Yaroslavl, the capital of Yaroslavl Oblast located in the west of the Russian Federation, combines traditions and modernity with its unique architecture and cultural structure. Taking its name from Yaroslav, the prince of Kiev, the city is thought to be founded in 1010. The city had its share of the social, political and economic changes made by Peter the Great in Russia. The city, which can be reached after moving 350-400 km forward through the river starting from the Moscow river port, is on the Volga, the “Mother of Rivers” as the Russians call it. Volga River provides 50 percent of the fish need and contains 40 kinds of fish species. Being an important city in terms of trade and logistics, Yarosavl is one of the important industrial cities of the Russian Federation. And since the city is situated on the Volga River, it is also a popular location for Cruise tours. THE WHITE NIGHTS GLAMORIZE THE CITY During the foundation of St. Petersburg in the 18th century, there had been commercial and industrial development in Yarosavl. Reaching its latest state in the 19th century, the city is regarded as the Florence of Northern Russia. Structures featuring a variety of architectural styles, it is an ideal route for tourists, aside from the usual destinations of Russia. Being regarded as a city of science in the Soviet period, Yaroslavl had been the homeland for various art centers and architectural schools. During “White Nights”, which will begin in the 2nd week of May and continue until the end of September, the city is shrouded with an unmatched beauty, just like other northern cities. BELLS ATTRACT ATTENTION The “Kremlin”, the centrum of the city holding a population of 600.000 is surrounded by fortification walls just like the one in Moscow. St. Savior Monastery, attractive with its bulbous domes, is one of the most renowned structures in the city. Numerous high pitched bell sounds in the courtyard of the church offer a musical feast for visitors. The bells in various size and characteristics are locally manufacture in Yaroslavl and attract great deal of attention. Mural paintings of the 15th century that we see in the city’s churches were covered with paint and turned into golden domes in the Soviet era. The monastery buildings in the city were designed to be accommodative with cold climate involving a system in which hot air from furnaces heats the upper floors as well. BRILLIANT GRAND ARCHITECTURE In our trip through the city, we see the “Eternal Flame” lit in memory of the fallen in World War II, which is located in a beautiful park. There are reliefs on two granites situated on both sides of the flame, representing thousands of anonymous soldiers. Another glorious building in the city is St. Mary’s Assumption Church. The building, the original of which was demolished during the Soviet era, was reconstructed between the years 2004-2010. On the church there are mosaic panels made of traditional ceramics of Yaroslavl. CHURCH OF ELIJAH THE PROPHET EXPERIENCES BOTH SUMMER AND WINTER AT THE SAME TIME In the buildings, we see the figures of black bears with axes in their claws, which appear to be the symbols of the city. Elijah the Prophet is regarded as the protector of merchants in the city. The Church of Elijah the Prophet, built by rich merchants in 17th century, has the structure of a high-rise and spacious summer church, which is prevalent in Russia. The winter church typically has a low-rise and gloomy structure. In the streets of Yarosavl, many florists sell different kinds of flowers. Volga River generally entertains small sailboats. While the city attracts attention with cultural tourism within Russian Federation and through cruise tourism over Volga River, business tourism through international conferences organized each year highly contributes to the tourism potential of the city. Yaroslavl, one of the cities where the FIFA 2018 World Cup matches are going to be held, is expected to have further allure with the increased investments made on the city before the Cup.