River Cruise Advisor

Uglich, Russia

The historic town of Uglich, Russia is known for its magnificent cathedrals. Photo courtesy of Uniworld River Cruises

History

A historic town located within the municipality of Yaroslavl Oblast, Uglich sits along the banks of the Volga River.  While there is no concrete date for the founding of the town, most sources agree on 937 as a likely date of first settlement, though the first written records to mention the town appear in 1148.

Regardless, Uglich played an important role in Russian history, first as a small princedom before being annexed to Moscow in the 14th century.  Uglich was also used as a hiding place by Prince Dmitry, who attempted to flee the bloody reign of his father Ivan the Terrible.

He was unsuccessful. Found lying in a town square with his throat cut, his death made Uglich famous and led to an increasingly turbulent period in Russia’s history, as the population grappled with the idea that Dmitry was dead.  Many Russians refused to believe the news, giving way to several “False Dmirty’s”; opportunists’ intent on claiming the Muscovite throne.

Today, Uglich is a popular tourist destination and important river cruise port of call, with a population of slightly more than 38,000 inhabitants.

Your River Cruise Ship Docks…

River cruise ships calling on Uglich tie up near the city center, located along the Volga River.

When in Uglich…

Among the best ways to spend your day in this historic Russian city:

• Walk. Like many other river cruise ports of call, a stroll around the historic city center is not only convenient, but practical, and can be an excellent way to fully enjoy your time here.
• Church of Dmitry-on-Blood. Created in 1692 on the spot where Prince Dmitry was killed after fleeing Ivan the Terrible, this site is a must-see for anyone interested in Russian history.
• Resurrection Monastery. Located near the banks of the Volga, the Resurrection Monastery is one of the most impressive sights in Uglich. Dating back to 1647, the Monastery is comprised of an enormous cathedral, refectory, belfry, and a summer church, all standing in a single row.

River Cruisers Should Know!

• The currency of Russia is the Russian Ruble (RR).
• Citizens of the United States and Canada, as well as other countries, are required to have a tourist Visa in order to enter Russia.  Travelers to Russia must have their passports on them at all times.
• Crime in Yaroslavl is usually limited to the normal pickpocketing that tends to occur around busy railway and metro stations.  To be safe, exercise the same amount of caution you would in any unfamiliar major city.
• Traffic, particularly at rush hour, is congested and filled with cars, trucks and busses jostling for positions. Be alert when crossing busy streets.
• While it’s not necessary to know if you stick with your river cruise tour group, knowledge of even basic Russian can really help you out in a pinch. While many people in Russia do speak English, its use is not nearly as widespread as in other European countries.