"Rostov Welikiy" Rostov by Pablos_new

Rostov Travel Guide: 67 reviews and 102 photos

Rostov Welikiy means Rostov the Great. There are two Rostovs in Russia and many of VTers mixed them up (shame on those who live in Russia). Bigger Rostov (about 1 mln people) on the south of Russia is called Rostov-na-Donu (Rostov-on-Don), smaller (less than 50 ths people) is called Rostov the Great. ;-))) That is because small but glorious Rostov is much much elder.

It is known in history starting from VII c. when Ugro-Finnic tribes lived around it and vikings 1 in the person of Kievan Rus princes have not come here yet. Old sagas tell us very interesting facts. Those tribes were rather reach and developed, but they do not have weapons (!), they just simply do not know what is war. When Kievan princes came here they've just said: "How can you defend yourself against anemies? Let us be your kings." And since that time till now-a-days local people pay taxes for police and defence ;-)) LOL!

Nothing left here from that far times. All walls, towers and churches were build up in XVI - XVII c. (i.e. after the Golden Ordo 2 fell).

Rostov is situated just 200 km from the center of Moscow to the north. This relatively short (for Russia) distance makes it convinient place for short weekend trips. (and even "Moscow" VTers meetings).

1 - None can prove that first Russian princes were vikings, but this is settled opinion ;-)
2 - Actually I hold the opinion that Golden Horde was just another name of the country (like Soviet Union) during some period and should be spelled in English like Golden Orda(o). All talk about Mongols is a joke of historians.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Beatiful landscapes and architecture
Cons:Very bad service ;-(

Last visit to Rostov: Jul 2003
Intro Updated Oct 26, 2006
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Reviews (14)

Tsar Ivan Grozny Off The Beaten Path (1)

" - Ñäâèíü áðîâè, à òî ìîðäà ó òåáÿ êàêàÿ-òî íå öàðñêàÿ. Îé, çàñûïåìñÿ!" " - Knit your brow! Your muzzle looks not like... more travel advice

"Ivan Vasil'evich..." Favorites (3)

Rostov is well-known in the former USSR as a place where film "Ivan Vasil'evich changes his profession" was made. This... more travel advice

Kremlin inside Things to Do (4)

Walk along wall galleries. There is not only interesting view from the walls - corner towers appeared to be small... more travel advice

Motor boat Transportation (2)

Locals will offer you a motor boat trip around the small island. Worth to take for kids - high speed and a lot of fun.... more travel advice

Restaurants (2)
See All Self-serviced
Hotels (1)
Accomodation in the Castle

Nightlife (1)
"Nighttime Serenades"
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Comments (12)

picek Oct 10, 2008 at 9:07 AM Report Abuse

Hi. This Rostov looks very charming. Nice page :)
Kuznetsov_Sergey Oct 25, 2006 at 11:40 PM Report Abuse

I'm searching a good occasion to revisit Rostov the Great for a long time. May be this year... Thanks, Pavel, for sharing and a hotel-tip. It may be a good variant! We lived in such a hotel in Suzdal'. It was very impressive!
Valentime2004 Mar 19, 2006 at 3:50 AM Report Abuse

I am always fascinated by Russia's ancient architecture just like these as well as the story behind their history. Really executive works Pablos, Thanks Again.
bijo69 Feb 18, 2005 at 4:52 AM Report Abuse

Beautiful! Really should visit Rostov, next time I'm in Russia!
kenyneo May 25, 2004 at 10:51 AM Report Abuse

This is really a beautiful place ...good work ,...greetings from Penang
bugulma May 13, 2004 at 7:02 AM Report Abuse

It looks like nice place to be Ivan IV :-))
OlenaKyiv Feb 18, 2004 at 9:44 AM Report Abuse

Pavel, your Rostov's page is amazing. I was sure the Kiev's churches are the best, but now I have wish to Rostov with my own eyes. Shahlyk was very delicious I guess :-)))
Canadienne Oct 25, 2003 at 7:33 PM Report Abuse

Amazing! That monastery is beautiful. . .what a fantastic setting for a mini VT-meet! Excellent page!
yumyum Aug 26, 2003 at 6:28 AM Report Abuse

What a lovely town for a VT meeting!
Lalique Aug 22, 2003 at 12:43 AM Report Abuse

Always thought that such places are better to be seen during the summer time! Saw here just another proof! Very good page, Pavel!