Vologda region, Veliky Ustyug (city): history, sights and description

Great Ustyug - a small town, and, it seems, is not remarkable. However, for centuries he played an important role in the cultural life of the Russian North.

Prehistory of the city

The first Russian settlement in this place was founded by the Rostov-Suzdal princes in the 12th century. It was called Gleden (Glyadene), as it was on a high mountain, from which it was convenient to observe the surroundings. However, it is known that even earlier, since the 9th century, there was a Finno-Ugric settlement here.

The Gleden fortress was often besieged and flooded during the floods of the rivers of Sukhona and the South, so gradually the inhabitants began to move to the nearest settlements. One of them became Ustyug.

By the way, some researchers note that the name of the city is most likely derived from the name of the South River, since it is located at its mouth.

Founding of the Mikhailo-Arkhangelsk Monastery

At the beginning of the 13th century Rostov the Great and the nearest cities, including Ustyug, moved to the "jurisdiction" of the Vladimir princes. Thus, Vsevolod the Great Nest allocated an inheritance to his son Constantine, who was the eldest of his 8 sons.

As historians suggest, initially Ustyug was an ordinary outpost and did not have capital fortifications. This meant that he was not even considered a real city in the understanding of that time. However, soon the development of Ustyug accelerated, because there supposedly in 1212 the Michael-Archangel Monastery was founded. This event coincides with the first mentions of the city in written sources - chronicles and the lives of saints, including those telling about the spiritual feat of the monk Cyprian, the founder of the monastery.

The Michael-Archangel Monastery exists to this day. This monument of medieval church architecture is one of the most famous tourist attractions not only of the city, but of the entire Vologda region. In Soviet times, the museum was founded on the territory of the monastery, as well as a trucking technical school. Today the complex is returned to the church, however the monastery continues to remain inactive.

The "Great" Ustyug

The city was so important to the princes that they did not spare money for its arrangement. Even when in 1218 Ustyug was plundered by the Volga Bulgars, he quickly recovered. Most likely, this was due to the fact that the city was located on the border with the Novgorod land, being a stronghold of the Russian state.

Subsequently, the value of Ustyug only grew. So, in 1521, the Mikhailo-Arkhangelsk Monastery received an Incomplete Letter from the Basil III, the Moscow Grand Duke. Valued Ustyug and Ivan the Terrible, who introduced him to the number of "oprichny" cities, which meant certain privileges. At this time, the word "Great" is added to the name of the settlement.

Fire and recovery

Great Ustyug retained its importance until the 18th century. Under Peter the Great, trade routes in Russia have changed. Foreign merchants stopped visiting Great Ustyug. The city received provincial status. Despite the loss of economic importance, he remained famous for his ancient churches and other cultural monuments.

At the end of the 18th century, several large fires occurred there, almost completely destroying the "posad" part of the settlement. Several variants of restructuring were proposed. The best project recognized the work of the land surveyor Golubev. It was on this plan that the Great Ustyug began to be built up. The streets of the city in the historical part still preserve the features that were acquired during the reconstruction works of that period.

XX-XXI century

After the October Revolution, Soviet power came to the city. Its establishment had a controversial significance for Veliky Ustyug: the city turned into an important educational center (in 1922 the university was opened), industrial enterprises were put into operation. But at the same time, the Bolsheviks destroyed many ancient churches and other structures, thus causing enormous damage to the original architectural appearance of the locality.

In the new millennium, the fate of the region in question is changing again. Not the least role in this played the city administration. Great Ustyug gradually becomes one of the most famous tourist centers of the Russian North. For this, new hotels are being built there and recreational facilities are being created, attractive both for adults and for children.

sights

Great Ustyug (a nice and beautiful city) has long been considered a museum under the open sky. There are many buildings of the 19th century (houses of Usov, Okhlopkov and others - just a few dozen buildings), as well as the Baroque church of Simeon Stylites (18th century). The Cathedral courtyard, where the Assumption Cathedral, the operating church of St. Procopius of the Righteous, Archbishop's house of the 18th century, as well as old farm buildings.

National crafts

Among the attractions can also be attributed to the plant "Northern Black". Thanks to its products, the words "Vologda Oblast" and "Veliky Ustyug" are known in many parts of our vast homeland, and perhaps far beyond its borders. They produce a variety of souvenirs made of silver with a special blackening. This folk craft originated in the 17th century, and already then decorations from Veliky Ustyug were carried with pleasure by nobles not only at the court of the Russian Tsar, but also abroad.

And still here operates the enterprise "Velikoustyugskie Uzory", where we are engaged in weaving of birch bark and painting on it.

"Homeland of Father Frost"

Where else to live the ruler of winter, if not in the Russian North! In 1999, everyone learned that although many cities of Russia claimed the title of Father Frost's homeland, Veliky Ustyug was recognized as the most suitable for this role.

The "residence" of this fairy-tale hero beloved by children is a whole tourist project, attracting many thousands of people from all over the country every year. In its framework, various events and competitions are held. In addition, Santa Claus accepts letters from children. To the main wizard of Russia, by the way, babies from many countries write. Every letter is considered, and no one is left without a gift.

In addition to the city residence with a museum and post, in the vicinity of the village there is a suburban "Father-in-law of Santa Claus". There the children are waiting for a meeting with the magician and his granddaughter - the Snow Maiden. Around the magnificent wooden tower there is a park, excursions are conducted by fairy-tale characters, entertaining children with games, riddles and stories about fabulous living.

Be sure to visit Veliky Ustyug! The history of the city in general terms is already known to you, and you will be able to find out more details at the Local History Museum. And do not forget to bring your children with you. After all, what can bring great joy to kids than a trip to visit Grandfather Frost!