Rostov is one of the oldest towns in Russia and a Golden Ring tourist center. It is located on the shores of Lake Nero, 126 miles northeast of Moscow.

The town was first mentioned in 862 as an already important settlement. By the 13th century Rostov had become the capital of one of the most prominent Russian principalities. After the Rostov principality was incorporated into the Grand Duchy of Moscow in the 15th century, the town’s importance started to fade.

Today Rostov is a popular tourist destination with a population of about 30 000. To distinguish the town from Rostov-on-Don in southern Russia, it also goes by the name Rostov Veliky, i.e. Rostov the Great.