On my second trip to Moscow, I wanted to get outside of the city and see at least one of the famed Golden Ring towns, and since my time was a bit limited, the best choice seemed to be a day trip to the closest one, Sergiev Posad.
This is a small place about an hour’s bus ride north-east of Moscow and a trip there is worth it for the incredible monastery alone – the blue and gold domes and gold stars are classic architecture – and then the bonus is that you get to experience a bit of Russia outside of the bustling cities without having to go too far.
Everything in Sergiev Posad is within walking distance whether you arrive by bus or train, and you spot the famous Trinity Monastery of St Sergius easily with its domes. I did a lot of my souvenir shopping at the markets set up outside the monastery – it was a lot cheaper than Moscow and struck me as at least a little more authentic. I’ve yet to get to some of the other Golden Ring towns but as an introduction, Sergiev Posad was very enticing.
Tips for Things to do in Russia
We’ve lots more travel tips for what to do in Russia.
we saw some of the towns outside moscow from the train wheu we did our transmongolian trip. Beautiful :)
Excellent idea, its too easy just to stick to the main cities, which have a totally different character to the outlying areas. I think you are right to experience both. I will remember to try it myself on my next city break.
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The monastery is one of the most important locations for the Russian Orthordox church. As well as the stunning churches, Sergiev Posad’s significance as a religious centre can not be over stated.
These are a few of the pictures I took when I was there last summer:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bbmexplorer/sets/72157621998037779/
Rob – thanks for the link to your photos