←A Town of Fifty Churches and One Lake

A Town of Fifty Churches and One Lake

Photo of route “A Town of Fifty Churches and One Lake”
18 points23 km6.55 hours

A walk around Pereslavl-Zalessky won't be quick, but it will certainly be fascinating. Panoramic views, myths and legends, ancient churches, and plenty of pleasant impressions await you in this town on Russia's Golden Ring.

Route author

Susanin Team

Things to do

  • 📜 Learn the city's history
  • 🏛️🕰️ Compare the eras
  • 🏰🕵️‍♂️ Discover a legend

Route points (18)

  1. Feodorovsky Convent — point on route “A Town of Fifty Churches and One Lake”

    Feodorovsky Convent

    🕍 Place of worship

  2. D. N. Kardovsky's Mansion — point on route “A Town of Fifty Churches and One Lake”

    D. N. Kardovsky's Mansion

    🏟️ Architectural landmark · 📜 Historic site

  3. S. F. Kharitonov Arboretum — point on route “A Town of Fifty Churches and One Lake”

    S. F. Kharitonov Arboretum

    🌳 Botanical garden

  4. Goritsky Dormition Monastery Ensemble — point on route “A Town of Fifty Churches and One Lake”

    Goritsky Dormition Monastery Ensemble

    🕍 Place of worship · 🏟️ Architectural landmark

  5. Holy Trinity St. Daniel Monastery — point on route “A Town of Fifty Churches and One Lake”

    Holy Trinity St. Daniel Monastery

    🕍 Place of worship · 📜 Historic site

  6. St. Nicholas Convent — point on route “A Town of Fifty Churches and One Lake”

    St. Nicholas Convent

    🕍 Place of worship

  7. Church of the Forty Martyrs — point on route “A Town of Fifty Churches and One Lake”

    Church of the Forty Martyrs

    🕍 Place of worship

  8. Lake Pleshcheyevo — point on route “A Town of Fifty Churches and One Lake”

    Lake Pleshcheyevo

    🌿 Public garden or park

  9. Viewpoint at the City Beach — point on route “A Town of Fifty Churches and One Lake”

    Viewpoint at the City Beach

    🔭 Viewpoint

  10. St. Nikita Monastery — point on route “A Town of Fifty Churches and One Lake”

    St. Nikita Monastery

    🕍 Place of worship · 📜 Historic site

  11. Church of St. Simeon the Stylite — point on route “A Town of Fifty Churches and One Lake”

    Church of St. Simeon the Stylite

    🕍 Place of worship · 🕵️ Urban legend · 🏟️ Architectural landmark

  12. Summer Garden — point on route “A Town of Fifty Churches and One Lake”

    Summer Garden

    🌿 Public garden or park

  13. Church of St. Peter the Metropolitan — point on route “A Town of Fifty Churches and One Lake”

    Church of St. Peter the Metropolitan

    🏟️ Architectural landmark · 📜 Historic site

  14. Church of St. Sergius of Radonezh at the Prison Castle — point on route “A Town of Fifty Churches and One Lake”

    Church of St. Sergius of Radonezh at the Prison Castle

    📜 Historic site

  15. Vladimir Icon Cathedral and Church of St. Alexander Nevsky — point on route “A Town of Fifty Churches and One Lake”

    Vladimir Icon Cathedral and Church of St. Alexander Nevsky

    🕍 Place of worship · 📜 Historic site

  16. World of Railways Museum — point on route “A Town of Fifty Churches and One Lake”

    World of Railways Museum

    🏛️ Museum

  17. Hand-Pump Trolley Ride — point on route “A Town of Fifty Churches and One Lake”

    Hand-Pump Trolley Ride

    ⚙️ Industrial site

  18. Botik of Peter I Museum-Estate — point on route “A Town of Fifty Churches and One Lake”

    Botik of Peter I Museum-Estate

    🏛️ Museum · 🏟️ Architectural landmark · 📜 Historic site

Church of the Forty Martyrs in Pereslavl-Zalessky

Point on route “A Town of Fifty Churches and One Lake”

Church of the Forty Martyrs — point on route “A Town of Fifty Churches and One Lake”

Point 7

Church of the Forty Martyrs

🕍 Place of worship

Historical Background

This church stands at the mouth of the Trubezh River. For more than 200 years the Baroque church has served as a “lighthouse” for fishermen on the lake. Its altar is consecrated in honor of a feat of early Christians.

The Legend of the Forty Martyrs

This is a terrible story from early Christianity. Around AD 300, soldiers of the Roman Empire halted near the city of Sebaste. Christianity was banned, and the commander ordered his soldiers to make a sacrifice in honor of an upcoming festival. Forty soldiers were secret Christians and refused. In the end, those who would not betray their faith were cast out onto a frozen lake in the bitter winter cold. On that distant day they died a martyr's death. As we walk past this church, we can run a hand over the mosaic on its facade and recall this grim legend.