Right within the city limits of Suzdal lies the small village of Mikhali, widely known for its church buildings. Mikhali is of great interest to researchers studying ancient Russian history, because burial mounds dating back to the XII-XIII centuries were found here along the riverbanks.
However, visitors to Suzdal are still more attracted by the old churches. The tallest of them is dedicated to Archangel Michael. It was built in 1769 and is a five-domed church with a slender bell tower rising above it with a sharp spire. The building is adorned with shining golden domes topped with crosses. The red-and-white palette emphasizes the elegance and festive appearance of the church.
The Church of Florus and Laurus, located nearby, was built later - in 1803, and is significantly smaller than the Church of Archangel Michael. It is lower and more solid-looking, with square forms, styled after the classic Suzdal "warm" klet-type church.
Another interesting church can be found closer to the center of Suzdal. This is the Alexander Nevsky Church, built at the beginning of the XX century, red-brick and not very tall, distinguished by its pseudo-Russian style unusual for Suzdal. It was restored and beautified just a few years ago. The Old Russian style is noticeable in the bright window casings, kokoshniks, and patterns.
Taken together, the three churches form an original architectural ensemble, somewhat eclectic and diverse in style, but nevertheless beautiful and unique in its own way.
