Ivan the Terrible's Northern Capital

A route about Ivan the Terrible's activities in Vologda, the start of the kremlin's construction and the city's development. In the 16th century Vologda held a unique place in Ivan IV's geopolitical plans. The tsar saw the city not just as a regional center but as a strategic “gateway” to the White Sea, the lands beyond the Urals and Europe. When the northern lands were made part of the Oprichnina in 1565, Vologda's status as the state's second, reserve capital was sealed.
Things to do
- 📜 Learn the city's history
- 🗺️🎒 Themed route
- 🏰🕵️♂️ Discover a legend
Route points (10)

Mira Street
📜 Historic site

Trading Rows on Mira Street
📜 Historic site

Stone Bridge
🌉 Bridge · 📜 Historic site

Trading Rows on Pobedy Avenue
📜 Historic site

Church of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God
🕍 Place of worship

Kremlin Square
⛲ Square

St. Sophia Cathedral
🕍 Place of worship · 📜 Historic site · 🕵️ Urban legend

St. Sophia Cathedral Bell Tower
🕍 Place of worship

Monument to St. Gerasim of Vologda
🗿 Monument

Lazy Square
🗿 Monument