Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky is the oldest city in Eastern Russia (261 years old). Its fate reflects in unique manner numerous events and human deeds that have become the heritage of Russian as well as the world history.

The city of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky is the industrial, scientific and cultural centre of Kamchatka. The city and its extremely large harbor are well-protected from all storms, and even from the dreaded tsunami tidal waves. This matters little, however, since the city is surrounded by incredible natural beauty - the Avacha and Koryak volcanoes to the north, and huge Avacha Bay to the south.

The city is primarily a base from which to explore the surrounding volcanic region, yet it offers a variety of sights worth visiting. The Museum of Local Lore, housed in an attractive building overlooking the bay, provides a beautifully presented history of the region focusing mainly on prehistory and geology, indigenous peoples and first settlers. The section reconstructing the first Russian settlements in America is extremely interesting.