Volokolamsk is one of the cities of the Moscow region, and it would have been completely unremarkable if not for its ancient history and the ensemble of the Kremlin that has survived to this day. If we turn to historical documents, it is easy to notice that the Slavic settlement on the site of this settlement existed even before the foundation of Moscow. Volokolamsk Kremlin is a significant and unique architectural monument, opened today for tourists to visit.
History of the city and the Kremlin
The first mention of the city in the area in historical documents dates back to 1135. At that time, the place was called Volok na Lam. This is the oldest city in the entire Moscow region, even the capital itself, it is at least 12 years older. Often it was simply called Volok or Volok Lamsky - from here it is not difficult to guess the origin of the modern name. Why is the city so strange named since its inception?
Everything is quite simple. Once upon a time, the Novgorodians “dragged” (transported) their vessels from the Lama River to Voloshnia. On the highest hill was an ancient Slavic settlement, surrounded by a rampart and fortified with wooden walls, with towers and a picket fence. The city was destroyed several times, and over time, majestic cathedrals grew on the site of the ancient fortress - this is the modern Volokolamsk Kremlin. The history of each of the structures on its territory is fascinating and impressive. The Resurrection Cathedral was built around 1480 by order of Prince Volotsky - today it is the oldest building of the architectural complex. In the years 1853-1862. in memory of those killed in the Crimean War, St. Nicholas Cathedral was built.
Kremlin in Volokolamsk during WWII and later
Once in Volokolamsk there were as many as five monasteries, each of which served as a fortress during raids by enemies. Today, from all this splendor, only the Kremlin ensemble and several churches have remained. The Resurrection Cathedral was closed in the 1930s. During the Great Patriotic War, there was a camp for captured Germans in it. After the end of hostilities, the cathedral for a long time remained closed and partially destroyed.
In the 1960s, the Volokolamsk Kremlin was recognized as an architectural monument and included in the protection and restoration program. The museum and exhibition complex was officially opened in 1989. Since then, it has been incredibly popular with tourists.
Religious buildings of the Volokolamsk Kremlin
Resurrection Cathedral - one of the oldest in the suburbs. It was built in the 15th century. The construction is made of white stone. The massive four-pillar cathedral is crowned with one chapter with a helmet-like dome, which completes the openwork cross. Horizontally, the facade of the temple is visually divided into two parts thanks to the terracotta frieze. The Resurrection Cathedral is distinguished by the correct proportions and looks incredibly harmonious. In the 19th century, a bell tower with 5 tiers was added to the temple building. Today, the building of the cathedral belongs to the local museum of local lore, but part of the premises has been restored, and services are held here weekly.
The second temple is Nikolsky. It was erected at the end of the 19th century in memory of the victims of the Crimean War. This temple is also one-headed, with a facade decorated in pseudo-Russian style. On the facade in two rows are windows framed by platbands. Inside the cathedral today is the museum of local lore, where you can see exhibits telling about the history of the region from the 4th century BC. The building of the Sunday school has also been turned into another exhibition hall. The Volokolamsk Kremlin also boasts another attraction - a fence with red brick towers, erected in 1862. One of the corner towers is a chapel.
Museum and exhibitions in Volokolamsk Kremlin
In the historical center of Volokolamsk you can not only admire the monuments of architecture, but also learn a lot about this amazing land. Most of the buildings of the Kremlin are reserved for the museum of local lore, during which you can trace the entire history of the region from the moment the first people appeared in these places (IV century BC). It is useful to know that if you decide to go around the entire Volokolamsk Kremlin, the museum’s office hours are from 9.00 to 17.00.
During the excursions you will be able to find out the full history of the founding of the city, interesting facts about the construction of monasteries, temples and other outstanding buildings, as well as “get to know” better with many outstanding people who lived and worked here many years ago.
Useful information for tourists
Not only those who wish to look at ancient monuments of architecture, but also believers regularly come to the Volokolamsk Kremlin. The Resurrection Cathedral today is at the same time a functioning church and one of the exhibition halls of the Volokolamsk Museum of Local Lore. Getting into the service is more difficult than looking at the museum's collection - religious events are held here on average once a week. One of the most interesting offers for tourists is climbing to the bell tower. The cost of such an excursion is only about 100 rubles (an adult ticket without benefits). Visitors can climb to the third tier (observation deck with bells).
The bell tower of the Resurrection Cathedral offers incredibly picturesque views of the Kremlin and the whole city.
