The town's officially recognised founding is 1148, but the definitive event in Uglich's history was the death of Ivan the Terrible's son, Dmitry - to whom the Church of St. Dmitry on the Blood was dedicated in 1692: a fine example of 17th century church architecture, designed with a love of embellishment, rich ornamentation and striking colours - ornate windows, decorative cornice, pilasters and star-studded cupolas as well as dazzling frescoes in the interior! The Transfiguration Cathedral was added to the complex in 1713 and the green domed cathedral is an active place of Orthodox worship - often resounding with song! The belfry is 37 metres high, crowned by a distinctive gilded dome...
Nearby are also two derelict churches, one of which has been reconsecrated - probably only recently - and in the process of refurbishment...what is striking is the obvious piety of the few worshippers at prayer that we encountered...