Founded in 1152, this ancient Russian town preserves its 12th-century Kremlin fortress. Located 130 km from Moscow, it sits along the banks of the Klyazma River.
Located 140 kilometers northeast of Moscow, Pereslavl-Zalessky welcomes you with its 12th-century Savior's Cathedral, medieval ramparts, and Lake Pleshcheyevo. You can watch kite surfers glide across the lake in summer, explore the Museum of Peter the Great's Boat, or walk through the Nikitsky Monastery where monks maintain centuries-old traditions. The local restaurants prepare vendace fish - a delicacy once reserved for the Russian royal court.
Getting to Pereslavl-Zalessky
Regular buses run from Moscow's Schyolkovskaya metro station, taking 2-3 hours to reach Pereslavl-Zalessky. While the town has no railway station, you can travel by train to nearby Rostov Veliky or Yaroslavl and catch a connecting bus. The M8 highway connects the city directly with Moscow and Yaroslavl.
Lake Pleshcheyevo and Activities
Lake Pleshcheyevo spans 50 square kilometers and reaches depths of 25 meters. Strong, steady winds make it a popular spot for kite surfing from June through August. You'll find sandy beaches, water equipment rentals, and designated camping areas around the lake. The surrounding national park includes a dendrological garden where you can see hundreds of plant species.
Ancient Fortifications
Earth ramparts from the 12th century encircle the historic center, rising 10-12 meters high and extending for 2 kilometers. Walk along these defensive walls for views across the old town. Within the former kremlin area stands the white stone Savior's Cathedral from 1157. Its four pillars, three apses, and distinctive dome represent early Russian church architecture.
Monasteries and Churches
Six monasteries dating from the 14th to 17th centuries remain active in the city. The Goritsky Monastery now houses the city's main museum, with religious art and local history exhibits in its 17th-century buildings. At the Nikitsky Monastery, established in the 12th century, you can attend daily religious services and meet resident monks. The Feodorovsky Monastery, with its distinctive red brick walls and five domes, maintains an active religious community.
Museums and Local Culture
The Museum of Peter the Great's Boat holds the small vessel that marked the beginning of Russia's navy. You can examine collections of everyday Russian objects from the 18th to 20th centuries at the Museum of Flat Irons and Museum of Kettles. Visit the Kleshchin archaeological site, 2 kilometers from the center, to see remains of the region's earliest settlement.
Local Food
Two vendace fish appear on Pereslavl-Zalessky's coat of arms, representing the city's fishing tradition. This freshwater herring was historically sent to the tsar's table in Moscow. Restaurants near the kremlin prepare traditional vendace dishes, including smoked fish and ukha (fish soup).
