Rostov the Great is one of the oldest Russian towns. It is almost 300 years older than Moscow. Rostov was first mentioned in the chronicle in the XII century. Since the XII century the town has been called Rostov the Great. “Great” refers not to the size but to the might of civil and religious power concentrated in this place. Since the introduction of Christianity Rostov was the centre of eparchy. In 1207, it became the capital of Rostov Duchy that was joined to Moscow in 1474. But Rostov was developing as an economical, religious, and cultural centre due to its favourable location in the Northern trade route of Russia. Today Rostov is the centre of Yaroslavskay Region with a population of 37 000 people. Rostov is the only town in Russia where the old art of enamel painting is preserved.
Rostov the Great is one of the oldest Russian towns. It is almost 300 years older than Moscow. Rostov was first mentioned in the chronicle in the XII century. Since the XII century the town has been called Rostov the Great. “Great” refers not to the size but to the might of civil and religious power concentrated in this place. Since the introduction of Christianity Rostov was the centre of eparchy. In 1207, it became the capital of Rostov Duchy that was joined to Moscow in 1474. But Rostov was developing as an economical, religious, and cultural centre due to its favourable location in the Northern trade route of Russia. Today Rostov is the centre of Yaroslavskay Region with a population of 37 000 people. Rostov is the only town in Russia where the old art of enamel painting is preserved. 
