Vyazniki

Vyazniki ( _ru. Вязники) is a town Vladimir Oblast, Russia. The town was formed in 1802 by merging the derelict fortress of Yaropolch with the merchant Vyazniki sloboda.

The strategic height overlooking the Klyazma River was of great importance for defending approaches to the medieval Russian capital of Vladimir. Naturally, a fortress was established there some time in the 12th century, most likely in the 1130s. The Yaropolch fortress took its name from one prince named Yaropolk. It was situated about halfway between the nearest Klyazma ports: Starodub-on-the-Klyazma and Gorokhovets.

After the Mongols destroyed the fortress in the 13th century, Yaropolch was next documented in the 1389 treaty between Vasily I and his uncle Vladimir the Bold. According to the 1672 census, Yaropolch had as little as 133 inhabitants. Annihilated by fire in 1703, the old settlement came to be dominated by the merchant sloboda of Vyazniki, situated slightly downhill and attested since the 14th century. In 1778, Vyazniki was granted municipal rights.

The most notable landmark is the Annunciation church, constructed between 1682 and 1689. About 30 km from the town is the village of Mstyora, a prominent centre of Russian folk arts and crafts.

Population: 40,398 (2002 Census).