Yaroslavl:
Yaroslavl is a city located roughly 250 km (155 miles) north-east of Moscow on the confluence of the Volga and Kotorosl rivers. With a current population of roughly 630,000 inhabitants, it is a river port, a major rail junction, and a center of industry, tourism, and commerce.
Founded in the 11th century by Prince Yaroslavl the Wise, it became the capital of an independent principality before being absorbed by Moscow in 1463. During the 16th and 17th centuries the city thrived as an important river port and commercial center on the route between the White and Caspian seas. It even served briefly as Russia's capital during Polish occupation of Moscow in 1612. Remnants of this ancient trading center can still be found throughout the city.
Often considered the capital of Russia's Golden Ring, the city is home to hundreds of monuments of cultural and historical significance dating as early as the 13th century.
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