Volga cluster
None of the Volga cities, it seems, gives as strong and powerful an impression to the visitor as Nizhny Novgorod does.
- Founded in: 1221
- Population: 1,278,800
- Distance to Moscow: 425 km
Due to its advantageous location on the Volga River, Nizhny Novgorod developed into Russia’s key commerce centre in the 19th century. It is one of Russia’s most traditional and beautiful cities. Famous annual trade fairs attracted the country’s merchants and wealth to the city.
Nizhny Novgorod, along with its Kremlin, is beautifully situated on the hills overlooking the Volga River. The Kremlin, dating back to the 16th century, has a 2-kilometre brick fortress wall and 13 watchtowers. It stands on an elevation offering a breathtaking view of the city and its waterfront. Nizhny Novgorod is one of a hundred world cities included on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Today, Nizhny Novgorod has a population of 1.28 million and continues to grow as a key business and cultural centre in Russia.