Dmitrov — Moscow’s younger brother

Like many ancient Russian cities, Dmitrov experienced many shocks and was destroyed several times almost to the ground. Nevertheless, this small Russian town retained its attractiveness and charm. Its temples, green alleys, interesting monuments and the Kremlin are attractive in the warm season. And in winter Muscovites like to come here because several modern ski centers and slopes, adapted for the people with a wide variety of training levels, are concentrated around the city.

In 1147 Prince Yuri Dolgoruky founded Moscow, and seven years later- Dmitrov. He named the new city in honor of his son Dmitry, who entered the history of Russia as the eminent ruler Vsevolod the Big Nest. He got such a nickname for leaving a big posterity. In the 13th-15th centuries Dmitrov was torn by the rivalry between Moscow and Tver. This continued until it became a part of the Moscow Principality. From this moment Dmitrov’s economic growth began. It was partly connected with development of trade along the Yakhroma River. In the XVIII century the leather and malt production started developing in Dmitrov, and the iron casting — in the early twentieth century. In the 1930s Dmitrov became a significant port city thanks to the construction of the Moskva-Volga Canal named after Stalin. For the sake of this great construction, which was implemented by prisoners, the city had to sacrifice several ancient churches.

During the Great Patriotic War at the end of 1941 Dmitrov took a heavy fight on the Peremilovskaya Vysota on the bank of the Canal. Then the defenders of the city managed to destroy the myth of the invincibility of the German troops and to stop the enemy moving towards Moscow. Today a memorial on the battlefield reminds us of those events. Local residents made an important contribution to the overall victory: in 1942 the construction of the railway bypassing Moscow ended, some sections of which Dmitrov residents made by hand. So Dmitrov, from which the front line was already moved, became an important railway junction. In 2008 it was awarded the title of a city of military glory.

The main attraction of Dmitrov is the Museum-Reserve Dmitrov Kremlin, consisting of the remains of the original fortress wall, the Cathedral of the Assumption and a number of ancient buildings. The Boris and Gleb Monastery, the Church of the Presentation of the Lord and the Church of Our Lady of Kazan in Podlipichye are also interesting.

There was time when along with Tula Dmitrov was also famous for its spice cakes. Nowadays a festival «Dmitrovsky pryanik» is held here at the end of December. The original recipes of the local spice cakes have not survived, but local pastry cooks invent their own, so any guest of the city can taste this dessert. One needs to get acquainted with typical Russian dishes in local restaurants of the city: aspic, cabbage soup, porridges. The dishes, that are considered to be traditional for the Moscow region, are also served here. For example, small pies without top crust usually with red fish stuffing; Moscow borshch cooked on beef broth; salad «Stolichny» — a version of the famous salad Olivier. A good addition to a rich lunch or dinner is a sbiten — a soft drink based on honey and herbs, as well as kvass, compote or jelly traditional for Russia.

The cultural heritage of Dmitrov is not large in volume but important for its significance. A trip to this city is an excellent option for a one-day trip from Moscow. The acquaintance with Dmitrov gives an opportunity to personally see the Russian past.

Get directions

Dmitrov is 65 kilometers far from Moscow, and one can get there in less than an hour and half by train from Savelovsky railway station, a bus from Altufevo station or by car along Dmitrovskoe highway.