These are the floodplains of the river Nerl. If you are lucky enough to reach here right after a rainshower, the plains are transformed into a shallow pool of water that perfectly reflects the skies. We walk through the meadow to see a pretty church in the distance. Everything is almost too lyrical. Open blue skies with puffy white clouds, a refreshing afternoon breeze that had the long grass dancing gracefully to a rustling rhythm. We walk past picnicking locals, little children swimming in the river and other happy summer scenes. The church is sheer poetry in white stone, located on a small mound at the end of the grassy trail. There’s great beauty in the simplicity of this 800-year-old church.

Legend has it that this 12th century church was built by Prince Andrey Bogolyubsky in memory of his favourite son, Izyaslav, who was killed in battle against the Bulgars. It is known to be the golden standard of traditional Russian architecture with its slender structure, clean lines and its symmetric proportions. The carvings are delicate and whimsical too, depicting King David surrounded by birds, beasts and mythical creatures.