Vladimir

Historical city, capital of Vladimir oblast (region), western Russian Federation; population (1996 est) 340,000. Vladimir lies on the Klyazma River 190 km/118 mi east of Moscow. It is renowned for its buildings, especially the imposing Golden Gate (1158–64), an entry gate of white stone surmounted by a church, and the Cathedrals of the Assumption (1158–64) and St Demetrius (1193–97). The city is also a major manufacturing centre, with large engineering works (making tractors and automobile parts) and chemical plants, and is at the centre of a large agricultural region.

Vladimir was founded as a fortress by Vladimir Monomakh of Kiev in 1108. It was the capital of Vladimir-Suzdal principality from 1157 to 1238, when it was destroyed by Tatar invaders. It was the seat of the Metropolitans of the Russian Orthodox Church from 1299 to 1326. Vladimir was annexed by the Grand Duchy of Muscovy in 1364. It was designated the provincial capital in 1778, but suffered a devastating fire in the same year. The city's major industrial development dates from the 1930s.

Through Vladimir passed the notorious ‘Vladimirka’, the road taken by political prisoners on their route to exile in Siberia.

Vladimir

Oblast (region) of the western Russian Federation; area 29,000 sq km/11,197 sq mi; population (1996) 1,645,000 (80% urban). The capital is Vladmir. There are engineering, metalworking, textile, glass working, and traditional handicraft industries. Grain and potatoes are grown, and there is market gardening and dairy farming.

The region is forested lowland with large peat deposits. Cities include Kovrov and Murom.