- Where is the city of Veliky Ustyug located?
- Historical reference
- How to get to Veliky Ustyug?
- What to see in Veliky Ustyug?
Veliky Ustyug is inextricably linked in the minds of Russian people with the image of a magical winter fairy tale and a fiefdom, which was erected in 1999 and is currently the official residence of Father Frost. However, not everyone knows that Veliky Ustyug is also famous for its picturesque nature of taiga forests, many interesting sights, original culture and unique fakes made of birch bark, blackened silver and valuable wood species.
From this article, you will learn information not only about where Veliky Ustyug is located, but also about its history, famous places worth visiting, as well as about the types of transport plying between the city and the country's major cities.
Where is the city of Veliky Ustyug located?
The most famous "New Year" city of the country is located on the coast of the Sukhona reservoir, which merges with the tributaries of the Yug River, forming a single water area that flows into the Northern Dvina. Such a large metropolis as Vologda is located 450 kilometers north-east of the city, which is the administrative center of the Veliky Ustyug district. Veliky Ustyug is considered one of the most important objects of the Vologda region, which is located in the northeast of the East European Plain.
Separately, it is worth noting that the city's population is about 32 thousand, and territorially Veliky Ustyug is divided into such districts as Yaikovo, Dobrynino, Koromyslovo, Borki, etc. The historical part is the focus of the oldest architectural monuments, built mainly in the XII-XV centuries.
During its long history of existence, Veliky Ustyug was repeatedly planned to be transferred to other places in Russia due to the inaccessibility and poor transport interchange. However, the Russian princes made every effort to ensure that the city began to flourish and retain its original location.
Historical reference
The name of Veliky Ustyug is rooted in the name of the Yug River, which for a long period of time was considered one of the main water areas of the Russian North. The first mentions of the city date back to the beginning of the 13th century, when the Grand Duke, nicknamed Vsevolod the Big Nest, decided to grant Veliky Ustyug to the legitimate heir.
Later, starting from the XIV century, the city was actively developing and became one of the administrative units of the Moscow principality, as described by reliable chronicle sources. Ustyug received the addition to the name "Veliky" due to the fact that by the 16th century it had become one of the most important trade and transport centers for Russian, playing a key role in the formation of various sectors of the economy.
However, later the city lost its high commercial status and became a unit of provincial importance, as new transport routes were built, opening the road to all parts of central Russia.
How to get to Veliky Ustyug?
Knowing the information about the location of Veliky Ustyug, you can choose the best option for traveling to this amazing city. At the moment, you can get to Veliky Ustyug by the following types of transport: airplane; bus; train; Personal car.
However, be prepared for the fact that you have to make several transfers. So, going by plane, you first need to fly to Cherepovets, and then transfer to a direct flight that will take you to Veliky Ustyug. Travel time will be about 1 hour.
Choosing a train as a means of transportation, you need to know that no railway tracks pass through Veliky Ustyug. Therefore, by train you will reach the settlements of Yadrikha or Kotlas, from where you can proceed to your final destination by bus in 40-50 minutes. In winter, which lasts in Veliky Ustyug from November to March, buses run at intervals of 30 minutes.
The best option is to travel to Veliky Ustyug by a private car. There are such large highways close to the city, running through St. Petersburg, Moscow, Vologda, etc. At the same time, it will be convenient for you to move around within the city and drive independently to the residence of Santa Claus.
What to see in Veliky Ustyug?
Most of the cultural heritage of ancient architecture is located in Veliky Ustyug, since it was in this city that famous masters lived who created their unique white-stone masterpieces. Lovers of antiquity can visit the historical and architectural ancient complex, which includes:
- Cathedral of St. John of Ustyug;
- Assumption Cathedral;
- Cathedral of Procopius the Righteous;
- Nikolsky temple;
- Dymkovskaya Sloboda;
- Savior Transfiguration Church.
Guests of the city are invited to go to the Historical-Architectural and Art Museum-Reserve, to get acquainted with the architecture of the mansions of wealthy merchants, as well as to the annual Christmas exhibition dedicated to the history and methods of making New Year's toys. If you wish, you can take part in master classes by the best experts in local crafts.
The key and famous attraction of Veliky Ustyug is considered to be the Terem of Santa Claus, where a significant number of families flock in winter, wishing to see the New Year's wizard and his immense possessions with their own eyes. You have a unique opportunity to write a letter with your own hand to the main grandfather of the country and put it in the New Year's mailbox.
A fascinating journey along a fairytale trail, excursions to the zoo, thematic rooms and exhibitions, sleigh rides pulled by three horses - all this is just a small part of the wealth of the Santa Claus residence.
As a result, we note that a trip to Veliky Ustyug will bring you real pleasure, as it is a city with an unusual history, beautiful surroundings, developed infrastructure and many places worth visiting.
