One of the oldest cities of the route is Rostov the Great that was founded in 9th century. The enormous cathedral of 16th century and its "metropoly" are used to be considered the ancient city center, so called "Rostov Kremlin". As a rule, all the monasteries of that period were planned as fortresses and destined to defend. But this one, notwithstanding its immense walls and towers, rather reminds a town or a state residence. Erected in the end of 17th century, the civil part of the Kremlin has persisted till the present time and nowadays there is a perfect hotel located right in the same place where the metropolitan lived. All the constructions of the ex-Metropolitan house are united with galleries so that the churches, towers and pavilions represent unique whole-in-one ensemble.