Zaraysk (Zaraisk, Зарайск) — district center at the South-East of Moscow region. Population — 26 thousands (2004), coordinates 54°46´ N, 38°53´ E. Picturesque location at the bank of River Osyotr — a right tributary of River Oka.

Zaraysk was founded prior to 13th century, first as a part of Ryazan' principality. As many other Russian towns at the time, it was (in 1237) destroyed by the Mongol troops of Batu Khan. After the invasion, it was restored and after some time joined Moscow principality. Until 17th century Zaraysk was a frontier fortress between Moscow and the Great Steppe — so called Big Barrier Line. To provide defense against Tartars, in 16th century a stone kremlin — an old Russian fortress — was built, definitely not in vain — several Tartar raids were repelled, the last one in 1570. At the Time of Troubles — the period in the beginning of 17th century, when Russia was in chaos and the statehood was in danger — the town supported the uprising of Ivan Bolotnikov, and as the result was destroyed by the army of the central government of Muscovy. In 1610, Prince Dmitry Pozharsky , later known as an organizer of the volunteer army and regarded as a national hero, was appointed voevoda (military governor) of Zaraysk. He managed to repel the attack of advancing Polish troops lead by False Dimitry. With the Time of Troubles, wars leave Zaraysk. Between 17th and the beginning of 19th centuries Zaraysk established itself as an important trade center, but lost its significance in the second half of 19th century, when the highway and the railroad from Moscow to Ryazan' and further South bypassed the town.

Time required: 2-4 hours

Why to visit Zaraysk: old Russian town with a well-preserved kremlin. Splendid wooden architecture.

Zaraysk kremlin (1525-1530) was built for defense from Tartar raids. It is a regular (meaning built according to a project) rectangular fortress with 8 towers and 4 gates. Walls and gates are fully preserved (Zaraysk has the only fully preserved kremlin in Moscow Region, which does not include Moscow). The kremlin is almost empty. The most remarkable building inside is Nikol'sky Sobor (St. Nicholas Cathedral, 1681), built in old Russian tradition after an order by Tsar Fyodor Alekseevich to accomodate the wondermaking ikon of St. Nicholas (Nikola of Zaraysk). Services are not performed regularly, and the cathedral is usually closed. Neo-classical Predtechensky Sobor (Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, 1901), regular services.

Posad — the old residential area around the kremlin (17th — 20th centuries). It contains a number of remarkable buildings such as Trade arcades (18th century), Il'inskaya Tserkov' (St. Iliya Church, 1819, with the bell-tower from the end of 19th century, Krasnoarmeyskaya ulitsa), Troitskaya Tserkov' (Trinity Church, 1776, ploshchad' Revolyutsii), Blagoveshchenskaya Tserkov' (Annunciation Church, 1777, with the refectory and bell-tower built later, ulitsa Dzerzhinskogo), and also many wooden buildings. Sadly, currently Posad is being destroyed — wooden houses demolished, and tasteless mansions of "New Russians" erected in their place. This is despite the fact that many houses are (were) protected as architectural monuments. We give the list of buildings protected by the federal law:

• Dwelling house, end of 18th — beginning of 19th centuries, ulitsa Dzerzhinskogo, 64.
• Building of the Town Treasury, 1st half of 19th century, ulitsa Karla Marksa, 2/6.
• Mansion, 19th century, ulitsa Karla Marksa, 36 & 38.
• Loktev house, 18th — beginning of 19th century, ulitsa Karla Marksa, 39/19.
• Ivanov house, 18th — beginning of 19th century, ulitsa Karla Marksa, 42.
• Building of the Town Council, 19th century, ulitsa Karla Marksa, 49.
• Dwelling house, end of 17th century, ulitsa Karla Marksa, 52.
• Lapin house, middle of 19th century, ulitsa Nizova, 10/25.
• Mansion, beginning of 19th century, Pervomayskaya ulitsa, 26/5.
• Dwelling house, end of 17th century, Pervomayskaya ulitsa, 45.

"White Well" Spring — chapel and bathing but at the place where in 1225 Prince Feodor Yurievich has met a wondermaking icon of St. Nicholas (Nikola of Zaraysk), which was then kept in St. Nicholas Cathedral till 1918.

Narrow-gauge railroad of Zaraysk Plant of Construction Blocks — acting, electrified (the only electrified narrow-gauge railroad in Moscow region and one of the few in Russia). Actually, since the railroad is on the premises of an acting plant, the visit requires some negotiations with the staff. If you are not a railroad fan, probably you do not want to visit anyway, and if you are one and do not speak Russian, it is recommended that you come in contact with Russian railroad fans in advance.

Museums

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