basotho cultural village essay

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Cultural tourism: cultural presentation at the Basotho cultural village, Free State, South Africa

2019, Journal of Tourism and Cultural Change

Related Papers

Naomi Moswete

In tourism cultural villages are relatively new attractions which have opened opportunities for the advancement of cultural and heritage tourism in developing countries. However, there is a lack of research pertaining to residents’ perceptions of cultural villages for tourism. This paper aims to examine residents’ perspectives of and support for the development of Bahurutshe cultural village for tourism in Mmankgodi, Botswana. Semi-structured questionnaires and interviews were employed to collect the research materials. The findings indicate that although a significant number of residents show support, differences were echoed in the rating of negative statements such as reduced residential and grazing lands; owners not giving back to the community and small contribution to the economic development of Mmankgodi village. Recommendations are that local people should be encouraged to become active subjects in development and initiate community-based cultural village for tourism from whi...

Milena Ivanovic , Melville Saayman

With the advent of the experience economy the unique experiential value of cultural heritage products comes to the forefront of cultural tourism development and is the main value proposition for emerging destinations, including South Africa. As South Africa’s democracy divedends had paid out by 1998, South African Tourism was left with an array of dormant cultural heritage resources (still) unable to turn them into meaningful tourist experiences. The reason is lack of understanding of tourist experience as opposed to tourist consumption. Consumer segmentation and marketing mantra of telling and selling simply does not work on tourist experience arising from consumption of cultural heritage products. Two propositions underline this type of experience: attractions cannot speak for themselves and we tell the story to sell the experience. The art of telling the story converges on both sides of experiential paradigm (tourist and attraction) thus telling is selling principle is a point of sale for cultural heritage products. Unpacking this principle in creating unique experiential value of cultural heritage products is the main theoretical contribution of this paper to South African cultural tourism discourse. The proposed experiential framework pertinent to cultural heritage sites integrates three paradigms namely product, experience and interpretation and the resultant tourist experience as a gestalt phenomenon. Against this framework the experiential value of South African cultural heritage products is assessed with data from official South African sources.

Tracey McKay

Cultural tourism is a fast growing sector in Africa, with many museums and art galleries offering cultural experiences. South Africa, with a large array of cultural products, is actively promoting cultural tourism due to its ability to foster local economic growth and job creation. One such locality in dire need of economic growth is Limpopo Province. Thereupon, it is argued that Greater Polokwane should leverage its significant cultural landmarks and landscapes to promote this form of tourism. However, currently, the size and shape of the cultural and heritage tourism sector in this geographical area is unknown, as scholarly attention has focussed on the wildlife and hunting tourism sectors in this province of South Africa. Ergo, this study outlines the nature of the cultural and heritage tourism industry in Greater Polokwane. This study firstly created a database of cultural organisations and then gathered data by conducting in-depth, semi-structured interviews with the managers a...

Prof Dr Milena Ivanovic (Emerita)

Book chapter

The aim of this chapter is to present an overview of current strategic and experiential challenges arising from the development of cultural heritage tourism in South Africa. Despite the recent development of a number of new tourism strategies (National Heritage and Cultural Tourism Strategy, 2011 & 2012; National Tourism Service Strategy, 2011; Rural Tourism Strategy, 2011) that are designed to directly or indirectly facilitate further growth of cultural heritage tourism in South Africa, numerous problems still persist. The chapter begins with an overview of the current state of cultural heritage tourism in South Africa. This is then followed by a discussion on the issues arising from inadequate strategic planning and an Afrocentric developmental focus. The discussion is supported by data from South African Tourism’s annual reports (SAT, 2007–2013), the South African Global Competitiveness study (2004/2005), and selected case studies. Although the cultural heritage sector continues to attract visitors and generate economic benefits, its overall contribution to South African tourism remains unknown because of poor national statistical record keeping, making any benchmarking of the current National Culture and Heritage Tourism Strategy (NDT, 2012a) difficult. A further concern is that South African cultural heritage tourism products have been recently described as being ‘substandard’ in numerous government reports relating to the visitor experience and management. This chapter concludes by providing a series of recommendations that may stimulate enhanced tourist experiences, and more broadly, the future success of the cultural heritage tourism sector in South Africa.

Neo Hlabathe

South African cultural villages are often thought of as national heritage. The heritage that defines us as South Africans involves reality and it encompasses places and objects that have primary significance within a variety of cultural context. The cultural villages are form of cultural developments that has not gone uncontested in terms of their authenticity to the way commodification of culture is presented for the present and/or how is preserved for future generation within the contemporary colonialism and imperialism in South Africa. Commodification of cultural products is significant for every cultural form, including the tangibles (buildings, arts and crafts) that are valued by society and intangibles (symbolism) and living heritage (music, dance, narrative, etc.) they form part of our heritage resources. Lesedi Cultural Village is one of the world heritage site that reveals the mystical cultures and traditions of the people of South Africa. It is surrounded by the African bush veld and rocky hills, in the cradle of humankind. Through the empirical work and distribution of questionnaires the two groups of local tourists those who are belonging and not belonging, this paper sheds light into, the perceptions each member of the two groups hold about the authenticity of the showcased ethnic cultural villages. Results indicate that between the groups of those who are belonging they have high visitation level with a more strict judgement on the authenticity of cultural villages than those who are not belonging with a low visitation tend to have a less judgement on the authenticity of cultural villages. Generally Lesedi Cultural Village with its amalgamation of different ethnic cultures provides the authentic form of cultural heritage.

Elisha Woyo

Culture motivated trips are on the increase since 1992. As a result, many tourism destinations are using cultural and heritage resources as drivers for destination attractiveness and competitiveness. The creation of culturally distinctive destinations has become an important strategy for tourism destinations in increasingly competitive global tourism markets. It is clear that, a deep understanding of the cultural tourism market, its profile, motivations and behaviours is critical. The objective of this study is to present exploratory results of a study that was carried out to assess the factors that influence tourist visitation to cultural attractions in Northern Zimbabwe. The research was conducted in the Northern part of Zimbabwe as delimited by the National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe. Survey data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Data were analysed by means of descriptive analysis, factor analyses and multiple regression analyses. Factor analyses prod...

greg richards

Book: Cultural Tourism in Southern Africa (ISBN 9781845415518)

Milena Ivanovic

This volume provides an overview of cultural tourism in southern Africa. It examines the utilisation of culture in southern African tourism and the related impacts, possibilities and challenges from wide-ranging perspectives. Concepts explored include authenticity, commodification, the tourist gaze and ‘Otherness’, heritage and sustainability. The aim of this chapter is to present an overview of current strategic and experiential challenges arising from the development of cultural heritage tourism in South Africa. Despite the recent development of a number of new tourism strategies (National Heritage and Cultural Tourism Strategy, 2011 & 2012; National Tourism Service Strategy, 2011; Rural Tourism Strategy, 2011) that are designed to directly or indirectly facilitate further growth of cultural heritage tourism in South Africa, numerous problems still persist. The chapter begins with an overview of the current state of cultural heritage tourism in South Africa. This is then followed by a discussion on the issues arising from inadequate strategic planning and an Afrocentric developmental focus.

Ackson Kanduza

This discussion is a critical assessment of the role of cultural factors in promoting tourism in Botswana. From the 1990s, the Botswana Government’s policy on tourism focused on involving local community participation in tourism by making Botswana cultural heritage one of the cornerstones of tourism. This policy included goals of alleviating rural poverty and promoting sustainable resource management. Communities in urban and rural areas were challenged to market their cultural knowledge such as holding court, traditional Botswana hospitality, performance arts and handicrafts in attracting international tourists. This policy of engaging communities in cultural tourism caused tension in relations with policies launched earlier. Since independence in 1966, the Government of Botswana followed economic policies which promoted private sector participation and partnerships. From the 1970s, the private sector was particularly courted to participate in tourism in order to attract famous and...

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Basotho Cultural Village

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About Basotho Cultural Village

A visit to the Basotho Cultural Village which nestles at the foot of huge sandstone mountains, will give you a deeper insight into the lifestyle of the South Sotho from the 16th century to the present.

On arrival, a friendly receptionist will show you an introductory video which illustrates the building process of the museum. Demonstrations of the decorations of huts, making of basketware, crushing of maize and traditional dances are shown.

The Village regularly hosts art exhibitions as well as live stage performances at the sandstone amphitheater. The curio shop offers traditional clay pots, basketware and other handmade items. Guided tours of the museum are conducted from 9:00 to 16:30 (weekends until 17:00) seven days a week.

Need to Know

Where Next to the R712 from QwaQwa to Golden Gate National Park, Free State

When Guided tours of the museum are conducted from 09h00 to 16h30 (weekends until 17h00), seven days a week.

How much Prices on request.

Telephone +27 (0)58 721-0300

More information See website

Overnight Stay nearby in Clarens , in Free State

Please note, business details can change. While we endeavour to ensure all information provided by the service provider is correct at the time of publication, we do not assume any liability caused by errors or changes, such as price, cost, time, and location. Please check with the provider that the activity/business is still offered as described, before making any travel plans.

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Village Studio

Village Studio is located in Fouriesburg and is ideal for a couple, a family or a group of friends wanting to visit the region. Only a stone thro...

Other things to do in the area

Rhebok Hiking Trail

Start: Glen Reenen Rest camp, Golden Gate National ParkFinish: Golden Gate National ParkDuration: 2 days, 31 km circular walkFitness: moderate to...

Bergwoning 4x4 Trails

This grade 3 trail requires a 4x4 vehicle and the 6km route will take approximately 2 hours to complete. The route is generally available year ro...

Angel's Wing Trail

This is one trail that you need to book in advance, so forward planning is required. As a two day hike, the Angel’s Wing Trail in Clarens is popu...

Bokpoort Mountain Bike Trail

In the foothills of the spectacular Maluti Mountain Range in the Free State Province is the little town of Clarens. It has all of the charm and b...

Rebellie 4x4 Trail

The Rebellie 4x4 Trails offer two different routes. The trails are a difficulty grading of 3 to 5 and a total of 32km which will take you between...

The Gourmet Shed

You do not have far to look, when in Clarens, for country, farmstyle fare. Just a few kilometres outside of the popular holiday town is a convert...

Clarens Wellness Day Spa

Getting away from it all in the Picturesque Little Village called Clarens, you're offered the elements ideal for a Spa Treatment during your Brea...

Visit the Blou Donki Art Gallery

Situated in the heart of the picturesque village of Clarens in the Sindmill Centre you will find the Blou Donki Art Gallery. The Blou Donki Galle...

Highland Coffee Roastery

Baruch's Clarens has moved closer to the Clarens village square and changed its name to Highland Coffee Roastery.The freshest coffee in the regio...

Noteworthy attractions

Normandien Pass

The Normandien Pass links Memel in the Free State with Newcastle in KwaZulu-Natal. The pass is gravel that by all accounts has seen better days, ...

Clarens Golf Estate

The par 71 golf course, designed and constructed by Golf Data, is bound to excite every level of golfer. All 18 holes meander along and across th...

Clarens Village Conservancy

The Clarens Village Conservancy (CVC) is a group of people, homeowners and businesses who together look after the town's natural resources - land...

Maloti Route 26

The Maloti Route covers the distance between Rouxville and Fouriesburg in the Eastern Free State; a self-drive tarred road that hugs the Maluti M...

Motouleng Sacred Caves

Deep in the heart of the Free State there is a sense of ethereal mystery here, which seeps into every aspect of this countryside. And this is the...

Namahadi Pass

Namahadi is the highest peak in the Free State and one of the highest peaks in the Drakensberg range of mountains. The top of the pass is well ov...

Sterkfontein Dam Reserve

Rugged, steep krantzes silhouetted against the skyline, mountain slopes snugly covered with a grass blanket, deep lushly vegetated kloofs and a c...

Golden Gate National Park

Nestled in the rolling foothills of the Maluti Mountains of the north-eastern Free State lies the Golden Gate Highlands National Park. The park d...

Bethlehem Golf Club

The Bethlehem Golf Course is a Par 71 (W69), 18 hole golf course located in the lovely town of Bethlehem in the Free State. Facilities at Bethleh...

Accommodation convenient to Basotho Cultural Village

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The Basotho

In the early 1800’s there was a great deal of migration and upheaval in Southern Africa, mostly as a result of the Mfecane. There were a number of conflicts between various tribes and, as a result of the Mahlatule famine, some people were even driven to cannibalism.

Moshoeshoe and Lesotho

Moshoeshoe is seen as the father of the Basotho people as he was responsible for drawing together the scattered Sotho peoples who had been driven apart by Zulu and Ndebele raids, and for creating Lesotho, the Basotho Kingdom. Moshoeshoe was the son of Mokoleti, a sub-chief and became a minor chief leading a group of young men of the same age during the early 1800’s. He defended a mountain fortress at Butha Buthe in northeastern Lesotho and, although this camp was in a strong position, the tribe was still attacked by various other groups, like Sekonyela and the Tlokwa. Moshoeshoe didn’t feel safe at Butha Buthe any longer and started looking for another location.

As a result of erosion of the sandstone in the area by the lowland rivers, flat-topped and freestanding mountains formed. One of Moshoeshoe’s followers found a virtually impenetrable location about 30km from Maseru and he decided to move his tribe to this safer area called Thaba Bosiu, meaning ‘mountain at night’. This area was virtually unconquerable as there were only seven paths of access to the top of the flat-topped mountain, all of them easily guarded. It also had natural springs and could support up to 3000 people and their animals. Moshoeshoe successfully defended his people against attacks from the Ndebele under Mzilikazi, the Griquas, the Boers on several occasions and the British, under the control of General Cathcart.

His reputation of a wise and compassionate leader towards those he defeated, and his successful defence of his own people resulted in many people flocking to his city for protection. He also conducted cattle raids and by lending these cattle to destitute groups, and even rehabilitating cannibals, he won the loyalty of people around him and thus the Kingdom of Lesotho was born. In 1966 the Kingdom of Lesotho became an independent nation and the present Monarch, King Letsie III is a great grandson of King Moshoeshoe I.

The view from the Khubelu Pass leading to Thaba Bosiu. Source: www.geoffstravelscrapbook.co.uk/ .../lesotholowframe.htm

Thaba Bosiu Source: www.leo.co.ls/lesothopcv/pictures/ picture%2002.jpg

Attacks on the Basotho

In 1830 or 1831 Thaba Bosiu was attacked by the Ndebele, who were defeated, and as they retreated Moshoeshoe sent them a diplomatic gift of cattle. Kora and the Griqua bandits also raided the Kingdom, but were ambushed by the Basotho, who seized their guns and horses.

More Griqua, Kora and Rolong, in the company of Wesleyan missionaries, arrived on Moshoeshoe’s frontiers in 1834. The Rolong and missionaries were not prepared to submit to Moshoeshoe and his missionary advisors from the Paris Evangelical Society, whom he had invited to his land earlier during the century. In the absence of his French advisors the Wesleyans convinced Moshoeshoe to give them absolute ownership of the Thaba Nchu area.

In 1867 and 1868 most of Moshoeshoe’s land was overrun by Boers from the Orange Free State and he appealed to the British for protection. In March 1868 his country became a British protectorate and the Basotho was saved and the current borders of Lesotho were established. Most of their territory was lost, specifically fertile farming area west of the Caledon River, which they had ceded to the Boers.

For a period Basutoland, as the Kingdom was called at that stage, fell under the rule of the Cape Colony. This state of affairs led to increased tension and in 1880 the Gun War broke out. The result of the conflict was that Basutoland came under direct rule from London, where it remained until its independence in 1966.

There has been debate regarding the cultural identities of various indigenous groups in South Africa. These identities easily get obscured by debates about spelling and language. In this case we ask whether the founder of Lesotho called Moshesh, Moshweshwe or Moshoeshoe and were his people the Suthu, Basotho or Basuto? In cultures where history and tradition are orally transferred from generation to generation it is difficult to confirm events in the manner of Western historians and researchers, but this doesn’t negate the occurrence of these events.

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Cultural Village

Top choice in Lesotho

Revamped in 2016, the well-maintained cultural village is a highly worthwhile stop. Excellent guided tours of the complex explain traditional Basotho culture and history, and end with a visit to a statue of the much-revered Moshoeshoe I. There's a restaurant (mains M60 to M160) with a wraparound veranda – a great place for an afternoon drink.

Masekeng St

Get In Touch

https://​www​.thevillage​.co​.ls​/

Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Ha Baroana is one of Lesotho’s more important and publicised rock-art sites. It’s worth a visit if you have extra time, although neglect and vandalism…

Ha Kome Cave Houses

14.09 MILES

The Ha Kome cave houses are an anomaly in this area, 21km from Teyateyaneng (TY) and several kilometres from the village of Mateka. These extraordinary…

Royal Archives & Museum

19.74 MILES

Morija's unremarkable neighbouring village, Matsieng, is the unlikely site of a royal compound. A new palace was built in Maseru in the '60s, but the…

Morija Museum & Archives

21.45 MILES

This small, considered museum contains ethnographical exhibits, archives from the early mission and scientific artefacts. There’s an excellent collection…

Mohale Dam Visitors Centre

27.75 MILES

The visitors centre is 15km from the main road, signposted west of Mohale village. It offers dam views, a guided tour (M10) and boat cruises (per person…

Maeder House Gallery

21.41 MILES

This art centre and gallery is near the Morija Museum & Archives in a missionary house dating back to 1843. Various local artists work and exhibit their…

Modderpoort Cave Church

20.55 MILES

Nestled under a boulder in scenic surroundings about 12km north of Ladybrand, Modderpoort Cave Church dates back to 1869 and is on the property of St…

Nearby Lesotho attractions

1 . Ha Baroana

2 . Ha Kome Cave Houses

3 . Royal Archives & Museum

4 . Modderpoort Cave Church

5 . Maeder House Gallery

6 . Morija Museum & Archives

7 . Mohale Dam Visitors Centre

Basotho Cultural Village

“Kgotso” we greet you in peace

The Basotho Cultural Village is a living museum situated east of the magnificent Golden Gate Highlands National Park. The village will give visitors a unique insight into the ways and lifestyle of the traditional Basotho people. Traditional homesteads of the 1700’s have been reconstructed on site and resident tour guides will explain the significance and use of daily household implements as well as the importance and symbolism of traditional clothing. Furthermore the making of basket ware and crushing of maize will be explained.   Traditional dancing is part of the tour.

Contact: 058 721 0300

Basotho Cultural Village Tour

After receiving permission from the Chief to enter his village, you will be offered a sip of Sotho beer as a token of hospitality and even a game of Maraba-raba can be enjoyed. At the houses of the first and second wives beautiful and colourful utensils are explained .   A visit to the  Chief’s Ngaka (bone thrower) may very well cast some light on your future.

Self- drive/sightseeing :     The Basotho Cultural Village in the Golden Gate Highlands National  Park is easily accessed from  Clarens.  Take the R714 from Clarens towards Harrismith.  Once you are through the Golden Gate pass, look out for the turning to the village on your right.  The road is tarred  all the way.

Clarens Xtreme :  1/2 day tour.   Contact details

Maluti Tours:   1/2 day tour (Part of the Golden Gate Tour) Contact details

Matlakeng Herbal Trail

The herb trail is only open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, during the Spring and Summer months, and must be booked 2 days in advance.  The trail starts at The Basotho Cultural Village.  A social ecologist and ngaka (traditional healer) escorts groups on a scenic 2 hour trail, all the while locating an array of grasses, roots, herbs, leaves and bark and explaining how these are prepared and used to cure ailments from toothache to sexually transmitted diseases, as well as their ritual uses in Basotho Culture.  Hikers can also expect to  see wild-life, as well as some well-kept rock art.  Contact: 058 721 0300

Click here to go to the Sightseeing/Self-Drive Routes page

Click here to find out more about the Golden Gate Highlands National Park

Author: Clarens Guide

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Vibrant culture

Stay in an authentic african village.

T T here is nothing quite like the spending the night in a traditional African hut in the heart of an African village. You'll wake up to the sounds of a crowing cock, bleating sheep and village children. Then there will be the smell of samp cooking on an open fire.  

The best way to experience South Africa’s tribal cultures is to stay in traditional African accommodation in one of the many cultural villages that can be found around the country.  

At the Basotho Cultural Village in the Golden Gate National Park you can enjoy traditional dancing and see how the village women weave baskets and grind maize. A different period of the Basotho’s history is depicted by each hut. Guests can stay overnight in the Basotho Cultural Village Rest Camp which is fashioned on an 18th-century Basotho village. It offers comfortable self-catering accommodation.  

At aha Lesedi Lodge near Johannesburg you can explore 5 different African tribal cultures and stay overnight in traditional African ac c ommodation in Zulu, Xhosa, Pedi, Basotho and Ndebele tribal homesteads. Each of the 38 luxury huts , with modern amenities , have been decorated in the style of a tribal culture.  

The aha Shakaland Hotel and Zulu C ultural Village , a cultural village in the heart of Zululand, was originally built as a film set. It harks back to the days of King Shaka , the powerful king of the Zulu nation. Enjoy tribal dancing and spear making, sample African brew and visit the local traditional healer.  

Also in Zululand is Goodersons D umaZulu Lodge and Traditional Village where you can stay in themed accommodation and learn the art of spear and drum making, beadwork, basketry, pottery and weaving.  

Cata Cultural Village in the Eastern Cape gives visitors the opportunity of staying with a Xhosa family in a traditional Xhosa village. You’ll be invited to share a meal with village families, visit a shebeen with your host, play football with the local team, and learn about Xhosa arts, crafts and culture.  

T T ravel tips & p lanning  info  

Who to contact 

Refer to websites below.  

Best time to visit  

Cultural villages in South Africa can be visited all year round.  

Things to do 

Experience traditional dancing and singing, spiritual rituals and the making of traditional food and beer of the culture at the village you are visiting. There is often a guided tour on offer to explain to you how people in the village conduct their day-to-day lives. At the Gooderson DumaZulu Lodge, for example, you can watch local s make spears, shields, baskets and clay pots, have a one-on-one reading with a sangoma and experience the rhythmic drumbeat and dance of the Zulus or taste Zulu beer. The Basotho cultural village has an art gallery, curio shop and restaurant and offers a n herbal walking trail.  

What to pack   

You'll definitely want to bring a camera along.  

What to eat  

Many of the cultural villages have on-site restaurants where you can savour various traditional African foods.  

Related l inks  

• Cata Cultural Village   
• South African National Parks ( SANParks )   
• Basotho Cultural Village in the Golden Gate National Park  
• aha Lesedi Lodge  
• aha Shakaland Hotel and Zulu Zultural Village  
• Goodersons DumaZulu Lodge and Traditional Village  

The Unique Burial of a Child of Early Scythian Time at the Cemetery of Saryg-Bulun (Tuva)

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Pages:  379-406

In 1988, the Tuvan Archaeological Expedition (led by M. E. Kilunovskaya and V. A. Semenov) discovered a unique burial of the early Iron Age at Saryg-Bulun in Central Tuva. There are two burial mounds of the Aldy-Bel culture dated by 7th century BC. Within the barrows, which adjoined one another, forming a figure-of-eight, there were discovered 7 burials, from which a representative collection of artifacts was recovered. Burial 5 was the most unique, it was found in a coffin made of a larch trunk, with a tightly closed lid. Due to the preservative properties of larch and lack of air access, the coffin contained a well-preserved mummy of a child with an accompanying set of grave goods. The interred individual retained the skin on his face and had a leather headdress painted with red pigment and a coat, sewn from jerboa fur. The coat was belted with a leather belt with bronze ornaments and buckles. Besides that, a leather quiver with arrows with the shafts decorated with painted ornaments, fully preserved battle pick and a bow were buried in the coffin. Unexpectedly, the full-genomic analysis, showed that the individual was female. This fact opens a new aspect in the study of the social history of the Scythian society and perhaps brings us back to the myth of the Amazons, discussed by Herodotus. Of course, this discovery is unique in its preservation for the Scythian culture of Tuva and requires careful study and conservation.

Keywords: Tuva, Early Iron Age, early Scythian period, Aldy-Bel culture, barrow, burial in the coffin, mummy, full genome sequencing, aDNA

Information about authors: Marina Kilunovskaya (Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation). Candidate of Historical Sciences. Institute for the History of Material Culture of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Dvortsovaya Emb., 18, Saint Petersburg, 191186, Russian Federation E-mail: [email protected] Vladimir Semenov (Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation). Candidate of Historical Sciences. Institute for the History of Material Culture of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Dvortsovaya Emb., 18, Saint Petersburg, 191186, Russian Federation E-mail: [email protected] Varvara Busova  (Moscow, Russian Federation).  (Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation). Institute for the History of Material Culture of the Russian Academy of Sciences.  Dvortsovaya Emb., 18, Saint Petersburg, 191186, Russian Federation E-mail:  [email protected] Kharis Mustafin  (Moscow, Russian Federation). Candidate of Technical Sciences. Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology.  Institutsky Lane, 9, Dolgoprudny, 141701, Moscow Oblast, Russian Federation E-mail:  [email protected] Irina Alborova  (Moscow, Russian Federation). Candidate of Biological Sciences. Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology.  Institutsky Lane, 9, Dolgoprudny, 141701, Moscow Oblast, Russian Federation E-mail:  [email protected] Alina Matzvai  (Moscow, Russian Federation). Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology.  Institutsky Lane, 9, Dolgoprudny, 141701, Moscow Oblast, Russian Federation E-mail:  [email protected]

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Rusmania • Deep into Russia

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Savvino-storozhevsky monastery and museum.

Zvenigorod's most famous sight is the Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery, which was founded in 1398 by the monk Savva from the Troitse-Sergieva Lavra, at the invitation and with the support of Prince Yury Dmitrievich of Zvenigorod. Savva was later canonised as St Sabbas (Savva) of Storozhev. The monastery late flourished under the reign of Tsar Alexis, who chose the monastery as his family church and often went on pilgrimage there and made lots of donations to it. Most of the monastery’s buildings date from this time. The monastery is heavily fortified with thick walls and six towers, the most impressive of which is the Krasny Tower which also serves as the eastern entrance. The monastery was closed in 1918 and only reopened in 1995. In 1998 Patriarch Alexius II took part in a service to return the relics of St Sabbas to the monastery. Today the monastery has the status of a stauropegic monastery, which is second in status to a lavra. In addition to being a working monastery, it also holds the Zvenigorod Historical, Architectural and Art Museum.

Belfry and Neighbouring Churches

Located near the main entrance is the monastery's belfry which is perhaps the calling card of the monastery due to its uniqueness. It was built in the 1650s and the St Sergius of Radonezh’s Church was opened on the middle tier in the mid-17th century, although it was originally dedicated to the Trinity. The belfry's 35-tonne Great Bladgovestny Bell fell in 1941 and was only restored and returned in 2003. Attached to the belfry is a large refectory and the Transfiguration Church, both of which were built on the orders of Tsar Alexis in the 1650s.  

To the left of the belfry is another, smaller, refectory which is attached to the Trinity Gate-Church, which was also constructed in the 1650s on the orders of Tsar Alexis who made it his own family church. The church is elaborately decorated with colourful trims and underneath the archway is a beautiful 19th century fresco.

Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral

The Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral is the oldest building in the monastery and among the oldest buildings in the Moscow Region. It was built between 1404 and 1405 during the lifetime of St Sabbas and using the funds of Prince Yury of Zvenigorod. The white-stone cathedral is a standard four-pillar design with a single golden dome. After the death of St Sabbas he was interred in the cathedral and a new altar dedicated to him was added.

Under the reign of Tsar Alexis the cathedral was decorated with frescoes by Stepan Ryazanets, some of which remain today. Tsar Alexis also presented the cathedral with a five-tier iconostasis, the top row of icons have been preserved.

Tsaritsa's Chambers

The Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral is located between the Tsaritsa's Chambers of the left and the Palace of Tsar Alexis on the right. The Tsaritsa's Chambers were built in the mid-17th century for the wife of Tsar Alexey - Tsaritsa Maria Ilinichna Miloskavskaya. The design of the building is influenced by the ancient Russian architectural style. Is prettier than the Tsar's chambers opposite, being red in colour with elaborately decorated window frames and entrance.

At present the Tsaritsa's Chambers houses the Zvenigorod Historical, Architectural and Art Museum. Among its displays is an accurate recreation of the interior of a noble lady's chambers including furniture, decorations and a decorated tiled oven, and an exhibition on the history of Zvenigorod and the monastery.

Palace of Tsar Alexis

The Palace of Tsar Alexis was built in the 1650s and is now one of the best surviving examples of non-religious architecture of that era. It was built especially for Tsar Alexis who often visited the monastery on religious pilgrimages. Its most striking feature is its pretty row of nine chimney spouts which resemble towers.

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