Top 10 oldest cities in Russia

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

Ryazan opens our Top of the most ancient cities in the country. The name of the city comes from the territory of the principality, which at the beginning of the 11th century was located on the right bank of the Oka. Tourism in Ryazan is widely developed, because the land on which it is built is the most ancient territory of Russia. There is something to see here: St. John the Theologian Monastery, Trinity Monastery, Ryazan Historical Museum-Reserve and much more.

9. Yaroslavl | Population: 603

One of the oldest cities in Russia dates back to 1010. In the past, Yaroslavl proudly bore the title of “the city of a hundred churches.” Now there are only thirty left. You can see all the churches in one day. Many old cathedrals and architectural monuments have been preserved in Yaroslavl, which is not surprising, because it is part of the Golden Ring of Russia. The main attraction in the historical center of the city is the Transfiguration Cathedral (not to be confused with the monastery of the same name), built in 1516.

8. Kazan | Population: 1

Kazan was founded in 1005 as an outpost on the border of the Volga Bulgaria. One of the most ancient 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

The city-museum was founded in 990. It is one of the most ancient in the country, it 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 people

The first mention of Murom slips in The Tale of Bygone Years. It was from this ancient source that it was possible to establish the origin of the name of the city. In ancient times, one of the tribes of Finno-Ugric origin, called Muroms, lived on this territory.

Prince Vladimir in 988 gave the city to his son Gleb. It was he who became the first ruler of Murom. It will be interesting for tourists to look at the Transfiguration Monastery, which is the oldest in the country.

5. Suzdal | Population: 9978 people

There are several references to this city in ancient sources. One dates back to 1024. It describes the uprising of the Magi. The second, in the year 999, which says that Suzdal was founded as a result of the merger of several settlements.

Currently, one of the oldest cities is part of the Golden Ring of Russia. On its territory there is a huge number of monuments, which have no equal anywhere in the country.

4. Smolensk | Population: 330 people

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 Rus’. He made his son Igor the prince of the city, but he, due to his infancy, could not perform managerial functions, so Smolensk was controlled from Kyiv.

Of the main attractions of the ancient city of Russia, it is worth noting the Borisoglebsky Monastery, the Church of St. John the Evangelist, and the Assumption Cathedral.

3. Veliky Novgorod | Population: 221

This ancient city was built in 859. It can rightfully be called unique, because such architectural monuments cannot be found in any other city in the world. And the atmosphere of Novgorod, which received bronze in the rating of the oldest cities in the country, cannot be confused with anything. This is due to the fact that the city was built on the site where many important events of Rus’ 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. Staraya Ladoga | Population: 2012 people

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 founding of the city, people lived here. It is interesting that the first prince of Ancient Rus’ – 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 way of foreigners. It has been destroyed and rebuilt several times.

The wooden fortress of Staraya Ladoga was replaced with a stone one in the 9th century, which allowed it to become the first fortress in the country made of this material.

1. Derbent | Population: 121

Derbent is rightfully considered the oldest city in Russia. After all, its history goes back as much as 5 years! It was founded when Ancient Rus’ did not yet exist in the project. The earliest references to the city date back to sources from the 000th century BC. But then it was called the Caspian Gates. Derbent became part of the Russian Empire only in 6, 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 1813th century, and the Naryn-Kala fortress, 8 years old.

From this article, the reader will learn about what are the oldest cities in Russia and how old they are. Get interesting information about the history of these cities and the main attractions.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZumcRj1zXM