Yaroslavl, Historical city in Yaroslavl Oblast, Russia
Yaroslavl is a city on the upper Volga River in Yaroslavl Oblast, Russia, roughly 155 miles (250 kilometers) northeast of Moscow. The historic core occupies the right bank at the mouth of the Kotorosl River, while newer districts extend on both sides of the water.
Prince Yaroslav the Wise founded a fortress in 1010 on the site of an older trading post known as Bear's Corner. The settlement quickly grew into a major center of Russian trade and culture along the Volga.
The Volkov Theater has staged performances since 1750 and continues to attract residents and visitors with both classical works and modern productions. On evenings when shows are scheduled, the streets around the theater fill with people walking toward the entrance, giving the center a lively atmosphere.
The central railway station sits outside the historic center and offers several daily connections to Moscow, Vologda and other regional cities. From the station, buses and taxis run into the center, where most landmarks are within walking distance of each other.
The Church of the Prophet Elijah in the center preserves a cycle of 17th-century frescoes showing scenes from the life of the prophet and the Last Judgment. UNESCO added the historic center to the World Heritage list in 2005 for its church architecture and urban layout.
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