The Pereslavl Zalessky was founded in 1152 by prince Yuri Dolgorukiy, who had founded Moscow five years before. Alexander Nevskiy was born Pereslavl Zalessky in 1220.
It is situated on the bank of Pleshcheyevo Lake. It is a large and rather uncommon lake, where you can go as far as 50 meters from the bank, and you may be only waist-deep in water. It was on this lake that Peter I built his first war ships preparing for the war with Sweden. Now, his first ship is in the museum «Little Boat of Peter the Great».
There are many churches and monasteries in Pereslavl Zalessky but contrarily to Suzdal and Rostov, where they are concentrated on the small territory, here they are dispersed all over the town. The most important monasteries of the town, located near the lake are Nikitsky, Goritsky and Nikolsky. Totally there are 5 monasteries in this small town.
Beside the remains of old city walls there is rather interesting Saviour-Transfiguration Cathedral. This small church was built in northern style in 1152.
