About this experience
On this guided car tour, you will discover Ryazan through different historical periods. In 2 hours, we will explore everything that makes up the essence of the city: the architecture of the medieval principality, the buildings from the times of Catherine II, the heritage of the 19th century, interesting houses from the Soviet and modern eras. We will also take a walk through the city garden and admire the wooden architecture.
What to expect
Exploring Ryazan's epochs through architecture
Throughout its almost thousand-year history, the city has experienced many events and changes – all of which have left their mark on Ryazan's architecture, which will be the focal point of our tour:
From the 12th to the 16th century, Ryazan was the capital of the proud Ryazan Principality, as evidenced by the Kremlin with its medieval cathedrals. You will learn where the Lybed River came from and why the Ryazan Kremlin has such a high earthen rampart.
In the late 18th century, the city became the center of the Ryazan Governorate and was rebuilt according to a regular plan – we will drive through the grid of streets and see that the city's dominant feature, the Assumption Cathedral, is visible from almost every square.
In the 19th century, the city witnessed the emergence of a lot of civil architecture – gymnasiums, theaters, mansions. You will admire the houses of Saltykov-Shchedrin and Pavlov, see the Ryazan Seminary, the Fire Tower, and learn about the houses that Paustovsky and Yesenin admired.
The 20th century and modern times have also left their mark: from Soviet panel buildings to unusual houses with speaking names – the Chest House and the Egg House. We will definitely see them too.
During the tour, we will drive by car but will make stops at the most interesting locations:
- We will visit the Sobolev-Popov estate – the calling card of wooden Ryazan;
- We will stroll through the Lower City Garden, visit the Summer Club of the All-Estates Assembly, and find mushrooms with eyes there;
- We will visit the 17th-century Spas-na-Yar Church located on the embankment.
At the end of the tour, you can take a walk in the Ryazan Kremlin on your own.
Organizational Details
- The tour can be conducted in a rented car: a passenger car (from 1500 rubles), a minivan (from 2500 rubles), or a minibus (from 4000 rubles). The final cost of transportation is discussed in advance and depends on the starting point of the tour and the model of the vehicle.
- In the historical center of Ryazan, extensive restoration and improvement works are taking place, so adjustments to the tour route are possible. Works in the Lower City Garden will continue until September 2024.
- Visiting the tour with children: on the tourists' own car – children of any age, on our car – children from 8 years old.
- There are 3 stops along the route for disembarkation (if desired).
- By agreement, an increase in the maximum number of tour participants is possible.
