ZVENIGOROD
Zvenigorod has been a popular summer destination for many generations of Moscovites. In Tsarist Russia, rich families would build a country mansion on the bank of the Moskva River, the poorer would rent a house from locals. They'd wake up early to go to a morning service at the famous Savvino-Storozhevsky monastery, then spend the rest of the day exploring local forests, swimming in the river, and reading a book in a local orchard.
Many of those houses perished in the revolution of 1917, others were turned into Soviet health resorts. And now those who couldn't dream of staying in a mansion before 1917 could afford to do so. Great halls were to become cafeterias for former peasants on holidays, ponds were turned into swimming pools. Some of those resorts still exist, having experienced no significant changes in the past 50 years. It does feel like travelling back in time. However, the past few years Zvenigorod has been trying to become a weekend destination for present-day Moscovites with new museums, modern hotels, restaurant and coffeeshops being open in the town.
Distance from Moscow: 55km Founded in 1152 Population: 20 802 UTC+3
TO GET THERE
Suburban commuter trains (elektrichka) for Zvenigorod leave Belorussky railway station several times a day. There's a bit faster and more comfortable express train 'Rex' which runs only on working days, leaving Moscow at 7.15pm and arriving to Zvenigorod an hour later. The express train from Zvenigorod back to Moscow also runs only on working days leaving at 6.38am and arriving to Belorussky railway station at 7.50am.
Tickets can be purchased at the station, at the suburban rail ticket office of Belorussky station. Note that there's a special counter for 'Rex' tickets (with a picture of a dog on it). Make sure you arrive at least 20min early because of the queues. Keep the ticket until the end of the trip. 1st-class tickets cost 320₽/510₽ depending on the seat.
TO GET AROUND
Zvenigorod Railway Station is located on the outskirts of the town. The fastest way to get to the centre is to take a taxi. The ride costs 150₽. Otherwise, it's a 50min walk through the quiet suburb. Turn left as you exit the railway station and follow the road for 4km.
EVENTS IN ZVENIGOROD
6-7 January - Christmas celebrations at Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery
June - Taneev Music Festival
June 8 - Trinity open-air celebrations
July 11 - Youth Creativity Festival 'Zvenfest'
End of August- Savvinskaya Fair
End of August - Music & Bell-ringing Festival 'Ring Zvenigorod' November - Taneev Music Festival