Pereslavl Zalessky

Geography

Pereslavl-Zalessky is located in south of Yaroslavl Oblast, near a border with Moscow Oblast, 140 kilometres (87 mi) northeast of Moscow, and 139 kilometres (86 mi) southwest of Yaroslavl.

Climate

Climate of Pereslavl-Zalessky is humid continental: long, cold and snowy winters and short, warm and rainy summers. Average temperatures range from −12 °C (10 °F) in January to +18 °C (64 °F) in July.

History

Known as Pereyaslavl until the 15th century, it was founded in 1152 by Prince Yury Dolgoruky as a projected capital of Zalesye. In 1175–1302, the town was the seat of the Principality of north Pereyaslavl (not to be confused with the Principality of Pereyaslavl in modern-day Ukraine). In 1302, it became a part of the Grand Duchy of Moscow. Pereslavl-Zalessky was devastated numerous times by the Mongols between the mid-13th century and the early 15th century. In 1611–1612, it suffered from the Polish invasion.

In 1688–1693, Peter the Great built his famous "fun flotilla" on Lake Pleshcheyevo for his own amusement, including the so-called Peter's little boat, which would be considered the forefather of the Russian fleet. The Botik (small boat) museum chronicles the history of the first Russian fleet and keeps one of the original model boats.

In 1708, the town became a part of Moscow Governorate.

Administrative and municipal status

Within the framework of administrative divisions, Pereslavl-Zalessky serves as the administrative center of Pereslavsky District, even though it is not a part of it. As an administrative division, it is incorporated separately as the town of oblast significance of Pereslavl-Zalessky—an administrative unit with the status equal to that of the districts. As a municipal division, the town of oblast significance of Pereslavl-Zalessky is incorporated as Pereslavl-Zalessky Urban Okrug.

Science and education

There is Institute for Program Systems of the Russian Academy of Sciences in the town. The University of Pereslavl is also based in the town.

Sights and architecture

The town is a part of the Golden Ring of Russia. Monuments of church architecture include six architecture complex convents and nine churches. Notable historic buildings are:

The town has a bewildering array of 'museums' that cater to the tourist trade in the summer, some are quite bizarre, the museum of Cunning and Wit for example. If you can think of it, they have a museum for it in Pereslavl.

The Kleshin complex, an archaeological monument, is located about 2 kilometers (1.2 mi) from the town proper.

The original earthworks (which are still quite substantial) from the defensive wall that circled the town originally are still here, it is possible to walk along these defensive structures. As are portions if the original road that was at its base. Although identifying a 12th-century road from a modern one would be a task in itself. Lake Pleshcheyevo

The town sits on the banks of Lake Pleschayevo, a large lake that draws tourists throughout the season. Kite surfing is particularly popular, as is camping.

Notable people