Russia is a country with a long history, which has a vast territory. The country is home to several dozen nationalities located in different regions of the Russian Federation. Each of these regions joined Russia in a certain period: someone recently, and someone five hundred to a thousand years ago. Accordingly, the cities appeared at different times. But which of them bear the proud title of “the oldest cities in Russia”?
10. Ryazan | Population: 532,772
Ryazan opens our Top of the most ancient cities of the country. The name of the city comes from the territory of the principality, at the beginning of the 11th century located on the right bank of the Oka. Tourism in Ryazan is widely developed, because the land on which it is built is the oldest territory of Russia. There is something to see here: St. John the Theological Monastery, Trinity Monastery, Ryazan Historical Museum-Reserve and much more.
9. Yaroslavl | Population: 603,961
One of the oldest cities in Russia dates back to 1010. In the past, Yaroslavl proudly bore the title "city of a hundred churches." Now there are only thirty of them. You can see all the churches in one day. In Yaroslavl, many old cathedrals and architectural monuments have been preserved, which is not surprising, because it is included in the Golden Ring of Russia. The main attraction in the historic city center is the Transfiguration Cathedral (not to be confused with the eponymous monastery), built in 1516.
8. Kazan | Population: 1,205,651
Kazan was founded in 1005 as an outpost on the border of the Volga Bulgaria. One of the oldest cities in Russia has a centuries-old rich history and a unique cultural and historical heritage. Included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. One of the main attractions in the city is the Kazan Kremlin, built of white brick. And the Kul Sharif mosque is considered the main symbol of the Republic of Tatarstan.
7. Vladimir | Population: 362,581
The city-museum was founded in 990. It is one of the oldest in the country, is included in the Golden Ring of Russia. They say about Vladimir: "even the city’s hospitals, shops and pharmacies are architectural monuments built by our ancestors." And there is no exaggeration in this description. Many houses in the city are over 300 years old. And the world famous Golden Gate, Assumption and Dmitrievsky Cathedrals are included in the UNESCO list.
6. Murom | Population: 110,746
The first mentions of Murom slip in the "Tale of Bygone Years." It was from this ancient source that the origin of the name of the city was established. In ancient times, one of the tribes of Finno-Ugric origin, called "Murom", lived on this territory.
Prince Vladimir in 988 gave the city to the government of his son Gleb. It was he who became the first ruler of Murom. Tourists will be interested to see the Transfiguration Monastery, which is the oldest in the country.
5. Suzdal | Population: 9978
In ancient sources there are several references to this city. One dates from the year 1024. It describes the revolt of the Magi. The second, the year 999, which states that Suzdal was founded as a result of the merger of several settlements.
Currently, one of the oldest cities is included in the Golden Ring of Russia. On its territory there are a huge number of monuments, which are unparalleled anywhere in the country.
4. Smolensk | Population: 330,049
The hero city was first mentioned in 946 in The Tale of Bygone Years as a settlement of the Krivichi tribe. And twenty years later, Prince Oleg captured Smolensk and annexed it to Ancient Russia. He made his son Igor the prince of the city, but he, because of his infancy, could not perform managerial functions, so Smolensk was controlled from Kiev.
Among the main attractions of the ancient city of Russia, it is worth noting the Borisoglebsky Monastery, the Church of St. John the Theologian, and the Assumption Cathedral.
3. Veliky Novgorod | Population: 221 954
This ancient city was built in 859. It can rightfully be called unique, because such architectural monuments can not be found in any other city in the world. And the atmosphere of Novgorod, which received a bronze rating of the oldest cities in the country, can not be confused with anything. This is due to the fact that the city was built on the site where many important events of Russia took place.
Tourists should look at the main attraction of Veliky Novgorod - St. Sophia Cathedral. It is often called the religious center of the country. And the Novgorod Kremlin is one of the most beautiful buildings in the country.
2. Old Ladoga | Population: 2012
Staraya Ladoga, which took second place in the ranking of the oldest cities in Russia, was founded in 753. But historical evidence shows that even before the foundation of the city, people lived here. It is interesting that the first prince of Ancient Russia - Rurik, was a native of Staraya Ladoga.
Since the city was close to the territories of hostile states, it was the first outpost on the path of foreigners. It was destroyed and rebuilt several times.
The wooden fortress of Staraya Ladoga in the 9th century was replaced by a stone one, which allowed it to become the first fortress in the country from this material.
1. Derbent | Population: 121,251
Derbent is considered to be the oldest city in Russia. After all, its history goes back as much as 5,000 years! It was founded when Ancient Russia still did not exist in the project. The earliest mentions of the city are dated by sources of the 6th century BC. But then it was called the Caspian Gate. Derbent entered the Russian Empire only in 1813, after an armistice agreement was signed with Persia. With such a long history, it would be surprising if the city did not have ancient monuments. Of the most famous: the Juma mosque built in the 8th century, and the Naryn-Kala fortress, 2500 years old.
From this article, the reader learns about the oldest cities in Russia and how old they are. Get interesting information about the history of these cities and the main attractions.
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