The first settlement in the place of modern Suzdal appeared in IX or X century, but the town is first mentioned in ancient record in 1024 in connection with the rebellion of smerds that was suppressed by Prince Yaroslav the Wise. During the reign of Vladimir II Monomakh, the town becomes a strengthened fortress. The son of Monomakh, Prince Yuri Dolgorukiy (Long-Arm), makes Suzdal a capital of the Rostov-Suzdal principality. During the reign of Andrey Bogolyubsky, a capital moved to a town of Vladimir, but the development of Suzdal continued, even after Mongol-Tatar invasions. In the end of XIV century, the town obeyed to Moscow, and since that time Suzdal never again participated in important political events. From that time, its role was to be a rich trade and craft town and a center of regional Orthodox Church. The city development plan in 1778 was not fulfilled, so the town preserved its original planning. In the area of 9 square kilometers, there are about 300 historical and architectural monuments, many of which are included into UNESCO World Heritage Site as the White Monuments of Vladimir and Suzdal. The town is a famous center of art crafts: iconography, silver stamping, wood carving and gold embroidery. It is also famous for production of medovukha (Slavic honey-based alcoholic beverage)
Top sights in Suzdal
