Veliky Ustyug - Location and Etymology

Location and Etymology

Veliky Ustyug is located close to the confluence of the Sukhona (flowing from the west) and the Yug (from the south) Rivers. Downstream from this confluence the two rivers form a single waterway known as the Northern Dvina, sometimes referred to as the Little Northern Dvina. The historical center of the town is located on the left (high) bank of the Sukhona, and, in contrast to many historical Russian towns, there is an embankment along the Sukhona. Dymkovskaya Sloboda and Troitse-Gledensky Monastery are located on the right bank of the Sukhona. New parts of the town, mostly industrial areas, face the Northern Dvina. The only bridge in Veliky Ustyug is across the Sukhona and is located upstream of the town center.

Previously, Gleden was a fortress, and the left bank of the Sukhona was a posad—a territory outside the fortress populated by craftsmen. In the 15th century, the fortress was destroyed in an attack by Vyatka army, and the new fortress was built in the former posad area. The fortress was eventually demolished when it became apparent than no military threat to Veliky Ustyug exists.

The first recorded settlement in the area was the monastic settlement at Gleden (Гледен), founded near the confluence of the Yug and the Sukhona, where now Troitsko-Gledensky Monastery is located. The name Ustyg means "the mouth of the Yug". By the late 15th century, the name changed to Veliky (Great) Ustyug..