Vladimir and Suzdal were the capital of the Vladimir-Suzdal Principality. Between the 12th and 14th centuries, it was a cultural and religious centre of north-eastern Russ. Vladimir was founded in 1108 by Prince Vladimir Monomakh as a fortress. In 1157 Prince Andrei Bogolyubsky moved the capital of Vladimir-Suzdal Principality to Vladimir. The capital was moved there, because the sacred icon of Our Lady, which once had been brought from Constantinople, was also moved to Vladimir. The icon got the name of "Our Lady of Vladimir". In the year of 1299 the town also became the residence of the Russian Metropolitan.

By the middle of the 14th century Vladimir had lost its political importance and Moscow had become the main political center of the Russian state.

Vladimir is recognized by UNESCO as one of the most valuable treasures of international heritage. All the museums of the town are part of the state Vladimir-Suzdal art and architectural museum complex, featuring displays of military history, crystal, lacquer miniatures and embroidery. The Cathedral of the Assumption is a world-famous architectural monument. St. Demetrius Cathedral is one of the most beautiful and original cathedrals of Ancient Russ.

Suzdal, situated on the bank of the Kamenka river, was built by several generations of Russian artisans. Nowadays, Suzdal is a museum-town with more than 200 historical and architectural monuments. A museum of wooden architecture and peasant life has been created on the site of the former monastery of Our Saviour and St. Euthimius. Wooden buildings were brought here from different districts of the Vladimir region. Places of interest include its own Kremlin, the Bishop's chambers, the Monastery of Our Saviour and St. Euthimius and St. Nicholas church.