It is not for nothing that Vladimir is called the gate of the Golden Ring of Russia: for over 250 years it fulfilled most important functions as the capital of the Old Russian State. Its outstanding ancient churches and cathedrals remain the true decoration of the city and attract tourists from all over the world here.

The city of Vladimir with the population of 350 thousand people stands on the left bank of the Klyasma River. Nowadays this historical city is a significant trade and transport center with numerous industries.

Points of interest

Crystal, Lacquer Miniatures and Embroidery Exhibition featuring the crafts of Gus-Khrustalny and other nearby towns takes place by the Golden Gate, in the red-brick old Believer’s Trinity Church (1913-16). To the east of the St. Dmitry Cathedral one can see the white wall of the Nativity Monastery (1191-96). This was the most important monastery in Russia until the 16th century. Alexander Nevsky's body was buried here until moved to St. Petersburg by order of Peter I in 1724.

Vladimir offers several more noteworthy examples of Old Russian architecture, the most interesting of them being the Dormition Cathedral at the Princess' Convent.

One of the foremost constructions of Vladimir architecture is the Protection Church on Nerl, built in 1165, in the epoch of Andrey Bogolyubsky. The church was dedicated to the holiday of Our Lady’s Protection.