Vladimir, Russia

Overview

The Sarasota Sister Cities relationship with Vladimir, Russia is currently suspended by the Sarasota City Commission due to the aggression by Russia with its invasion of Ukraine.

As one of Russia’s oldest communities, Vladimir (Russian: Владимир) has a rich cultural heritage—a solid foundation on which it continues to build a prosperous future. Capital of the Vladimir oblast (region), Vladimir is located on the east bank of the Klyazma River, 184 km (114 miles) northeast of Moscow. Its climate is temperate continental. The average temperature in February is -9°C (15°F) and in July 20°C (68°F).

HISTORY 

Vladimir remains a busy tourist destination as one of the historic “Golden Ring” of medieval cities circling Moscow. It came to power in 1108, when the legendary Prince Vladimir Monomakh built a mighty fortress to protect the area from the southeast. His son, Prince Yuri Dolgoruky, strengthened this fortress named after his father. The peak of its historic prominence occurred in the 12th century under Prince Andrew Bogolubsky, Dolgoruky’s son, who moved the capital of ancient Rus from Kiev (now in Ukraine) to Vladimir.

The Mongol invasion in the 13th century caused the decline of Vladimir as a medieval power, and the capitol moved to Moscow. Vladimir features a number of ancient UNESCO World Heritage sites, such as the Cathedral of the Assumption (1158-1160, rebuilt in 1185-1189) and the Golden Gate Museum (1158-1164, rebuilt in the 17th-18th centuries).

Standing: Suspended Sister City

Since: 1994

Contact: City Director, Miriam Kramer – mrkramer@sarasotasistercities.com

 

Current Day Vladamir

Vladimir is a thriving urban center with a population of 352,000. The city celebrates its sports training centers, institutes of higher learning, and cultural activities. As the hub of the Vladimir oblast (region), Vladimir has become a major industrial center of Central European Russia (food processing, engineering, chemical industry). Tourism remains a primary focus of the local economy. Vladimir State University offers specialized degrees in multiple STEM subjects to a well-educated workforce and students from abroad. Vladimir prides itself on maintaining an impressive focus on the arts and education.