Story
Once upon a time, in the 9th-10th centuries. on the steep bank where the Sukhona and Yug rivers begin the Northern Dvina, there was a Finno-Ugric settlement. In 1178, the Rostov-Suzdal prince Vsevolod Yuryevich the Big Nest founded the settlement of Gleden here, named after Mount Glyaden. From the mountain there was a panoramic view of all the surroundings, “one could look far away.” However, this settlement did not last long. The Chud tribes, Novgorodians and Vyatichi besieged and burned it, and the waters of the rivers washed away and flooded the banks.
In the 13th century, the townspeople had already begun to move to the left bank of the Sukhona and founded a new settlement there, named after the mouth of the Yug River, Ust-Yug or Ustyug. Ustyug became great during its heyday, in the 16th century, when the commercial importance of Ustyug increased so much that Ivan IV included it among the oprichnina cities. Until the end of the 17th century, Ustyug was the center of the vast Veliko Ustyug region. Almost all foreign trade of the Russian state (at that time still without access to the Baltic Sea) was carried out through Vologda, Totma, Veliky Ustyug and Arkhangelsk. The city flourished.
In the 18th century, with the discovery of the Baltic, Veliky Ustyug, like many other northern cities, lost its trade and transport significance. In 1708, Peter I divided the country into eight provinces, Veliky Ustyug became part of the Arkhangelsk province. The city became part of the Vologda region in 1937.
The city of Veliky Ustyug, like the entire Vologda region, is located in the same time zone with Moscow.
Religious buildings
Veliky Ustyug is rightfully called the city of temples. Many ancient churches and cathedrals are located not only within the city limits, but also outside it. Most of them are not operational and have become architectural monuments.
Orthodox parish of the Cathedral of the Righteous Procopius
The temple was erected on the burial site of the holy martyr Procopius, considered the patron saint of the city. The first wooden church has stood on this site since 1471. The stone building of the cathedral was built in 1668, sponsored by merchants Vasily and Afanasy Guselnikov. The facade of the ancient temple is decorated with an ancient fresco “The Last Supper”. The myrrh-streaming icon of the Annunciation is kept inside.
Since 2014 it has become the main Cathedral of the Veliky Ustyug diocese.
Address: st. Embankment, 57.
Cathedral of the Assumption
The oldest and first stone building in the city. The first temple was erected at the beginning of the 17th century, but a fire destroyed the wooden structure. A few years later, a stone cathedral appeared on the same site. Adjacent to the main building is a bell tower, consisting of 2 towers connected to each other.
One of them is crowned with a dome, and the second is decorated with a finial in a classical style. The extraordinary architecture adds charm and splendor to the building. The Assumption Cathedral is a functioning temple.
Address: Cathedral Courtyard, Sovetsky Ave. 62.
Michael the Archangel Monastery
The oldest temple in northern Russia was built at the beginning of the 13th century. Later, the wooden building underwent changes in its design, which has remained unchanged to this day. The appearance and interior decoration of the monastery has been preserved to the present day from the 17th-18th centuries. V.
You can visit it at any time of the year, but it is best to go on a tour of the surrounding area in the summer. The monastery has not been active for several decades; now the building serves exclusively as a historical and architectural monument.
Address: Veliky Ustyug, st. Pavel Pokrovsky, 13
Church of the Ascension
Currently, a museum of ancient Russian art is opened in the temple building. Here are collected ancient books from the libraries of local monasteries and churches, ancient icons dating from the 15th-17th centuries, several iconostases from the 17th-18th centuries. V. On the second floor is the main asset of the museum - the miraculous icon “Our Lady Hodegetria of Smolensk”, with which the locals associate many legends.
According to one version, during the attack of the Novgorodians on the city in the 17th century. she was kidnapped. But during their return to their native lands, some of the soldiers died, while others became blind. The ruler ordered the burned church to be rebuilt and the stolen icon returned.
On the territory of the museum there is an icon painter’s workshop, where master classes are regularly held. Anyone can learn more about the paint used for the icon, watch the artists work and try to create an ornament themselves.
To visit the museum you will have to pay 100 rubles, and for children, students and the elderly - 2 times less.
Address: Veliky Ustyug, Sovetsky pr., 86
Trinity-Gledensky Monastery
A few kilometers from the city there is another attraction. The construction of the monastery was completed in the 13th century. Gradually the monastery fell into decay, and after several centuries it ceased to be active. In the 20th century it was decided to open a museum within its walls.
The main value of the Trinity-Gledensky Monastery is the wooden iconostasis. Its creation lasted 8 years. The icons were painted by the best artists; craftsmen worked on wood carving for 3 years. Many see similarities between the iconostasis and works of the Renaissance; a distinctive feature is the presence of large wooden sculptures.
The cost of visiting is 150 rubles. Children, students and pensioners must pay 50 rubles less.
Address: Morozovitsa village, st. Central, 122
Veliky Ustyug blackening on silver
In the 17th century, a famous Russian folk art craft developed in Veliky Ustyug - Veliky Ustyug silver blackening. In 1936, the Northern Mob artel was headed by a graduate of the St. Petersburg Academy of Artists E.P. Shilnikovsky. An excellent draftsman and graphic artist, he created entire series based on the works of Pushkin, Gogol, and Krylov, for which he received a gold medal with a diploma at an exhibition in Paris in 1937. In 1961, the artel was renamed into a factory, then, today it produces artistic silver products, including jewelry. The craftsmen use the most ancient technology known today and turn to the traditions of ancient Russian applied art. To decorate the works, large floral patterns are mainly used, with birds, fairy-tale and mythological creatures included in them. Of particular importance was the plot engraving, very rich, much denser in color than Moscow or St. Petersburg.
Souvenirs from the Veliky Ustyug Patterns factory are also known (weaving, carving and painting on birch bark: boxes, tues, etc.).
Where to eat
Most of the best eateries in Veliky Ustyug are located in the historical part of the city, in close proximity to the main attractions. Famous restaurants are located in the city center and on the territory of Father Frost's Estate.
They offer an inexpensive and quick snack during an excursion to iconic places:
- Cafe "Gostiny Dvorik" in the building of the Dvina Hotel. Guests can enjoy a varied selection of national dishes. The average cost of lunch is 850-1000 rubles. for 2 people Address: st. Red, 104.
- People's cafe "Romanov" , located at the address: lane. Krasny, 15. The menu is dominated by Russian cuisine. The average cost of a full meal for two is 1,200 rubles.
- Cafe-dining room "Trapeza" on Sovetsky Ave., 72. The main part of the menu consists of national and European dishes. A set lunch and inexpensive breakfasts are available on weekdays. Price for a 3-course lunch and dessert – 900 rubles.
- Pizzeria “Felicita” is located on the street. Vinogradova, 41. A huge selection of pizza for every taste, as well as Italian dishes and hot snacks. The average bill is 250-400 rubles.
Cafe "Gostiny Dvorik"
Among the best restaurants where you can have an unforgettable romantic dinner or relax with the whole family are:
- The Aivazovsky restaurant is located in the Prokopyevsky shopping center. The menu has a wide variety of dishes from Russian and European cuisine. Address: st. Gledenskaya, 61. Dinner for 2 persons – from 2500 rubles.
- The Izumrud restaurant offers delicious European and Asian cuisine. Average cost of dinner per 1 person. – 750 rub. There is live music every evening and various shows on the weekends. Address: st. Krasnaya, no. 31.
Restaurant Uspensky
The most aromatic pastries and delicious ice cream are offered by the Zolotaya Rybka cafe. Pancakes with different fillings are especially popular among visitors. The average check amount (for 3 persons) is 700 rubles. Address: Sovetsky Avenue, 68 A.
The patrimony of Santa Claus.
In 1999, the tourism project “Veliky Ustyug - the birthplace of Father Frost” was launched. The grand opening of the House of Father Frost took place on December 25, 1999. Specialized bus travel and tourist trains from Moscow, St. Petersburg, Vologda, and Kazan have been developed. Every year Veliky Ustyug is visited by hundreds of thousands of tourists. Millions of letters are sent to Santa Claus from children from around the world.
Hotels
There are quite a lot of hotels and mini-hotels of different categories in the city. It is better to choose accommodation depending on the main purpose of the trip:
Near Moroz's estate:
- Hotel complex "Votchina". The room stock consists of several detached cottages, of which 6 belong to the “Improved Standard” category at a price of 3,800 rubles per day. The most budget-friendly accommodation option is the Terema “Clear Sun” and “Tsvetik-Semitsvetik” (from 1,200 rubles/day). Cottages No. 4, 5, 6 correspond to the “Apartments” category, daily accommodation from 4,000 rubles. Address: Veliky Ustyug district, Lopatnikovo village, Father Frost's Estate.
- Mini-hotel "Ustyuggaz" is located on the territory of the Votchina. Vacationers are offered double rooms with an improved layout (several have extra beds). There are a total of 5 guest rooms in the hotel. Accommodation cost from 2300 rub./day. Address: Veliky Ustyug, the estate of Father Frost
Guest house "Three Bogatyrs"
Not far from the central part of the city:
- Hotel "Chaika" offers double rooms from the "Standard" to "Apartment" categories. Cost of living from 2000 rub. per day per room. The main attractions are 1 km away. Address: pl. Kommuny, 3
- State House "Three Heroes". The family mini-hotel has only 4 rooms of different categories, designed to accommodate from 2 to 5 people. Room price from 2100 rub. Address: Sovetsky Prospekt, 2G.
- Hotel "Gleden". The hotel is surrounded by a pine park. The city center is 2 km away. The following are available to vacationers: single rooms – from 1,700 rubles/day, double rooms – from 2,800 rubles/day, rooms of the “Superior” category – 4,500 rubles/day. Address: st. Gledenskaya, 75.
- Hotel "Dvina" in the very center of Veliky Ustyug. The main attractions are 5 minutes away. walking. The room capacity includes single rooms at prices starting from 2,400 rubles. per day, 2-bed rooms - from 3000 rubles, 3-bed rooms - from 3600 rubles. and family (can accommodate up to 4 guests) - from 4,200 rubles. Address: st. Krasnaya, no. 104.
How to get to Veliky Ustyug
By car.
- From Moscow to Ustyug 920 km.
- From St. Petersburg to Veliky Ustyug 1100 km.
- From Vologda to Veliky Ustyug is 450 km, about 8-9 hours of travel.
- From Arkhangelsk to Ustyug 650 km.
By train.
There is no direct train from Moscow to Veliky Ustyug. Specialized children's tourist trains from Moscow, Vologda, Cherepovets and St. Petersburg run only during the winter and spring holidays. In other cases, the trip will take about 20 hours:
- You can get with a transfer by long-distance train "Moscow - Vorkuta" (Moscow - Syktyvkar, St. Petersburg - Syktyvkar, St. Petersburg - Vorkuta, St. Petersburg - Mikun, Moscow - Labytnangi, Murmansk - Kotlas) to the Yadrikha station. There, transfer to the Yadrikha - Veliky Ustyug bus. Or to Kotlas, there you can also take a bus. The bus from Kotlas takes an hour and a half to Ustyug. Halfway through the journey it stops at Yadrikha station and picks up passengers for Ustyug. You can also get there by taxi; taxis are always on duty at the station.
- Board the trailer carriage of the Moscow-Kotlas long-distance train. At the Yadrikha station, the carriage will be coupled to a train that will take you to Veliky Ustyug.
By bus.
- From Kotlas there is bus 505 to Veliky Ustyug. (via Jadriha). Travel time is 1-1.5 hours.
- Bus 707 runs from Vologda. Travel time is 11-12 hours.
- Bus Kirov - Veliky Ustyug
- Bus Arkhangelsk - Veliky Ustyug
- Bus Uren - Veliky Ustyug
By plane.
- The fastest way to Veliky Ustyug is by plane, but it also requires a transfer in Cherepovets. From Vnukovo airport take the Moscow-Cherepovets plane. Travel time is 1 hour. Transfer to "Cherepovets - Veliky Ustyug" travel time 1 hour 30 minutes.
- From Vologda there is a flight to Ustyug 2 times a week, the flight time is less than an hour.
Educational establishments
Veliky Ustyug Polytechnic College
Polytechnic College website.
BOU SPO VO "Velikoustyug Humanitarian Pedagogical College"
Website of the Veliky Ustyug Humanitarian and Pedagogical College.
Veliky Ustyug branch of the Federal Budget Educational Institution of Higher Professional Education "MGAVT"
Website of the Veliky Ustyug branch of the Federal Budget Educational Institution of Higher Professional Education "MGAVT". The river school website provides information for applicants, namely a list of specialties at the school, admission conditions, necessary documents, lists of applicants, contacts and much more useful information for those who are going to or studying at the river school.
GOU SPO "Velikoustyug Medical College named after N.P. Bychikhin"
Website of the Veliky Ustyug Medical College named after N.P. Bychikhin.
Vologda State Technical University (VSTU)
Website of the Vologda State Technical University (VSTU).
Vologda State Pedagogical University (VSPU)
Website of the Vologda State Pedagogical University (VSPU).
Veliky Ustyug Children's Art School
Website for children's art school.
Website of the municipal educational institution "Gymnasium"
The website " MOU Gymnasium " is the official website of the school.
Websites of city schools
There are about 10 schools in the city, but not each of them has its own website. Therefore, we could not find the website of school 1, the website of school 4, and the websites of other schools
