Rostov Veliky

One of the oldest towns in Russia, first recorded in 862 and known as Rostov the Great, this Golden Ring destination on the shores of Lake Nero holds a walkable centre dense with historic churches and cafés, along with a Kremlin museum complex designated among Russia's most valued cultural heritage sites. It also claims the legendary medieval knight Alyosha Popovich as a native son.

• Population31,039
• Nearest water from center 1.9 km1.2 mi