the views of Staraya Ladoga and its environs.

We will tell you what interesting places to see in the ancient capital of Rus'. Let's talk about the fortress, monasteries and local infrastructure. Read before your trip.

For many years, historians cannot come to a consensus about where the first capital was located. Ancient Rus'. However, most sources, including The Tale of Bygone Years, claim that Ladoga was the center of the ancient Russian state.

For more than a thousand years of history, the settlement has constantly attracted attention - first of researchers and scientists, and then of tourists. The village, which became a protected area at the end of the last century, keeps hundreds of monuments of archeology and architecture and attracts both lovers of Russian history and travelers who are bored with majestic palaces and the aesthetics of imperial possessions.

Legends of Staraya Ladoga

Several legends are connected with the capital of Ancient Rus'. Here are the main ones:

• In these places there was a stone castle of Rurik. Only a fragment of the protective wall remained from it, and scientists have not yet agreed on it. The dating coincides, but whether Rurik himself was involved in it is a big question.
• Under the ruins of the fortress there is a chain of secret tunnels in case of a siege. They are mentioned by various, including very serious, sources. Most of them date back to the last century. Unfortunately, a large-scale expedition led by N.E. Brandenburg did not find any secret passages.
• Alexander Nevsky consecrated his sword in the fortress church before the battle on Lake Peipus. Like, this is what brought him victory.
• Guides and local residents are sure that the same prophetic Oleg is buried in one of the mounds near the fortress. This is not known for certain.

The main attractions of Staraya Ladoga

Before you go to the village of Staraya Ladoga, you should take care of the accommodation. The best option is to stay at any hotel in St. Petersburg or its environs. The road from the northern capital is not the easiest.

In order to have time to go “galloping across Europe” in a day and get acquainted with the main sights, you need to take an electric train from the Ladoga railway station to the Volkhovstroy-1 station at half past seven in the morning. In Volkhov, we transfer to bus number 23, which will take you to the desired bus stop "Staraya Ladoga" in 15 minutes. The cost of the trip in this case will be about 700 rubles. You can go back by bus directly to St. Petersburg, it leaves at 19:00, the ticket costs 250 rubles.

Old Ladoga fortress

Perhaps the main attraction of Ladoga. It is located in the center of the village, on the banks of the Volkhov River. The first buildings appeared here under the Prophetic Oleg and subsequently grew and were supplemented. The buildings of the 15th century are best preserved, the older ones are in a dilapidated state, but their appearance is maintained unchanged. In the seventies of the XX century, reconstruction was carried out, and on the territory architectural complex the museum opened.

In addition to defensive structures and fortress walls, the complex of the fortress includes several historical monuments. The Church of St. George the Victorious was built long before the start of the Mongol-Tatar yoke, in the 12th century. It is there that the first known image of St. George is located, which made the architectural monument a museum of the only fresco. Nearby is another temple, the wooden church of Demetrius of Thessalonica. It was built in 1901 on the site of a 17th century chapel. Also in one of the towers of the fortress there is a museum of local lore, and behind its wall there is an Earthen settlement.

Church of John the Baptist on Malysheva Hill. Photo: S.M. Prokudin-Gorsky. 1909

Varyazhskaya street

After walking around the fortress, it is worth walking along Varyazhskaya Street, which is on the opposite bank of the Ladozhka River. At its very beginning, a modest monument was erected - a bronze falcon on a stone, a symbol of Staraya Ladoga. Ahead is an inconspicuous rural landscape: a narrow country road, small houses. But after a few minutes the path leads to a large square with a square and a monument to the founders of the Russian State Rurik and Oleg. It is Varyazhskaya Street that is considered the first street in Russia. The point is the archaeological finds, which scientists date back to the 9th century: they prove that already at that time the shores of Ladozhka were fully developed. From the monument you can go down to the river and admire the view of the fortress for a few minutes. The restored Arrow Tower is especially well seen.

Museums

Let's go back to the square. In its northeastern part, in the very corner, there are two houses, stone and wooden. In the 19th century they belonged to the merchants Kalyazin. In the stone one there is now the Ladoga Archeology Museum, in the wooden one until recently there was a museum of merchant life. Over time, the building fell into disrepair, and the second museum had to be closed. However, the house is not demolished: moreover, its “face” is regularly updated so that Ladoga does not lose an important cultural monument.

Monasteries

Varyazhskaya street leads to the Assumption Convent. Despite the fact that the first mentions in the annals date back to the 15th century, the date of its foundation is considered to be 1156. For a long time the monastery had a bad reputation: it was the place of imprisonment of many famous women. Among his "hostages" are the first wife of Peter the Great Evdokia Lopukhina, Evdokia Gannibal and the wives of the Decembrists.

On the territory of the monastery there is a cathedral of the same name, which deserves special attention of tourists. The Assumption Cathedral was built in the 12th century and became the standard of Novgorod architecture. From the moment of its foundation, it has been preserved in its original form, and more than 13 thousand fragments of wall paintings dating back to the same 12th century have been found on its walls. The Assumption Church is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Staraya Ladoga, along with the Holy Cross Church, where the relics of saints are kept. Both churches are open from 9 am to 7 pm.

Another important shrine of Staraya Ladoga is the St. Nicholas Monastery. This is one of the most significant monuments Russian history. The monastery was founded in 1240, immediately after the victory in the Battle of the Neva, personally by Alexander Nevsky. The prince dedicated it to Nicholas the Wonderworker, the patron saint of travelers, sailors and fishermen. In less than eight centuries, the monastery has experienced a lot: the devastating attack of the Swedes in 1611, re-erection, several restorations. In 1927 the monastery was closed, but in 2002 everything returned to normal. Today, the relics of the founders are kept in the shrine Valaam Monastery- Sergius and Herman. In addition, the churches of St. John Chrysostom and Nikolskaya with its majestic bell tower are of interest.

mounds

The sights of Staraya Ladoga do not end with its topographical boundaries. On the northern outskirts of the village, on the high bank of the Volkhva, there is a group of burial mounds. The highest of them is usually called Olegov. Despite the fact that Pushkin in The Song of the Prophetic Oleg and Nestor in The Tale of Bygone Years call Kyiv the place of the prince's death, the Novgorod chronicles indicate that Oleg was buried in Ladoga. Of course, today there is no evidence of a particular theory that can be trusted unquestioningly. However, it is worth going to the mounds at least for the sake of panoramic view to Staraya Ladoga and the measured flow of the waters of the Magus.

Tanechkina cave

One kilometer from the grave of the Prophetic Oleg lies another place that extreme travelers have chosen - Tanechkina Cave. A man-made grotto with many labyrinths and passages appeared in the 19th century. Part of the passages is littered, the walls are fascinating layers of rocks. Here, in the cave, winters the largest colony of bats in the northwest. Going to explore the cave, of course, is not worth it without an experienced guide.

View of the Church of St. George. Photo: S.M. Prokudin-Gorsky. 1909

What else to see

The largest event in Staraya Ladoga is considered to be the festival "Staraya Ladoga - the first capital of Rus'". Traditionally, it takes place in the summer, the program lasts two days. The main part of the holiday is reconstructed military competitions, but a lot of events take place along with them. Among them are a theatrical performance about the first centuries of Ladoga's existence, a competition of historical costumes, folklore music concerts, demonstration performances by participants and interactive platforms for adults and children. The festival takes place in the Staraya Ladoga fortress, a ticket for an adult will cost 300 rubles, a ticket for children will be half the price.

I really like to visit various interesting places located in the vicinity of St. Petersburg, where I live. Each trip adds an additional glass to the overall mosaic of life experiences. I think that I can rightfully consider Staraya Ladoga even a whole fragment of this constantly transforming picture of wanderings.

This settlement, which, according to scientists, is the first capital of Northern Rus', was once of great importance. It was the most important strategic and trading center on the path “from the Varangians to the Greeks”, familiar to all of us from the lessons of history, and steadfastly survived all the ups and downs of past centuries.

And suddenly, in 1704, at the behest of I, he not only loses his city status, but does not even have the right to his own coat of arms. All "regalia" go to the city Novaya Ladoga.

Perhaps there were good reasons for that ... But today, in our days, I, who often visit "both Ladoga", for some reason cannot get used to the idea that the magnificent, breathing heroic legends, imbued with historical tragedy and carrying its existence from the depths centuries, Staraya Ladoga is not a city, but just a village. But it is not for us, as they say, to create history. Although it was joyful for the people of Ladoga, when in November 2007, by the decision of local deputies, their coat of arms was again approved here, on the purple field of which a diving falcon is depicted.

Once again, the old epics about Prince Rurik, and the brave Finist, the bright falcon, beloved since ancient times in Rus', blew.

I want to assure you that for all travelers, young and old, it is here that there are plenty of opportunities to replenish your travel book with new fascinating pages, which I propose to turn over with me.

How to get there

Staraya Ladoga is an ancient village located in the Volkhov district of the Leningrad region, 128 km from our northern capital, St. Petersburg, and 712 km from Her Majesty Moscow. There is no airport, train or bus station. But getting here is not at all difficult.

And, believe me, visiting Staraya Ladoga is worth it!

By plane

By train

Since people somehow didn’t want to lay a railway track past the old Ladoga, you won’t get here directly by train or electric train. But, nevertheless, they can be a good intermediate help along the way.

So, from St. Petersburg from the Moscow and Ladoga railway stations go trains-swallows to the station Volkhovstroy-I (Volkhov).

All details of the schedule On the road you have to stay for about 2 hours. With the capabilities of modern gadgets, you will certainly find how to pass them, but I like to just look out the window and think.

At the same time, tickets will cost you (when traveling from the Moscow railway station)

• adult: 318 rubles;
• children, school and student: 159 rubles.
• preferential for pensioners: 47 rubles.

When departing from Ladoga railway station:

• adult: 287 rubles;
• children, school and student: 143 rubles.
• preferential for pensioners: 43 rubles.

There are no direct trains from Moscow to this station. Therefore, you can get by train to St. Petersburg (from Leningradsky railway station Moscow), and then proceed as described above.

From Volkhov to Staraya Ladoga, the journey will have to be continued by bus, as detailed in the section below.

By bus

I quite like bus journeys, however, if only they are not particularly long. Without the help of this type of transport, when traveling to Staraya Ladoga, you simply cannot do. Of course, I do not take into account the trip in my car, which is discussed in the section below.

You can get to Staraya Ladoga (2) from Volkhov (1) by buses No. 23 and 23 A, following to the city of Novaya Ladoga (3).

The journey will take about 20 minutes.

There are no direct flights from St. Petersburg (1) to Staraya Ladoga (3) from the bus station (Obvodny Canal Embankment, 36). But there is an opportunity to get with transfers again through the Volkhov (2).

The actual schedule, taking into account the transfer you need, can be found on Yandex.

Of course, you will have to be on the road in any case (train + bus or bus + bus) for at least, or even more than 3 hours. And it is not so easy if you are traveling with children or elderly companions. Therefore, I advise you to use the services of some travel agency for your first visit to Staraya Ladoga.

By car

This is my favorite type of travel! Today, in the age of such a wonderful tool as a navigator, it is not difficult to determine the path, although we prefer the good old road maps.

From St. Petersburg you need to move along the Murmansk highway, which also has the names M18, E-105 or "Kola highway".

It is, fortunately, not very congested, although due to road works that often take place in late summer and autumn, unforeseen traffic jams can occur. Therefore, before the trip, take an interest in its condition in advance. After 120 km, you will turn right onto the A 115 highway near the village of Yushkovo, from where you need to drive about another 7 km to Staraya Ladoga.

From Moscow you will take the M10 (E18) highway in the direction of St. Petersburg. At Zuevo - turn onto the A115 (on) and through the Volkhov you get to Staraya Ladoga.

The road in this case is much more distant than from St. Petersburg. Therefore, if you decide on such a trip, take care of the rest in advance at the end of the journey in Staraya Ladoga. I’ll tell you about possible options for stopping in the section “Regions. Where is the best place to live?

Clue:

Staraya Ladoga - the time is now

Hour difference:

Moscow 0

Kazan 0

Samara 1

Yekaterinburg 2

Novosibirsk 4

Vladivostok 7

When is the season. When is the best time to go

We are going to Staraya Ladoga mainly to plunge into the historical era of Russia's past. The ancient fortress, museums, temples and monasteries, in my opinion, are worth visiting at any time of the year.

Moreover, if you do not like to be in some place during the tourist invasions, then the off-season is quite suitable for such a trip. I often had to admire the paintings of St. Petersburg artists depicting Staraya Ladoga. Winter landscapes on their canvases are in no way inferior to warm summer-spring ones.

But I still prefer to be here in the summer on fine sunny days.

Staraya Ladoga in summer

This is not only my favorite time of the year, but also my favorite time to travel. As for Staraya Ladoga, choosing the summer to visit this historical place, you get the opportunity to visit festivals and holidays that are already traditionally held here and hospitably gathering an increasing number of tourists.

In addition, the climatic regime allows swimming in the rivers and the opportunity to sunbathe, as well as take long walks around the village itself and its picturesque surroundings, where nature is pleasing to the eye and uplifting. There are no sudden temperature changes here. Basically, the thermometer will indicate from + 18 to +23. That is, painful acclimatization and sunstroke will not follow.

It is during the summer period that there is an opportunity to visit some temples and museums, which are closed during the cold season.

Staraya Ladoga in autumn

The charming Indian summer, when autumn is just coming into its own, is amazing in Staraya Ladoga!

And the fall leaves in early October will also delight your soul. November is already pulling winter with it, the temperature rarely rises above 0 °C. If you are ready for such circumstances, with the goal of visiting magnificent monasteries and an ancient fortress, and sad pre-winter pictures of nature do not depress you, then the weather will not interfere with your trip.

Staraya Ladoga in spring

In the spring, you especially feel the awakening of life! It seems to me that a trip to Staraya Ladoga at this time of the year can become quite unusual and even symbolic, if we consider it as a touch on the old days, on the revival of the pages ancient history after a long winter sleep.

March is still rainy and snowy, not having time to “reanimate” after the winter. April gets warmer. The average temperature rises to 8 °C. By the way, it is in this month that you can usually witness an amazing spectacle - ice drift on the Volkhov - which artists are trying so hard to catch. May is getting ready for summer. The soil dries up in the surrounding forests, the first flowers of the Russian north-west appear.

Staraya Ladoga in winter

An acquaintance from Staraya Ladoga told me that on the first day of December, the inhabitants of this village are especially attentive to the weather. Indeed, according to popular beliefs, what it is, such is winter itself. Warm in the morning - to be warm in the beginning of winter. A blizzard at noon - it will also blow in January. If a blizzard swirls in the evening, then winter will certainly not want to give up its rights to spring for a long time.

Snow here lasts the entire winter season, and, unlike the metropolitan "50 shades of gray" due to city smoke and soot, here it is really white. The temperature rarely drops below -23°C, mostly on January days it is around -12 - -16°C. In Staraya Ladoga, it is also wonderful to be at solemn Christmas services in monasteries, and on Epiphany to plunge into a real consecrated ice hole - the Jordan!

Districts. Where is the best place to live

Staraya Ladoga is a small village. It has only 22 streets. All the sights that my story will be about below are, in general, within walking distance from each other. If you use the booking services through, then in the village itself on this site only “Vacation Home, Barsky, 11” (Holiday Home Barskiy 11) is presented (1) , there are also recreation centers and hotels in nearby settlements, such as the village of Chernavino ( 2 ), the village of Yushkovo ( 3-4 ) and the city of Volkhov ( 5 ).

In addition to these options, there are hotels in Staraya Ladoga and its environs that are not booked through Booking.com. For example, on the map below - the hotel "Staraya Ladoga" on the street. Sovetskaya d. 6 (1) , and the recreation center "Staroladozhskaya Dacha", located 2 km in the village of Seltso-Gorka (2).

Due to the lack of hotel competition, the prices here are quite high for the province (starting from 2000 rubles per room). There are many positive reviews about the Metallurg Hotel in Volkhov, in a city located from Staraya Ladoga, a 20-minute bus ride away.

But my advice is this: if you decide to stay in these places for more than a day, then it’s quite a good option to just rent an apartment in Volkhov or Novaya Ladoga (from 1,000 rubles / day). You can find it through search engines from the series “I will rent housing for daily rent” on the Internet.

If you are traveling with a company, and even in a warm summer time, then the option with tents is not excluded. True, there are no special campsites here. Despite its uniqueness, this village is not included in the category of long tourist stops. Travelers and pilgrims (there are 2 monasteries in Staraya Ladoga) usually drop in here only for a day.

Main attractions. What to see

For me, acquaintance with Staraya Ladoga began with a meeting with an old mound, which is believed to be the grave of Prophetic Oleg himself.

This attraction is located at the entrance to the village by car from St. Petersburg. When you rise to its ten-meter height, you will have a beautiful view of the powerful Volkhov and Staraya Ladoga itself. And you, like an enchanted wanderer, somehow immediately fall in love with this land forever. There are many pagan tales about the mound, supposedly it is a kind of mystical "place of power". I don’t attach any importance to such “writing”, but when you stand on top and see the picture that opens, then forces simply cannot but appear in a soul inspired by beauty.

In total, there are three such mounds near the village, originally from the 8th-10th centuries.

Of course, I strongly advise you to immediately visit the heart of Staraya Ladoga - its fortress, the 900th anniversary of which was widely celebrated in 2016. You can learn more about it from my

On July 15, 1971, a local history museum was opened in Staraya Ladoga. In 1984, it received the status of a historical, architectural and archaeological museum-reserve of federal significance, among the sights of which is the Staroladoga fortress I mentioned above.

In addition to it, I advise you to visit other places located on the territory of the museum. For example, the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (XII century) in the Old Ladoga Holy Dormition Monastery, which is rightly called the "Pearl of the North-West of Rus'."

The monastery itself, one of the oldest in the Tikhvin diocese, also deserves attention. You can also see the architectural ensemble of the St. Nicholas Monastery, which attracts Orthodox pilgrims to these places. Visit the Church of the Nativity of John the Baptist on Malysheva Hill, which, after restoration in 1991 by craftsmen and artists from St. Petersburg, was the first of all the churches of Staraya Ladoga to be returned to believers.

By the way, if you go around this temple and go down to the Volkhov, then you will find yourself in front of the Holy Spring of St. Paraskeva Pyatnitsa. Walking along the Varyazhskaya street, you should definitely go into the two-story houses (stone and wooden - of the XIX century) of the merchant P.V. And this is not a complete list. interesting places worthy of the attention of travelers!

Thus, in this small village according to modern concepts, there is a real storehouse of artistic, spiritual and historical treasures.

Top 5

Each traveler has his own preferences among the attractions of the places they visit. I'll give you my top five.

Beaches. Which is better

This historical village does not belong to the category of places where beach holiday. But I want to suggest that on fine days you may well swim in the Volkhov. True, keep in mind that it has a fairly strong current. If you are traveling by car, then you can arrange spontaneous parking somewhere on its shore.

I’ll suggest another place, directly in Staraya Ladoga itself, where we ourselves once swam. If you go around the St. Nicholas Monastery on the right, you will see a parking lot for cars and buses. Opposite it, there will be a descent to the water. I marked this place with an arrow.

Churches and temples. Which are worth a visit

The village of Staraya Ladoga is rich not only in facts military history but also in their spirituality. It is always amazing to me how firmly the cities of Russia are connected by the imperishable thread of time!

Judge for yourself. The daughter of the Swedish king Olaf Schötkonung, Princess Ingegerda (baptized Irina), marries the great Novgorod prince Yaroslav the Wise in 1019. Her dowry also includes the city of Aldeigaborg (now Staraya Ladoga). The territory adjacent to it has since been called Ingermanland, which means "the land of Ingegerda." Having been widowed, Irina took the tonsure with the name Anna and became the first Russian princess-nun.

Today we know her as Saint Anna of Novgorod. Like flowers woven into a beautiful wreath, Orthodox monasteries begin to be created on the lands of St. Anna. I will tell you a little about them.

1. Holy Dormition maiden monastery, located north of the fortress. There is a version that this monastery arose in 1156 thanks to Anna of Novgorod.
   Surprisingly, the monasteries and temples in Staraya Ladoga shared people's destinies in times of all historical unrest. In the XIV century. the monastery saves St. Anna of Kashinskaya and her spouse - Prince Mikhail of Tver during the Tatar devastation of Tver. In 1718, the first wife of I, Evdokia Lopukhina, was exiled here, in monasticism - Elena.
   The linden trees planted by her have been preserved in the monastery. Evdokia Andreevna Hannibal ended her days here.
2. The main attraction of the monastery is the Assumption Cathedral.
   This northern pearl, according to scientists, was built by Novgorod masters as a princely tomb. The temple is open on summer weekends. To visit at other times, you must first arrange by calling the monastery. Read about the history, shrines and the possibility of visiting the monastery
3. Another Staroladoga Monastery, Nikolsky for men, is located on the left bank of the Volkhov, 500 meters from the Rurik Fortress. According to legend, it was founded in 1240 by the retinue of Alexander Nevsky after the battle with the Swedes.
   Therefore, the hill behind the monastery is called "Victory", and the stream flowing down to the river is called "Bloody". During the Swedish intervention, it was here that the monks from Valaam took refuge, saving the main shrine - the relics of Saints Sergius and Gleb. Until the revolution of 1917, local fishermen had a tradition not to start fishing without approaching the gates of the Nikolsky Monastery with a prayer in boats. All details about the monastery
4. The wonderful temple of John the Baptist is also attributed to the Nikolsky Monastery (it was first mentioned in 1276). Previously, it was the cathedral of the Ioannovsky Monastery, which was revered by Boris Godunov. Even in 1604, this tsar donated a bell here with the inscription "Ladoga - the stronghold of my state."
   And again, dear travelers, I want to draw your attention to how amazingly intertwined the history of Russia and its church. And what great importance in the eyes of the tsars-rulers was Staraya Ladoga, today undeservedly forgotten by us. As for the Ioannovsky Cathedral, during the restoration of the end of the 20th century, St. Petersburg artists worked here. Services are held on Saturdays and church holidays.
   If you go around the cathedral on the right and go down towards the Volkhov, then you will come to the Holy Spring of Paraskeva, in whose name, by the way, one of the limits of the temple was consecrated, which is also considered the patroness of the family.
5. In the story about the temples of Staraya Ladoga, it is impossible not to dwell on St. George's Church (XII century), where frescoes of the XII century have been preserved. This is a UNESCO monument. For her light and slender appearance, she is called the “Ladoga Bride”.
   Both this temple and the Assumption Cathedral remind me very much of my favorite Church of the Intercession on the Nerl. (8)
   All three are like snow-white swans, which, once flying over Russia, were so amazed by its beauty that they decided to stay here forever and protect our country from all hardships and enemy encroachments.

Museums. Which are worth a visit

The village of Staraya Ladoga, in my opinion, is a single large museum under open sky. I especially want to highlight its ancient fortress - Ryurik Castle. You can visit it all year round. But still, I strongly advise you to choose warm summer days for this purpose.

Once I happened to read on some Internet forum the sad response of tourists that they were not able to properly examine the exposition in the fortress tower due to the fact that the frost that covered the glass over the mock-ups interfered. I myself did not visit Staraya Ladoga in winter, but, as they say, there is no smoke without fire.

Attention: the church of St. George with its unique frescoes of the pre-Mongolian period on the territory of the fortress can only be visited in warm weather from May to October.

Entrance to the territory of the fortress is paid: adults: 80 rubles; preschoolers, schoolchildren, pensioners: 10 rubles; full-time students of Russian universities: free of charge.

A single ticket for visiting the exposition in the Gate Tower, the Church of St. Dmitry of Thessalonica and the exposition "Archaeology of Ladoga": for adults 150 rubles; preschoolers: 10 rubles; schoolchildren and pensioners 80 rubles.

Temple of George the Victorious: adults: 80 rubles; preschoolers: free; schoolchildren, pensioners: 50 rubles.

About visiting other sights on the territory of the Staraya Ladoga Museum-Reserve ( brief digression, time and cost of visiting) is detailed on the museum website

parks

There are no significant parks for recreation in Staraya Ladoga. But, nevertheless, I will note a well-groomed square where you can look.

It is located near the Assumption Monastery. Here you can see the stele erected in 2003 in memory of the 1250th anniversary of Staraya Ladoga. There is also a square on Varyazhskaya Street, where in 2015 a monument was erected to the famous Russian princes Rurik and Prophetic Oleg.

The sculptor of this monument is Oleg Shorov.

tourist streets

I'll tell you about one wonderful street in Staraya Ladoga with the characteristic name for this place "Varangian". It runs along the banks of the Ladozhka River to the fence of the Assumption Monastery and is the oldest street in Russia. Its length is only about 200 meters.

Therefore, I believe that you simply need to go through it! The first mention of Varyazhskaya Street dates back to the 15th century, and it gained its fame after household items dating back to the 9th-10th centuries were found here during archaeological work. This allows us to assume with confidence that in those days the left bank of the Ladozhka River was already thoroughly populated. The street was built up especially actively in the 18th century, when merchants began to settle here. In two house-museums of one of them - Kolyazin, I just invited you.

In 2003, in connection with the celebration of the anniversary of Staraya Ladoga, several similar merchant houses were demolished on Varyazhskaya Street, requiring restoration. It is a pity, of course, that today you can see only the three remaining of them, and even the house for the clergy of the Assumption Monastery and seven wooden houses of the post-war period. In 1913, a stone chapel appeared here, built according to the assumptions of historians on the site of the ancient Church of the Resurrection of the XIII century.

At the beginning of Varyazhskaya Street you will be met by a bronze falcon. I already wrote that this is a symbol of the coat of arms of Staraya Ladoga. Somehow, in my opinion, tourists act somewhat absurdly, leaving coins in the beak and on the wings of this proud bird “for good luck”.

Either they are trying to bribe the falcon, or something else. Only now Finist the Clear Falcon and the "bribe-handout" somehow do not fit into a single logical chain for me. Also on this street in a small square in 2015, a monument to Rurik and Prophetic Oleg was erected.

What to see in 1 day

Let's imagine that you have safely arrived in the Russian village of Staraya Ladoga, and you have a whole day left. I will offer one of the options for its implementation.

• To begin with, at 10.00 in the morning we will have a bite to eat at the Ancient Ladoga cafe. And then we will move according to the attached map.
  
• 10.30 - heading for a review of Rurik's castle (1) (Old Ladoga fortress) (expositions of its Klimentovskaya tower and the church of Dmitry Solunsky).
  If the weather allows (and only in summer) - we also go to the Church of St. George the Victorious.
• 12.00 - we will certainly take a walk along Varyazhskaya street (2) , the oldest in Russia. We survey the monument to Rurik and Prophetic Oleg, admire the bronze falcon.
  If desired, we go to museums - archeology and the life of merchants, located in the surviving and restored houses of the merchant Kolyazin.
• 13.00 - visit the Holy Dormition maiden monastery (3) . By the way, here, by the labors of the inhabitants, an amazing indoor park, in the flowerbeds of which funny little animals hid among the flowers.
  The main shrines of the monastery are located in Church of the Exaltation of the Cross at the Hospital building: particles of the relics of saints: Great Martyr Barbara, Rev. Seraphim of Sarov and the Holy Wives of Diveyevo, Prepp. Arseny Konevsky and Antipas of Valaam, Martyr Mary of Gatchina.
  About architectural ensemble and other attractions can be read
• 14.00 - Lunch at the restaurant "Prince Rurik". (6)
  
• 15.00 - Let's go to the Church of the Nativity of John the Baptist (4), examine its interior, look into the church shop. Now let's go around the temple and go down to the Holy Spring of Paraskeva Pyatnitsa (5). Only daredevils dip here, and we can just drink water and wash ourselves.
  
• 16.00 - slowly walk in the opposite direction to the ancient St. Nicholas Monastery. (When visiting monasteries and churches, do not forget that the appearance must comply with the rules for visiting Orthodox monasteries).
  Shrines: In 2002, an ark with a particle of the relics of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker was brought here from Bari; also in the monastery there are relics of other great saints. The revered icon here is the copy of the icon of the Most Holy Theotokos “Chernigov-Gethsemane” handed over to the monastery in 2004.
  The image suffered during the persecution: a crack from an ax and three bullet wounds. The monastery is open for pilgrims from 9.00 to 18.00, and on the days of evening services until 19.00 daily. All the details about the monastery and the schedule of services
• 17.00 - I hope that our trip takes place on a fine summer day. Now, if you did not stay for the evening service, then you can plunge into the waves of the Volkhov warmed by the sun. There is a descent to it just behind this monastery.
  Just remember - the current is strong! You can just sit on the beach and relax.

If you arrived here for a day from St. Petersburg, then remember that the return trip (bus + train) will take at least 3 hours. If you are staying in Staraya Ladoga or nearby, then the next day can be devoted to exploring the surroundings and the beautiful nature of the region. For example, see the Tanechkina cave (7) and go to the largest waterfall in the Leningrad region (8) (4.5 meters high).

What to see in the surroundings

I propose to visit several places worthy of the attention of travelers near Staraya Ladoga.

1. Gorchakovsky waterfall (1) . Located on the opposite bank of the Volkhov near the village. Gorchakovshchina.
   You can't jump over the Volkhov on the map. Therefore, you will have to return to the E 105 highway, turn to Volkhov, from Issad turn to Gorchakovshchina. The path will take 12 km. This wonderful place is worth the search!
   Water falls from a height of 4.5 m into a reddish bowl of soil (local soils are to blame). This is the highest of the waterfalls in the Leningrad region. From the waterfall you can go to Volkhov on a very picturesque coast. Here tourists like to put up tents and relax alone with nature.
2. Tanechkina cave (2). It is located 1 km from the mound of the Prophetic Oleg in a protected area and is not available for visiting in winter time. Entrance from Volkhov.
   Labyrinths of passages lure lovers of risk and underground travel here. If you are one of them, bring the necessary equipment. Well, or at least rubber boots, a flashlight and a helmet. There is a shallow lake in the northeastern part of the cave.
   It is surprising that the largest colony of bats in the north-west of Russia lives here. different types- about 400 individuals!
   I don’t really like these mice-animals, and climbing unknown caves, by the way, too. But I know many St. Petersburg residents who are happy to participate in such downright speleological adventures.
3. I also propose to visit the city of Novaya Ladoga, founded in 1704 by Peter I. At that time, Staraya Ladoga, standing from New 13 km, is losing its former urban status and is now simply called a village. You can get here by bus number 23 and 23 A, as well as by car. There are many sights, monuments and museums in Novaya Ladoga that are interesting for inquisitive tourists. We really liked the ancient Nikolo-Medvedtsky Monastery.
   Nikolsky Cathedral struck him. Inside there is an amazing iconostasis, and outside, from its southeastern facade, you can climb the spiral iron staircase to the icon of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, from where you can see beautiful view to the Volkhov.
   The history of Novaya Ladoga is closely connected with the life of A. V. Suvorov, and therefore the bust of this great commander is, of course, present here.
   I recommend visiting and Memorial Complex in honor of the sailors and rivermen who guarded the life-saving water route "Road of Life" during the siege of Leningrad. In itself, a visit to Novaya Ladoga deserves a separate day.
4. If you are interested in the spiritual page of life, then I suggest an interesting, still little known place - Abramovshchina. The famous abbess of the Old Ladoga Dormition Monastery, Abbess Eupraxia, once prayed here. It is located 2.5 km from the monastery (you have to ask for directions right at the monastery). You won’t get there by car, so get ready for a short hiking.
   In 2004, the Holy Well of Mother Eupraxia was restored in the Abramov region, and a worship cross was again erected. And now, as before the revolution of 1917, here on the feast of the Exaltation of the Cross (September 27) a traditional religious procession takes place. The place is beautiful, and I think it will be useful to visit the Holy Well.

In Staraya Ladoga, for obvious reasons, it is impossible for me to present you "TOPS" budget-medium-expensive food places. There are none of them here. But they are quite good for a snack.

1. Cafe "Ancient Ladoga" is waiting for visitors from 10.00 to 20.00. The atmosphere is stylized as rustic antiquity, there is a stove-fireplace.
2. Cafe "Lyubava" is open from 10.00 to 23.00, and on weekends until 00.00.
3. Restaurant "Prince Rurik" is open from 10.00 to 21.00, Friday and Saturday until 23.00. You can dine here without alcohol for the amount of 500-700 rubles.
4. Cafe "Rook" at the mini-hotel of the same name. In this cafe, sometimes locals hold themed discos, for example, a “hat party”.

Holidays

I really love the atmosphere of the holiday, when you are at the epicenter of universal joy. Therefore, timing your trip to some similar event in Staraya Ladoga means getting a wonderful emotional charge and bright impressions into the traveler's piggy bank!

Of course, in Staraya Ladoga, residents celebrate generally accepted public holidays, but, besides them, there are special days here, when tourists flock to the walls of the ancient Rurik's castle like a noisy river, tent camps are broken, the world around is changing, dressed in pictures of the Middle Ages.

I mean the festivals that are traditionally held here.

Festival "Staraya Ladoga - the first capital of Rus'"

A real theater-reconstruction in the open air awaits you. And as if time will turn back to the days of calling Rurik with his retinue to these lands.

The clash of swords is heard - there are duels of knights. It's great to measure the prowess of the heroic! And over Staraya Ladoga, old songs and harps are played again. You can also look into the forge, and learn about other ancient crafts. This is where the children are happy! I think that adults will find it all very interesting.

Usually on such days there is a fair where you can buy goods from merchants - various utensils and clothes with ornaments made in antique style, try yourself in archery and crossbow. You will plunge into the atmosphere of life and culture of the distant past of Rus', get acquainted with the mores and customs of the people.

By the way, in 2016 this festival was attended by more than 2,500 guests from all regions and cities.

You need to find out more about the time of the event.

I’ll note right away that, as you already understood, there are few hotels in Staraya Ladoga itself. You can use the nearby ones in Volkhov and Novaya Ladoga, as well as try to rent an apartment in advance. But for tourists who are not pampered with comfort, there is a simple way out - a tent.

Special campsites have not yet been provided, therefore the protection of your belongings here is completely under your own responsibility. But I think it's great to join the general fun and also break your little "house" against the backdrop of ancient mounds and fortress walls.

By the way, you can even transform yourself into the heroes of this festival for a while. – Linen dresses and shirts, wreaths and braided belts-bracelets will give you a feeling of freedom without the usual tie suits required by the dress code at work in everyday life. And long dresses and beautifully styled hair will help women feel “more beautiful and sweeter” without any spas that are fashionable today.

Festival "Sovereign Shield"

This festival is usually held in June. Its goal is the development of event tourism and the reconstruction movement. Moreover, I think it is useful for all of us to remember the past times of our history, the period of the Time of Troubles of the 16th-17th centuries.

As for children, you will agree with me that it is much more interesting for them to learn history in this way than from school textbooks. You can also find out about whether there will be a repetition of such a festival and about everyone like it on the website of the Staraya Ladoga Museum. After all, wonderful Ladoga hosts can come up with something new for their dear guests. By the way, festivals of sacred music and various concerts are held in Staraya Ladoga.

hunter's day

For lovers of hunting, there is also an annual themed festival, which is usually held in early autumn. Here you will witness equestrian jigging, the work of hunting dogs (this is especially interesting for me, since one of the “hairy” members of my family is a spaniel).

And of course, since the case is carried out in an old Russian village, then you can’t do without falconry, master classes on working with "calls", chasing, blacksmithing!

You will see photo exhibitions, an exhibition of hunting trophies and an exhibition of children's drawings. Yes, and the concert of folk groups will certainly please the audience-tourists! For the male part of the guests, visiting such a holiday, I think, will be especially interesting!

Orthodox holidays

Since there are two ancient monasteries in small Staraya Ladoga today, carefully preserving their rich history, I think everyone can visit here on some twelfth Orthodox holidays. Especially on the Holiday of Holidays - Easter, and at Christmas.

And on Epiphany, even despite the frosty time, “Jordan” is certainly consecrated here, and the most courageous can plunge!

Safety. What to watch out for

If you have become a participant in one of the large-scale holidays-festivals, then in the heat of fun, still remember that in the ranks of tourists clicking cameras and smiling at you in a friendly way, there may well be ordinary pickpockets. The figures of this craft just love to be in a crowd carried away by some kind of spectacle. This phenomenon seems to be ineradicable neither here nor in any other country in the world.

So let's be calm and just be vigilant.

If you visit the fortress in winter, then be careful - the steps can be slippery from ice. And in general, at this time of the year, a sudden meeting with the earth of our soft places is not excluded. Therefore, I strongly advise you to have comfortable shoes and not force on heels, which we will leave for city sidewalks.

Things to do

I love such trips to small towns and villages because they allow me to escape from the urban rush of days and at least briefly plunge into the measured rhythm of provincial life.

Therefore, in Staraya Ladoga, in addition to visiting the sights, just enjoy life, take a walk (go to the Varangian street), breathe fresh air, admire nature. If you are inclined towards some kind of artistic hobby, then this is the place for them. Arrange a spontaneous plein air.

Even if you are not a professional, drawing the surrounding landscapes will still bring you positive emotions. You can also show your creativity when photographing, writing poems and stories. If you are traveling with children, then your fairy tales about the mighty Russian heroes-warriors, told during walks, will please them very much. Remember the forgotten game "secrets" and bury your family secret somewhere (flowers on a gold leaf under a glass). Instead of glass, by the way, a transparent plastic lid from under a sour cream jar is also suitable.

At the same time, you can smile mysteriously, imagining how archaeologists will find it one day. Walking near the mounds, and along the banks of the Volkhov, weave a wreath of herbs and flowers for yourself (or your companions), or release it on fast jets of water, making a wish.

Also, for a similar purpose, it is possible to quickly build a raft, a boat from improvised means.

We forgot all these activities, sitting at computers or watching the blue screen of TVs. But it is precisely such family leisure and unite people, giving us the joy of live communication!

Staraya Ladoga has a rich spiritual history. Go to the Holy spring of Paraskeva, and put candles in the temples and just be alone with yourself in their pacifying silence.

Let this trip be a holiday for the heart! After all, “places of power” are not mounds and graves (as various esotericists say), but such towns like Staraya Ladoga that preserve for you and me the voice of history about the great heritage of our ancestors.

Souvenirs. What to bring as a gift

Of the places I visit, I always take something with me as a memory of the trip. But this is not always a purchased souvenir or a thing made in those parts. For me, it can be a shell, an unusual pebble, a flower, which create a summer mood even in winter.

As for the directly old Ladoga gifts, in the village itself, next to the cash desks of the Rurik fortress, there is a souvenir kiosk.

As always, magnets, mugs, key chains, which may well play the role of a gift or a cute keepsake. Pay attention to metal products - brooches, pendants with the image of runes, men, animals, intricate patterns.

There are also bracelets with various chased ornaments.

Maybe something will suit your taste. There are also photographs and albums, as well as birch bark products with images of old Ladoga sights: fortresses, churches, nature. In the monasteries there are church shops where you can buy Cahors, gingerbread, Lenten products, teas, related literature and icons. During festivals and holidays, fairs are held in Staraya Ladoga, where the works of craftsmen are presented.

But your main gifts to yourself are a charge of positive emotions, new discoveries, and, of course, photos!

How to move around the city

The village is small, so to see its sights, just walk. When we come here, we leave our car in the parking lot, and then we slowly walk along Staraya Ladoga. Fuss and haste only prevent you from feeling the measured rhythm of this old town. But to the mounds (if you don’t look at them before entering the village, and from their peaks to Staraya Ladoga itself), it’s better to really get there by car.

You will need a car, of course, even if you want to go to the waterfall, to the Tanechkina cave and to Novaya Ladoga, located 13 km away.

I think that it is unnecessary to remind me about the correct speed limit in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe settlement, but I will touch on parking lots. When we arrive in Staraya Ladoga, we leave the car in the parking lot near one of the two monasteries. Parking there is good, free, designed for the entrance sightseeing buses, which is very roomy. And there is more security in this area. Opposite the fortress, you can park right on the side of the highway, since directly at the box office, parking spaces are intended only for museum employees.

Old Ladoga. Vacation with children

I am sure that going to Staraya Ladoga with children is the right decision! Especially if you can get to some summer festival. After all, for girls and boys, such spectacular events are very interesting!

But even on ordinary days, there will certainly be something to do with the kids. My advice: if your children are small, prepare in advance an interesting story that you can captivate them with while walking through the ancient fortress. As for schoolchildren, it is especially valuable for them to personally come into contact with the era of the Middle Ages, and not just study it from books. Then, at the history lesson, the children will be able to proudly show their friends a photo of the mound of the Prophetic Oleg and the Rurik Castle.

Wonderful nature, contemplation of the beauty of temple ensembles will also have a beneficial effect on the upbringing of a sense of beauty. And what to do with children between visits to museums, I already wrote in the "Things to do" section. Think ahead of time. After all, not every one of us, adults, likes to contemplate only museum expositions. Children especially need to switch from learning to play and have fun adventures.

And let it be joint entertainment or some kind of creative action. After all, taking an album, pencils, paints and, perhaps, even plasticine with you on a trip is not at all difficult!

Oh yes! You can also run kite playing flying saucer and ball.

After all, you got out of the city to the village, surrounded by wonderful nature!

Be sure to weave wreaths, run to the expanse near the mounds, listen to the tales that the waves of the gray-haired Volkhov will tell.

Rent a Car- also aggregation of prices from all distributors, all in one place, let's go!

Have something to add?

Modern Staraya Ladoga is a small village 12 km above the mouth of the Volkhov River, but once it was a large urban settlement, the first capital of Rus'. This place with more than a thousand years of history has always attracted researchers. The first excavations in Ladoga began in 1708. At different times eminent scientists worked here: N. I. Repnikov, V. I. Ravdonikas, N. E. Barandenburg, O. I. Davidan and many others. Over the years, more than 160 historical monuments. The ancient settlement planning of the 10th-13th centuries, the rarest works of fortification and architecture, and much more have been preserved here.

At the end of the last century, an archaeological museum-reserve was opened on the territory of Staraya Ladoga. An area of ​​190 hectares has been taken under protection, where architectural monuments, buildings of the 19th - early 20th centuries and the cultural layer of the Middle Ages are located.

Old Ladoga.

The exact time of the appearance of Ladoga is unknown, but the research conducted by archaeologists allows us to say with accuracy that this happened no later than 753. Perhaps much earlier. The date inspires respect, because at that time there was not a single old Russian city known to us.

Archaeological excavations in Staraya Ladoga are carried out everywhere and constantly.

The appearance of Ladoga was not accidental. It was erected at the intersection of trade routes and was founded by representatives of the Slavic tribes. Eight centuries before St. Petersburg, Ladoga became a key port on the great Eurasian transcontinental trade routes and provided the Slavs with free ties with the countries Western Europe, West Slavic Pomorye and others.

A thousand years ago, Ladoga was a prosperous city, an international port, a major craft center and a reliable bank even for European states.

The falcon is a symbol of Rurik.

It is no coincidence that in 862 Ladoga became the residence and capital city of Rurik, the founder of the Rurik dynasty, who was called to the principality. Later, the prince moved his capital to Novgorod, and then, probably, to Kyiv, but the first was still Ladoga.

Until 1703, Ladoga retained the status of a city, later it became a village and was renamed Staraya Ladoga, since Novaya Ladoga arose at the mouth of the Volkhov, on the shores of Lake Ladoga.

The village is famous all over the world for many unique sights:

Old Ladoga fortress

It is considered a "calling card" and the main attraction of Staraya Ladoga. The fortress has not survived to this day in its original form. Its current appearance dates back to the 15th century. Part of the fortress wall lies in ruins. So far, only one of its fragments with two towers - Gate and Klimentovskaya - has been completely restored. But restoration work continues.

On the territory of the fortress, two unique ancient temples have been preserved: St. George's Church of the 12th century and the Church of Dmitry Solunsky of the 18th century.

The ancient fortress is the main attraction of Staraya Ladoga.

Museum in the fortress.

George Church.

Ramparts of the "earthen city" of Staraya Ladoga.

Archaeological Museum

Since its foundation, the museum has become a place to store materials collected by the Staraya Ladoga archaeological expedition. The basis of its exposition is made up of objects collected in cultural layers and funerary monuments of various eras. In total, the museum's collection contains more than 132,000 exhibits. Here are the funds of sculpture, painting and graphics, archeology, photographic documents and documents, building materials and frescoes, iconography and church utensils.

Archaeological Museum.

Exposition of the archaeological museum.

Monasteries

Once there were six monasteries in Ladoga, only two of them have survived to this day. These are Nikolsky male and Holy Dormition maiden monasteries. Nikolsky Monastery is one of the oldest in the Leningrad region. According to one of the legends, it was founded by Alexander Nevsky after the defeat of the Swedes in the Battle of the Neva. The shrine of the monastery is a particle of the relics of Nicholas the Wonderworker.

The Old Ladoga Holy Assumption Monastery is several hundred years old. The exact date of its foundation is unknown. At various times, Evdokia Lopukhina, the first wife of Peter I, Evdokia Gannibal, the wife of Pushkin's ancestor, relatives of the Decembrists, Elizaveta Shakhova, a famous poetess, lived here. After the revolution, the monastery was closed. Today the monastery is functioning again and continues to be restored.

Mounds of Staraya Ladoga

Three famous burial mounds are located in the Sopki tract. Of particular interest is one of them, called Oleg's Grave, which is located on the banks of the Volkhov River. Scientists believe that Prince Oleg, the conqueror of the Khazar Khaganate, was buried under the mound. However, this place is interesting not only in terms of history. Many believe in the special magical power of this mound, which is also confirmed by some scientists. In addition, the mound is connected underground passage with the catacomb system. Where these passages lead is not yet clear.

These sights of Staraya Ladoga are located on the northern outskirts of the village, not far from the road to Novaya Ladoga.

Trains to Staraya Ladoga do not run, there is no railway. The nearest station is located in the city of Volkhov, from where regular buses leave for Staraya Ladoga every 50 minutes. You can get to Volkhov by train or train.

Staraya Ladoga and its attractions on the map.

1. Fortress Staraya Ladoga;
2. Nikolsky Monastery;
3. Assumption Monastery;
4. Archaeological Museum;
5. mounds;
6. Hotel "Staraya Ladoga".

9 kilometers from Staraya Ladoga, on the R-21 highway, there is the Abyrvalg motel, which can be safely recommended to car travelers.

If your trip is long and you want maximum comfort, then it is best to use the Kobona Hotel on the shores of Lake Ladoga. From Staraya Ladoga 40 kilometers, but they are worth it.

lovers old history can visit the first capital of Rus' - Staraya Ladoga. It is a city of history with fortress walls, temples and barrows. It was here that the founder of the state Rurik was invited. Today, regular and festivals of reconstruction and thematic fairs are held here.

The main attractions of Staraya Ladoga are located along the left bank of the Volkhov in the territory divided into northern and southern halves by the Ladozhka River.

stone fortress

The historical center of the settlement is the Stone Fortress, built in the 15th century. In place of older walls. The fortress stands in a strategically important place on Cape Volkhov and Ladozhka and is surrounded by water. The surviving walls were built in the era of gunpowder and are built very thoroughly. Their thickness reaches 7 meters. Height - up to 12 meters. There are 5 well-preserved towers up to 19 meters high.

The ruins that stood here were nicknamed "Rurik's Castle". For a long time there were legends about secret doors, behind which a huge dungeon or even a passage under the Volkhov is hidden. There were talks of treasures and secret dungeons that hide the secrets of the past. However, upon detailed verification of archaeologists, it turned out that all these were just urban legends.

There were no underground passages in the fortress and towers. Although they searched carefully and dug them up to the very foundation. In the 1880s the fortress had a sad and abandoned appearance: “Everywhere around is the seal of long-standing destruction: half-crumbled vaults, stone massifs threatening a momentary fall, ridges of walls and towers gnawed for centuries, all this, among the general silence, breathes death, breathes something long obsolete; the impression is aggravated by the multitude of graves crosses of the local St. George churchyard, occupying the interior of the fortress.

They began to save the historical heritage only in 1978 against the background of the then revival of interest in native history. According to the project of the restorer A. E. Ekk, two towers were rebuilt: the Klimentovskaya and the Gate towers with a spindle between them. During the work, archaeologists discovered two more fortresses of the 9th and 12th centuries. This made it possible to date the founding of Staraya Ladoga to at least 753.

The most striking event in the history of the fortress was the reign of Rurik here. However. He ruled here for a short time and soon moved to Veliky Novgorod - to the source of the river. The fortress remained an important trading outpost and reserve base for the Varangians. Here the duty was collected from merchants and enemy detachments met.

Modern walls appeared in the 16th century. It should be noted that at that time the fortress had no advanced military significance and was not a priority target. However, during the Time of Troubles, the Swedes nevertheless attacked it, destroying part of the walls. After the return of Staraya Ladoga, the city was going to be restored for a long time, so that it would not embarrass the merchants and ambassadors passing by with its ruined appearance, but it did not work out.

falcon sculpture

Near the entrance to the Staraya Ladoga Fortress, at the very beginning of Varyazhskaya Street, you can see the Falcon Sculpture - the symbol of Staraya Ladoga and Rurik's family coat of arms, depicted on the shields and banners of his warriors. Now the falcon is a symbol of the Staraya Ladoga settlement and the Volkhov region, as a tribute to the memory of history.

The statue is a bronze falcon on natural stone. The formidable bird, as it were, spread its wings and is preparing to take off. This is a favorite attraction of tourists who constantly take pictures with the statue and leave coins in its beak and claws as a keepsake.

A bronze bird appeared on this site in 2013 during the annual holiday - the Days of the Leningrad Region.

It is best to start your acquaintance with the sights of Staraya Ladoga on Varyazhskaya Street. This is the main street of the historical part of the settlement, the first mention of which dates back to 1500. We can say that this is the oldest surviving street in Russia.

Today it runs along the left bank of the Ladozhka River along the highway and looks more like a narrow village street. On both sides now and then there are old buildings, churches and mansions. The current appearance of the street took shape at the end of the 18th century, with the construction of several merchant houses here, which still stand today. Walking here it may seem that you have traveled several centuries ago and are walking along main street quiet provincial town. Everything here breathes history.

On Varyazhskaya Street you can see a very remarkable chapel built at the beginning of the last century on the site of a lost church of the pre-Mongolian period. The chapel was erected at the expense of the Imperial Geographical Society as a memory of the lost temple. From the old church, which was once the main temple of this end of Ladoga, only the foundation remained.

Ladoga burial hills

Ladoga burial mounds in the Sopka tract on the left bank of the Volkhov, behind the Church of the Nativity of John the Baptist, this is a whole burial complex of the 8th-10th centuries. The center of the complex is a large ten-meter burial mound, which some scientists consider to be the burial mound of the Prophetic Oleg. There is no exact information about the burial place of the second ruler of Rus', there are only sources that say that his last journey was made to Novgorod, and then to Ladoga.

There is a version that he was buried near Kiev on Mount Shchekovitsa, but given that the Scandinavian chronicles call Holmsgard (Novgorod) the main city of Gardariki, the northern version is recognized as more plausible. In 1820, excavations were carried out here, which did not find rich burials on Oleg's hill. However, the grave could have been looted earlier. According to the available finds, it is difficult to say anything definite about the burial, however, there is no refutation of the version of the prince's grave.

In any case, this is a rather interesting monument of history. Probably, the mounds are not only the burial places of the dead, but also a kind of commemoration complexes, where the relatives of the buried gathered in order to reunite with their ancestors and pay tribute to them, as well as to carry out other religious worship.

Manor "Uspenskoe"

Fans of the history of local lore should definitely visit the Uspenskoye estate. It is located on the banks of the Volkhov between the John the Baptist and the Assumption Monastery (hence the name).

The estate complex was built in 1780 by a local landowner, retired general R.N. Tomilov. Initially, it was just a wooden house by the river. In 1807, the estate was inherited by his son Alexei, who rebuilt the estate in 1817 according to his own design, adding to the original wooden structure stone outbuilding. Later, the wooden house disappeared and only the main stone part remained, later somewhat expanded. In its current form, the external appearance of the building is not particularly remarkable, and without knowing it, you can mistake it for a typical barrack of post-revolutionary construction. However, inside there is a museum with preserved interiors of the old times, as well as the remains of a once outstanding collection of paintings by the previous owners.

Alexey Tomilov personally knew many artists of his time. Architects G. Quarenghi, A.N. Voronikhin, painters A.O. Orlovsky, O.A. Kiprensky, I.K. Aivazovsky, A.G. Venetsianov, who often worked here. The owner has collected in the estate a large collection of drawings by domestic and European masters. In 1895 Uspenskoye was inherited by E.G. Schwartz (brother of a famous artist). The new owner continued to collect and expand the collection.

In 1918 the estate was confiscated, and most of the paintings were transferred to the Russian Museum. Only a shadow of its former glory remained in the building of the estate. Here you can see the exposition of the life of the XIX century, archaeological finds and a collection of paintings and drawings.