Yaroslavl is arguably one of Russia’s oldest cities, traditionally believed to have been founded by Yaroslav the Wise in the 11th century. For the first two hundred years, it remained a small frontier settlement of the Rostov-Suzdal land, until it joined the Moscow Principality in 1463. Yaroslavl’s prosperity peaked in the 17th century, closely linked to trade: it was home to a sixth of Russia’s most influential merchants. With the rise of Peter I, it lost its status as the second most important city after Moscow. In 2010, Yaroslavl celebrated its 1000th anniversary. The city’s Day is celebrated annually on the last Saturday of May.

The first place to visit is the Strelka—the point where the Kotorosl River flows into the Volga, where, according to legend, Yaroslav the Wise founded the city. Now stands a 20-meter stele. Adjacent is a large park, a favorite spot for leisurely walks among locals, where fountains light up with bright colors in the evening.

For the city’s anniversary, the Volga embankment was renovated, now offering a safe route for biking and scooting. Nearby is the “Sobranie” restaurant, featuring a Russian oven where delicious daily schi (cabbage soup) simmers—a must-try. The new Uspensky Cathedral, built with patron funds, stands on the very spot where the first stone cathedral of Yaroslavl was founded in the 13th century. An experienced traveler will detect the new construction from a mile away and head towards Soviet Square, to the Church of Elijah the Prophet, whose vibrant frescoes read like a fascinating book.

Missing out on the Church of John the Baptist in Yaroslavl would be a pity. Located away from the center, this church often gets overlooked. Yet, for many, it is the city’s most beautiful cathedral, built in the 17th century with merchant funds and considered a symbol of their influence. The building was incredibly bright for its time—made of red brick, typically reserved for royal and military construction. The traders must have made significant deals to secure this elite building material. Every inch of the building, adorned with tiles and frescoes, testified to Yaroslavl’s flourishing.

Another landmark is the Spaso-Preobrazhensky Monastery, a complex of temple buildings from the 16th to 19th centuries, the heart of the city where the manuscript of “The Tale of Igor’s Campaign” was found. For a true thrill, head to the Yaroslavl Art Museum, the largest in the Russian provinces, showcasing works by nearly every famous artist—from K. Bryullov to A. Lentulov—and enjoy jazz in its charming courtyard. Alternatively, switch to modern life and visit the Planetarium, which features a 4D dome cinema, models of space stations, and a “Shuttle” simulator ride.

Dedicate at least half a day to Yaroslavl’s suburbs, Tolga and Vyatskoye. Tolga has been a holy site for centuries: here lies the Holy-Entrance Tolga Monastery. Founded on the banks of the Volga in 1314, people from all over Russia came to venerate the miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary. After the revolution, the monks were expelled, and the monastery was turned into a juvenile delinquent colony. Only in 1986 were the lands returned to the church and a women’s monastery opened. Visitors can enter any time before 7 PM, light a candle at the icon of the Tolga Virgin, try freshly baked monastery bread, purchase healing ointments made from herbs collected by the nuns, sit on a bench by the pond, and enjoy the tranquility.

Vyatskoye village is often called “the most beautiful village in Russia.” Everything could have been different if the place hadn’t caught the eye of one entrepreneur—he not only built his home here but also transformed the crumbling merchant settlement of the 18th century into a thriving historical and cultural center with museums, hotels, and restaurants.

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