THE GOLDEN RING OF RUSSIA
The "Golden Ring" of Russia is a collection of cities and towns, roughly constituting a ring around Moscow, which are known for their architectural beauty and charm. The picturesque towns contain numerous museums and kremlins (city forts), and the enormous number of Russian Orthodox churches and monasteries impress upon visitors the paramount importance of religion in Russian life.
Perhaps technically not a Golden Ring city by location, Novgorod is the cradle of Russian civilization, and for 600 years was the vanguard of Russia's political and cultural soul. Many of the 140 churches and 50 monasteries built between 1100 and 1500 have survived, which are complimented by the city's kremlin - oldest in Russia - and numerous museums.
Sergiev Posad, the "Vatican" of the Russian Orthodox Church. Possible to visit as a day-excursion from Moscow.
Winter scene of Suzdal, the gem of the Golden Ring, a serene town noted for its old monasteries, churches and museums.
Church of St Michael the Archangel, Yaroslavl, where rich merchants competed to build churches bigger than in Moscow.
TRANSPORT (train tickets)
St Petersburg - Yaroslavl : $75 2nd class
Moscow - Yaroslavl : $44 2nd class
Moscow - Vladimir : $35 2nd class
St Petersburg - Novgorod : $24
Novgorod - Moscow: $80 2nd class, $155 1st class
