The name Golden Ring refers to a number of ancient towns surrounding Moscow (hence, that's why it is gold the Ring). It is called the Golden Ring because of historic and architectural wonders that are preserved in these towns. Some of these towns, like Yaroslavl, were centers of powerful principalities, subjugated by Moscow on its rise as the center of Russian lands. Others, like Uglich, have never been large or powerful, but they still have played an important role in the Russian history. The Golden Ring of Russia offers a glimpse at Russia as it was 800 years ago. It is here that you will find the oldest churches of Russia and its most famous monasteries. It is here that you will learn how Russia was being born 700 centuries ago.

One of the most special regions in Russia is the famous 'Golden Ring' of cities to the North East of Moscow. This is the ancient heart of Russia, and the old whitewashed walled cities, filled with venerable onion-domed churches, fulfill everyone's image of medieval Rus. In this enchanted region, very little visited yet by non-Russians, it is almost as if time has stood still. Since medieval times, the main currents of history have passed them by, and it as if a sleep has fallen on some of the old cities and villages here. Many beautiful, quiet old towns lie within the ring, such as Vladimir, Suzdal, Sergiev Posad, Rostov Velikiy and Yaroslavl, but there are scores of wonderful old villages, too, off the beaten track.

You can travel to individual cities by train, but the best way to really get to see the region is to hire a car and drive round at your own pace, taking in some of the hidden gems as well as the more established spots such as Pokrovsky and Spaso-Efimiev Monasteries in Suzdal, and Uspenskiy and Dmitrievsky Cathedrals in Vladimir.

If you head out from Moscow along the M8 to Yaroslavl or catch the train, the first place you'll come across is Sergiev Posad. In fact, Sergiev Posad is just 40 miles from Moscow, and makes an easy day trip. It's sometimes called the Russian Vatican, because this was where the hermit saint Sergius of Radonezh founded in the 14th century the monastery which became the spiritual centre of Russia. Saint Sergius is credited with ensuring the remarkable victory of Prince Dmitry Donskoy over the Mongols in 1380, so it is no wonder that he is held in high esteem. The monastery, known as Troitse-Sergieva Lavra (the Laura of the Holy Trinity and St. Sergius, is still an active monastery, and it is wonderful to visit and see the hooded monks gliding between the pillars. Inside, the main attraction is the beautiful Troitsky Cathedral built with money donated apparently by Ivan the Great (or Terrible) in the 16th century in remorse for killing his son. It is made of white stone and decorated with icons painted by a famous Russian artist Andrey Rublev. Outside is the tomb of Boris Godunov, the commoner tsar celebrated so memorably in Pushkin's play. Another architectural masterpiece is Uspensky Cathedral, situated in the very centre of the Lavra. This majestic cathedral with five towers was also built by the order of Ivan the Great, this time to commemorate the conquest of Kazan.

Further on up the M8 is another gem, the oldest of all the Golden Ring cities, Rostov, founded in year 862 on the shores of the sparkling Lake Nero. This Rostov is not be confused with Rostov-na-Donu, and so is often called Rostov Velikiy (Rostov the Great) to avoid misunderstanding. The centerpiece of the historic town is the silver-domed Kremlin, one of the most attractive in Russia. The Yaroslavo-Rostovsky Museum in the Kremlin is a treasure trove of Russian icon art, while the Churches of Vozneseniya, Spasa na Senyakh, and St. John the Divine, are famous for their frescoes. There is something very special about the atmosphere of these churches with their candlelit interiors and haunting chorus-singing.

Further on, is the stately city Yaroslavl graciously stretching on the bank of Volga river. It is the biggest of the Golden Ring Cities, and the most modern. It was also the birthplace of the first woman astronaut Valentina Tereshkova. But plenty of the ancient city with its countless spired churches remains. The 19th century poet Apollon Grigoryev said of it, "Yaroslavl is a town of unsurpassed beauty; everywhere is the Volga and everywhere is history." The oldest and the most appealing part of the city is on the junction of two rivers: Volga and Kotorosl. One of the most famous places is Yaroslavlskiy Art Museum which was recognized as Russian "Museum of the Year" in 1998. Its collection includes about 60 thousand of pieces of icon painting, painting, graphics, sculpture and handicrafts dating from XIII to XXI century. The most picturesque of the churches are Church of Iliya Prophet, Church of Mikhail Archangel and Aleksander Nevsky Chapel.

Perhaps the highlight of the Golden Ring cities is Suzdal. It's a tiny almost village like place with a population of 11 thousand dwellers, but it is absolutely packed with historic treasures. Sited above the lush meadows of the Kamenka River, this delightful old city has an extraordinary wealth of ancient fairytale domed churches and buildings. If you visit Suzdal at the end of February, you may be lucky enough to catch the merry and colourful celebration of Maslenitsa - a pagan holiday devoted to the end of winter and beginning of spring - and at the same time the beginning of Orthodox Great Fasting. There is a host of jolly festivities during Maslenitsa Week including eating delicious blinis, drinking local medovukha (mead), riding troikas, authentic singing and dancing and other boisterous traditional activities.

Amazingly, with these four enchanting cities, we have just touched the tip of the iceberg of the treasures of the Golden Ring. Vladimir, Plyos, Bogolyubovo, Pereslavl-Zalessky, Kostroma and many other places thoroughly merit a visit in one of Russia's most enchanting regions.

• Uglich
• Yaroslavl
• Kostroma
• Goritsy
• Kizhi
• Mandrogi
• Suzdal