Thread: Suzdal

Originally Posted by Hanna

I'm guessing that Maria lives there, so that could be a good reason to visit - get a guided tour from a friendly local person.

I don't enjoy places that are crowded with souvenir sellers and tourists. But I really enjoy visiting orthodox churches, and I think there are some really pretty ones in Suzdal right? Where else to go for Church sightseeing?

Hi Hanna,

It is true that I am a Moscovite. I do not live in Suzdal. So I have to dissapoint you, but a guided tour is out of question.
Yet I am ready to share my traveling info - ticketing, trains, buses - should you (or other site visitors) be interested.

Nonetheless, I can assure you that the town is full of interesting churches and monasteries. I'd say this destination is for people who like walking. Being small by the notorious Russian standards, the town will definetely make you tired, should you try to visit all its museums in one day.

Suzdal has been a touristic place for quite a long time now, so it is also true that you can find many souvenir shops there. But as to my personal taste, I'd recommended to visit Trapesnaya restaurant in Kremlin instead to try Russian cuisine.

I like this little town and its provincial beauty, relaxed way of live, and quiet streets. And... yes, they are really quiet, if you are not visiting the town at weekends. So, people, if don't like crowds, just try go there at weekdays.

As to "nothing to see", I guess it is a matter of personal likes and dislikes. So there is nothing much to discuss here.

As to the other Church site seeing close to Moscow, first I wanted to recommend Sergiev Posad, but Lavra is on reconstruction now, so you won't get a full picture. On the other hand, if you have a car, The Ascension David’s hermitage and its Talezh metochion is probably a good choise. The Ascension David’s hermitage and its Talezh metochion / Вознесенская Давидова пустынь и ее Талежское подворье | A Traveller's Reference

There is a souvenir shop in Talezh too. The prices bite, but they have a lot of interesting stuff there.
In addition, on you way to Talezh, you can drop into Chekhov's Melikhovo museum.

BR,
Maria

Here's a video that my wife took while the bells were ringing:

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/...al%20Bells.AVI

Scott