Uglich: A Journey Through the Centuries

9 points6 km4 hours

Over its long life, Uglich has witnessed the whole of Russian history. It was the center of a small principality; the last heir of the Rurikid dynasty died here; merchants carried on a lively trade; and in Soviet times one of the country's first hydroelectric power plants was built in the town. Join us for a walk through the streets of ancient Uglich to learn its life story.

Route author

Susanin Team

Things to do

📜 Learn the city's history
🏛️🕰️ Compare the eras

Route points (9)

Kremlin in Uglich

Point on route “Uglich: A Journey Through the Centuries”

Point 1

Kremlin

📜 Historic site • 🏟️ Architectural landmark

Historical Background

Although Uglich is first mentioned in the chronicles in 1149, its traditional founding date is 937, which makes Uglich one of the oldest towns in Russia. Settled more than a thousand years ago, Ugleche Pole (Ugleche Field), as Uglich was called for the first several decades (or even centuries, depending on how you count) of its existence, needed its own defenses, like any self-respecting medieval settlement. Over its long life the kremlin witnessed feuds among princes and the Mongol invasion. It was the place where the last heir of the Rurikid dynasty died, and it was besieged more than once by Polish invaders during the Time of Troubles. It is even believed that Uglich suffered more than any other Russian town in those years.

Fortifications

The site of the first fortifications, which later grew into a full-fledged kremlin, is a promontory. It used to be washed on the west and east by two streams, Kamenny Ruchey and Shelkovka, flowing into the Volga. The two streams were joined by a canal, creating a small island. It was reached by three bridges, of which only one, the Nikolsky Bridge, has survived. The kremlin also had ramparts and wooden walls, which were torn down in the mid-18th century.

Today

Today the former kremlin complex includes such sights as the Princes' Chambers, the Transfiguration of the Savior and Epiphany Cathedrals, and the Church of St. Dmitry on the Blood.