Vladimir, Russia

Vladimir City is one of the oldest Russian cities, located in the heart of the Vladimir region (Vladimirskaya Oblast) east of Moscow on the bank of the Klyazma River. The city was first mentioned in 1108, when Vladimir Monomakh, the prince of Rostov-Suzdal, fortified the shores of the River and founded a town in his name. The capital of Rostov-Suzdal was eventually moved to Vladimir in 1157.

The city expanded rapidly as an agricultural region and center for trade and railroad transportation, and now makes up one of the eight cities of the Golden Ring. Vladimir, whose current population is 335,600, boasts local manufacturers of textiles, plastics, and chemicals. Among the many notable structures of Russian architecture, the city is the site of a museum of history, art gallery, and teachers college. Tourists from all over the world travel to Vladimir to enjoy its rich culture and historic "white-stone" architecture.