People call it a miracle on Earth, a symphony in stone, the Eternal City of Russia... It rises like a vision amidst the sweeping expanses of Russia, a wonder city on the shore of Lake Nero.
It was already old, one of the oldest centres of Russian statehood , rich and densely populated, at the end of the 10th century.
Many of its structures, erected in the first centuries of its history were destroyed by time, while others were burned or pillaged by invaders.
Fame came to Rostov in the 17th century with the construction of the Kremlin, a masterpiece of architecture arousing universal admiration. Ringed by powerful walls, it dominates the town with its white towers and cathedrals, their silvery shingled roofs and glided domes. The Church of Resurrection (1670), the Church of Savior Na Senyakh (1675), the Church of John Theologian (1683) and the passages between them are opened for visitors. Particularly attractive is the Church of Hodigitria (1698) in the style of so-called Naryshkin Baroque. Pride of place certainly belongs to the Cathedral of the Assumption with the belfry (late 16th century), the oldest of the Kremlin’s structures. While in the Kremlin, one can call at the Local Lore Museum. The icons, Rostov enamel work, cabinets, tables, distaffs and examples of wood carving displayed here demonstrate the excellent taste and high skill of Russian folk artists.