Vladivostok

  One of the most interesting cities on the western shore of the Sea of Japan it is situated on more than 20 islands. Vladivostok is a terminus of the Trans-Siberian Railway (9,224 km/mi from Moscow) and the Northern Sea Route, centre of communications for the Pacific territories, the largest Russian port on the Pacific, and the chief base of the Pacific Fleet. The city was founded as a Russian port in 1860, became regional capital in 1888 and developed rapidly. Today it is a cultural and educational centre, containing a branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences and the Far Eastern University. The city has Chamber and Drama Theatres, Philharmonic Society, Circus and Picture Gallery. Multiple museums functioning here have collected precious historical items and heritage exhibits The most interesting collections are displayed at the Museum of Regional Lore, History and Economics, Pacific Fleet History Museum, Museum of Fishery and Oceanography. You can also visit the Marine Preserve, a natural museum of local sea life in the vicinity of Vladivostok.