Volokolamsk is one of the cities of the Moscow region, and it would be completely unremarkable if it were not for its ancient history and the ensemble of the Kremlin that has survived to this day. If we turn to historical documents, it is easy to see that the Slavic settlement on the site of this settlement existed even before the founding of Moscow. The Volokolamsk Kremlin is a significant and unique architectural monument, open today for tourists.
History of the city and the Kremlin
The first mention of the city in this area in historical documents date back to 1135. At that time, the settlement was called Volok na Lama. This is the oldest city in the entire Moscow region, even the capital itself, it is at least 12 years older. Often it was simply called Volok or Volok Lamsky - hence it is not difficult to guess the origin of the modern name. Why has the city been so strangely named since its founding?
Everything is quite simple. Once upon a timeNovgorodians "dragged" (transported) their ships from the Lama River to Voloshnya. On the highest hill there was an ancient Slavic settlement, surrounded by a rampart and fortified with wooden walls, with towers and a palisade. The city was destroyed several times, and over time, majestic cathedrals grew on the site of the ancient fortress - this is the modern Volokolamsk Kremlin. The history of each of the buildings on its territory is fascinating and impressive. The Resurrection Cathedral was built around 1480 by order of Prince Volotsky - today it is the oldest building in the architectural complex. In 1853-1862. Nikolsky Cathedral was built in memory of those killed in the Crimean War.
The Kremlin in Volokolamsk during the Second World War and later
Once upon a time there were as many as five monasteries in Volokolamsk, each of which served as a fortress during enemy raids. Today, only the ensemble of the Kremlin and several churches remain from all this splendor. The Resurrection Cathedral was closed in the 1930s. During the Great Patriotic War, it was a camp for captured Germans. After the end of hostilities, the cathedral remained closed and partially destroyed for a long time.
In the 1960s, the Volokolamsk Kremlin was recognized as an architectural monument and included in the protection and restoration program. The museum and exhibition complex was officially opened in 1989. Since then, it has been incredibly popular with tourists.
Religious buildings of the Volokolamsk Kremlin
The Resurrection Cathedral is one of the oldest in the Moscow region. It was built in the XVcentury. The structure is made of Myachkovo white stone. The massive four-pillared cathedral is crowned with one dome with a helmet-like dome, which is completed by an openwork cross. Horizontally, the facade of the temple is visually divided into two parts thanks to the terracotta frieze. The Resurrection Cathedral is distinguished by the correct proportions and looks incredibly harmonious. In the 19th century, a bell tower with 5 tiers was attached to the temple building. Today, the building of the cathedral belongs to the local museum of local lore, but some of the premises have been restored, and services are held here weekly.
The second temple is Nikolsky. It was erected at the end of the 19th century in memory of the victims of the Crimean War. This temple is also single-domed, with a facade decorated in pseudo-Russian style. On the facade there are two rows of windows framed by platbands. Inside the cathedral today there is a museum of local lore, where you can see exhibits telling about the history of the region from the 4th century BC. The building of the Sunday school has also been turned into another exhibition hall. The Volokolamsk Kremlin boasts another attraction - a fence with red brick turrets, built in 1862. One of the corner towers is a chapel.
Museum and exhibitions in the Volokolamsk Kremlin
In the historical center of Volokolamsk, you can not only admire the monuments of architecture, but also learn a lot about this amazing region. Most of the buildings of the Kremlin are reserved for the expositions of the local history museum, during which you cantrace the entire history of the region from the moment the first people appeared in these places (4th century BC). It is useful to know that if you decide to go around the entire Volokolamsk Kremlin, the opening hours of the museum departments are from 9.00 to 17.00.
During the tours you can learn the full history of the founding of the city, interesting facts about the construction of monasteries, temples and other outstanding buildings, as well as "get to know" better many of the outstanding people who lived and worked here many years ago.
Useful information for tourists
The Volokolamsk Kremlin is regularly visited not only by those wishing to look at the ancient monuments of architecture, but also by believers. The Resurrection Cathedral today is both a functioning temple and one of the exhibition halls of the local history museum of Volokolamsk. It is more difficult to get to the service than to see the museum collection - religious events are held here on average once a week. One of the most interesting offers for tourists is climbing the bell tower. The cost of such an excursion is only about 100 rubles (adult ticket without benefits). Visitors can climb up to the third tier (observation deck with bells).
The bell tower of the Resurrection Cathedral offers an incredibly picturesque view of the Kremlin and the entire city.
How to get to Volokolamsk?
The ancient city is located 98 kilometers from Moscow. From the capital, you can get to Volokolamsk by suburban electric trains and regularbus (bus station near the metro station "Tushinskaya"). By private car, you can go along the Novorizhskoye or Volokolamskoye highway, follow the signs along the way. When going on a tourist trip, remember that the Volokolamsk Kremlin museum and exhibition complex is open only until 17.00.
