Even the most stoic of travelers may have a hard time not breaking into song amid the flowering meadows of Suzdal, Russia.
Dating back to 1024, the rural town has likely changed little in appearance in its storied history. Visitors can travel the streets largely untouched by modern architecture, where church spires color the town's structures with every pastel hue imaginable.
The blue domes of the Nativity of the Virgin Cathedral are accented by pristine gold. Remnants of the 1200s exterior can be found in the intrinsic carvings on the building's rich white stone, worth more than a passing glance.
Guests will be tickled pink by the Rizopolozhesky Convent, whose red, white and bubblegum-colored design is worth taking in.
The town's largest monastery, however, is the Saviour Monastery of St. Euthymius. Housing a number of exhibits chronicling the large complex's history, travelers can visit these relic structures to learn more about this delightful town. Near Assumption Church are the monk's quarters, which houses a museum promoting the historic artistry of Suzdal. In addition to showcasing incarcerated life in the monastery, St. Euthymius' prison also highlights the monastery's unique military history.
Fairytale Russia in Suzdal
Posted on Thursday, Feb. 16th, 2012
