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Social Program (free)
- Aug 27, 19.30, Library (1st floor) - Welcome party
- Aug 30, 18.30 Cruise
- Aug 31, 10.00 Excursion to Dmitrov
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Excursion to Dmitrov
Visit the ancient Russian town of Dmitrov and shake hands with Yuri Dolgoruki, a medieval Russian prince, who incidentally happens to be also the founder of the city of Moscow.Dmitrov known as the Moscow's Nohern pearl is just 65 kilometers north of Moscow on the suburban road. The road emerges from the city into open fields surrounded by green forests. Small streams meander between Klin-Dmitrov hills that rise up along both sides of the road. The fields stretch out as far as the horizon. The epic enormity of the landscape reminds one of the town's ancient history.
Dmitrov is one of the oldest cities in Russia. It was formed on the banks of the Yakhroma river by Prince Yuri Dolgorukii in 1154. The town was named in honor of the son of Yuri Dolgoruki, whose second name was Dmitri. Dmitrov finally entered the Moscow county in the 16th century, after a lengthy internal struggle among its princes. The town's development during the 14th through 17th century was helped to a large extent by its geographical position on the crossing of the roads from the center of the country to the north, with rivers leading to Lake Ladoga. At the end of the 17th century, however, the main trade route from Moscow to the north moved and started going through Yaroslavl and Vologda. Dmitrov lost its former importance, but in the middle of the 18th century, it again found itself in the middle of a trade route between Moscow and the new capital, St. Petersburg.
The fate of Dmitrov in the 20th century was tragic. In the 1930s, there was an infamous prison camp here, described by Solzhenitsyn in 'Gulag Archipelago' - Dmitlag. The prisoners there built a new Moscow-Volga canal, splitting the very heart of the ancient town - its historical part. In the fall of 194, the city walls were witness to fierce fighting against German troops heading for Moscow. It was here that the Russian troops' victory began. The last quarter of the 20th century also left its mark on the city. Coming out of the citycenter, you will find yourself in the middle of industrial buildings. But the ancient heart of the town, albeit hidden by the high-rises, has remained intact.
The 12th century earthen ramparts are visible from afar. Their preservation is in itself unique in Russia - the town is set in an area full of ditches rather than high up like most Russian towns. The ramparts are around 13 meters high.
When passing the ramparts, you enter the Kremlin. Its most remarkable edifice is the Assumption Cathedral built in 1523. An unknown architect made it so elegant and proportional that it sticks out from the row of similar buildings of that time. In its style of architecture, the cathedral is close to the Moscow Kremlin's Archangel Cathedral, but is richer in Russian national features, although it is decorated more modestly. Inside, there is a unique icon set featuring exquisite carvings of the late 17th century. The icons are works of Russian famous icon painters - Andrei Rublyov and Dionisi. In addition to being a functional church, where regular services are held, the cathedral accommodates the Dmitrov History and Regional Studies Museum founded by Russia's distinguished philosopher and anarchist Pyotr Kropotkin. The house where Kropotkin lived has been preserved. It is located not far from the Kremlin and has a memorial plaque on the wall.
Dmitrov was selected as the most comfortable for living city in Russia
in the 2005 All-Russian contest!
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