Russian North beauty

the beginning here

We were lucky with the weather. Severe northern edge opened to us with summer heat, giving the opportunity to drive along the dry road to the White Sea. And on the road there was a lot that was worth seeing. For example, Kirillov and Ferapontov monasteries. Kirillov Monastery is located on the shore of the Siversky Lake. An amazing place is the center of the spiritual life of the Russian North. The Assumption Cathedral, built in the late 15th century, can still be seen. And if you remember that in St. Cyril's monastery Basil III prayed for the gift of the heir - Ioan Vasilyevich (Grozny), or that Patriarch Nikon was here in disgrace - the stone courtyard of the monastery is filled with visions of days past. The picture is bright and juicy.

Ferapontov Monastery is nearby. Founded by him, according to legend, Ferapont Belozersky, a follower of Sergius of Radonezh. Here you can see firsthand the skills of the outstanding representative of the Moscow icon painting school of the XV-XVI centuries - Dionysius. He, together with his sons, from August 6 to September 8, 1502 performed works on painting 600 sq.m. Frescoes have survived to this day.

Touching the painters I want to say and about the architects. Wooden Russian architecture is amazing. It is worth visiting and museums near Vologda, and near Arkhangelsk. And how many magnificent wooden temples stand on the banks of the northern rivers. Unfortunately, every day all this beauty is destroyed or burned. Since our trip, a magnificent church and bell tower burned in the village of Lyadiny in the Arkhangelsk region. And this was a unique ensemble, the so-called "tee" from the summer, winter temples and the bell tower. But let's not talk about sad things. There is still something to see, and let's hope that what has been lost will be restored.

Since we are talking about the village of Lyadina, it is worth remembering about the city of Kargopol. The architectural ensemble in the old city center with a magnificent temple is worth a visit. In addition, in Kargopol, a clay toy is made according to ancient technology.

Nearby is the national park "Kenozersky". Here you can just relax, swim and fish. In the park there are many hiking routes for tourists. Here you need to enjoy silence and unity with nature.

Let's return to our city vanity. From Kostroma, the road to the Russian north passes through Vologda - an ancient Russian city. Officially, since 1147 Vologda was one of the largest cities in Russia and a rich cultural center. The architectural ensemble of the city center is a must see.

but we will see it next time

to be continued