Continuing along the Russian Volga River on Viking River Cruises’ Waterways of the Tsars, I arrive in Yaroslavl, a vibrant city founded in 1010. Our tour is an overview of the city and an understanding of its long and storied past.
A highlight of the tour for me is the Church of Elijah the Prophet. Built 1647 and 1650, it is one of the most complete and best-preserved monuments of Yaroslavl. Built on the site of two churches, the Intercession and Elijah, the church is considered a masterpiece of ancient Russian art.
The exterior with its onion domes is striking, but its interior paintings, made by famous Kostroma masters, is amazing. As I enter I am surrounded by richly-colored paintings on all sides including the ceiling.
We remain a long time as out guide points to specific paintings and murals.
The church is a treasure preserved from the Renaissance era and one to be admired. One more memory I will hold dear from my time in Russia.
