Carol and JB Visit Yaroslavl
Wednesday, June 6
On Wednesday we’re headed for Yaroslavl, Russia – a town of about 630,000 inhabitants founded in 1010. The town was not destroyed in World War II although the Nazis came within 100 miles. The town is about 200 miles square – about 4 hours from Moscow by train. In 1916, there were 77 stone churches and monasteries in Yaroslavl; but the communists destroyed about 60% of them. Today, there are 26 churches and 2 monasteries. The monastery here was closed by the soviets in 1922 and the monks thrown out. It wasn’t until perestroika (restructuring) in 1991 that the churches were allowed to function again. Today, about 15% of Russians attend church regularly but the number is rising. Unemployment here is about 3%.
Coming up to Yaroslavl, I took some pictures of one of the most attractive Russia locks we’re been though. The first 3 shots are looking off the stern of the ship as another ship comes up behind us and then a little tug boat fellow joins us.
Below, you can see the gate rising up to seal the lock. And the last shot is looking off the bow as the gates open up at the other end of the lock.
A palace along the banks. And in Yaroslavl, the yellow administration building on the square – across from the Church of Elijah the Prophet – built in the 18th century.
This is the Church of Elijah the Prophet. It was built in 1615. The guide asked us how long we think it took to paint the frescos and icons inside the church. We guessed years, but it took only 2 months – which is pretty amazing. This church was built and owned by a pair of merchant brothers. The icons and frescos inside were amazing. In case you are wondering, I am NOT one of the people who is tired of seeing gorgeous artwork in churches…
Amazing frescos inside.
This pillar of carved leaves and grapes is made of wood and carved from a single log – it’s not pieced together.
Here is another beautiful church and a shot of a market stall in the open air market.
Puppetry is very big in Russia. We went to the puppet theater here in Yaroslavl – built in 1715 – the first theater in Russia. We were able to go in an watch rehearsals for Alice in Wonderland. None of my pictures turned out. But these puppets from past shows were fun.
One of the tourist items in Yaroslavl, and really everywhere, is Russian lacquered boxes. These are second only to the nested wooden dolls and carved eggs.
Here is a bell player in the monastery. No photos of the monastery are included here. The photo on the right is of a colorful church on the bank.
See you soon,
Carol and JB
Posted June 16, 2103 by JB Leep (Google Profile)
Original date April, 2013, Yaroslavl, a Wonderful Russian Town, JB Leep and Carol Martin