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Pereslavl-Zalessky

Pereslavl-Zalessky has great attraction as an ancient cultural and architectural monument: it is coeval of Moscow (was founded in 1152), and now is one of the most interesting centers of Yaroslavl region. Not only architectural masterpieces give grounds to include Pereslavl in the Golden Ring of ancient Russian towns. Many events of Russian history took place within the precincts of and on the land of this old town. Among the silent witnesses of them are ancient cathedrals and churches, unique exhibits in local museums and civil constructions from olden times. Only the name of this ancient country town fascinates and attracts at the same time. As if it invites into this old Russian fairy tale-true story that lives at present time.

Pereslavl-Zalessky is one of the ancient cities of central Russia, located halfway between Moscow and Yaroslavl, about 130 km North-East of Moscow on the bank of Pleshcheevo Lake. The town was founded in 1152 by prince Yury Dolgoruky.

In 1692, Tsar Peter the Great set up a "toy flotilla" on the banks of Lake Pleshcheyevo in Pereslavl, Yaroslavl region — part of the forces that the tsar used for military games with his playmates in his youth. That flotilla was the embryo of the Russian Empire's naval might. The Botik (small boat) museum chronicles the history of the first Russian fleet and keeps one of the original model boats.

Pereslavl has also been home to an abundance of other characters that were influential in the development of the country. These include Prince Yury Dolgoruky and Tsar Ivan the Terrible. The city's main claim to fame is as the birthplace of Alexander Nevsky, grand prince of Vladimir from 1252-1263.

The inflow of visitors has triggered the emergence of a large number of privately-owned and uniquely themed museums. These include the Museum of Irons, the Museum of Kettles, the Museum of Russian Vases, the Museum of Cunning and Wit, the Museum of Money, the Museum of Masks and perhaps the most unique one of them all — the Museum of Steam Locomotives. This is the only museum of its kind in the entire nation, and it displays locomotives dating back to the 19th century. The Pereslavl-Zalessky State Museum contains a vast number of Russian icons and wooden carvings dating back to the 15th century. Over to the monastery's bell tower you will get a panoramic view of both the city and of Lake Pleshcheyevo.

The Pereslavl-Zalessky Historical, Arhitectural and Art Museum - reserve is one of the biggest provincial museums of Russia. Its collection is unique and various: some of the exhibits were displayed in Russia and abroad. They are well-known to specialists and lovers of Russian history and culture. Among them there are the rarest archaeological finds, the unique old Russian paintings of the 15-th - 17-th centuries, amazing sample of wood carving and wooden sculpture, jewelry's art, canvases of the famous artists of the 19-th - 20-th centuries. The Blue Stone — a twelve pound boulder that used to be a place of worship. It is located on the north-eastern shore of Lake Pleshcheyevo. Many centuries ago, Finnic and Slavic tribes would make pilgrimages to this stone and pay their respects by giving offerings. There are stories of the Orthodox Church battling to get rid of the shrine, but always failing, since in one way or another the stone would end up prevailing.

The city has a plethora of monasteries that are worth visiting. One of them is the Nikitsky Monastery, located close to the banks of Lake Pleshcheyevo. It was founded in 1010, before the establishment of Pereslavl-Zalessky and is considered the oldest and best-preserved monastery in the city. The maintenance of the building was funded by Tsar Ivan the Terrible in the sixteenth century.

Pereslavl-Zalessky belongs to the Golden Ring of the historical cities of Russia. The pearl of its architecture is the Cathedral of Transfiguration of the Saviour, the oldest surviving monument in Central Russia. Pereslavl is also gearing up to celebrate the 800th birthday of Alexander Nevsky in 2021.

Another thing that attracts tourists is the fact that Pereslavl resembles a peaceful countryside and is in harmony with nature. The quiet atmosphere of the city historically made it a popular destination for Russian nobility. Rolling green hills and open plains surround the city. Dispersed throughout the countryside are numerous ancient churches and monasteries. Golden-domed and almost tower-like in comparison with the simplicity of Pereslavl's foliage, the churches add a dazzling spectrum of color to the town and enhance the city's timeless feel.