What to see and where to walk in Old Ladoga. Old Ladoga - attractions, description, history and interesting facts Most often tourists visit

Sights of Staraya Ladoga. At the present time, Staraya Ladoga is not a large village; previously it was one of the most big cities Russia. Staraya Ladoga is the first ancient capital of Rus', which already makes it a tourist attraction. This is where ancient structures, artifacts and burials are located.

You can get to Staraya Ladoga using regular buses, by train, by train and by car. The village is located 120 km from St. Petersburg. What to see in Staraya Ladoga?

Tourists, historians and archaeologists flock here, both from all over Russia and from abroad. Having visited Staraya Ladoga, you will plunge into the world of antiquity and get acquainted with local attractions. You can see the village and its surroundings on your own, or as part of excursion group, where you will be introduced in detail to the description and history of all artifacts and attractions.

The territory of Staraya Ladoga and its surroundings belong to the Staraya Ladoga Historical, Architectural and Archaeological Museum-Reserve. All attractions are connected with history ancient Rus'. You will be able to get acquainted with architectural sights, shrines, monuments and memorials.

Architectural sights of Staraya Ladoga

Fortresses

• Staraya Ladoga Fortress was first built of wood in the 9th century and performed defensive functions from the outside Baltic Sea. The stone fortress was built in the 12th century and was completed and rebuilt several times. The fortress itself is located in the center of the village and is its “heart”. The Staraya Ladoga fortress was built at the confluence of the Ladozhka River and the Volkhov, which complemented its defensive capabilities.

The fortress was repeatedly attacked, destroyed, and sieged, which is why buildings dating back to the 16th century have survived to this day. Of its five towers, only two have been preserved and reconstructed, Klimentovskaya and Vorotnaya; in some places the thickness of the walls ranges from 5 to 7 meters. The Rolling, Switch and Secret towers lie in ruins.

On the territory of the fortress there is a church and a cathedral. The fortress lost its defensive functions and strategic importance at the beginning of the 18th century, after the conquest of Noteburg. Now you can visit the fortress any day, and in the summer festivals and holidays are held on its territory.

• Lyubsha fortress was discovered not so long ago. Historians began studying it at the end of the 20th century. The Lyubsha fortress is the oldest stone structure, which, unfortunately, has not survived. In the 8th century it was a major shopping mall, located not far from the border, but the village was abandoned in the 9th century.

Now all that remains of the fortress are two-meter-high ruins and ramparts, and the area around the fortress is overgrown, so it cannot be immediately seen. However, there is beautiful nature here, which, together with the fortress, is depicted by the famous artist Nicholas Roerich in his painting “Overseas Guests”.

• Zemlyanoye settlement located in the south of the Staraya Ladoga fortress, surrounded by wooden and earthen ramparts dating back to the 16th century. The Zemlyanoye settlement and the Staraya Ladoga fortress were the main defensive structures until the eighteenth century.

Currently, archaeological excavations are being carried out on the territory of the settlement; many artifacts and household items from the 8th to 11th centuries, which are of European and Arab origin, have been found. You can visit the ancient building and attend the excavations, immersing yourself in the spirit of that time.

• Stone Chapel was built in 1913 by the architect N. Brandenburg, on the site of the Spassky Church. The initiator of the construction was the Imperial Geographical Society, which decided to build a shrine on the site of the previous one, which had not survived.
• Houses of the Kolyazin merchants. In one of the houses, a wooden one, there is a museum “Merchant Life of Staraya Ladoga”, which displays household items, dishes, clothes of merchants and peasants of the 19th -20th centuries. Where you can see how merchants of that time lived.

In the stone house of the Kolyazins there is an archaeological museum, which displays exhibits of ancient Ladoga, because excavations on this territory have been carried out since the 19th century.

Historical sights of Staraya Ladoga

• Estate "Uspenskoe" adjacent to the Assumption Monastery. The estate was erected by Lieutenant General R.N. Tomilin and was rebuilt by his son. Tomilin was a connoisseur of art; famous artists such as Aivazovsky, Roerich, Kiprensky, Venetsianov often visited his house. And in his house there was a collection of paintings by these and other famous artists. After the revolution, the estate was confiscated, and a collection of 6,000 paintings and objects was transferred to the St. Petersburg Museum, among which were paintings by Rembrandt.

Now the estate is in an abandoned state and the entrance to the building is closed, but many tourists and local residents They love to stroll along the alleys and parks of this estate.

• Museum of the Staraya Ladoga Fortress located in the Gate Tower of the Staraya Ladoga Fortress on the second and third tiers. The museum includes all churches, buildings, mounds and other structures located in Staraya Ladoga. Separately presented are exhibits in the form of household items, dishes, weapons, and armor from the Middle Ages, discovered in this area by archaeologists.

In the summer, on the territory of Staraya Ladoga, an annual thematic festival “The First Capital of Rus'” is held, where everyone can try on chain mail, local residents prepare ancient recipes, and battles are held with the help of ancient weapons. Anyone can attend this wonderful event and plunge into the Middle Ages.

• Varyazhskaya street- this is the oldest street of ancient Rus'. A walk along this street is a tradition for all tourists. Now there are modern buildings on the street, but archaeologists and historians still find objects from the 9th-10th centuries on this street, which has made it popular. It is on this street that there is a Stone Chapel, built in 1913, on the site where the Spasky Church stood, destroyed by time. Along Varyazhskaya Street there are houses of the Kalyazin merchants and the famous Falcon sculpture.
• Kurgans They don't look like anything special, but it's worth realizing that these mounds date back to the 8th-9th centuries, which makes them special. In total, there are three burial mounds in Sopki - these are ancient burial places. According to one theory of historians, one of the mounds is the burial place of Prince Oleg. The mounds have artificially and naturally created catacombs, but there is no way to get into them. The mounds are easy to climb and offer amazing views of the Volkhov River.
• Oleg's grave- one of the oldest burial places in Russia, so many tourists visit the mounds every day. There is an opinion that the energy of these places has healing properties. Having visited these parts, be sure to visit the mounds dating back to the 8th-9th century. However, be careful when going up and down the hills, as they are flanked on one side by a gentle slope down to the river.
• Caves in Staraya Ladoga were created in the 19th century by people who mined white quartz sandstone here, used in the glass industry. There are several caves here, the most famous of which are Staroladozhskaya, Tanechkina, and Malyshka. The length of some caves reaches 7.5 km, some passages in the caves are blocked, so it is better to visit the cave not alone, but as part of an excursion group, so as not to get lost.

In Tanechkena Cave there is underground lake, which practically does not dry out, and patterns from various rocks are visible on the walls. A large number of bats hibernate in the cave. It is safe to visit the caves under the guidance of an experienced guide and wearing comfortable shoes, since many passages in the caves are blocked and flooded.

• Tract "Pobedishche" is located on the southern outskirts of the village of Staraya Ladoga, the discoverer of which was the geographer N.E. Branderbug. The remains of people, horses, and weapons were discovered here.

According to legend, it was here that a major battle with the Swedes took place, in which many warriors died, whose blood flowed down the stream into the waters of the Volkhov River. Not far from the tract flows this stream, which is called “Bloody”.

• Sopki tract – This is a cluster of mounds in the form of ancient burials. There is still controversy over the most famous burial - Oleg's grave, which has been studied since the 19th century; one of the archaeologists found human remains, but evidence of authenticity is still in doubt.

• Lyubsha settlement was discovered in 1997 and is considered the oldest building, dating from the 7th century. However, according to research, the fortress was abandoned in the 9th century, as it lost its defensive significance for the Slavs.

• Gorchakovshchinsky waterfall located near the village. Its peculiarity is that it is the most high waterfall throughout Leningrad region, its height is 4 meters. It is located on a small river flowing into the Volkhov. The waterfall is surrounded by greenery and picturesque terrain; you can find it with the help of local residents or on your own.

Shrines of Staraya Ladoga

In the territory small village Staraya Ladoga is located a large number of churches, temples, monasteries. This is due to the fact that Staraya Ladoga is considered the first capital of Rus', which makes them unique, let's look at some of them:

• Nikolsiky monastery on its territory it has the Church of St. Nicholas, the Church of St. John Chrysostom, a bell tower and a number of monastery buildings. The founder of the monastery was Alexander Nevsky in 1240, after the victory over the Swedes.

In 1611, the monastery was almost completely destroyed by the Swedes, after which it was rebuilt. The building of the monastery has had a difficult history. In the 17th century, Valaam monks moved here after the destruction of their monastery by the Swedes. In 1927 the monastery was closed, Soviet time On the territory of the monastery there was a school, a dormitory and a warehouse for agricultural machinery.

In 1974, the St. Nicholas Monastery was recognized as a historical monument of national significance. Reconstruction work there is still underway. The main attraction of the Nikolsky Monastery is that a particle of relics of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker.

• Holy Dormition Monastery and Assumption Church. The Assumption Church was built in 1156, and is one of the oldest buildings in Staraya Ladoga; the remaining buildings adjacent to the monastery were erected in the 19th century.

The Assumption Monastery was originally a men's monastery, but was later transferred to nuns. The monastery was famous for its different time Famous women, such as Evdokia Fedorovna Lopukhina, wife of Peter 1, Evdokia Hannibal, were imprisoned on its territory. During the imprisonment of the wife of Peter 1, the tonsure of new nuns was stopped, parishioners were prohibited from entering the monastery territory, and a military guard was on duty. Later, relatives of the Decembrists were exiled here.

The temple building dates back to the pre-Mongol period and has a large number of frescoes that are not very well preserved.

On the territory of the monastery there is the Church of the Exaltation of the Cross, where the relics of saints are kept, which significantly increases the flow of tourists and pilgrims.

• Church of the Nativity of John the Baptist erected in 1695 on Malysheva Mountain. There was previously a monastery here, dating back to the 13th century, but one stone building has survived.

At the beginning of the 20th century, the church began to sag due to voids and caves in the mountain, formed as a result of the extraction of quartz sand by local residents. After which it was necessary to save the temple from destruction by filling the voids with concrete. In the temple there is the limit of St. Paraskeva Pyatnitsa, and not far from the temple, the spring of St. Paraskeva Pyatnitsa flows, the water in which is healing.

• Church of St. George located on the territory of the Staraya Ladoga fortress, in which frescoes from the 12th century have been preserved. According to legend, it was in this temple that Alexander Nevsky prayed and illuminated his sword before the battle with the Swedes.

The construction of the temple dates back to the 12th century, and is considered one of two shrines that have survived to this day. Unique, preserved frescoes decorate the walls of the temple. One of the most famous is considered to be the image of St. George the Victorious on a horse, who steps on a snake; it is called “The Miracle of St. George on the Snake.” The second known image on the drum dome is “The Ascension of the Lord.”

There are currently no worship services held in the temple, but it is open to tourists and local residents.

• Church of Demetrius of Thessalonica Built in the 17th century on the territory of the fortress at the Church of St. George the Victorious, the church itself was dismantled and rebuilt several times. A copy dating from the 20th century has survived to this day. The Church is now located local history museum, where you can get acquainted with the history of the temple and objects of peasant life.

• Church of Alexei, Man of God was built of wood in the nineteenth century with donations from local residents as a small chapel. Over time, local entrepreneur Semyon Kalinin allocated money for the building stone church. The church underwent a complete restoration in 2000.

• Church of the Transfiguration was built on the banks of the Volkhov River from wood in the 17th century, but it could not survive the fire. A new stone church was erected in its place in 1871 with donations from the merchant Rybin, and has survived to the present day.

• Pogost and Church of St. Basil of Caesarea were here back in 1618, but the building was completely destroyed by the end of the century. Several decades later, a new stone temple was erected at the expense of the local governor. Not long ago, the temple underwent another restoration and is now open to the public.

Monuments and memorials of Staraya Ladoga

• Monument to Rurik and Prophetic Oleg was opened on Varyazhskaya Street, personifying the beginning of the revival of Russian statehood. It is unique because it exists in a single copy in all of Russia.
• Stella in memory of the 1250th anniversary of Staraya Ladoga located next to the Ladoga cultural and sports center, personifying the long history of the village’s existence.
• Falcon Sculpture located at the beginning of Varyazhskaya Street, it is symbolic for local residents. It is this bird that is depicted on the coat of arms of Staraya Ladoga and represents the unity of people and nature. There is a tradition of placing a coin between the feathers of this bird for good luck.

Finally

The territory of Staraya Ladoga is natural monument, with a total area of ​​over 200 hectares. It is important to preserve local mounds, caves, and the geology of the local region. All sights are part of the architectural, historical and archaeological museum-reserve "Staraya Ladoga".

In this territory it is prohibited to make fires, mine minerals, conduct construction work, graze livestock, dig mounds, or dump garbage. Staraya Ladoga attracts many tourists; here you can touch history and feel the spirit of old times. Having been here once, many return to these lands; Staraya Ladoga will not leave anyone indifferent!

Staraya Ladoga has existed since the 8th century, it is called the “first capital of Rus'” - it was here that Rurik came to reign in 862. The Varangians chose this place as their residence not by chance - many centuries ago, the small village was now a prosperous and developed city: a crossroads of trade routes, a craft center and an international trade port, providing connections for the Slavs with European countries. Nowadays, Staraya Ladoga is a unique complex historical monuments, united under the auspices of the Staraya Ladoga Historical, Architectural and Archaeological Reserve.

It is believed that the Scandinavians initially lived here, and a little later - the ancient Germans and Baltic-Finnish peoples. It was they who built the first houses and fortifications in the image and likeness of those that were characteristic of early medieval Europe. Such guesses are confirmed by artifacts from the Merovingian era found during excavations in the 2000s. Slavic tribes came to this land after the 8th century, conquering living space from earlier settlers.

How to get to Staraya Ladoga

From major cities closest to Staraya Ladoga is St. Petersburg. From the Northern capital you can get to the village by buses No. 847, 860, 863, 877, departing from Bus Station No. 2 on the Obvodny Canal and metro stations "Volkovskaya", "Parnas" (with a change in the village of Yushkovo or Volkhov on bus number 23). Travel time is from 2.5 to 4 hours. Transport runs from 7:00 to 22:00, the cost of the entire trip is 470-600 RUB. Prices on the page are indicated for October 2018.

To get from Pulkovo to Bus Station No. 2, you first need to get to the station. metro station "Moskovskaya" by buses No. 13, 13A, 39 or minibuses No. K39, K13, 113, 213, then follow to the station. metro station "Obvodny Canal".

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By train from St. Petersburg

From Moskovsky and Ladozhsky railway stations to the Volkhovstroy-I platform, located in Volkhov, departures commuter trains(office website of Russian Railways). Next to it on the square there is a city bus station, where you can take a bus to the village. The total travel time is 2.5-3 hours; for just 2 tickets you will have to pay 398-460 RUB.

Trains run from Moscow to Volkhov (Volkhovstroy-I station) from Leningradsky Station. The journey will take 7-11 hours, the minimum fare for a reserved seat is from 1500 RUB.

By car

The distance from the capital to Staraya Ladoga along the shortest highway M-10 is 720 km. If you can avoid traffic jams, you can get to the village in 10 hours. From St. Petersburg you need to follow the R-21 highway.

Transport

The village is small, so tourists travel on foot. Public transport not in Staraya Ladoga. The only bus passing along Volkhovsky Prospekt is No. 23. It takes you to Olegov Kurgan, located 8 km from the Staraya Ladoga Fortress.

You can park your car for free in large parking lots near the monasteries, as well as on the side of the road in front of the fortress.

A taxi ride around the city costs from 70-90 RUB, plus you will have to pay for the car to travel from Novaya Ladoga, where the nearest agency is located. Transport can be ordered by phone or caught on the street. There are no meters, the cost is negotiated with the dispatcher or the taxi driver himself.

Maps of Staraya Ladoga

Hotels in Staraya Ladoga

Due to the small size of the village, there are not many accommodation options: only 4-5 are available in Staraya Ladoga and the surrounding area. The most famous place, presented in all booking systems, is the Staraya Ladoga Hotel on the street. Sovetskaya, offering prices from 2000 RUB per day for Double Room. As an alternative, you can consider the Barsky holiday home, designed for 6 people, for 2500-3000 RUB per night. True, it is located on the outskirts, 2 km from the Volkhov embankment and attractions.

What to bring: souvenirs

The best souvenirs from Staraya Ladoga will be products of local craftsmen: original pendants and brooches with ancient runic designs, animals, fairy-tale and religious characters, embossed jewelry with Celtic and Scandinavian ornaments, birch bark handbags and baskets with images of local beauties printed on them. All these things are present in the souvenir kiosk in the fortress. During ethnographic festivals there are fairs where there is a much larger selection of crafts. Shops at churches and monasteries sell good baked goods, tea and lenten products.

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Cafes and restaurants in Staraya Ladoga

There are no more restaurants and cafes in Staraya Ladoga than hotels. Main establishments: “Prince Rurik” with interiors in the style knight's castle, wooden tables and pottery and the budget “Ancient Ladoga”, decorated like a Russian hut, there is even a real oven inside. The price for a standard lunch is from 500 RUB per person.

“Prince Rurik” serves a signature beef chop with “Varyag” mushrooms, baked whitefish “Gift of Ladoga,” delicious sbiten and mead.

There is also a small cafe-dining room “Lyubava”, which serves home-cooked dishes: pancakes, dumplings, fish and fried meat with vegetables, buckwheat and potatoes. Set lunch three courses plus a drink costs 200-250 RUB.

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History of Staraya Ladoga

Old Ladoga has seen many bright events in its lifetime: the arrival of Rurik and his retinue, an unprecedented rise and prosperity, periods of bloody wars and, finally, decline. In 753, the first wooden fortress already stood in the settlement, reliably protecting the homes of artisans and traders. Under the Prophetic Oleg, at the end of the 9th century, a powerful stone stronghold was erected, which was later destroyed by the Norwegian Vikings. The bastion was built for the second time only 3 centuries later, after which temples and monasteries “grew up” one after another in the city.

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Until 1702, Staraya Ladoga played a key strategic role and was an important military outpost. That is why the rulers of the Russian state paid so much attention to it. After the end of the Northern War under Peter I, a long period of decline began, as a result of which the city turned into a village, and the number of its inhabitants decreased significantly. Nowadays Staraya Ladoga is a large tourist centre Northwestern region.

Entertainment and attractions

The architecture of Staraya Ladoga is a living embodiment ancient history Rus'. The fortress walls and cathedrals are examples of Russian northern architecture of the Middle Ages; merchant houses and estates with museum exhibitions tell about the development of the settlement in the 18th and 19th centuries. But the village is famous not only for its man-made attractions. It’s worth coming here to visit the burial mounds in the Sopki tract and explore artificial caves on the territory of the Staroladozhsky natural monument or take a walk to the Gorchakovshchinsky waterfall.

Museum-Reserve "Old Ladoga"

Guests of the museum-reserve are offered two tourist routes: “Ancient Russian city of Ladoga” and “Monasteries of Old Ladoga”. Tourists get acquainted with Russian history and culture in the interiors of fortress towers of the 15-16th centuries and residential buildings of the 19th century, in the monastery complexes of the former Assumption Convent and the currently operating Nikolsky Monastery. Masterpieces of world art can be seen in the 12th century Church of St. George, and from Malysheva Mountain a uniquely beautiful panorama of Ladoga opens.

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Fortress

The central tourist site is the Staraya Ladoga Fortress, founded by Rurik in the 9th century and rebuilt from stone under Oleg the Prophet. Researchers cannot say exactly how many sieges the fortification survived - it was stormed more than once by Norwegian earls and Swedish kings. Starting from the 18th century, after the bastion lost its military significance, the buildings began to fall into disrepair; at the end of the 19th century, the first archaeological excavations were carried out on the territory.

Reconstruction of the fortress began in Soviet times and continues to this day. Today the ensemble is part of the Staraya Ladoga Historical, Architectural and Archaeological Reserve.

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Nikolsky Monastery is one of the oldest in the Leningrad region, founded by Saint Alexander Nevsky after the victorious battle with the Swedes in the Battle of Neva at the mouth of the Izhora River. Dedicated to the name of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, Archbishop of Myra in Lycia.

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Uspenskoye Estate and Staraya Ladoga Museum

The Uspenskoye estate, whose name is associated with the nearby Assumption Monastery, was built in the 80s. Lieutenant General Roman Nikiforovich Tomilov. His son Alexey in 1816-1817. remodeled it according to his own design, adding a stone outbuilding to the wooden house (Schwartz House). In the outbuilding, Tomilov kept a rich collection of paintings and graphics, including the largest collection of drawings and etchings by Rembrandt in Russia. In 1918, after the confiscation of the estate from its last owners, the Schwartzes, more than 6,000 drawings and paintings were transferred to the Russian Museum, and the house began to belong to the Staraya Ladoga Museum. It contains historical and everyday life, archaeological funds, as well as a fund of frescoes and a fund of paintings and graphics.

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A women's monastery from the mid-12th century, adorning the left bank of the Volkhov River. After the Russian-Swedish War of 1610-1617. Almost the entire complex was rebuilt. The main temple of the monastery is the Cathedral of the Assumption Holy Mother of God- a rare architectural monument of the pre-Mongol period, created by Novgorod architects.

On one of the arches the heraldic sign of Rurik has been preserved, and fragments of frescoes from the 12th century have survived inside.

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The Church of St. Basil of Caesarea is located opposite the fortress, on the right bank of the Volkhov (previously there was the Vasilyevsky Monastery, most of the buildings of which were wooden). In 1666, the temple fell to the ground, and 20 years later, a new one was erected in its place at the expense of governor T.I. Bestuzhev.

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Caves

There are several caves in the village and its surroundings. The most explored and visited are Staroladozhskaya and Tanechkina, which were formed in the 19th century as a result of sandstone mining. After the closure of the deposits, the grottoes were “overgrown” with stalactites and stalagmites (albeit still very small), streams and small lakes appeared here - in a word, nature, on its own, transforms the artificial into the natural.

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Standing at the origins of Russian statehood. Until 1703, it was an influential city, which for some time bore the title of the capital of northern Rus'.

Today the surviving evidence of it great history united into a project called “Staraya Ladoga Museum-Reserve”, which is a famous landmark of the Leningrad region.

Staraya Ladoga, first mentioned in chronicles in 753, is located in the Volkhov district of the Leningrad region.

Today it is a small settlement near the Volkhov River with a leisurely, measured life, but several centuries ago the interests of several states collided here, irreconcilable battles took place for territorial dominance on water trade routes, and state decisions were made. Its coordinates: 59°59′55″ N. w. 32°17′49″ E. d.

You can get to the Museum-Reserve by highway; the nearest airport "Pulkovo" (St. Petersburg) is 130 km away, the nearest railroad station"Volkhovstroy-1" (Volkhov) - 15 km. From Volkhov to the village there is a regular bus N 23 with a travel interval of about 1 hour and a fare of 48.0 rubles. Travel time – 15-20 minutes.

Volkhov can be reached from any Russian city by rail or road.

By train

At the Volkhovstroy station, located on Oktyabrskaya railway, many trains and trains stop long distance. From St. Petersburg, trains depart in this direction from Moskovsky and Ladozhsky stations, which arrive in Volkhov in 2.5 hours. The fare is from 290 rubles.

Trains traveling from Moscow to Murmansk, Petrozavodsk, and St. Petersburg pass through the Volkhovstroy station. The trip will last from 7.5 to 14 hours. Ticket price starts from 1200 rubles. with early purchase.

By car

From St. Petersburg you can get to the museum-reserve in 2 hours (excluding traffic jams) along the federal highway P-21 “Kola”, connecting northern capital with Karelia. The route from Moscow will pass through Tver, Valdai and Veliky Novgorod. Its length will be approximately 700 km, travel time is 8-9 hours.

Weather, best time to travel

The weather in this region is strongly influenced by the proximity of the Baltic Sea, and therefore the climate is transitional, Atlantic-continental. This means that the winter here is not severe with an average negative temperature of 10 °C, and the summer is cool with an average thermometer reading of +17 °C.

Daytime air temperature (°C), precipitation (mm), amount sunny days in Staraya Ladoga by month:

Jan.	Feb.	March	Apr.	May	June	July	Aug.	Sep.	Oct.	Nov.	Dec.
-5,5	-4,0	-0,5	+7,0	+16,5	+19,5	+23,5	+21,0	+15,0	+6,5	+2,0	-2,5
30,5	25,0	23,0	24,0	27,5	41,0	38,5	46,0	30,0	31,5	35,0	29,0
2	0	1	8	16	16	16	17	10	5	2	1

The museum-reserve is open all year round. However, according to experts, an uncomfortable stay in these places occurs during the three winter months. The rest of the time period is characterized by a high level of comfort, more than 4.2 points on a 5-point system. The maximum occurs in July and August.

Attractions

Locality with more than 1250 years of history, it has always attracted curious people and researchers. It is known that the first archaeological excavations here were carried out at the beginning of the 18th century.

Over the past time, more than 160 historical monuments have been discovered, testifying to the active and eventful life of Staraya Ladoga: the layout of streets of the 10th-11th centuries, rare examples of fortification structures, architectural structures.

Old Ladoga, the attractions of which were united by a museum-reserve opened here at the end of the last century, occupying an area of ​​190 hectares, in addition to the cultural medieval layer, preserves monuments of more recent times. The ongoing work of researchers and restorers is adding more and more artifacts to the museum's repository.

Religious buildings

Staraya Ladoga was and remains the spiritual center of Russia. Here, in a small area, many Orthodox churches were built, monasteries were opened, some of which have survived to this day.

St. George's Church

One of the oldest stone churches in Russia, the construction period of which dates back to the 12th century.

Old Ladoga. Sights: St. George's Church.

The two most ancient religious buildings have survived to this day in Staraya Ladoga:

• St. George's Church, built in 1164 on the territory of the fortress; it was consecrated in the name of St. George the Victorious as a token of gratitude for the victory over the Swedes.
• Assumption Cathedral, part of the Assumption Convent.

St. George's Church, although heavily rebuilt, has preserved the frescoes of the 12th century, which are of the greatest value. The temple has the status of an architectural monument of the Russian Federation and is open to visitors from May 1 to October 1 in dry weather. The architecture of the small temple is typical of ancient Russian architecture; This is how all churches were built on Novgorod land.

The 4-pillar, 3-slate structure ends with one central helmet-shaped dome, above which a cross is installed. The small size of the church is explained by the location of the temple: the territory of the fortress was crowded. Frescoes were painted on the walls and dome simultaneously with the construction of the temple. Experts in the manner of writing determined that two groups of Greek masters worked.

Church of Demetrius of Thessalonica

On the territory of the fortress, another religious building has been preserved, dating back to 1731, and erected in honor of the complete victory over the Swedes. The saint, in whose name the church was consecrated, was, along with St. George the Victorious, most revered by the Slavs of the Middle Ages.

The wooden parish church is typical of the “kletsky” rural churches of that time both in size and architecture. It was built according to the principle of constructing a peasant hut, where the basis was a log house (cage). A combination of 3 or more cages was made, and the altar was given a rounded shape. The only dome is covered with aspen ploughshare.

Nikolsky Monastery

The 14th-century monastery, clearly visible from the highway, consists of the following buildings:

• wall with corner towers;
• St. Nicholas Cathedral of the 17th century;
• Church of St. John Chrysostom of the 19th century;
• residential buildings.

The monastery, which survived war and troubled times, was closed in 1927, but the monks who lived here were not driven away until 1937. They continued to live and work here as part of a fishing team. Then, after all, a local MTS was located on the territory. The revival of the monastery began in 2002.

Assumption Convent

The monastery, founded in the middle of the 12th century, is located north of the fortress and includes main temple Dormition of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which is one of the most valuable churches of the 12th century. Here, fragments of a fence and churches of a later construction have been preserved.

The monastery, like the Ladoga fortress, was repeatedly attacked and destroyed, but was restored again, its churches were re-consecrated.

In the first half of the 19th century, a new stage of construction work began in the monastery: a stone fence with the Holy Front Gate, a cell building, a refectory, and outbuildings were erected. The new Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross was built according to the design of A. Gornostaev. On its first floor, elderly nuns lived in 20 cells.

All work was carried out with money from wealthy donors: A.R. Tomilov, Count D.N. Sheremetev, Empress Maria Alexandrovna. Currently, the monastery's buildings have been partially restored, but the reconstruction is not completed. The Assumption Monastery is also famous for the fact that from 1718 to 1725 Emperor Peter I kept his first wife Evdokia Lopukhina here in captivity.

Here she took monastic vows, and here she languished until the death of the monarch. The first wife of Abram Hannibal, Evdokia Hannibal, lived in the monastery for almost 30 years. Under Nicholas I, Decembrist wives were forced to live here.

The most interesting museums

In Staraya Ladoga there is a large “Staraya Ladoga Historical, Architectural and Archaeological Museum-Reserve”, which includes many buildings, monuments and exhibition premises. The depositories contain more than 200 thousand units of the most valuable artifacts.

Address: Volkhovsky Prospekt, 19. It is open from 9 to 18 hours (in winter - until 17), day off - Monday.

His permanent exhibitions are:

• in the Gate Tower: historical section from Neolithic times to our time;
• in the house of merchant Kalyazin: archaeological and ethnographic sections.

The museum has created exhibition spaces where temporary exhibitions are held. Much attention in last years focuses on reconstructions of historical events. This spectacle takes place in the summer with a large crowd of tourists.

Price:

	Full ticket, rub.	Discount ticket, rub.
Entrance to the fortress	50	20
Ticket to all museum exhibitions	200	100
Visit the exhibition	30	20
Inspection of frescoes in St. George's Church	80	50

Excursions

The reserve's staff conducts excursions around the Staraya Ladoga Fortress and its surroundings.

The following programs have been developed and are offered to visitors:

Name	List of visited objects	Full cost, rub./person.
"Ancient Russian city of Ladoga"	Defensive structures, a tour of museum exhibitions in the Gate Tower and Kalyazin’s house, acquaintance with the Nikolsky Monastery	400
"Holy Abodes"	A story about all the monasteries that existed in Ladoga with a visit to the two that have survived.	150
“Old Ladoga – a page of history”		350
"On the roads of medieval Ladoga"	Acquaintance with fortifications, visiting two monasteries.	250

Monuments and Monuments

Staraya Ladoga, whose attractions are monuments ancient civilization and modern sculptures, it equally carefully preserves both legends and true facts of its centuries-old history.

Monument to Rurik and Oleg

In 2015, on the oldest street in the village of Varyazhskaya, mentioned in the chronicles of the 15th century, the country’s first monument to the “founders of Russian statehood” was unveiled. The sculptor O. Shorov depicted two princes, Rurik and Oleg, leaning on a shield - a symbol of the power and strength of the Russian people.

Historians have long proven that Rurik, who was called to reign, and his successor Oleg, who became regent for the young heir, laid the foundation for the creation of the Russian state. Rurik, having set foot on Russian soil and assessing the strategic position of this place, established the city of Ladoga here.

Then he moved up the Volkhov and settled on the Rurik settlement, and later built New town(Novgorod the Great). Under Rurik, internal strife decreased, Russian lands expanded, and a system of territorial defense began to be established. The word “Rus” also came with it.

This was the name given to the oarsmen of the Scandinavian boat, then the guards of the princes began to be called this way, and after that all the Eastern Slavs, their lands and state. Rurik died in 879 after 17 years of rule. His son Igor was still a small child, and Rurik’s relative, Oleg, who had lived until that day in Ladoga, began to rule the country.

Oleg continued the prince's policy, uniting Novgorod with Kiev, conquering new territories, establishing Russian cities in all lands. For his wisdom and luck, he received the nickname Prophetic. Oleg died in Ladoga, Novgorod or Kyiv. There are his graves everywhere, but which of them is genuine is unknown.

Sopki tract (archaeological site)

Not far from the village, on the left bank of the Volkhov, a complex of three burial mounds dating back to the 9th-10th centuries has been preserved. This place is called the Sopki tract; it is shrouded in legends and secrets. In those distant times, our ancestors buried princes, nobles, and brave warriors in bulk burial grounds. It is believed that the remains of the great Novgorod and Kyiv prince Oleg rest in one of them.

He died from the bite of a poisonous snake. The actual burial place of the great ancient Russian prince is unknown. 3 cities apply for this: Ladoga, Novgorod and Kyiv. Archaeologists can neither confirm nor refute these points of view. The dispute over this issue still does not subside.

Falcon sculpture

Local residents have a special attitude towards this strong and freedom-loving bird. A diving falcon is depicted on the settlement's coat of arms. And recently, on Varyazhskaya Street, a small sculpture of a flying bird was erected, its wings spread wide over a stone. The image of a noble falcon personifies the unity of the inhabitants of Staraya Ladoga with nature.

Architectural structures

Staraya Ladoga has the oldest architectural and historical structure, which is part of the museum-reserve. This attraction is the defensive structures of the Staraya Ladoga Fortress, which is called the “calling card” of northern Rus'.

Staraya Ladoga Fortress

The strategically impeccable position for the protection of Russian lands where the Ladozhka River flows into the large, navigable artery of the Volkhov, was noticed by Prince Rurik, who in 862 was called upon by local residents to reconcile the warring tribes. He ordered to build a city here.

The construction of the defensive structure at the turn of the 10th-11th centuries is attributed to Prince Oleg. The first wooden fortress, given the number of people who wanted to own the exit from the Baltic Sea into the depths of Russian lands, did not stand for long.

The stone fortification structure, complex for that time, began to be erected in 1114 under the leadership of a local resident, who was called Pavel the Posadnik according to chronicle documents. On embankments more than 3.5 m high and up to 20 m wide at the base, powerful fortress walls were erected, rising 8 m above the ground.

The walls, made of natural local flagstone, were connected on top by a wide, 2-meter walkway, which made it possible to quickly change position during the battle. Inside the fortress there was always a supply of provisions and weapons necessary in case of a siege.

At the end of the 15th century, complicated relations between Russia and Sweden prompted the Moscow government to undertake a large-scale reconstruction of the fortress.

Here five combat towers appeared, pushed far beyond the walls:

• Klimentovskaya;
• Gate;
• Rolling;
• Switch;
• Secret.

They were located along the perimeter, creating not only increased defensive capability, but also a threatening appearance to the entire structure. At the same time, the walls were additionally reinforced with boulders, their height increased to 12 m. Later, a secret passage was dug to Volkhov, and a well was dug in the Secret Tower, connected by pipes to the river.

The renewed fortress from the time of Ivan III was a formidable, well-equipped fortification structure. The fortress was repeatedly subjected to enemy siege, was captured more than once, but each time returned back into the hands of the Russians. She survived the last assault in 1701.

At the end of the Northern War, Peter I, who significantly expanded the territory of the state to the north, ordered:

• deprive Ladoga, which has lost its strategic importance, from 1703 of the status of a city and its own coat of arms;
• rename it the village “Staraya Ladoga”;
• the local population was ordered to move to the newly built market town"Novaya Ladoga".

Today, restoration work to restore the ancient fortress has not yet been completely completed. However, the main objects: towers, walls with passages, internal buildings invite visitors to explore. There are museums, exhibitions, and Orthodox churches.

Estate "Uspenskoe"

Adjacent to the outside of the Assumption Monastery is a two-story rectangular building made of red brick. It is in a deplorable state and gives the impression of a half-abandoned hostel. In fact, this is the country estate of A.R. Tomilin, an art connoisseur, collector and philanthropist of the 19th century.

His many artist friends came to Staraya Ladoga for vacation and plein air: I.K. Aivazovsky, O.A. Kiprensky, A.G. Venetsianov, N.K. Roerich, B.M. Kustodiev and others.

Collection of A.R. Tomilina was known for its value; in addition to paintings, it included etchings by Rembrandt. In 1918, it was confiscated and completely transferred to the Russian Museum. Today you can’t get into the building, but you can walk through the manor park.

Houses of the Kalyazin merchants

On Varyazhskaya Street, the name of which has been preserved since the 15th century, there are two houses. Their construction dates back to the 19th century. They once belonged to a local merchant family. The stone house made of Eliseevsky brick combined the functions of housing and a trading shop.

The wooden and brick houses are in good condition and are part of the museum-reserve. Until the completion of the reconstruction of the Gate Tower of the fortress, permanent exhibitions were located here: “Merchant Life” and “Archaeology of Ladoga”. After the exhibition was moved to the main territory of the Old Ladoga ensemble, the houses are still empty.

Natural attractions

Staraya Ladoga, whose sights are not only man-made, but also created by nature, is attractive for countryside holiday outdoors, walks, sports.

Volkhov River

Volkhov – large river in the north-west of the country it connects two lakes: Ilmen and Ladoga. Its length is 224 km, along this way it collects the waters of many tributaries and flows in a powerful channel. On its banks there are cities such as Veliky Novgorod, Kirishi, Volkhov, Novaya Ladoga and the famous village of Staraya Ladoga.

Volkhov was part of the route “from the Varangians to the Greeks”; its banks were densely populated by Slavic tribes. He also got his name from Slavic legends - that was the name of the eldest son of Prince Sloven, who, according to legend, founded Veliky Novgorod.

Today, the Volkhov hydroelectric power station stands on the river, which regulates the flow of water. Ancient chronicles claim that previously the river could change its flow direction depending on weather conditions. Volkhov – favorite place recreation for fishing lovers. Here you can find bream, crucian carp, burbot, catfish, pike and other river fish.

Caves

Downstream the Volkhov, not far from the burial mound of Prince Oleg, there are man-made caves. In the 19th century, industrial mining of white quartz sandstones took place in these places; the formed underground adits were abandoned after the closure of the mines.

No one knows how far the underground labyrinths stretch. Documents and maps have not been preserved, go deeper dangerous object no one dares, some of the corridors have collapsed. The caves may be of interest to tourists for a superficial inspection: bats live underground and spend the winter here.

Gorchakovshchinsky waterfall

In the village of Gorchakovshchina there is the highest, four-meter waterfall in the Leningrad region.

It is located on a small tributary of the Volkhov, where it makes its jump from a cliff to the bottom of a ravine.

Self-guided route for 1 day

For a one-day trip to Staraya Ladoga, you can create the following route:

• Start exploring the fortress and its historical monuments from 10 a.m. (opening of the museum-reserve) and get acquainted with the defensive structures, the exhibition in the Gate Tower, visit the St. George Church and, if open, the Church of Demetrius of Thessalonica.
• On the way to the Assumption Monastery, you can see the house of the merchant Kalyazin and the Uspenskoye estate.
• Excursion to the St. Nicholas Monastery with its main temple.
• After lunch at a local cafe, you can walk to the mounds (the burial place of Prince Oleg), walk along the river bank to the caves.
• The ancient Assumption Monastery with its temples, buildings and stories about events and inhabitants can be left for the end of the trip.

Hotels

Staraya Ladoga, whose attractions are located in a picturesque location, provides tourists with the opportunity to stay in the village for the night, for several days, or to spend a vacation in the nature of the Leningrad region. For this purpose, there is a hotel and guest houses here. 10 km from the village are the cities of Novaya Ladoga and Volkhov, where the choice of hotels is much larger.

Hotel "Staraya Ladoga"

The hotel is located in the center of the village, 10 min. walk from the bus stop with flights to Volkhov. His address: st. Sovetskaya, house 6. There is free wireless Internet on the hotel territory, next to the building there is a football field and a cafe. The hotel has a shared kitchen.

Guests can choose to stay in a private room for 1-4 people or pay for a place in a shared room for 4 people. The furnishings of individual rooms include single or double beds, a wardrobe, and a TV. For Standard rooms, a bathroom with shower is located in the hallway, Junior Suites are equipped with a private bathroom.

Room cost – 1600-2300 rubles. Dormitory rooms are equipped with bunk beds, the cost of a bed is 500 rubles.

Guest house "Barsky"

The recreation complex is located at: Staraya Ladoga, microdistrict "Barsky", building 11. Guests are provided with a private area with parking, a terrace, and a barbecue area. There is a shared lounge for evening entertainment. The location of the guest house is convenient for sports: cycling, hiking and skiing. There is access to the ski slope.

The house can accommodate 8 people and has 3 furnished bedrooms and a shared living room. There is a bathroom. You can rent individual rooms or the entire house. The cost of the house is 8000 rubles.

Cottage "Izvoz"

A cottage for rent for 6 people with 3 bedrooms and 2 living rooms. All premises are furnished and equipped with household appliances. There is a recreation area with a barbecue area on the territory.

The house is located on the river bank, there is a “black” bathhouse. If necessary, a transfer will be organized or excursion trip around the surrounding area. Cost - 8000 rubles.

Where to eat

Establishments Catering there is no high level of service in the village. But no one will go hungry here. Small cafes with delicious, homemade food offer a menu of Russian cuisine.

Cafe "Staraya Ladoga"

The cafe is located on Volkhovsky Prospekt, at building 24. The pleasant, cozy atmosphere of the establishment, friendly waiters and a menu sufficient for a snack or a substantial lunch encourage visitors to leave positive reviews. It is especially recommended to try dumplings, solyanka (“like from the oven”) and blueberry tea.

Cafe "Prince Rurik"

On the street Kultury, 3 there is a small cafe that specializes in both national and European cuisine. Tourists who have been here mostly speak positively about the quality of food and portion sizes.

Staraya Ladoga is a village where in a small area there are many ancient and valuable monuments. No less interesting sights can be seen in its surroundings: the Lyubshan settlement, the Volkhov hydroelectric power station, the Pobedishche tract.

Video about the settlement Staraya Ladoga

Overview of the settlement of Staraya Ladoga:

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Nowadays, Staraya Ladoga is a small village located on the high bank of the Volkhov, 120 kilometers from St. Petersburg. It is quiet and calm here, life flows measuredly and leisurely. But numerous burial mounds and ancient architectural monuments indicate that this is a difficult place. It is the first capital of Rus'.

In 2008, I had the opportunity to work here in . I offer you, my readers, my small guide to the sights of Staraya Ladoga.

The first wooden fortress on this site was built in the 9th-10th centuries at the confluence of the Ladozhka (Elena) river into the Volkhov. In 1116, under Prince Mstislav Vladimirovich the Great (1076-1132, baptized Theodore), construction began on a stone fortress, which was subsequently rebuilt several times. The enemy stormed it many times. In 1617, according to the Stolbovsky Treaty, it went to Russia and was a border area for almost a hundred years. After 1702, when Noteburg () was taken, the fortress lost its strategic importance.

Currently, archaeological research and restoration work are being carried out in the Staraya Ladoga Fortress. Some of the buildings were reconstructed at the end of the 16th century, the rest are preserved ruins. On its territory are St. George's Cathedral, the Church of Demetrius of Thessalonica, and the fortress museum.

St. George's Cathedral was built in memory of the Swedes' attempt to take Ladoga in 1164. It is one of two temples from pre-Mongol times that have survived in Staraya Ladoga (initially there were 7 or 8 of them). Inside, about 20% of the frescoes of the 12th century have been preserved, among which the most expressive are “The Ascension of the Lord” on the drum and dome, “The Miracle of George on the Serpent” in the altar part and others. According to legend, before the battle with the Swedes, Prince Alexander Nevsky prayed and blessed his sword in this temple.

St. George's Cathedral and the Church of Demetrius of Thessalonica

Church of Demetrius of Thessalonica

The first mention of the church dates back to 1646. Rebuilt several times. The current temple was built in 1901.

Museum of the Staraya Ladoga Fortress

The museum was founded in 1971 in the Gate Tower of the Staraya Ladoga Fortress. The exhibition includes objects from various eras, starting from the Stone Age.

Address: 187412, Leningrad region, Volkhov district, Staraya Ladoga village, Volkhovsky pr., 19. Tel. (8-1263) 493-70. Working hours: 10.00-17.00, closed on Monday.

In 1584-1585, to the south of the stone fortress, the Earthen City was built from wood and earth, which had three bastions. Apparently, this was one of the first bastion-type fortresses in Russia. On a four-meter earthen rampart stood an oak palisade with three towers: Naugolnaya, Berezhnaya and Nadvratnaya. Currently, archaeological excavations are being carried out here, ancient dwellings of the 9th-11th centuries, numerous objects of that time, many of which are of European and Arab origin, have been found.

According to legend, the Nikolsky Monastery was founded by Prince Alexander Nevsky “in memory of the lost Ladoga relatives” who fell in the Battle of Neva in 1240. In 1611, monks moved here from the Valaam Monastery destroyed by the Swedes. Soon the St. Nicholas Monastery was destroyed by the troops of Jacob Delagardie (1583-1652), one of the active participants in the events of the Time of Troubles. After the Time of Troubles, the monastery was restored. At the end of the 18th century it was abolished, but at the beginning of the next century it was reopened.

In recent years, restoration work has been carried out at the St. Nicholas Monastery.

The oldest building of the monastery is the four-pillar, single-domed Cathedral of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker of the 17th century, built on the site of a 12th-century cathedral with fragments of the latter. The Church of St. John Chrysostom was built at the end of the 19th century in the form of an ancient Roman basilica, with elements of pseudo-Russian style.

Address: Leningrad region, Volkhov district, Staraya Ladoga village, st. Nikolskaya, 1

Founded in 1156 on the site of the ancient monastery of Simeon the God-Receiver. In the first half of the 12th century, the Assumption Cathedral was built here, which has survived to this day. Fragments of frescoes from the 12th century were discovered inside the cathedral. The remaining buildings of the monastery were built in the 19th century in the late Empire style and pseudo-Russian style. Anna Kashinskaya found shelter in the Assumption Monastery, Evdokia Lopukhina and Evdokia Hannibal were imprisoned, and the nun-poet Elisaveta Shakhova lived in the 19th century.

Address: Leningrad region, Volkhov district, Staraya Ladoga village, Uspensky lane.

Estate "Uspenskoe"

Located next to the Assumption Monastery. It was built in the 1780s by Lieutenant General Roman Nikiforovich Tomilov. In 1816-1817, his son Alexei rebuilt his father's estate. Here Tomilov kept his richest collection of paintings, among which was the largest collection of drawings and etchings by Rembrandt in Russia. The guests of “Uspensky” were many Russian artists, including O.A. Kiprensky, I.K. Aivazovsky, N.K. Roerich.

In 1918, more than 6,000 paintings were transferred to the Russian Museum in Petrograd. The manor house burned down in 1928; only the former service house survived.

Uspenskoe estate, photo from the Internet

Church of the Nativity of John the Baptist

Located on Malysheva Mountain. Until the middle of the 18th century, the St. John the Baptist Monastery existed here, the first mention of which dates back to 1276. The current temple was built in 1695 in the Yaroslavl style. Frescoes from that time have been preserved inside. In the 19th century, mining of quartz sand began near the temple, and underground cavities formed. Perhaps they served as the beginning of stories about underground passages connecting the temple with the Staraya Ladoga fortress and caves. Until the 1930s, the Church of the Nativity of John the Baptist was considered the main temple of Staraya Ladoga.

The entrance to the Staraya Ladoga Cave is located 64 m southeast of the Church of the Nativity of John the Baptist. To the northeast of the temple is the Holy Spring of Paraskeva Friday, equipped with a font.

Address: Leningrad region, Volkhov district, Staraya Ladoga settlement, Pozemskaya st., no. 1

Church of the Nativity of John the Baptist on Malysheva Hill

Varyazhskaya street

Varyazhskaya Street is considered the oldest street in Russia, which, according to written sources, existed already in the 15th century. Various household items of the 9th-10th centuries were discovered here. Since the 18th century, it began to be built up with merchant houses. Currently, along it there are mainly one-story private houses behind fences.

In 2013, a bronze monument was installed on Varyazhskaya Street falcon sculpture- a totemic symbol of the Rurik family and a symbol of Staraya Ladoga. It is believed that you should leave a coin in its beak for good luck.

The sculpture “Attacking Falcon”, a symbol of Staraya Ladoga. Falcon is a totemic symbol of the Rurik dynasty, often found as a heraldic symbol in the culture of the Eastern Slavs.

On September 12, 2015, it was installed in the park on Varyazhskaya Street monument to Rurik and Prophetic Oleg, architect Oleg Shorov.

Chapel of the Assumption Monastery on Varyazhskaya Street

Built by the architect N. Brandenburg in 1913 with funds from the Imperial Geographical Society on the site of the foundation of an ancient temple of the 12th century, presumably Spassky.

House of merchant P.V. Kalyazin

The stone house of the merchant P.V. Kalyazin was built in the 19th century. Works within its walls Archaeological Museum Staraya Ladoga, the exhibition of which presents objects discovered during archaeological excavations in Staraya Ladoga.

Houses of the Kalyazin merchants

House of merchant A.V. Kalyazin

A wooden house built in the 19th century on Varyazhskaya Street. At one time it housed the museum “Merchant Life of Staraya Ladoga”.

House of merchant A.V. Kalyazin (green, near the monument to Rurik and Oleg)

Crafts Sloboda

Located on the Volkhov highway, not far from the burial mounds. This is a working old-time farmstead where a restoration artist and his family live. There is a souvenir shop nearby. You can also drink tea from the samovar with pies for a small fee.

Park in memory of fellow countrymen who died in 1941-1945

A small park with a memorial sign with the inscription “A park was founded here in memory of fellow countrymen who died on the fields of the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945.” The park was founded in the year of the 40th anniversary of the Victory.”

Park in memory of fellow countrymen who died in 1941-1945

Installed in the park next to the regional cultural and sports center "Ladoga".

Mounds in the Sopki tract

A large field between Volkhovsky Prospekt and Volkhov, on which mounds of the 8th-12th centuries rise. The most famous of them is Oleg’s grave, where the Prophetic Oleg is believed to be buried. On its top and slopes there are remains of ancient robberies. Archaeological research, alas, did not find traces of Oleg’s grave.

There are many legends associated with the mounds: that there is a whole system underground passages, connecting the mounds with the caves, fortress and monasteries of Staraya Ladoga. Rodnovers and lovers of antiquity also gather here.

Caves of Staraya Ladoga

Most famous caves- Staroladozhskaya, Tanechkin, Malyshka. To the south of the village there are several unexplored caves. They represent workings of the 19th century. The largest colony of bats in northwestern Russia lives in Tanechkina Cave.

In Tanechkina cave

Lyubsha fortress

The Lyubsha fortress is considered the oldest in Rus'. It is a cape settlement with a diameter of about 50 meters, surrounded by an arched rampart about 70 meters long and up to 18 meters wide at the base. The first Finno-Ugric settlement on this site arose in the 3rd century. In the second half of the 7th - first half of the 8th century, Slavic tribes came here (possibly the Ilmen Slovenes), who ousted local population. The old Chud settlement burned down, and a new, Slavic one was built in its place. Died at the turn of the 9th-10th centuries.

The armored flagstone masonry, fragments of additional retaining walls and wooden fortifications along the top of the rampart have been preserved. Located near the village of Seltso-Gorka, on the territory of the Staroladozhskaya Dacha guest complex.

Field research of the Lyubshan settlement in 1999. Photo from the website of the Staraya Ladoga Museum-Reserve www.ladogamuseum.ru

Lyubsha Estate

The former estate is located in the village of Seltso-Gorka. It belonged to landowner Nadezhda Konstantinovna Izmailova, mother-in-law of the Itinerant artist Vasily Maksimovich Maksimov (1844-1911). The estate and its owner can be seen in the artist’s famous painting “Everything is in the Past.”

Vasily Maksimov. “Everything is in the Past”, 1889. Oil on canvas. 72 × 93.5 cm. State Tretyakov Gallery, Moscow

Vasilyevsky Pogost

Vasilyevsky Pogost is located on the opposite bank of the Volkhov River, in the village of Chernavino. Until 1764, there was the Vasilyevsky Monastery, whose inhabitants at one time were monks who fled from the Valaam Monastery occupied by the Swedes. The Church of St. Basil of Caesarea, built in 1686 on the foundation of a 13th-century stone church dismantled due to dilapidation, and the Transfiguration Church, erected in 1871 on the site of a wooden church built in 1684, have survived. The famous Itinerant artist Vasily Maksimovich Maksimov (1844-1911) is buried at the Vasilievsky churchyard.

♦ More details:

Kurgan burial ground in the Plakun tract

Located opposite the Staraya Ladoga fortress in the village of Lopino, on the other bank of the Volkhov River. It is a large burial mound consisting of 13 flat mounds with a height of 0.3-0.6 meters and a diameter of mounds of 10-20 meters. Traces of the remaining mounds may have been destroyed in the past. They are Scandinavian, dating back to approximately the 8th - late 9th centuries.

Church of the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Babino

The village of Babino, formerly the village of Pokrovskoye. Here is the ruined Church of the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, built in 1737-1739 in a style close to the Naryshkin Baroque.

Gorchakovshchinsky waterfalls

Located in the village of Gorchakovshchina. On the north side of the village - big waterfall, from the south - less.

How many days to come to Staraya Ladoga and where to stay

I think you are convinced that there is something to see in Staraya Ladoga. However, people usually come here for one day. In this case, many sights are seen on the run, while others remain completely “behind the scenes”. If possible, it is worth coming here for a few days to feel the whole atmosphere of this place, go to Novaya Ladoga, to the mouth of the Volkhov, and take a walk around the surrounding area.

In recent years, several hotels and recreation centers have appeared in the vicinity of Staraya Ladoga. The choice is small, but it is there. You can see a selection of hotels in Staraya Ladoga and the surrounding area.

The one already mentioned above seemed to me to be quite an interesting option. "Staroladozhskaya Dacha" on the opposite bank of the Volkhov. Another option is to stay at a hotel "Metallurgist" in Volkhov, 15-20 minutes by car from Staraya Ladoga.

Sights of Staraya Ladoga on the map

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Do you want to see the oldest settlement in the Leningrad region, walk along the oldest Russian street, visit monasteries and nature reserves? Plan a trip to Staraya Ladoga is a small village in the Volkhov region. Here, according to the chronicles, is the grave of Prince Oleg; it was the first place of the reign of Prince Rurik. Today in Staraya Ladoga you can find a lot of interesting things - both for history buffs and for those who are in love with places of worship, architectural monuments, or prefers outdoor recreation.

What to see in Staraya Ladoga

Although today Staraya Ladoga- this is a small village, previously it was a city called Ladoga. Centuries-old history has left a tangible mark here: literally upon entering, it’s as if you’re transported back in time. Naturally, a significant part of Old Ladoga sights is connected precisely with history.

Architectural landmarks

• Getting acquainted with Staraya Ladoga and its attractions should start with a tour Staraya Ladoga fortress, fortunately, every resident of the village will tell you how to get there. The fortress was originally built here at the beginning of the 12th century, but today you can admire the monumental structure of the 15th century. Naturally, time has left its mark on the fortress - it is gradually being reconstructed, but part of the structure still resembles either ruins after a massacre or rocks (the thickness of the walls, by the way, in some places reached 5 m). Previously, the fortress had five towers, but only two were restored - Klimentovskaya and Vorotnaya. You can visit here for a nominal fee - tickets are more than affordable.

• On the territory of the fortress there is St. George's Church, which is also definitely worth visiting and admiring the 12th-century frescoes that are still preserved on the walls. Actually, this temple is worth talking about separately, so I will pay more attention to it below.
• Estate "Uspenskoe"– another place that should definitely be included in the route. It was erected by Lieutenant General Roman Tomilov in the 1780s, but three decades later his son changed the appearance of the estate, adding the so-called “Schwartz House” (stone outbuilding), where a luxurious collection of graphics and paintings was kept, including those by Rembrandt. . Today the estate is part of the Staraya Ladoga Museum. The funds of graphics, painting, frescoes, archaeological and historical household items are presented here.
• Also deserves attention house of merchant Kalyazin a majestic stone structure that now houses an archaeological exhibition. There is a lot to see here, because excavations near Staraya Ladoga have been going on since the middle of the last century. Of course, not all finds are presented in the exhibition, but in three halls there are interesting things dating back to different eras - from the Neolithic to the Middle Ages.

Did you know? If you decide to visit the fortress, St. George's Church, exhibitions, remember that they all belong to the historical, architectural and archaeological museum-reserve, so you can buy a single ticket.

Religious buildings of Staraya Ladoga

Their list may take several pages, but if you are going to Staraya Ladoga for a day or two, it is worth visiting at least the main attractions, photos with descriptions of which can be found on many tourist sites.

• Since we started our acquaintance with the city from the fortress, the first thing we did was visit St. George's Church, which has already been mentioned. In addition to the frescoes, it is also notable for its wealth of decorations. According to legend, it was here that Alexander Nevsky blessed his sword.
• Holy Dormition Monastery And Assumption Church. The monastery was originally for men, but later it was given to nuns (by the way, it was here that Evdokia Lopukhina, the wife of Peter the Great, Evdokia Hannibal, lived here; relatives of the Decembrists were also exiled here). Majestic architecture and dramatic history are what attract tourists to the monastery.
• Nikolsky Monastery– it is believed that it was founded during the victory of Alexander Nevsky over the Swedes. Among the attractions of the monastery, it is worth highlighting the bell tower and the Holy Gates made by Tikhvin masters. The monastery houses parts of the relics of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker.
• - today it is assigned to the Nikopol Monastery, but remains the main cathedral for the believers of Staraya Ladoga. The temple is located on Malysheva Mountain, so relatively recently it had to be saved: there are many voids and underground passages in the mountain, so the church began to sag. It is believed that the temple was erected on the spot where St. Andrew the First-Called once placed his cross. Initially, the temple was wooden, but in the 17th century a stone structure was erected on this site.

St. George's Church

Church of the Nativity of John the Baptist

Museums of Staraya Ladoga

First of all, it is worth highlighting historical and architectural museum reserve, which was already mentioned above: this is a fortress, merchants’ estates, St. George’s Church.
There are in Staraya Ladoga and local history museum, which is located in the Church of Demetrius of Thessalonica - a small wooden church that was built at the beginning of the 17th century. Of course, today's church was built later, but is a complete copy of its predecessor.

Natural monuments of Staraya Ladoga

• Located not far from the village nature monument "Staroladozhsky", total area which exceeds 200 hectares. There are three artificial caves here: Tanechkina (bats spend the winter here), Staroladozhskaya and Malyshka.
• The complex also has geological outcrops(near Volkhov), which are valuable paleontological fossils. But most An interesting place is the Sopki tract, where ancient burial mounds have been preserved. Under one of them, according to legend, Prophetic Oleg is buried.
• Naturally, burial mounds riddled with passages and catacombs, but tourists have no chance of getting inside, since there are no entrances to them. Fans of the biofield theory have established that in the Hills there are certain fields that have a healing effect. However, even if this is not the case, it is worth visiting the mounds to admire the beautiful scenery of the Volkhov River and Staraya Ladoga itself.
• Finally, the list of natural places of interest would be incomplete without Gorchakovshchinsky waterfall, which is located near the village. You can get here with a local guide or on your own. Quiet streams of water and picturesque greenery around will allow you to relax and enjoy being close to nature.

Gorchakovshchinsky waterfall

Staraya Ladoga – what to see in winter

• If you decide to go here to New Year holidays, visit Sopkah It is unlikely that they will succeed - most likely they will be covered with snow.
• Here's a look at the museum's exhibits: house of merchant Kalyazin, at the Uspenskoye estate, wandering around the fortress and temples is quite possible.
• Don't forget about Gorchakovshchinsky waterfall: In winter, its frozen waters are a truly amazing sight.

A story about the history of Staraya Ladoga - in the past it was a city in Novgorod Rus', now it is a village. About the Staraya Ladoga fortress, about the old monasteries and mounds located on this.

Staraya Ladoga – what to see with children

• It is worth noting that it is generally better not to bring children under five years old here with you - they will be downright bored. But older kids will probably like it in the fortress.
• It is quite possible to go with schoolchildren to excursion to the Sopki, but it’s better to do this with a guide - his stories will certainly be useful in history lessons, and vivid impressions will be etched in your memory for a long time.
• If you decide to go to Staraya Ladoga, it is most convenient to do this by car, and stop for the night in.

Hills

Two days were enough for us to explore the main attractions of the village, but if you want to relax and unwind longer (for example, in nature), set aside another day.

Have you ever been to Staraya Ladoga? What sights of the village struck you the most? Share your impressions in the comments.