Russia Yaroslavl Oblast

Yaroslavl is one of the eight cities of Russia's Golden Ring. Yaroslavl is situated on the north-eastern side of this 'ring' and is the largest city in its chain. Whilst the city is best known for its architectural merits, it also has a relatively large repertoire of cultural attractions. Despite the effects of the Russian Civil War and a number of air-raids during World War II, the city of Yaroslavl has managed to retain a great deal of its 17th, 18th and 19th century urban substance. This has helped make the city recognizable as a monument to the architectural development and style of the Russian Tsardom. The center of the city has around 140 individual protected architectural monuments.

The central square of Rostov is occupied by the Assumption Cathedral. It is unknown when the present building was erected, the mid-16th century being the most likely date. Lower parts of the cathedral walls are dated to the 12th century. The ponderous bell-tower was constructed mostly in the 17th century. Its bells are among the largest and most famous in Russia - each has its own name. The vicinity of Rostov is rich in old architecture. For example, an old wooden church (1687–1689) may be seen in Ishnya. One of the best preserved monasteries in Russia, named after the saints Boris and Gleb, is situated in Borisoglebsky, about 20 km west of the town.

Pereslavl-Zalessky is located in south of Yaroslavl Oblast, near a border with Moscow Oblast. There is Institute for Program Systems of the Russian Academy of Sciences in the town. The University of Pereslavl is also based in the town. The town is a part of the Golden Ring of Russia. Monuments of church architecture include six architecture complex convents and nine churches. The town has a bewildering array of 'museums' that cater to the tourist trade in the summer, some are quite bizarre, the museum of Cunning and Wit for example. If you can think of it, they have a museum for it in Pereslavl.