2013-05-25: Church of the Epiphany
Church of the Epiphany (1684) is festively decorated with kokoshniki and glazed colored tiles, a tradition of Yaroslavl church architecture. The interior is a tapestry of frescoes painted by Yaroslavl artists in 1692. It also has impressive gilded seven tiered icons.
2013-05-25: Church of Elijah the Prophet
The Church of Elijah the Prophet was built in 1506 and was one of the wealthiest churches in Russia. Frescoes cover the entire interior and are the oldest wall paintings in Yaroslavl.
2013-05-25: Yaroslavl Market
Strolling through the city market we saw fruit, vegetables, meat, fish, chocolate and nuts for sale by vendors. From what we have been told, this is drastically different than it was during the Soviet times.
2013-05-25: Governors Mansion
The Governor's Mansion sits on the shore of Volga River. Today it is a museum with guides dressed as the governor's daughters. Al knew the answer to one of her questions so he got the privlidge of sitting in the Governor's chair.
2013-05-25: Governor's Ball
We were invited to Governor's Ball in the ballroom of the mansion. Al even got to dance with our guide...
2013-05-25: Concert
...and we were serenaded at another incredible a cappella concert.
2013-05-25: Sailing Again
Back aboard our boat we continued to sail down the Volga passing small villages along the way.
2013-05-25: Along the Volga
In each of these remote villages we saw the beautiful onion dome churches so common to this country.
2013-05-25: Tutayev on the Volga
Along the Volga River we passed Tutayev, a quaint town with many historical churches. The 5-domed Cathedral of the Resurrection was built on the foundations of an older 12-century church and embellished with a tent shaped bell tower.
2013-05-25: Cathedral of Transfiguration
The Cathedral of Transfiguration is located in Rybinsk, one of the oldest Slavic settlements on the Volga River.
2013-05-25: Mother Volga
After we went through the lock at Rybinsk, we got to see the statue of Mother Volga. In many ways, the Volga River is a symbol of Russia and is the national river and is therefore referred to as Mother Volga. Russia grew cradled in the valley of the Volga, a very fertile and productive region. The Volga has also been referred to in Russian art, literature, and music.