Vologda is a distinctive ancient Russian city, stretching along both banks of the river of the same name. It has the status of the administrative center of the Vologda region and is one of the largest cities in the North-West of Russia. Vologda can boast of more than 8 centuries of history and involvement in significant events that accompanied the formation of the Russian state. The city has a rich cultural and architectural heritage, attracting tourists with its ancient monuments, museums, and ethnographic centers. In Vologda, about 50 ancient churches have been preserved, monasteries are being restored, which makes it one of the most important northern Orthodox centers of the country.