Vyazniki
Description
Vyazniki is a town and the administrative center of Vyaznikovsky District in Vladimir Oblast, Russia. Population: 41,248 (2010).
History
The strategic height overlooking the Klyazma River was of great importance for defending approaches to the medieval Russian capital of Vladimir. To that effect, a fortress was established there some time in the 12th century, most likely in the 1130s. The Yaropolk 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 1238, Yaropolk was next documented in the 1389 treaty between Vasily I and his uncle Vladimir the Bold.
The selo of Vyazniki likely appeared slightly downhill from Yaropolk in the end of the 16th century; its first mention in the documents was in 1608 and it quickly developed into a merchant sloboda. When Yaropolk was annihilated by fire in 1703, Vyazniki came to dominate the area. In 1778, Vyazniki was granted town status.
Religion
The most notable landmark is the Annunciation Church, constructed between 1682 and 1689.
