Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
from Kyiv to Northeastern Rus, which eventually evolved into Muscovy. Construction of
this white-stone version of Kyiv's brick Byzantine churches began in 1158 - its simple but
majestic form was adorned with fine carving, innovative for the time.
Inside the working church, a few restored 12th-century murals of peacocks and prophets
can be deciphered about halfway up the inner wall of the outer north aisle; this was origin-
ally an outside wall. The real treasures, though, are the
Last Judgment
frescoes by Andrei
Rublyov and Daniil Chyorny, painted in 1408, in the central nave and inner south aisle, un-
der the choir gallery towards the west end.
CHURCH
CATHEDRAL OF ST DMITRY
10am-5pm Wed-Mon
summer, to 4pm winter)
Never before or since this beauty was built have Russian stone carvers achieved such artistic
heights. Completed in 1197, the main attraction is the cathedral's exterior walls, covered in
an amazing profusion of images. The top centre of the north, south and west walls all show
King David bewitching the birds and beasts with music.
Vladimir prince Vsevolod the Big Nest, who had this church built as part of his palace,
appears at the top left of the north wall, with a baby son on his knee and other sons kneeling
on each side. Above the right-hand window of the south wall, Alexander the Great ascends
into heaven, a symbol of princely might; on the west wall are the labours of Hercules.
MUSEUM
HAMBERS
This grand 18th-century court building between two cathedrals is known as Palaty - the
Chambers. It contains a children's museum, art gallery and historical exhibition. The former
is a welcome diversion for little ones, who may well be suffering from old-church fatigue.
The art gallery features art from the 18th century onwards, with wonderful depictions of the
Golden Ring towns.
MUSEUM
HISTORY MUSEUM
4922 322 284; Bolshaya Moskovskaya ul 64; adult/child R50/30;
10am-5pm Wed-Mon)
Across the small street from the Palaty, this museum has an extensive exhibition covering
the history of Vladimir, from Kyivan princes to 1917 revolution displays, including many
remains and reproductions of the ornamentation from Vladimir's two cathedrals. Reminis-
cent of Moscow's History Museum, the red-brick edifice was purpose-built in 1902.
