Cathedral Hill in Plyos

In 1410, the Grand Prince of Moscow, Vasily I, "ordered the construction of the town of Plyos." This marks the official beginning of the history of the town of Plyos. A new fortress was built on Cathedral Hill, which became an important defensive structure on the Volga trade route. Situated in a strategically advantageous location on the high right bank of the Volga, it served to protect Moscow lands from Tatar and Lithuanian raids. The fortress was part of a chain of watch and customs posts that controlled river traffic, safeguarding Russian lands and trade caravans. At that time, the Volga was a key transport route, and the fortress played a role not only as a military but also as an economic center.

The fortress was a classic example of a medieval defensive structure with strong wooden walls, high towers, and earthen ramparts. Inside were residential and utility buildings, as well as warehouses for storing supplies and weapons. The fortress also included watchtowers and signaling systems that allowed for quick communication of approaching enemies. Due to its advantageous location on a high promontory, the fortress had an excellent view of the surroundings, giving its defenders a strategic advantage in case of a siege.

However, despite all efforts to strengthen it, the Plyos fortress was significantly destroyed in 1429 by Kazan Tatars. And in 1609, during the Time of Troubles, the remnants of the fortress were attacked by Polish-Lithuanian troops, marking the last significant military episode in its history. After that, the fortress lost its strategic importance and gradually fell into decline. Despite losing its defensive significance, Plyos continued to be an important trade and cultural center.

Walking along Cathedral Hill, you can see a sculpture on a high pedestal. It is installed in honor of the son of Dmitry Donskoy, the Grand Prince of Moscow Vasily I (1371—1425). This monument was erected in 1910 in honor of the 500th anniversary of the city. The bust of the Grand Prince, made of white marble and set on a dark granite pedestal, bears the inscription: “Erected during the reign of Emperor Nicholas II in memory of the 500th anniversary of the city of Plyos, founded by Grand Prince Vasily Dmitrievich, son of Grand Prince Dmitry Donskoy. 1410—1910.” The monument is dedicated to the builder of the Plyos fortress and, as was believed in the early 20th century, the founder of the city of Plyos.

Near the Assumption Cathedral stands the building of the Presence Places, which today houses the exhibition "Ancient Plyos and the Ivanovo Land." In the past, this building had many purposes: it housed the City Council, the City Bank, and a school. Important state documents were stored within its walls, and wine in its cellars. But now this place tells a different story — the story of the region, from ancient times to the 17th century. Passing through five vaulted halls, you can see unique archaeological finds, such as women's jewelry from the 7th century, arrowheads, chainmail, and swords. Of particular interest is the "stone of love" — a cult stone of phallic shape used in pagan rituals. With the help of anthropological reconstructions and large-scale models, every visitor can literally touch the past, trying on ancient Russian costumes or chainmail with the help of a virtual fitting room.