Modern Staraya Ladoga- a small village 12 km above the mouth of the Volkhov River, but once it was a large one urban settlement, the first capital of Russia. This place with more than a thousand years of history has always attracted researchers. The first excavations in Ladoga began in 1708. V different time 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 there are architectural monuments, building XIX- the beginning of the 20th century and the cultural layer of the Middle Ages.
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 Kiev, but the first was still Ladoga.
Until 1703, Ladoga retained the status of a city, later became a village and was renamed Staraya Ladoga, since at the mouth of the Volkhov, on the shore Lake Ladoga, Novaya Ladoga arose.
The village is famous all over the world for many unique sights:
Old Ladoga fortress
Counts " 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 on the territory 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 by an underground passage to 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.
There are no trains to Staraya Ladoga, there is no railway here. 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.
- Fortress Staraya Ladoga;
- Nikolsky Monastery;
- Assumption Monastery;
- Archaeological Museum;
- mounds;
- 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.
Staraya Ladoga has existed since the 8th century, it is called the "first capital of Russia" - it was here in 862 that Rurik came to reign. The Varangians chose this place as their residence not by chance - many centuries ago, the now small village was prosperous and developed city: a crossroads of trade routes, a craft center and an international trade port that provides connections between the Slavs and European countries. Today, Staraya Ladoga is a unique complex of historical monuments united under the auspices of the Staraya Ladoga Historical, Architectural and Archaeological Reserve.
It is believed that the Scandinavians originally lived here, a little later - the ancient Germans and the Baltic-Finnish peoples. It was they who built the first houses and fortifications in the image and likeness of those that were characteristic of early medieval Europe. Such conjectures are confirmed by Merovingian artifacts found during excavations in the 2000s. Slavic tribes came to this land after the 8th century, having conquered the living space from earlier settlers.
How to get to Staraya Ladoga
Of the major cities, St. Petersburg is closest to Staraya Ladoga. From the Northern capital, the village can be reached by buses No. 847, 860, 863, 877, departing from the Bus Station No. 2 on the Obvodny Canal and the Volkovskaya and Parnas metro stations (with a change in the village of Yushkovo or the city of Volkhov on bus number 23). Travel time - from 2.5 to 4 hours. Transport runs from 7:00 to 22:00, the cost of the entire trip is 470-600 RUB. The prices on the page are for October 2018.
To get from Pulkovo to Bus Station No. 2, you first need to get to the station. metro station "Moskovskaya" by buses No. 13, 13A, 39 or minibuses No. K39, K13, 113, 213, then follow to the station. metro station Obvodny Kanal.
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By train from St. Petersburg
From Moskovsky and Ladozhsky stations to the platform "Volkhovstroy-I", located in the city of Volkhov, depart commuter trains(off. Russian Railways website). Next to it on the square is the city bus station, where you can transfer to the bus to the village. Total time on the road - 2.5-3 hours, for only 2 two tickets you will have to pay 398-460 RUB.
Trains run from Moscow to Volkhov (Volkhovstroy-I station) from Leningradsky Station. The journey will take 7-11 hours, the minimum fare in the reserved seat is from 1500 RUB.
By car
The distance from the capital to Staraya Ladoga along the shortest highway M-10 is 720 km. If you manage to avoid traffic jams, then you can get to the village in 10 hours. From St. Petersburg you need to follow the R-21 highway.
Transport
The village is small, so tourists move on foot. public transport not in Staraya Ladoga. The only bus passing along Volkhovsky Prospekt is No. 23. It takes you to Olegov Kurgan, located 8 km from the Staraya Ladoga Fortress.
The car can be parked free of charge at the monasteries in large parking lots, as well as on the side of the road in front of the fortress.
A taxi ride around the city costs from 70-90 RUB plus you will have to pay for the car from Novaya Ladoga, where the nearest agency is located. Transport can be ordered by phone or caught on the street. There are no meters, the cost is negotiated with the dispatcher or the taxi driver himself.
Maps of Staraya Ladoga
Hotels in Staraya Ladoga
Due to the small size of the village, there are not so many accommodation options: only 4-5 are available in Staraya Ladoga and the surrounding area. Most famous place, presented in all booking systems, - the hotel "Staraya Ladoga" on the street. Soviet, offering prices from 2000 RUB per day for a double room. As an alternative, you can consider the Barskiy vacation home, designed for 6 people, for 2500-3000 RUB per night. True, it is located on the outskirts, 2 km from the Volkhov embankment and attractions.
What to bring: souvenirs
The best souvenirs from Staraya Ladoga will be the products of local craftsmen: original pendants and brooches with ancient runic drawings, animals, fairy-tale and religious characters, chased jewelry with Celtic and Scandinavian ornaments, birch bark bags and baskets with images of local beauties printed on them. All these things are present in the souvenir kiosk in the fortress. During ethnographic festivals there are fairs where the choice of handicrafts is much larger. Shops at churches and monasteries sell good pastries, tea and lenten products.
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Cafes and restaurants in Staraya Ladoga
There are no more restaurants and cafes in Staraya Ladoga than there are hotels. The main institutions: "Prince Rurik" with interiors in the style of a knight's castle, wooden tables and earthenware and the budget "Ancient Ladoga", decorated like a Russian hut, there is even a real stove inside. The price for a standard lunch is from 500 RUB per person.
In "Prince Rurik" they cook signature beef chop with mushrooms "Varyag", baked whitefish "Gift of Ladoga", delicious sbiten and mead.
There is also a small cafe-dining room "Lyubava", which serves homemade dishes: pancakes, dumplings, fish and fried meat with vegetables, buckwheat and potatoes. A three-course set meal plus a drink costs 200-250 RUB.
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History of Staraya Ladoga
Old Ladoga has seen many bright events in its lifetime: the arrival of Rurik with his retinue, an unprecedented rise and prosperity, periods of bloody wars and, finally, decline. In 753, the first wooden fortress already stood in the settlement, reliably protecting the dwellings of artisans and merchants. Under Prophetic Oleg, at the end of the 9th century, a powerful stone stronghold was erected, later destroyed by the Norwegian Vikings. The second time the bastion was built only after 3 centuries, after which temples and monasteries “grew up” one after another in the city.
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Until 1702, Staraya Ladoga played a key strategic role and was an important military outpost. That is why the rulers of the Russian state paid so much attention to her. After the end of the Northern War under Peter I, a long period of decline began, as a result of which the city turned into a village, and the number of its inhabitants was significantly reduced. Nowadays, Staraya Ladoga is a major tourist center of the North-Western region.
Entertainment and attractions
The architecture of Staraya Ladoga is a living embodiment ancient history Russia. The fortress walls and cathedrals are examples of Russian northern architecture of the Middle Ages, merchant houses and estates with museum expositions will tell about the development of the settlement in the 18-19 centuries. But the village is famous not only for man-made sights. It is worth coming here in order to visit the burial mounds in the Sopki tract, explore the artificial caves on the territory of the Staroladozhsky natural monument, or take a walk to the Gorchakovshchinsky waterfall.
Museum-reserve "Staraya Ladoga"
The guests of the museum-reserve are offered two tourist routes: Old Russian city Ladoga” and “Monasteries of Staraya Ladoga”. Tourists get acquainted with Russian history and culture in the interiors of fortress towers of the 15th-16th centuries and residential buildings of the 19th century, in the monastic complexes of the former Assumption Convent and the current St. Nicholas Monastery. Masterpieces of world art can be seen in the church of St. George of the 12th century, and from the Malysheva Mountain a panorama of Ladoga, unique in its beauty, opens up.
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Fortress
The central tourist site is the Staraya Ladoga Fortress, founded by Rurik in the 9th century and rebuilt from stone under the Prophetic Oleg. Researchers cannot say for sure how many sieges the fortification survived - more than once it was stormed by Norwegian earls and Swedish kings. Starting from the 18th century, after the bastion lost its military significance, the buildings began to fall into decay; at the end of the 19th century, the first archaeological excavations were carried out on the territory.
The reconstruction of the fortress began in Soviet times and continues to this day. Today the ensemble is part of the structure of the Staraya Ladoga Historical, Architectural and Archaeological Reserve.
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St. Nicholas Monastery is one of the oldest on the territory of the Leningrad region, founded by St. Alexander Nevsky after a victorious battle with the Swedes in the Battle of the Neva at the mouth of the Izhora River. Dedicated to the name of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, Archbishop of the World of Lycia.
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The Uspenskoye Estate and the Staraya Ladoga Museum
The Uspenskoye estate, whose name is associated with the nearby Assumption Monastery, was built in the 80s. lieutenant general Roman Nikiforovich Tomilov. His son Alexei in 1816-1817. remade it according to his own project, adding to wooden house stone outbuilding (Schwartz House). In the wing Tomilov kept the richest collection of paintings and drawings, including the largest collection of drawings and etchings by Rembrandt in Russia. In 1918, after the estate was confiscated from its last owners, Shvartsev, more than 6,000 drawings and paintings were transferred to the Russian Museum, and the house became the property of the Staraya Ladoga Museum. It contains historical and everyday, archaeological funds, as well as a fund of frescoes and a fund of painting and graphics.
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Women's monastery of the middle of the 12th century, decorating the left bank of the Volkhov River. After the Russian-Swedish war of 1610-1617. Almost the entire complex was rebuilt. main temple monastery - Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary - rare architectural monument pre-Mongolian period, created by Novgorod architects.
On one of the arches, the heraldic sign of Rurik has been preserved; fragments of frescoes of the 12th century have survived inside.
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The Church of Basil of Caesarea is located opposite the fortress, on the right bank of the Volkhov (previously Vasilyevsky monastery, most of whose buildings were wooden). In 1666, the temple collapsed to the ground, and 20 years later a new one was erected in its place at the expense of the voivode T.I. Bestuzhev.
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caves
There are several caves in the village and its surroundings. The most explored and visited are Staroladozhskaya and Tanechkina, which were formed in the 19th century as a result of sandstone mining. After the closure of the deposits, the grottoes were “overgrown” with stalactites and stalagmites (albeit still very small), streams and small lakes appeared here - in a word, nature turns the artificial into natural with its own forces.
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Standing at the origins of the emergence of Russian statehood. Until 1703, it was an influential city, which for some time bore the title of the capital of northern Russia.
Today, the surviving evidence of its great history is united in a project called the Staraya Ladoga Museum-Reserve, which is a well-known landmark of the Leningrad Region.
Staraya Ladoga, first mentioned in the annals in 753, is located in the Volkhov district of the Leningrad region.
Today it is a small settlement near the Volkhov River with a leisurely, measured life, but several centuries ago the interests of several states clashed here, there were irreconcilable battles for territorial dominance on water trade routes, state decisions were made. Its coordinates: 59°59′55″ s. sh. 32°17′49″ E d.
You can get to Muzeya-zapovednika by car road; the nearest airport "Pulkovo" (St. Petersburg) is 130 km away, the nearest railroad station"Volkhovstroy-1" (Volkhov) - 15 km. From Volkhov to the village there is a regular bus N 23 with an interval of about 1 hour and a fare of 48.0 rubles. Travel time - 15-20 minutes.
Volkhov can be reached from any Russian city by rail or road.
By train
At the Volkhovstroy station, located on Oktyabrskaya railway, many electric trains and long-distance trains stop. Trains leave from St. Petersburg in this direction from Moskovsky and Ladoga stations, which arrive in Volkhov in 2.5 hours. The fare is from 290 rubles.
From Moscow, through the Volkhovstroy station, trains pass to Murmansk, Petrozavodsk, St. Petersburg. The trip will last from 7.5 to 14 hours. Ticket price starts from 1200 rubles. with early purchase.
By car
From St. Petersburg to the museum-reserve can be reached in 2 hours (excluding traffic jams) along the highway R-21 "Kola" of federal significance, connecting northern capital with Karelia. The route from Moscow will pass through Tver, Valdai and Veliky Novgorod. Its length will be approximately 700 km, travel time 8-9 hours.
Weather, the best time to travel
The weather in this region is strongly influenced by the proximity Baltic Sea, and therefore the climate is transitional, Atlantic-continental. This means that the winter here is not severe with an average negative temperature of 10 ° C, and the summer is cool with an average thermometer reading of +17 ° C.
Daily air temperature (°С), amount of precipitation (mm), number of sunny days in Staraya Ladoga by months:
| Jan. | Feb. | March | Apr. | May | June | July | Aug. | Sept. | Oct. | Nov. | Dec. |
| -5,5 | -4,0 | -0,5 | +7,0 | +16,5 | +19,5 | +23,5 | +21,0 | +15,0 | +6,5 | +2,0 | -2,5 |
| 30,5 | 25,0 | 23,0 | 24,0 | 27,5 | 41,0 | 38,5 | 46,0 | 30,0 | 31,5 | 35,0 | 29,0 |
| 2 | 0 | 1 | 8 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 17 | 10 | 5 | 2 | 1 |
The museum-reserve is open all year round. However, an uncomfortable stay in these places, according to experts, falls on three winter months. The rest of the time period is characterized high level comfort, more than 4.2 points on a 5-point system. The maximum is in July and August.
sights
Locality with more than 1250 years of history has always attracted curious people and researchers. It is known that the first archaeological excavations were carried out here in early XVIII century.
Since then, more than 160 historical monuments have been discovered, testifying to the active and eventful life of Staraya Ladoga: the layout of the streets of the 10th-11th centuries, the rarest examples of fortifications, and architectural structures.
Staraya Ladoga, the sights of which were united by the museum-reserve opened here at the end of the last century, which occupied an area of 190 hectares, in addition to the cultural medieval layer, keeps monuments of a later time. The ongoing work of researchers and restorers is adding more and more new artifacts to the museum's collections.
Religious buildings
Staraya Ladoga has been and remains the spiritual center of Russia. Here, in a small area, many Orthodox churches were built, monasteries were opened, some of which have survived to this day.
St. George's Church
One of the oldest stone churches in Russia, the construction period of which dates back to the 12th century.
Old Ladoga. Attractions: St. George's Church. Two of the most ancient places of worship have survived to this day in Staraya Ladoga:
- St. George's Church, built in 1164 on the territory of the fortress; it is consecrated in the name of George the Victorious as a token of gratitude for the victory over the Swedes.
- Assumption Cathedral, which is part of the Assumption Convent.
St. George's Church, although heavily rebuilt, has preserved frescoes of the 12th century, which are of the greatest value. The temple has the status of an architectural monument of the Russian Federation and is open to visitors from May 1 to October 1 in dry weather. The architecture of the small temple is typical of ancient Russian architecture; this is how all the churches in Novgorod were built.
The 4-pillar, 3-asp building ends with one central helmet-shaped dome, over which a cross is installed. The small size of the church is explained by the location of the temple: it was crowded on the territory of the fortress. The frescoes were applied to the walls and the dome simultaneously with the construction of the temple. Experts in the manner of writing determined that two groups of Greek masters worked.
Church of Demetrius of Thessalonica
On the territory of the fortress, another religious building has been preserved, dating from 1731, and erected in honor of the complete victory over the Swedes. The saint, whose name the church was consecrated, was, along with George the Victorious, the most revered by the Slavs of the Middle Ages.
The wooden parish church is typical of the "klet" rural churches of that time both in size and architecture. It was built on the principle of the construction of a peasant hut, where the basis was a log house (cage). A combination of 3 or more stands was made, and the altar was given a rounded shape. The only dome is covered with aspen plowshare.
Nikolsky Monastery
The 14th century monastery, clearly visible from the motorway, consists of the following buildings:
- wall with corner towers;
- Nikolsky Cathedral of the 17th century;
- Church of St. John Chrysostom of the 19th century;
- residential buildings.
The monastery, which survived the war and troubled times, was closed in 1927, but the monks who lived here were not driven out until 1937. They continued to live and work here as part of a fishing artel. Then, after all, a local MTS was placed on the territory. The revival of the monastery began in 2002.
Dormition Convent
The monastery, founded in the middle of the 12th century, is located to the north of the fortress and includes the main church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which is one of the most valuable churches of the 12th century. Fragments of the fence and churches of a later construction have been preserved here.
The monastery, like the Ladoga fortress, was repeatedly attacked and destroyed, but was restored again, its temples were re-consecrated.
In the first half of the 19th century, a new stage of construction work began in the monastery: a stone fence with the Holy Front Gate, a private building, a refectory, and outbuildings were erected. The new Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross was erected according to the project of A. Gornostaev. Elderly nuns lived in 20 cells on its first floor.
All work was carried out with the money of wealthy donors: A.R. Tomilov, Count D.N. Sheremetev, Empress Maria Alexandrovna. At present, the buildings of the monastery have been partially restored, but the reconstruction has not been completed. The Assumption Monastery is also known for the fact that from 1718 to 1725, Emperor Peter I kept his first wife Evdokia Lopukhina in captivity here.
Here she took the tonsure, and here she languished until the death of the monarch. The first wife of Abram Gannibal, Evdokia Gannibal, lived in the monastery for almost 30 years. Under Nicholas I, Decembrist wives were forcibly sent to live here.
The most interesting museums
In Staraya Ladoga there is a large "Staraya Ladoga Historical, Architectural and Archaeological Museum-Reserve", which includes many buildings, monuments and expositions. There are more than 200 thousand units of the most valuable artifacts in the storage facilities.
Address: Volkhovskiy prospect, 19. It is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (until 5 p.m. in winter), the day off is Monday.
Its permanent exhibitions are:
- in the gate tower: historical section from the Neolithic to our time;
- in the house of the merchant Kalyazin: archaeological and ethnographic sections.
The museum has exhibition areas where temporary exhibitions take place. Much attention in last years given to reconstructions of historical events. This show takes place in summer time with a large number of tourists.
Price:
| Full ticket, rub. | Reduced ticket, rub. | |
| Entrance to the fortress | 50 | 20 |
| Ticket to all museum expositions | 200 | 100 |
| Visit the exhibition | 30 | 20 |
| Inspection of frescoes in St. George's Church | 80 | 50 |
Excursions
The staff of the reserve conduct excursions around the Staraya Ladoga Fortress and its environs.
The following programs have been developed and offered to visitors:
| Name | List of visited objects | Full cost, rub./person |
| "Old Russian city of Ladoga" | Defensive structures, a tour of the museum expositions in the Gate Tower and Kalyazin's house, acquaintance with the Nikolsky Monastery | 400 |
| "Holy Mansions" | A story about all the monasteries that existed in Ladoga with a visit to two surviving ones. | 150 |
| "Staraya Ladoga - a page of history" | 350 | |
| "On the roads of medieval Ladoga" | Acquaintance with fortifications, visiting two monasteries. | 250 |
Monuments and monuments
Staraya Ladoga, the sights of which are monuments ancient civilization and modern sculptures, keeps both legends and true facts of its centuries-old history with equal care.
Monument to Rurik and Oleg
In 2015, on the oldest street in the village of Varyazhskaya, mentioned in the annals of the 15th century, the country's first monument to the "founders of Russian statehood" was unveiled. The sculptor O. Shorov depicted two princes, Rurik and Oleg, leaning on a shield - a symbol of the power and strength of the Russian people.
Historians have long proved that Rurik, who was called to reign, and his successor Oleg, who became regent for a minor heir, laid the foundation for the creation of the Russian state. Rurik, stepping on Russian soil and appreciating strategic position this place, put the city of Ladoga here.
Then he moved up the Volkhov and settled on the Rurik settlement, and later built New town(Novgorod the Great). Under Rurik, internal strife decreased, Russian lands expanded, and the territory defense system began to improve. The word "Rus" also came along with him.
So they called the rowers of the Scandinavian boat, then they began to call the guards of the princes, and after that all the Eastern Slavs, their lands and the state. Rurik died in 879 after 17 years of reign. His son Igor was still a small child, and a relative of Rurik, Oleg, who lived until that day in Ladoga, began to rule the country.
Oleg continued the policy of the prince, uniting Novgorod with Kiev, conquering new territories, setting up Russian cities in all lands. For wisdom and luck, he received the nickname Prophetic. Oleg died in Ladoga, Novgorod or Kiev. Everywhere there are his graves, but it is not known which of them is genuine.
Sopki tract (archaeological site)
Not far from the village, on the left bank of the Volkhov, a complex of three burial mounds dating back to the 9th-10th centuries has been preserved. This place is called the Sopki tract, it is shrouded in legends and secrets. In those distant times, our ancestors buried princes, nobility, brave warriors in bulk burial grounds. It is believed that the remains of the great Novgorod and Kiev prince Oleg lie in one of them.
He died from the bite of a poisonous snake. The true burial place of the great old Russian prince is unknown. 3 cities claim this: Ladoga, Novgorod and Kiev. Archaeologists can neither confirm nor refute these points of view. The controversy over this has not subsided to this day.
falcon sculpture
The locals have a special attitude towards this strong and freedom-loving bird. A diving falcon is depicted on the coat of arms of the settlement. And recently, a small sculpture of a bird taking off, spreading its wings wide over a stone, was placed on Varyazhskaya Street. The image of a noble falcon personifies the unity of the inhabitants of Staraya Ladoga with nature.
architectural structures
Staraya Ladoga has the oldest architectural and historical structure, which is part of the museum-reserve. This attraction is the defensive structures of the Old Ladoga fortress, which is called the "calling card" of northern Russia.
Old Ladoga fortress
The strategically impeccable position for the defense of Russian lands where the Ladozhka River flows into the large, navigable artery of the Volkhov was noticed by Prince Rurik, who was called upon by local residents in 862 to reconcile the warring tribes. He ordered to build a city here.
The construction of the defensive structure at the turn of the X-XI centuries is attributed to Prince Oleg. The first wooden fortress, given the number of people who wanted to own the exit from the Baltic Sea into the depths of Russian lands, did not stand for long.
The stone fortification, which was difficult for that time, began to be erected in 1114 under the guidance of a local resident, who, according to chronicle documents, was called Pavel the Posadnik. On bulk ramparts with a height of more than 3.5 m and a width at the base of up to 20 m, powerful fortress walls were erected, towering 8 m above the ground.
The walls, built of natural local flagstone, were united on top by a wide, 2-meter passage, which made it possible to quickly change position during the battle. Inside the fortress there was always a supply of provisions and weapons necessary in case of a siege.
At the end of the 15th century, the complicated relations between Russia and Sweden prompted the Moscow government to undertake a large-scale reconstruction of the fortress.
Here appeared combat, advanced far beyond the walls, towers in the amount of 5 pieces:
- Klimentovskaya;
- gate;
- rolling;
- Arrow;
- Secret.
They were located along the perimeter, creating not only increased defense capability, but also a menacing view of the entire structure. At the same time, the walls were additionally reinforced with boulders, their height increased to 12 m. Later, a secret passage to the Volkhov was dug, and a well was dug in the Tainichnaya tower, connected by pipes to the river.
The renewed fortress of the times of Ivan III was a formidable, well-equipped fortification. The fortress was repeatedly subjected to enemy siege, was captured more than once, but each time returned back to the hands of the Russians. She survived the last assault in 1701.
At the end of the Northern War, Peter I, who significantly expanded the territory of the state to the north, ordered:
- to deprive Ladoga, which has lost strategic importance, since 1703 the status of the city and its own coat of arms;
- rename it to the village "Staraya Ladoga";
- local population was ordered to move to the newly built trading city "Novaya Ladoga".
Today, restoration work on the restoration of the ancient fortress has not yet been fully completed. However, the main objects: towers, walls with passages, internal buildings invite visitors to view. There are museums, exhibitions, Orthodox churches.
Manor "Uspenskoye"
A two-story rectangular building made of red brick adjoins the outer side of the Assumption Monastery. It is in a deplorable state and gives the impression of a half-abandoned hostel. In fact, this is the country estate of A.R. Tomilin, an art connoisseur, collector and patron of the 19th century.
Many of his artist friends came to Staraya Ladoga to rest and to the open air: I.K. Aivazovsky, O.A. Kiprensky, A.G. Venetsianov, N. K. Roerich, B. M. Kustodiev and others.
Collection of A.R. Tomilina was known for her value, in addition to paintings, she included etchings by Rembrandt. In 1918 it was confiscated and completely transferred to the Russian Museum. Today it is impossible to get into the building, but there is an opportunity to walk through the manor park.
Houses of merchants Kalyazins
On Varyazhskaya Street, whose name has been preserved since the 15th century, there are two houses. Their construction dates back to the 19th century. They once belonged to a local merchant family. The stone house made of Eliseevsky brick combined the functions of housing and a trading shop.
Wooden and brick houses are in good condition, they are part of the museum-reserve. Until the completion of the reconstruction of the Gate Tower of the fortress, permanent expositions were located here: “Merchant Life” and “Archaeology of Ladoga”. After the exhibition was moved to the main territory of the Old Ladoga ensemble, the houses are still empty.
natural attractions
Staraya Ladoga, whose sights are not only man-made, but also created by nature, is attractive for country rest nature, walks, sports.
Volkhov River
Volkhov - major river in the north-west of the country it connects two lakes: Ilmen and Ladoga. Its length is 224 km, on this way it collects the waters of many tributaries and flows in a powerful channel. On its banks are such cities as Veliky Novgorod, Kirishi, Volkhov, Novaya Ladoga and the famous village of Staraya Ladoga.
The Volkhov was part of the route "from the Varangians to the Greeks", its banks were densely populated by Slavic tribes. He also received his name from Slavic legends - that was the name of the eldest son of Prince Sloven, who, according to legend, founded Veliky Novgorod.
Today, the Volkhovskaya hydroelectric power station stands on the river, which regulates the flow of water. Ancient chronicles claim that before the river could change the direction of the flow depending on weather conditions. Volkhov is a favorite vacation spot for fishing enthusiasts. Breams, crucians, burbots, catfish, pikes and other river fish are found here.
caves
Downstream of the Volkhov, not far from the mound of Prince Oleg, there are man-made caves. In the 19th century, industrial production of white, quartz sandstones took place in these places, the formed underground adits were abandoned after the mines were closed.
How far do they stretch underground labyrinths, no one knows. Documents and maps have not survived, no one dares to go deep into the dangerous object, some of the corridors have collapsed. The caves may be of interest to tourists for a superficial inspection: bats live in the dungeon and winter here.
Gorchakovsky waterfall
In the village of Gorchakovshchina there is the highest, four-meter waterfall in the Leningrad region.
It is located on a small tributary of the Volkhov, where it makes its jump from a cliff to the bottom of a ravine.
Itinerary for sightseeing on your own for 1 day
For day trip on Staraya Ladoga, you can make the following route:
- Start exploring the fortress and its historical monuments from 10 am (opening of the museum-reserve) and get acquainted with the defensive structures, the exposition in the Gate Tower, visit St. George's Church and, if it is open, the Church of Dmitry Solunsky.
- On the way to the Assumption Monastery, you can see the houses of the merchant Kalyazin, the Uspenskoye estate.
- Tour of the Nikolsky Monastery for men with its main temple.
- After lunch at local cafe you can walk to the mounds (the burial place of Prince Oleg), walk along the river bank to the caves.
- The ancient Assumption Monastery with its temples, buildings and stories about events and inhabitants can be left to complete the journey.
Hotels
Staraya Ladoga, whose sights are located in picturesque place, provides tourists with the opportunity to stay in the village for an overnight stay, a few days or spend a vacation in the nature of the Leningrad Region. For this, a hotel operates here, there are guest houses. 10 km from the village are the cities of Novaya Ladoga and Volkhov, where the choice of hotels is much larger.
Hotel Staraya Ladoga
The hotel is located in the center of the village, 10 min. walk from the bus stop, making flights to Volkhov. His address: st. Sovetskaya, house 6. Free wireless Internet is available on the territory of the hotel, next to the building there is a football field and a cafe. The hotel has a shared kitchen.
At the choice of guests, you can check into a separate 1-4-bed room or pay for a place in a shared room for 4 people. Individual rooms are furnished with single or double beds, wardrobe, TV. For "Standard" rooms, a bathroom with a shower is located in the corridor, "Junior Suites" are equipped with a private bathroom.
The cost of the room is 1600-2300 rubles. Shared rooms are equipped with bunk beds, the cost of a bed is 500 rubles.
Guest house "Barsky"
The recreation complex is located at: Staraya Ladoga, microdistrict "Barsky", house 11. It offers a private area with parking, a terrace, a barbecue area. There is a shared lounge for evening entertainment. The location of the guest house is convenient for sports: cycling, hiking and skiing. There is access to the ski slope.
The house for 8 people is furnished with 3 bedrooms and a common living room. There is a bathroom. You can rent individual rooms and the whole house. The cost of the house is 8000 rubles.
Cottage Izvoz
Cottage for rent for 6 people with 3 bedrooms and 2 living rooms. All rooms are furnished and equipped with household appliances. On the territory there is a recreation area with a barbecue area.
The house stands on the bank of the river, there is a "black" bath. If necessary, a transfer or sightseeing trip to the surrounding area will be organized. The cost is 8000 rubles.
Where to eat
establishments Catering with a high level of service in the village is not. But no one will go hungry here. Small cafes with delicious, homemade food offer a menu with Russian cuisine.
Cafe Staraya Ladoga
The cafe is located on Volkhovskiy Prospekt, at 24. The pleasant, cozy atmosphere of the establishment, friendly waiters and a menu sufficient for a snack or a solid lunch encourage visitors to leave positive reviews. It is especially recommended to try dumplings, hodgepodge (“like from the oven”) and blueberry tea here.
Cafe "Prince Rurik"
On st. Culture, 3 there is a small cafe that specializes in both national and European cuisine. Tourists who have been here, for the most part, speak positively about the quality of food and portion sizes.
Staraya Ladoga is a village where a lot of ancient and valuable monuments are located in a small area. No less interesting sights can be seen in its vicinity: Lyubshanskoe settlement, Volkhov hydroelectric power station, the Pobedishche tract.
Video about the settlement of Staraya Ladoga
Overview of the settlement of Staraya Ladoga:
I could not even imagine how many sights there are in the east of the Leningrad region, where we will live and travel during our trip to the North-West. The plans were: Volkhov, Staraya Ladoga, Novaya Ladoga and Lodeynoye Pole, or rather the village of Staraya Sloboda, Lodeynopolsky district, where A lexandro-svirsky monastery. When, upon arrival, we "plunged into reality", we realized that we would like to see a lot more. For example, the caves - Tanechkina and Staroladozhskaya, Gorchakovsky waterfall, Lyubsha fortress, the village of Isaad, the canyon of the Lava River ... As you can see, there are enough natural attractions here, there are many of them not only in Karelia.
But our goals and objectives were originally different. And in a day or two you can’t see all the local attractions. So much the better, there will be a reason to return. The most important thing is that we visited everything planned. Today in a post I will show you some of what I saw briefly:
- Staraya Ladoga Nikolsky Monastery,
- Old Ladoga Holy Dormition Convent,
- fortress Staraya Ladoga,
- Museum-reserve Staraya Ladoga,
- a bird on a stone - a sculpture of a falcon, a symbol of Ladoga,
- cafe "Prince Rurik" in Staraya Ladoga,
- Sopki tract - the burial place of Prophetic Oleg,
- the city of Novaya Ladoga, its architecture,
- sights of Volkhov.
Why is it possible to show everything only briefly? Yes, because each (each) of the cities and places visited is a whole universe worthy of a separate discussion.
However, even fluently, I can’t “accelerate” in any way. A brief report on the trip is stretched into a "multi-volume book" ... Why? Yes, because this is not a trip or when every day can be described with three or five photos ... I also wanted to do a trip to Karelia in one post. No, it's impossible. :) So be patient, the conversation will be long, the report will be multi-article.
Day IV. Staraya Ladoga, Novaya Ladoga, Volkhov
Having breakfast "on our own" in the hotel room, we moved towards Staraya Ladoga.
Staraya Ladoga
From a small, rather young city of Volkhov to a small, but very ancient village of Staraya Ladoga , just 10 minutes drive. And a whole gulf in time - the year of the foundation of Volkhov - 1918, the year of the foundation of Staraya Ladoga - no later than753 According to most historians Staraya Ladoga - the most ancient city Russia.
So, only 17 kilometers, and we are on the spot. Yes, staying in was the right decision. This is an ideal option for those who come to get acquainted with these places.
We got acquainted with the sights of Staraya Ladoga as we progressed. What is surprising and pleasant - for everything iconic places there are signs in the city, and all these places, like pearls on a string, are "strung" to the main street - Volkhovsky Prospekt. You won't get lost.
The very first pointer to the right (from the side of Volkhov, of course) "sends" us to Staraya Ladoga St. Nicholas Monastery. We drive up to the northeast tower, leave the car there and go on foot to get acquainted with the monastery. First outside, then inside.
The weather is a miracle, the surrounding nature around is amazing, ancient place that still remembers its founder - Alexander Nevsky... What else is needed for the happiness of a traveler?
Nikolsky Monastery stands on the left bank of the Volkhov River. The rivers in the Leningrad region are incredibly beautiful - blue water and fluffy, like velvet greenery of their banks.
We enter the gate of the monastery.
Looking at a small area Church of John Chrysostom(1860–1873).
The interiors are awe-inspiring - very good.
Standing next to the church Nikolsky Cathedral(Cathedral of Nicholas the Wonderworker). It is he who is the main mystery of the Nikolsky Monastery. Built in 1160, rebuilt in the 17th century (after partial destruction during the Time of Troubles, when Ladoga was under the Swedes for seven years), unsuccessfully restored in 1958, it is currently mothballed and closed.
Hi travelers! ;)
After visiting the Nikolsky Monastery, our acquaintance with Staraya Ladoga continued. Driving along Volkhovsky Prospekt, to the right of the road, we noticed a bird on a stone, or rather a falcon, spreading its wings wide. Falcon - a symbol of Staraya Ladoga.
Well, we are going to see the most, perhaps, the famous sight of the city - Fortress Staraya Ladoga. The car was parked in a small parking lot by the road (just opposite the fortress). Before us, as in the palm of your hand, a powerful historical artifact.
Klimentovskaya tower, sentinel, immediately catches the eye with its impressive size.
The Old Ladoga fortress was built during the time of the Prophetic Oleg at the turn of the 9th-10th centuries. Rare historical, architectural and archaeological monuments of the 13th - 19th centuries have survived to our times. It costs very beautiful place, the place where the Ladozhka river flows into the Volkhov.
Entrance to the fortress and two expositions are paid. We buy single tickets (80 rubles - adult) and through the Gate Tower we go to the territory of the museum-reserve.
The thickness of the walls of the tower is impressive.
The first exposition of the museum is located in the Gate Tower, and we immediately go there.
On the first floor of the exhibition...
admire the territory of the fortress and stunning views of the surroundings. Yes, the fortress itself is small, but very picturesque.
Only one moment really upset me - St. George's Church, where I so wanted to go, turned out to be closed due to restoration. And it is closed both from the inside and outside.
Near the church of St. George stands wooden church of st. Dmitry Solunsky(beginning of the 17th century), which was also closed to the public.
In order to get to the second exposition of the museum, we left the fortress, went straight to the bridge, crossed the bridge (it is clearly visible in the photo below)...
an old white mansion on Varyazhskaya Street, where the exposition "Archaeology of Ladoga" is located.
At the Museum of Archaeology.
Next to the museum lies Varyazhskaya street- the first street in Russia. Near the excavations on Varyazhskaya, fenced with a wooden fence, there is now a memorial stone, announcing that a monument to princes Rurik and Oleg, the creators of the Russian state (862 - 882).
We enter the monastery through the Holy Gates (XIX century).
I must note that both monasteries in Staraya Ladoga - both male and female - are very sincere and calm. Tourists and travelers are treated normally, women in trousers are not driven, people with cameras, too. There is an adequate understanding of their own historical significance and attractiveness for people. In general, it would be like that everywhere. I walked here with peace of mind and heart. Perhaps this is exactly what visiting monasteries should be like.
Assumption Monastery is much larger than Nikolsky. Large green area. Flowers, animal figurines everywhere. Caring female hands are visible in everything.
The exact date of the founding of the Assumption Monastery is not known. The time period when this possibly happened is determined by historians as follows: 1040-1116. Someone calls 1156.
This monastery is the second one I know (the first one is), where famous women of Russia, aristocrats, lived. The first wife of Peter I, Evdokia Lopukhina, was forcibly exiled here (moreover, she was originally in the Suzdal Intercession Monastery). Here she lived for a short time and died at the age of 23, forcibly married, but objectionable as a result to her husband, Evdokia Hannibal. Relatives of the Decembrists were also exiled here during the time of Nicholas I.
The main temple of the monastery and its main attraction - Assumption Church. It was built simultaneously with the Staraya Ladoga fortress in 1114-1116. Not far off is the round date - 1000 years!
The interior of the temple is rather modest.
In 2013, a cross was installed in the Assumption Monastery. On the cross is written:
This holy life-giving Cross of the Lord was built in memory of the cross of 1688 dated August 5, erected by the sovereign people Zheltukhins Vasily Simonovich and his son Mikhail Vasilyevich ...
Rector's Corps (1880).
The chapel above the well of St. Barbara (2008-2011, in the photo - on the right), the Hospital building with the house church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross (1861-1862, in the photo - on the left). Between them - Cell building (1859).
After the Assumption Monastery, we went to see another attraction of Staraya Ladoga - church of st. John the Baptist on Malysheva Hill(1695). This is the only thing left of the Ivanovsky Monastery, founded on this site in 1276. If you go down the path, you can get to the source and the font.
But we didn't have time for that. We looked at the temple and went further - to Novaya Ladoga.
Novaya Ladoga
From Staraya Ladoga to Novaya Ladoga is within easy reach. Only 12 kilometers drive. Before they could blink, they were already there.
Novaya Ladoga is an old city, but not ancient. Founded in 1704 by decree of Peter I. The main attractions of Novaya Ladoga are numerous monuments and architecture. Actually, we went here to see them. Of course, we didn’t see everything, but we embraced the city as a whole, walked around it, felt the atmosphere of this small provincial town in the Leningrad Region.
The Nativity Cathedral is almost the same age as the city. It was built in 1702. The temple is active, and therefore is in fairly good condition. Unlike their neighbors.
Church of St. Clement and Peter (1741 - 1743), or rather its bell tower, is already overgrown with trees.
Side by side with the Church of St. Clement stands the Church of the Savior Not Made by Hands. When I passed by it (1763 - 1767), examined and photographed, a woman with a child came up to me and said: "This church is unusual. Do you know about it?"
And she told me that above the entrance to the temple, in the portal, there is a drawing depicting a dove. So - many times this dove was painted over, erased, but it always reappeared.
The church as a whole is in a very poor condition. I found just such a photograph of the temple, taken in 1909 by S.M. Prokudin-Gorsky. There were times...
There are a lot of such wooden houses in Novaya Ladoga. However, in what Russian provincial town there are no such houses?
It is these houses and the red "lump" next to it that create a special, very familiar atmosphere and warmth ...
On the banks of the Volkhov River there is a large memorial Complex in honor of the sailors of the Ladoga Military Flotilla and the rivermen of the northwestern river shipping company, who guarded the waterway of the "Road of Life" and provided transport links between besieged Leningrad and the country.
There are two ships on the memorial - minesweeper "TShch-100"
and motor ship "Kharkov". Both children and even adults actively climb.
And around - grace!
Gostiny Dvor (Trading Rows). Above is the inscription "Manufactured goods" - a real artifact of almost half a century ago. A miracle preserved in the outback!
And how do you like the shop "Promtovary" built in 1956? Also a miracle! Here it is, Novaya Ladoga. Some kind of artifact.
Literally 3 kilometers from Novaya Ladoga (towards Staro Ladoga) there is the village of Yushkovo.
Right next to the road there is a shop "Fish". I knew about this tent. So we came here on purpose. We bought cold smoked bream - 125 rubles. fish and dried roach for 30 rubles. The bream was good! In general, the choice of delicacies here is impressive - several types of fresh and smoked fish (hot and cold smoked), caviar, etc. Do not pass by!
