According to legend, Georgy II, Grand Prince of Vladimir, built the town of Maly (Little) Kitezh on the Volga River, and followed that up with the town of Bolshoy (Big) Kitezh on the shore of Lake Svetloyar.
The people of Bolshoy Kitezh were particularly devout, and the town had many churches and monasteries, topped with golden domes.
In 1237, the Mongol Empire invaded Russia under the command of Batu Khan, founder of the Golden Horde.  They captured Maly Kitezh, and Georgy and his soldiers were forced to retreat into the woods, towards Bolshoy Kitezh.
Batu Khan tortured his Russian prisoners to find out the secret paths through the woods, and followed them.
But when the Mongols arrived at Bolshoy Kitezh, they found the people engaged in fervent prayer, rather than readying for a fight.  As they began their attack, fountains of water erupted from the ground all around the city.
They retreated, and watched in amazement as the whole town sank into the lake.  The last thing they saw was the golden dome of the cathedral, topped with a cross.
The road to the lake is still called the “Path of Batu”.  Some claim to have heard the chiming of bells during calm weather, but it is said that only those who are pure of heart can see the drowned city.
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