Ryazan is 200 kilometers to the south from Moscow. From the time of its foundation in 1095 to 1778 the city was known as Pereslavl-Ryazansky. There you can see a very beautiful kremlin, and have a trip to the picturesque village Konstantinovo, the birthplace of Russian poet Yesenin.
Before 13 century Pereslavl-Ryazansky was a small fortress in the Principality of Ryazan. The capital of the principality, Ryazan, was on a high hill near the Oka River, about 60 km from the today Ryazan.
In 1237 Baty-khan, grandson of Genghis Khan, invaded Russian principalities, and Ryazan was the first on his way. Prince of Ryazan Yuri refused to surrender, and after a 6-day siege the city was captured, completely ruined and burnt. In that time the population of Ryazan was some 8 thousand people, and all of them were killed. The city wasn’t restored, and the capital was moved to Pereslavl. In 1285 the episcopal see was also moved in Pereslavl, and the city was officially given the status of the capital of the Principality of Ryazan.
Eventually, Zasechnaya cherta (Great Abatis Line), a chain of fortification lines, which was created for protection from the raids of the Crimean Tatars, was moved further to the south. And after the annexation of Crimea, under Empress Catherine the Great, Ryazan completely lost its defense importance. Ryazan became a small provincial town to the south of Moscow.
Now during a visit to Ryazan you can have a tour of a well-preserved kremlin with numerous cathedrals and museums. You can also have a walk on the high bank of the Lybed River or at the Cathedral park. While in Ryazan you must visit Konstantinovo, a village located 37 km to the north from the city on the way to Moscow. In Konstantinovo you can enjoy beautiful Russian nature, as well as see the native land of Sergey Yesenin. The beautiful Monastery of John the Evangelist is in Poschupovo, a village located not far from Konstantinovo, on the high bank of the Oka.
