Yaroslavl, Russia - The Russian Florence - City of Churches and Bears

Yaroslavl, Russia is a town of about 600,000 residents at the junction of the Volga and Kotorosl Rivers. Yaroslavl is almost 1000 years old, having been founded in the year 1010 by Kiev Prince Yaroslav the Wise. As our river ship was delayed by fog during the night, we were only in Yaroslavl for a few hours, but our driving/walking tour did take in the key sights.

Yaroslavl is home to many churches, most dating back to the 16th or 17th century. We went inside the Church of St. Elijah the Prophet and were mesmerized by the magnificent icons and frescoes of the church. A small men's choir serenaded us, which added to the atmosphere. Next, we rode the short distance to the Spassky Monastery, which is one of the oldest complexes in Yaroslavl. We gazed up at the Spaso-Preoprazhensky Cathedral (Savior Transfiguration Cathedral) and were entertained with a bell concert outside the cathedral. Finally, we enjoyed watching a wedding motorcade of gaily decorated cars zip through the streets.