How to get to Stary Ladoga by train. History of Staraya Ladoga. Events in Staraya Ladoga
Staraya Ladoga is unusual place, now it is just a village, and many centuries ago, according to legend, here was the first capital of the Russian state. This place is at the crossroads of the ancient trade routes, since the vast Russian lands were previously covered with impenetrable forests and swamps, it was possible to travel only along rivers, lakes and seas. Already in the VIII century, a trade route was formed called from the "Varangians to the Arabs", which led from Baltic Sea to the Caspian. A little later, ships began to sail past Staraya Ladoga along the route “from the Varangians to the Greeks”, from the Baltic Sea to the Black Sea.
The fastest in those days the climate was milder, because Ladoga lake took large area, which means that the level of the world's oceans was higher, this suggests that many glaciers that exist in our time did not exist then. But the Volkhov, on which Staraya Ladoga stands, before the construction of the dam of the Volkhovskaya hydroelectric power station, was a river with rapids and sail on sea vessels with low draft along the river it was impossible, just in Staraya Ladoga and reloading of goods river boats for further navigation on the rivers of Rus'.
This is confirmed by numerous archaeological finds, here they find Central Asian beads, Scandinavian clasps, and Finnish pendants, and Slavic temporal rings, and oriental rock crystal, and Baltic amber. This place was indeed the crossroads of the trade routes of antiquity.
In Staraya Ladoga you will see the Old Fortress, standing on the banks of the Volkhov and Ladoga rivers and the archaeological museum in the fortress, two ancient churches of St. George and St. Dmitry of Thessalonica, the Nikolsky Monastery for men and the Assumption Monastery for women, the tomb of the Prophetic Oleg, the one about whom Pushkin wrote, the house of the merchant Kalyazin, now there is an archaeological museum and wonderful Russian landscapes. All these attractions are within walking distance of each other. You can enjoy the Russian spirit of these places in peace and quiet, there are few tourists, no crowds, everything is quiet, comfortable and unhurried.
The road by car runs along the federal highway "Kola", popularly referred to as the Murmansk highway. The route is overloaded with traffic, turn on the traffic jam alert in your navigator, summer time on Friday evening and Saturday morning, traffic jams will be absolutely certain, at other times there are no guarantees from traffic jams either.
On the Murmansk highway towards Staraya Ladoga there is a dangerous turn, where the four-lane highway ends and the two-lane begins. The dangerous turn is indicated by numerous warning signs, but the fence is not changed in time, many do not believe the signs.
Further, after the exit from the Murmansk highway, according to the map, you find yourself on a rural road, the quality of which can be indicated by the words “there is asphalt in some places”, if you drive to the next exit, in front of the Volkhov River itself, then there will be a road with a normal surface.
There are no problems with parking in Staraya Ladoga.
The current fortress was built in the 16th century, but archaeologists have discovered two of its stone predecessors, record-breaking in their age. The first one was probably built by the legendary prince Oleg, the second one was erected in 1114.
Old Ladoga fortress, gate tower Half a century after its construction, the fortress withstood the siege of two thousand Swedish troops. With the help of the Novgorodians, the Ladoga residents drove back and defeated the enemy. There was never a Tatar-Mongol yoke in Staraya Ladoga and its environs, they always fought with the Swedes here.
On the wall of the Old Ladoga fortress In the photo above, a part of the fortress wall restored in 1960-1970, and in the photo below, the ruins of an ancient fortress.
Trading gate ruins Previously, these were trade gates, they face Volkhov and through them goods were dragged into the fortress in ancient times.
Part of the fortress wall, Volkhov Archaeological Museum in the Old Ladoga Fortress
This is how the fortress looked before, now only the stone walls on the right have been preserved. The first time I visited this fortress was in 1989, when I was working on the restoration of the Nikolsky Monastery as part of the Ariel construction team, since then nothing has changed in the fortress. The Gate Tower still houses the Archaeological Museum.
The exposition of the museum is small, but gives an idea of the finds in the fortress, excavations have been going on for many years. In addition, local residents often find ancient artifacts in their gardens.
People settled in these places long before the construction of a fortress here. The photo below is just designed to confirm this idea.
Church of St. George the Victorious
This unique temple has come down to us, although it has undergone numerous reconstructions during its existence. Now it has been restored, as far as possible in its original form, and in the summer from mid-May to mid-September you can visit it, this is a museum and church services are not held here. Unique ancient frescoes are afraid of dampness and in rainy weather the temple may be closed.
This church is one of the best examples of ancient Russian architecture of the pre-Mongolian period and the main pearl of Staraya Ladoga. The locals call this small temple “Ladoga Bride”.
Frescoes of the 12th century have been preserved in the church, earlier all the inner surfaces of the walls were covered with frescoes, now fragments have been preserved only on a fifth of the walls.
The unique world-famous fresco "George's Miracle about the Serpent" attracts the greatest attention. It is forbidden to take pictures in the church, this photo is taken from the site. There you can also find a detailed description of all the frescoes of the temple.
fresco "Miracle of George about the serpent". This image of St. George is considered the oldest in Russian iconography. But the most important thing is that the plot of the fresco is non-standard. Usually they depict how St. George strikes the snake with a spear or sword, but here George saves the princess, does not kill, but tames the snake, similar to a large lizard in the interpretation of the ancient painter, and the freed princess leads him away on a leash, like a dog.
According to local legend, in this church, in front of the fresco "The Miracle of George about the Serpent", Prince Alexander Yaroslavovich, the future Alexander Nevsky, prayed, leaving for the decisive battle with the Swedes. Although last year we saw a commemorative plaque on the wall of one of the buildings of the Novgorod Kremlin that it was there.
By plane. From the airports "Domodedovo", "Sheremetyevo" and "Vnukovo" flights "Moscow - St. Petersburg". Then by bus "St. Petersburg - Staraya Ladoga". Travel time - 4.2 0 h.
By bus. From Kazansky railway station by bus "Kazan - St. Petersburg". Then by bus "St. Petersburg - Staraya Ladoga". Travel time - 12.30 h.
From the bus station "Krasnogvardeyskaya" by bus "Moscow - St. Petersburg". Then by bus "St. Petersburg - Staraya Ladoga". Travel time - 13.10 h.
From the bus station "Novoyasenevskaya" by bus "Moscow - St. Petersburg". Then by bus "St. Petersburg - Staraya Ladoga". Travel time - 13.50 h.
From the metro station "Planernaya" by bus "Moscow - St. Petersburg". Then by bus "St. Petersburg - Staraya Ladoga". Travel time - 12.40 h.
On a long distance train. From Leningradsky railway station on the trains "Moscow - St. Petersburg", "Moscow - Murmansk" and "Moscow - Helsinki". Then by bus "St. Petersburg - Staraya Ladoga". Travel time - 12.10 hours.
By car. On the highways M-10 "Russia" and A-121. Travel time - 13.40 h.
Walk along Staraya Ladoga
You need to start your walk along Staraya Ladoga with a visit Old Ladoga fortress. Currently, the fortress is being actively restored, and some of its fragments are being rebuilt almost anew. On its territory there are two beautiful cathedrals, and in the fortress tower there is a museum of the Ladoga land.
Old Ladoga fortress
Then you have to get to George's Cathedral, which is located on the territory of the fortress. It was built in the 13th century to commemorate the victory over the Swedes.
Of interest to architecture lovers is Nicholas Monastery. According to legend, it was founded in 1240 by Prince Alexander Nevsky in memory of the victory over the Swedes on the Neva.
Nikolsky Monastery
Can't miss a visit museum of historical life, where things are presented from the beginning of the XII century to the present day.
Popular with tourists Church of Alexy the Man of God. This is one of the most striking sights of Staraya Ladoga, built in the Old Russian style.
Church of Alexy the Man of God
The rich collection of archaeological museum, where more than one and a half thousand exhibits are collected. Well, to complete the walk along Staraya Ladoga, you need to visit Church of the Assumption Holy Mother of God. It was built in the first half of the 14th century and has been rebuilt several times since then. Now the temple is under restoration.
Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Attractions near Staraya Ladoga
Those who come with an excursion to Staraya Ladoga always visit barrows. These are hills near the Church of John the Baptist. The burial mounds, in one of which, according to legend, Prophetic Oleg was buried, attract the increased attention of tourists and just passing by.
Another historical place that you can visit in the Leningrad region is the village of Staraya Ladoga. It is located in the Volkhovsky district Leningrad region. This is an ancient settlement, where at one time the Varangian Rurik, who later went to Novgorod, sat down to reign. It was a rich trading and crafts town, so things from those years are still found here. Now a number of bright historical festivals and reconstructions are held here. In this article we will tell you how to get from St. Petersburg to Staraya Ladoga.
By bus
If you decide to use the bus, then you need to look for a route to Volkhov, since there are no direct flights. Buses depart from Obvodny Canal every 3-4 hours. Take the direction to Tikhvin, Lodeynoye Pole. At the Yushkovo stop, change to number 23. You can get to Volkhov in a couple of hours, but then another 20 minutes to the village itself on the same 23 bus. This route goes to Novaya Ladoga through Staraya. This bus makes three stops in the village.
By rail
Here the same situation. To Staraya Ladoga from St. Petersburg you will have to go through Volkov. And then get on the bus. You can get to the Volkhov direction from the Ladoga and Moskovsky railway stations. And also in Obukhovo, in Rybatsky or at Sortirovka. The ticket costs about 400 rubles. And the road will take up to a couple of hours. When you go back, remember that the train may not reach St. Petersburg.
By personal transport
The road will not seem so difficult to the owners of your car. To get to Stary Ladoga from St. Petersburg, you need to go to the M18 highway. And go along it without turning through the Ladoga bridge and Sinyavino to Kiselnya. After it we turn right to the Volkhov, then at the first turn to the left to the Volkhov River. Here, turn left and already in a straight line to your destination. Also, you can drive further along the Murmansk highway and turn right in the area of 120 km near Yushkovo, but it takes longer to drive.
Such a difficult and exhausting road will be rewarded with a historical landmark - the first capital of Rus', free from crowds of tourists or numerous summer residents. It is due to some distance from the main routes that Staraya Ladoga has not yet become holiday village St. Petersburg.
If you do not have a car at hand or are simply afraid of getting lost, there are numerous taxis at your service. northern capital. And if the majority historical sites area it is not necessary to take a taxi, then visiting Staraya Ladoga it will be very useful. However, the path is not short and does not pass along federal highways, so you can take a taxi to Staraya Ladoga for 2800-3000 rubles. However, this amount can be divided among all travelers and not save on comfort.
How to get to Staraya Ladoga- the question is simple. The answer is too. But the implementation of the planned route is the most difficult part of the journey. After all, Staraya Ladoga is located 120 kilometers from St. Petersburg. To go here for a long time, not many dare to such a journey. But still, this ancient Russian city worth it to write a note "Staraya Ladoga - how to get there?" and tell here all the options for the road.
1. How to get to Staraya Ladoga by car
To get to the old Ladoga - leave St. Petersburg on the Murmansk highway. It is also called M18, E-105 and "Cola Route" - all this is the same road. You have to drive along the highway for a long time - a hundred kilometers. First, the road is wide, four-lane, then - Ladoga bridge, Sinyavino, and the highway becomes two-lane. So it goes up to 107 kilometers. Kiselny village - Attention! At the exit from it - turn right with the sign "Volkhov - 12 km". We turn. After 2 km - a fork without signs. Here to the left. 15 minutes on a deserted road - and a large unregulated intersection right in front of the Volkhov River. Here again to the left. A few more kilometers - and ahead of the coveted sign "Staraya Ladoga"!
There is another way. You can get off the Murmansk Highway to the right later, somewhere around the 130th kilometer. Thus, after ten kilometers you will also enter Staraya Ladoga, but only from the other side. This way is a bit longer and therefore less preferable.
2. How to get to Stary Ladoga by train
I must say right away that it is precisely to the old Ladoga that trains do not go. Only to Volkhov, and from it to ancient city You will also have to travel a couple of tens of kilometers by bus. Buses run infrequently, trains - even less often. The road, frankly, is not a gift. Nevertheless, you can get to Old Ladoga in this way too.
Electric trains to Volkhovstroy run from Moskovsky and Ladoga stations, you can also take a ride at Sorting, in Rybatsky or Obukhovo. A ticket in the summer of 2010 cost about 200 rubles. The journey takes more than two hours the train is coming through Mga, Naziia, Pupyshevo and other settlements. Arriving in Volkhov, you need to transfer to a bus and get to your destination - Staraya Ladoga. I will not hide - the road is hard and exhausting. Therefore, Staraya Ladoga has not yet become the most popular suburb of St. Petersburg.
3. How to get to Old Ladoga by bus
This option also exists. Again - first to Volkhov, then - to Staraya Ladoga. I can’t tell you more about this option - I myself have never traveled like that, but I don’t want to lie. Where the buses depart from is not entirely clear. Some sources say - from the Bypass Canal, others - from Old Village. Maybe from there, and from there. The frequency of buses is 3 buses per day. Travel time is two hours. And then another bus. Not convenient - do not say anything.
All three options for how to get to old Ladoga rest on one thing - that it is far from St. Petersburg. And whatever one may say, the road is exhausting. But for those who decide on such a journey, I hope my article " Staraya Ladoga - how to get there» come in handy!
