Alexandrovskaya Sloboda. Aleksandrovskaya Sloboda: the map. Aleksandrovskaya Sloboda: directions

Aleksandrovskaya Sloboda (today Alexandrov) is a provincial city, the administrative center of the Aleksandrovsky district of the Vladimir region. It is located near Moscow, just 110 km. Through the city there is once the famous river Gray. The history of this settlement goes back centuries, the first mention of it belong to the XIV century, then its name sounded like the Great Sloboda.

History

Aleksandrovskaya Sloboda is inextricably linked with the name of Ivan the Terrible, one of the most controversial rulers in Russia. But even his father, Prince Vasily III, decided to create the Russian Versailles, but, fascinated by the beauty of nature and the richness of the hunting grounds of these places, chose Sloboda. The best Russian and Italian masters came here, they erected the Kremlin, the country palace and the Intercession Church. After the death of his parents, Ivan the Terrible ascended to the throne , who treated these places in a special way, and in the middle of the 16th century he unexpectedly moved here from Moscow together with elected boyars and for a long time ruled the country from here.

Not only the magnificent buildings owes its fame to the Alexander Sloboda. The museum-preserve carefully preserves the way of life of the tsar, moreover, specially for the guests, theater performances about the life of the past epoch are recreated. You do not just look at the beautiful expositions, but also take on the features of the palace life of the times of Ivan the Terrible. For fans of history, these walls will become a real storehouse of information.

The Alexander Kremlin

He is here too, this is a fact, because Aleksandrovskaya Sloboda for 18 years was the capital of a great state. Recently she celebrated her anniversary, exactly 500 years have passed since the foundation of the city, for five centuries a mysterious white-stone Kremlin has been looking from the hill above the river. In 1921 a museum was opened here, and in 1994 it was transformed into a reserve. It invites you to plunge into the past, to come in contact with an amazing history and a rich cultural heritage.

Architectural and temple ensemble

Alexandrovskaya Sloboda offers to see the wonderful creation of architects and icon painters who lived here and worked for many years. The magnificent Kremlin, executed in the style of Moscow court architecture of the 15th century, became a complex combining the traditions of Suzdal and Italian architecture of the Renaissance times.

The architectural complex includes unique architectural monuments of the 16th century. Again the old temples, you wince. But you will prove to be wrong. It is truly fascinating and fascinating.

• The central place is given to the palace temple of the royal residence, today it is called the Trinity Cathedral. This is the most magnificent structure, which always attracts tourists. A powerful, solid, almost cubic form, but at the same time an incredibly elegant white stone work of art, entirely covered with a fresco painting, which tells of the life of the Virgin.
• The Intercession Church is another tent monument of the 16th century. He used it for the long and solitary prayers of the sovereign. Until 1990, we did not know all the splendor that these walls hide. Only when it was noticed that they were covered by later layers, under them was discovered a unique carved decoration. This is the only tent in the Russian painted tent.
• The crucifix church-bell tower is the crown of the ensemble. Absolutely unusual for Russian architecture style, the mighty and upward-looking building is a fifty-meter-high pillar crowned with a tent.
• Another building of the 16th century is the Assumption Church. A small building, refined and refined. As in all other buildings, there are spacious white-stone cellars with carved vaults.

All these buildings are not separately standing, but look like a surprisingly harmonious complex in which each building is in its place, complements and decorates the rest. Unity is also emphasized by the high walls with four corner towers, built here in the 17th century. The loudspeakers here act as decorative elements, because the defensive function of the walls did not carry, but only guarded the monastery from worldly vanity.

Aleksandrovskaya Sloboda - museum-preserve

Here they receive a wide variety of guests. Excursions are divided into entertainment and cognitive, for adults and children. Groups of schoolchildren are often grafted here to conduct an unusual lesson in history. The sightseeing tour "For the first time in Sloboda" includes acquaintance with the unique palace and temple ensemble.

The journey begins with the royal chambers. The guide will tell the story of the reign of Ivan the Terrible, and his achievements and a bright mind, combined with a harsh temper and cruelty. The narrative will not be boring, because visitors can view rare exhibits in the most interesting expositions: "The Sovereign Courtyard in the Alexander Sloboda", "Royal People", "Dining Room of the Tsar's Chamber of the XVI Century", "Tsar Ivan the Terrible in Painting", "Treasures of Three Ages" , "Morals of our antiquity", "In a peasant hut".

Here you can see a lot of interesting things - the decoration of past eras, dishes and household items, clothing and jewelry. Before you appear old books, amazing works of icon painting, precious fabrics and Russian cotton prints. The royal throne and the tower clock crown the collection. The day was divided into day and night hours, and their duration varied depending on the season.

The Alexandrovskaya Sloboda Museum is one of the largest and most interesting in Russia. Time here flies by unnoticed. Why should you visit the "dining room", who did not dream of being a king at a feast in his childhood? Particular attention was then paid to the interior decoration of the room. The floors, walls, windows and tables were tightened with all kinds of coverlets, curtains and cloaks. The room looked like a lace box. This magnificence was complemented by sets of gold and silver dishes.

A large number of products made of precious metals are collected, each of which is a work of art. It is a bowl in the form of fruits of apples, pears or pineapples with intricate legs, unique cups depicting animals and birds. For example, the presented vessel "owl" is made of coconut shell, fine carving depicts feathers, legs, tail and silver head. The guide tells you the rules of court etiquette of past times. This can be seen today by visiting the museum "Alexandrovskaya Sloboda". Excursions are so full that pages of history come to life before your eyes. Do not miss the opportunity to stay in the past.

But the king was famous not only for his brilliant mind, his love for lavish feasts and exceptional piety. Going down into the dark cellars, you will understand why the name "bloodthirsty Alexandrovskaya Sloboda" was used. Ivan the Terrible was quick to kill, and the slightest offense could bring a man into the hands of the executioners. Wax figures make the torture cellar horribly realistic.

Interactive tours

This is the most interesting thing the museum has to offer. Do not just look at some items neatly laid out on the shelves, and listen to the history of the guide, and dive into the past era and feel it. About 30 trips to the past can be done in the museum "Alexandrovskaya Sloboda". A map of the area, a detailed scenario, clothing and household items are provided by the employees. It's like a theatrical performance, in which each participant of the tour will play one of the roles.

Alexandrovsky Art Museum "Visiting a merchant "

The ancient mansion of the merchant Pervushin, built in neo-classical style, and the adjoining park is one of the most beautiful places of the city. Today there are expositions that reflect the way of life of the merchant class of the past era. The theatrical program will allow you not only to look at the estate from the inside, but also to live there a few bright moments. You will be met by the owner of the mansion Alexei Pervushin and his family. Over a cup of fragrant tea you will learn about the life of a secular society, novelties of fashion, look at "home theater" and pass a session of ancient fortune telling.

Visiting the maid

We are so used to using modern household appliances (automatic washing and dishwasher, microwave, iron, vacuum cleaner) that we can hardly imagine our lives without them. However, the servants of the gentlemen who lived in the past centuries had to prepare and clean up, maintain in perfect condition complex outfits, all of this by hand. The chambermaid will teach you how to inflate the samovar, iron the laundry with a log (wooden board with cross grooves), clean table silver and even weave the bast shoes.

Ancient holidays

Here, on the territory of the estate, recreate programs for celebrating various significant days, with observance of all canons and rites. You will be surprised to learn how much of the tradition of ancestors today is lost. For example, a wide Maslenitsa is a whole week that is full of festive deeds. Games, rituals, dances, chastushki, delicious pancakes - you will become a participant in a grandiose event.

A separate word about the newlyweds. Do you want to celebrate a traditional Russian wedding at a merchant's backyard, according to all the canons? Then come here on the day of the wedding. You are guaranteed a sea of fun and great photos. The very queen Elizabeth Petrovna will come to congratulate the young.

Charming Collection

If you like shiny pebbles, then they will delight you. The fascinating and magical world of stone has always been a mystery to man. Change the lighting, and from the heart of a dark piece rise flickering flashes, as if a living being wakes up. Here, in an old manor, you can enjoy a collection of semi-precious stones, minerals and rocks. An experienced guide will tell you about the healing and magical properties of each of them.

How to get to Aleksandrovskaya Sloboda

If your way will lie through Moscow, then you need to drive about 100 km along the road in the direction of Vladimir, and you will open the Aleksandrovskaya Sloboda. Nizhny Novgorod and Ivanovo are also connected to the city museum by a good road, which is easily accessible by car or sightseeing bus. Another option is any intercity transport. At any time of the year you will find the Alexander settlement. How to get there is up to you, starting from the starting point and the distance of your settlement.