Suzdal (Су́здаль), Russia

Church of the Transfiguration in Suzdal, Russia
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:WoodenMuseumChurchTransfiguration.jpg
Author: Ludvig14


Suzdal (Russian: Су́здаль) is a city on the Kamenka River in Russia. It is within Vladimir Oblast, and is about 26 km (16 mi) from the city of Vladimir. The city has a population of around 11,000 people (2012 estimate).

According to Norse Sagas, Suzdal was founded in 1024. It was originally called Sursdalar. Located within the Golden Ring, a string of cities to the northeast of Moscow, Suzdal served as capital of a number of principalities throughout the Middle Ages. It was granted city status in 1777.

Suzdal is renowned for its high concentration of churches and monasteries. It serves as an important religious center in Russia, and once had forty churches supported by a population of just four hundred families. These churches are excellent examples of old Russian ecclesiastical architecture. One of its churches, the Cathedral of the Nativity in Suzdal, is a World Heritage Site of Russia.

Visiting Suzdal

The most practical way to reach Suzdal is to take a tour package. If you insist on going there on your own, there are buses from Moscow's Shelkovskaya bus station. However, it may be more convenient to reach Suzdal via Vladimir, and take a bus from there.

Places of Interest in Suzdal