The largest of Suzdal's many monasteries, the St. Euthymius is a remarkably well preserved example of the might of the Russian Orthodox church in medieval times. The monastery occupies a commanding position on a hill overlooking the river and the rest of the town. After spending a few hours exploring the many churches and museums inside the monastery, admire the view from outside the formidable walls and take a walk down to the Pokrovsky Convent in the distance for a magical 360 degree view of the town.
Tucked away behind the Cathedral you will find the prison, which was in use when the site was a working monastery as well as in the 20th Century when the Soviets took over. In Stalinist times political prisoners were kept here, often before being sent out to their deaths in Siberia and their heartbreaking letters and photographs are on display. Then in a macabre twist of irony, the very same prison was used as a prisoner of war camp by the Nazis during World War II, pictures of which period are also on display.
Entrance to the monastery can include any number of museums, although the easiest option is to pay 400Rbl for an all-inclusive ticket. There's also a small cafe selling blini and other Russian snacks close to the entrance.