Volokolamsk

Volokolamsk is a town in Moscow Oblast, about 129 kilometers northwest of Moscow, running along the Gorodenka River near where it meets the Lama River. The town has a population of around 26,400 and maintains a central station with regular bus and rail connections to the capital.

The settlement was first documented in 1135 as Volok na Lame and served as an important portage site for trade routes connecting Novgorod and Moscow. In 2010, the town received recognition as a City of Military Glory for its defense against German troops during World War II.

The Resurrection Cathedral, built from white limestone in the 1460s, still serves as the religious center of the town today. Worshippers gather there for services and holidays, while visitors can view the interior with its frescoes and icons.

The town is best reached by bus or train from Moscow's main stations, with the journey taking around three hours. The center is easy to explore on foot, with most religious and historical buildings located close to one another.

The name Volok refers to the old practice of transporting goods overland between two navigable rivers, which was common here in the past. This method allowed merchants to move heavy loads between waterways without taking long detours.

Location: Volokolamsk settlement

Inception: 1135

Elevation above the sea: 170 m

GPS coordinates: 56.03333,35.95000

Latest update: December 13, 2025 15:59