(Source: http://travel.drom.ru/20244)

Ryazan Oblast is full of pleasant surprises. The history of this land is ancient and rich (many things were preserved) and the nature is magic (Meshcherskiy National Park, Oka Reserve, 47 nature reserves, 50 nature monuments).

Cities

In the spotlight: the Ryazan Kremlin with magnificent 17th century Cathedral of the Dormition, once the largest building in the whole Russia. To see the multilevel iconostasis in the 20-storey tall church, you have to tilt the head far back. Not only temples were preserved inside the Kremlin, but also ancient towers, intricately decorated with stone lace.

The "Kremlin" museum is considered one of the best in Russia. The standard guided tour includes not only visiting the Ryazan Kremlin, but also a trip to Konstantinovo, the homeland of Yesenin, and to Poshchupovo coupled with a visit to the ancient monastery of John the Apostle. Historically, Ryazan is not one city, but two. Ancient capital of the Grand Duchy of Ryazan is located in 60 km from modern Ryazan and is now known as the settlement Old Ryazan.

The history of the old capital is tragic: it was the Grand Duchy of Ryazan which first fell the victim of Mongol invasion of Russia in December of 1237. The ancient Russian "The Tale of Batu's Capture of Ryazan" brings to light not only the terrible details of the siege and destruction of the proud city, but also the names of heroes: the courage of furious Evpatiy Kolovrat – the legend says – impressed even the cruel grandson of Genghis Khan.

After Old Ryazan  it is necessary to visit Kasimov, the city with an incredible destiny. Russian Gorodets Meshcherskiy was ransacked and burned off by Tatars in the 14th century, but by 15th century it became the capital of Kasimovsky Khanate at the behest of Moscow Prince Vasily the 2nd! So the ruler of the Grand Principality of Moscow thanked their new allies, the Tatar princes Qasim and Yakub. After Kazan was conquered by Ivan the Terrible in 1552, the last ruler of the Kazan Khanate, the legendary Syuyumbike was deported to Kasimov and passed away there.

Since the times of Kasimov Khanate the city has several preserved buildings, which completely contradict the stereotypical ideas about the land of Ryazan: 15th century minaret, a mosque and two khan mausoleums. Up to this day in Kasimov, the chimes of the Orthodox churches and prayers of mullahs call to one another, Muslims and Orthodox Christians peacefully coexist for centuries.

There are lots of cities "rich in history" in the Ryazan Oblast, but ancient Skopin surrounded by dozens of ancient villages is worth a special mention. Each village follows its way of life for ages, has own customs and preserved peasant outfits. This is precisely the land that should be visited in search of Ryazan folklore and traditions. Everything is natural, non-museum. The folk clothes are even used in the theater – “Skopin the Red Corner of Russian" play performed by "Predel" Youth Theatre from Skopin, where the fate of a woman can be traced through the outfits she wears, is a great success with the audience and professionals.