Ryazan – a brief profile

Ryazan is the largest of Münster’s twin towns. The citizens of Ryazan are well known for their warm hospitality and open-mindedness. When strolling through the old town of Ryazan, you will inevitably pass by several historical testimonies. Representative buildings with white columns and gables date back to the 18th century, a time when Ryazan was governor capital of the Russian Empire. Nowadays, these buildings are home to museums or theatres. A former noble house is now called the “Marriage Palace” because Ryazan couples like to get married in its banquet hall.

The cityscape is also characterised by typical low wooden houses from the 19th century as well as by buildings from the more recent past that represent “Soviet classicism”. The most striking sight of Ryazan, however, is located on the outskirts of the city centre. The Kremlin, dating back to 1095, is composed of several church buildings that seem to be arranged casually. The many larger and smaller towers with their “onion roofs” are particularly striking. Other attractions worth visiting – not only for guests – can be found in the surrounding area of the city: People from Ryazan often enjoy the wide view over the valley of the Oka River with its gentle hills on the banks. The proximity to the Russian capital also attracts many visitors: an express train connects the two big cities in just two hours.

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