The history of Suzdal

The history of Suzdal has about 1000 years. Like most Russian cities, Suzdal was formed from the trade, craft and farming settlements. The first mention of Suzdal-a city refers to 1024, and is connected with the wave of peasant uprisings. This era is the beginning of the penetration of the Christian religion, which was an important factor in the subsequent formation in Suzdal, the spiritual center of Russia.

There are several versions of the origin of the name "Suzdal", one of which is a word derived from the verb "SYSDATE", which had a value of "molded from clay".

In the early 11th century Suzdal was part of the Kievan state, and several years later becomes the patrimony of Vladimir Monomakh, the city is actively developed and prospered and soon became the capital of the Rostov-Suzdal Principality.

The construction of Suzdal, like any other city, began with the construction of the Kremlin – the fortress aimed to protect the city from external enemies. The place was chosen with 3 sides the city was defended by natural barriers (steep Bank of the Kamenka river and the hills), and to enhance the protection was erected earthworks, which we can contemplate until now.

On the same property by order of Vladimir Monomakh has been built and the Cathedral of the assumption. Near the Kremlin in honor of St. Demetrius was erected the first monastery of Suzdal.

During the life of Vladimir Monomakh Suzdal land passed to his son Yuri Dolgoruky, who also like his father, did much for the development of the city. During the reign of Yuri Dolgoruky built temples and monasteries, the town was fortified, and growing political influence.

After the death of Yuri Dolgoruky, the ownership goes into the hands of his son, Andrei Bogolyubsky. At this time the impact of Suzdal as the center weakened Principality, and Suzdal is in the Vladimir-Suzdal Principality, whose capital became the city of Vladimir. After the tragic murder of Andrew because of unbelief the power of the boyars, the ruler of Suzdal Vsevolod III becomes where the Suzdal continued to grow and develop. However, after his death, the Principality was divided between his sons. The head becomes Suzdal Principality Yuri Vsevolodovich. During his reign the Cathedral of the assumption, built by Vladimir Monomakh, is rebuilt and becomes the Christmas Cathedral.

The Mongol invasion has not bypassed the party Suzdal in 1238 by the Mongol-Tatars attacked the town, burned and looted it, most of the inhabitants were led away into captivity. At the battle of fallen Prince Yuri Vsevolodovich. A small part of the inhabitants took refuge in the monastery of the deposition of the survivors.

The history of the city of Suzdal in the period after the Mongol invasion is characterized by internecine struggle of Tver, Suzdal and Moscow princes for power. At this time being built in Suzdal Spaso-evfimiev monastery and Pokrovsky monastery, which were the fortresses that protected the city. Later on, these monasteries became the refuge of a disgraced women of noble birth.

A big role in keeping the influence of Suzdal was played by Prince Konstantin, who moved the capital to Nizhny Novgorod. In the early 14th century Suzdal is booming and becomes the centre of Suzdal-Nizhny Novgorod Principality. At this time it is actively developing handicraft. Even in Suzdal minted their own coins.

However, the feud was won by the Prince of Moscow. Suzdal became a part of Moscow Principality, and the capital was moved to Moscow. From this time the history begins a period of decline.

Suzdal became a member town of the Moscow Principality, and remoteness from trading routes prevented the city to develop on a par with the more fortunate geographical location.

In the time of troubles Suzdal was twice attacked by the Polish-Lithuanian troops in 1634, was plundered by the Crimean Tartars, and in 1654-1655 he is experiencing a great fire and the plague, which had destroyed many buildings and killed residents.

After experienced the misfortunes of Suzdal started to build up: built monasteries, rekonstruiruet the Kremlin.

At the behest of Peter I, Suzdal became a district town of the Moscow province. After a year of the Moscow province is divided into 9 provinces and Suzdal became a center of one of them. However, in 1776 the city of Suzdal again gets the status of County town.

During the reign of Catherine II in Suzdal is an active stone construction, predominantly civilian buildings. At this time, due to the fact that in Suzdal is the trade route connecting the North with the South, the city is actively developing trade – once a year come to the fair a large number of merchants from surrounding cities.

However, after construction of the Nikolaev railroad, which bypassed Suzdal party, the importance of the city as a trade centre reduced development of the surrounding cities. In Suzdal are only a small handicraft shops, receiving small orders from nearby settlements.

In 1922, based in Suzdal Suzdal istoriko-an art Museum in 1958, becoming a part of the Vladimir-Suzdal historical-architectural and art Museum-reserve.

In 1967 the USSR Council of Ministers adopted a decision on construction in the Suzdal tourist centre.

In 1992, the most important sights of Suzdal – the Kremlin, Saviour monastery of St Euthymius, intercession convent, the Church of Boris and Gleb in Kideksha – listed in the world Heritage List of UNESCO.