Rostov

Historic town in southern Yaroslavl oblast (region) of the Russian Federation, situated on Lake Nero, 160 km/99 mi northeast of Moscow; population (1990) 35,700. Rostov, which was first chronicled in 862, was the capital of Central Russia in the 11th century, and of Rostov- Suzdal principality in the 12th century. Many outstanding buildings dating from the 13th to 17th centuries remain in the town, the most notable of which is the late 17th-century Kremlin (fortress), with its numerous churches. Tourism is the town's most important industry.

Rostov was overrun by the Tatars in the 13th century, and was conquered by Muscovy in 1474. It became a seat of the Orthodox metropolitan (head of an ecclesiastical province) in 1587, and was an important commercial centre from the 16th to 19th centuries.