Official actions
Vologda Region
29.09.2010 15:15
Just Russia, project of the Russian Union Travel Industry
One of the great Russian pastimes is berry- and mushroom-picking in the forest. The Vologda Region is a real paradise for berry and mushroom fans, as well as for hunters and fishermen. Sometimes there are bumper crops of berries, and one can gather over 52,000 tonnes of cranberries and foxberries, or over 30,000 tonnes of mushrooms. Elk, wild boar, squirrels, brown bears, blue and silver foxes dwell in the forests; wildfowl of the area include hazel hens, wood grouse and heath birds. The area is very rich in various species of fish as well. Vologda, the region’s capital, is as old as Moscow, as it was founded in 1147. Its main monument is the Cathedral of St. Sophia built in the time of Ivan the Terrible. The people of Vologda have always had the gift of a quick wit, initiative, the ability to deal with a severe climate and willingness to settle vast, uncivilized territories. Many of the Russian pioneers of Siberia and Alaska were from the Vologda Region.
The cycle of frescoes in the Cathedral of St. Pherapont Monastery (in the Vologda Region) are by Dionisius the Wise, the great master icon painter of the second half of the 16th century. These are the only original frescoes in Russia preserved untouched in their entirety since the Middle Ages. The frescoes turned 500 years old in 2002. They were included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The city of Veliky Ustug is situated in the Vologda Region and is believed to be the birthplace of Ded Moroz, the Russian Santa Claus. The city is eight centuries old, and famous for its many skilled craftsmen who make exquisite articles of wood and birch bark, as well as fineries made of silver. The so-called "House of Ded Moroz," a unique palace made of wood, has been recently built in the forest near Veliky Ustug. Comfortable cottages set up as hotel rooms and winter playgrounds are located nearby. In the city of Veliky Ustug is Ded Moroz’s city residence, and a little shop selling books and New Year presents has been opened on the premises. In the "throne room," anyone may take photographs with Ded Moroz and see folk craftsmen at work. There is also a special mail centre called the "Ded Moroz Post Office." After all, he receives over 400,000 letters every year, not only from all over Russia, but also from abroad.
Photo: the famous frescoes of Dionysius in the Christmas Monastery of Ferapontovo (Vologda Region)
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