Pereslavl-Zalessky, situated 65 km from Sergiev Posad, one of the oldest Russian towns, was founded, like Moscow, in the 12th century by Grand Prince Yuri Dolgoruki. The town lies on the shore of Lake Pleshcheyevo whose sparkling surface reminds one of a giant cut glass platter. The abundant fish resources and fertile soil had attracted man here since time immemorial.

The greatest treasures of Pereslavl-Zalessky are its architectural monuments. The oldest of them, the Cathedral of the Transfiguration (the 12th century), was erected at the place where, as legend says, Prince Alexander Nevsky, an outstanding Russian military leader, was born. The magnificent tent-roof Church of Peter the Metropolitan (1585) is indeed an architectural rarity. Highly impressive are the high-roofed cubiform Churches of Alexander Nevsky and the Candlemas and the Holy Virgin of Vladimir. The main structures, however, which determine the town's architectural aspect and lend it inimitable charm are the monastery structures. One of them, the Goritsky Monastery (the 17th century) which impresses the visitor with its multidome cathedrals and fancifully decorated gates.