Kideksha: The Leaning Bell Tower and the "Navel of the Earth"

Quiet Kideksha is no ordinary village. It was a princely residence in the 12th century. This was where Yury Dolgoruky came to stay, and in 1152 he founded the white-stone Church of Saints Boris and Gleb here, one of the oldest monuments in Rus and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Inside, 12th-century frescoes survive: holy women, horsemen, Christ Pantocrator. The church also holds the burial vault of Boris, son of Yury Dolgoruky.

Key finds

• The oldest omphalion discovered in Russia ("omphalion" from the Greek for "navel of the earth") is a stone on which the bishop stood during services. In Orthodox churches today, the omphalion has been replaced by the orlets, a round woven rug marking the place of the bishop's ministry.
• The leaning bell tower (1780) tilts at nearly 6 degrees, steeper than the Tower of Pisa at 3.99 degrees.

Practical tips

• Kideksha is 4 km from Suzdal and 39 km from Vladimir. You can drive or join a guided excursion from Suzdal.
• Best shot: the bell tower against the sky. Shoot from low down and the lean looks even more dramatic.
• More than one-hour trip.

Dyukinsky Quarry: The Floor of an Ancient Sea and Northern Orchids

70 km from Vladimir brings you to a place where a warm sea lapped 300 million years ago. In the 20th century limestone was quarried here, leaving 30-metre white cliffs. Today this abandoned quarry draws palaeotourists, climbers, and botanists alike.

What to see

• Fossils: corals, sponges, molluscs tucked into the rocky terraces. You're welcome to take anything you find as a souvenir.
• The Lady's Slipper, a northern orchid listed in Russia's Red Book, blooms in mid-May. The local population is one of the largest in Europe.
• The climbing wall offers sheer faces of white limestone and hosts competitive climbing events.

Practical tips

• There are no shops at the quarry. Food and water can be bought in the village of Bolotskoye (three shops and a standpipe) or in Andreyevo (supermarket). Bank cards are accepted everywhere.
• Open fires and camping are not permitted. There is one barbecue area, 300 m into the forest, easy to find by the signs.
• The site is a nature reserve: no littering under any circumstances.
• Dress for the occasion: weather-appropriate clothing, comfortable trainers, and a hat.
• We recommend bringing insect repellent and drinking water.
• Open to participants aged 5 and over. Safety regulations and guide instructions must be followed at all times.

You can book a spot on a guided tour in advance:

"Land of the Northern Orchids" (3 km). 2–2.5 hours. Season: second half of May to the first week of June, orchid flowering period.

"A Walk Along the Floor of an Ancient Sea" (2 km). 2–2.5 hours. Season: late May to September. The route crosses rugged terrain with steep descents and climbs, so a reasonable level of fitness is needed.