Where Are Ron and Ellen?

Near Suzdal to Vladimir, Russia, 13 July 2007


By the late Middle Ages, Suzdal was a large and wealthy monastic center, and in the 17th and 18th centuuries merchants built at least 30 more beautiful churches there. It is now federally protected, which means development is limited and the many gorgeous buildings are protected.

Convent in river valley

Intercession Convent in the Kamenka River valley. The convent was a place of exile for unwanted wives of Tsars.


Intercession Cathedral

Intercession Cathedral, within the Convent walls.


Annunciation Gate

Annunciation Gate, the entrance to Suzdal's largest monastery, Saviour Monastery of St. Euthymius.


Monastery cathedral complex

Part of the monastery's cathedral complex.


Cathedral entrance

Entrance to the monastery's Cathedral of the Transfiguration of the Saviour.


Frescoes inside Cathedral

Frescoes inside the Cathedral.


Frescoes on Cathedral dome

Frescoes on the Cathedral dome.


Cathedral bell tower

Cathedral bell tower.


Man playing Cathedral bells

Man playing the Cathedral bells. Using ropes and foot pedals, the one man was able to play all 19 bells in concert.


Church with blue domes

Another church along the Kamenka River, with one of Suzdal's many souvenir vendors in the foreground.


Church of the Intercession on the Nerl

Church on the Intercession on the Nerl. This church on the Nerl River in Bogolyubovo, about 10 km from Vladimir, is supposedly one of the most photographed sites in Russia. It is currently under renovation, so we were not able to go inside.


Girl with horse and buggy

If you didn't want to walk across the field to the church, you could take this horse and buggy.