Hugging the southern shores of Lake Pleshcheyevo, Pereslavl-Zalessky is a small town on the outskirts of Moscow. It centres around a spectacular old monastery and boasts fascinating museums showcasing art, culture and military history.

Things to do

At the heart of Pereslavl-Zalessky is the green-domed Goritsky Monastery of Dormition, where the buildings date back to the 14th century. Admire the ornate Assumption Cathedral, then step inside to see its renowned Baroque-styled wall of icons.

You can browse Pereslavl-Zalessky Historical, Architectural and Art Museum’s rare archaeological finds and 15th-century Russian paintings, as well as excellent examples of historic wooden carvings and sculptures. The museum also boasts a fascinating “Peter’s” collection with rare objects and artefacts related to the life and legacy of Peter the Great during his time in Pereslavl-Zalessky.

Want to learn about Russia’s early military history? Visit the Alexander Nevsky Museum to discover the life of this legendary 13th-century Grand Prince. Join one of the engaging tour guides to see its outstanding collection of medieval military artefacts, including well-preserved weaponry and uniforms.

Travelling with kids? Visit Berendey’s House, a unique wooden house where historic Russian folktales are presented. Fancifully dressed actors bring Russian fairy tales to life and teach you about customs and rituals during the interactive performances.

Getting around

Sheremetyevo International Airport is around two hours’ drive from Pereslavl-Zalessky, while Moscow is around 2.5 hours away. Buses connect Pereslavl-Zalessky with surrounding towns and villages, while its centre is compact enough to explore on foot.