New Presidential Library’s film about Ivan the Terrible’s legendary fortress shown in Vologda

The film preview The Vologda Fortress of Ivan the Terrible took place in Vologda on June 23, 2021 on the eve of the City Day.

The film has been created by the Presidential Library in cooperation with the Vologda State Museum-Reserve. It tells about one of the greatest buildings of the era of Ivan the Terrible - the Vologda Fortress. Modern archaeological, historical, bibliographic and archival research makes it possible to answer many questions asked by local historians. Why did Grozny choose Vologda for his residence? Did the tsar plan to move the capital to Vologda? What happened in 1571 when Grozny stopped construction and left Vologda? Is the departure of the tsar connected with the famous brick that fell from the vault of St. Sophia Cathedral? Are the boundaries of the old fortress marked now and why did such a grandiose structure collapse?

The scriptwriter and director of the film is Tatiana Dyakonova. The main archaeologist of Vologda, Igor Kukushkin, as well as employees of the Vologda State Museum-Reserve: Deputy Director General for Research Irina Sokolova, Researcher of the Excursion and Educational Department Natalya Ivanyuk, Head of the Department of Nature Elena Drobysheva take part in the film.

Together with experts, the filmmakers explore the city, admire the frescoes of Sofia and reflect on the history and culture of the region.

The film The Vologda Fortress of Ivan the Terrible is available on the Presidential Library’s portal in the Audiovisual Materials section.