Sightseeing in Ryazan - what to see. Complete travel guide
Today, Ryazan is the administrative center of the region located 200 km far from Moscow. Originally, Ryazan was known as Peryslavl. The city was formed at the site of one of the ancient cropping area located on the Oka banks. There had been settlements since ancient times, as the River Oka had long become an important trade route connecting Europe and the East. Due to this feature, Peryslavl could easily make contact with other Russian lands and Byzantium.
By the time the city was formed here, these lands had belonged to the Principality of Chernigov that struggled with Vladimir dukes for it. The city grew and became impregnable for enemies. Its location was very advantageous. The fertile lands around the city and the crossroad of trade routes from the East and the West contributed to the development of the settlement.
In the 15th century, the city continued to develop and be built up. At that time, the stone Cathedral of the Assumption was built. Only its apses have survived to this day. Until the 16th century, the Peryslavl had been relatively free. Although it had to pay taxes, it was governed by the Ryazan duke. Moscow continued exerting pressure on Peryslavl, which bore fruit. In the 16th century, the city started to be governed by the Moscow vicar.
In the 18th century, the Ryazan vicegerency was established. Its administrative center was Peryslavl that’s called Ryazan since that time. Of course, the fortress lost its military significance and stopped attracting attention. New stone buildings were built then. Ryazan was rapidly developing. The industry developed too. At the beginning of the 20th century, the city could be boldly considered as a large industrial center. Today, it is well developed from an economical point of view. Its plants’ products are exported to over 70 countries of the world.
One of the main historical symbols of Ryazan is the wonderful Ryazan Kremlin that has a status of the museum and reserve now. It was built in the late 19th century. The first stone defensive constructions appeared here in the 15th century. In the territory of the Kremlin, there is the Cathedral of the Assumption and Nativity Church that are some of the most beautiful in the city. The Kremlin is located on a small hill, so its territory has a spectacular panoramic view of the neighborhood.
Tours to the Cathedral of the Transfiguration of the Saviour that was founded in the period between 13th and 14th centuries are very popular too. Originally, the monastery was wooden. It was rebuilt and stone constructions appeared only in the middle of the 17th century. In 1647, the monastery was damaged significantly in a fire. It was destroyed almost completely. The complex was restored not so long ago. The friary has been working since 2005.
One of the oldest religious constructions in the city is Savior Church. The exact date of its construction is not known. The first written references to the church date back to 1626. After the Revolution, like other religious monuments, the church was ravaged and closed but was not destroyed. In 1955, the old church started to be reconstructed and gained its religious status back. Now, it is the main value of the Cathedral Park.
The beautiful historic building with columns is occupied by the Pozhalostin Art Museum. It presents several thousand pieces of art, including works of famous foreign and Russian artists of the 15th-20th centuries. This museum will certainly impress fans of Surikov, Shishkin, Repin, Korovin, Vrubel, and other outstanding Russian painters.
In Ryazan, there is the Museum of I. P. Pavlov. This is the house where the famous Russian academician lived. His wooden house has preserved its atmosphere of the early 20th century. The museum exposure shows the great researcher’s personal items and different antiques.
This guide to iconic landmarks and sights of Ryazan is protected by the copyright law. You can re-publish this content with mandatory attribution: direct and active hyperlink to www.orangesmile.com.
City tours, excursions and tickets in Ryazan and surroundings
Reference information
Map of all castles
Survived castles around Ryazan
♥ Castle 'Ryazan Kremlin' , 1.8 km from the center. On the map
Photo
Map of all parks
National and city parks around Ryazan
♥ National Park 'Meschersky' , 63.7 km from the center. On the map
Photo
Sightseeing in Russia: things to see
The city of Saint Petersburg remains the cultural capital of Russia. Nearly every street in this city is an important historic and architectural place of interest. Travelers are recommended to visit Peterhof, a famous series of palaces and gardens, which is located not far away from the center of the city. Peterhof was built by initiative and under control of Russian tsar Peter the Great. Nowadays, the palace exhibits numerous historic documents, plans and drafts. The Smolny Cathedral is one more famous attraction of the city that is also recommended to visit. The beautiful cathedral is made in best traditions of baroque style. Its height is 94 metres; its halls and the facade are decorated with gilding, and blue walls of the cathedral feature skillfully made fretwork. Inner premises of the Smolny are no less beautiful and amaze visitors with stunning frescoes and carvings.
… Open 
Search touristic sites on the map of Ryazan
All about Ryazan, Russia - sightseeings, attractions, touristic spots, architecture, history, culture and cuisine. Prepare your trip together with OrangeSmile.com - find out the 'must see' things in Ryazan, which places to visit, which excursions to take, where the breathtaking views are waiting for you. Planning your trip with this travel guide will help your to get the most out of Ryazan in few days.
