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Almost 950 years separate St. Petersburg and Old Ladoga.
In 2003 St. Petersburg, founded by the edict of Peter I, will celebrated its 300th anniversary, and Old Ladoga - its 1250th anniversary. Two cities, two histories, two great dates. It was in the 8th century when a fortified town originated on the steep banks of the Volkhov River, the town of Ladoga, rightly called the first capital of old Russia. This town with unique destiny was a real pearl among other Russian towns in the middle ages, and played an outstanding role in the formation of the Russian State. It was here, on the banks of the Volkhov River that the legendary Prince Rurick and his brothers first appeared. For many a century Ladoga was a stronghold of the Russian State. Many events, mysteries, and destinies of the great persons of Russia were linked with it. Old Ladoga covers the area of 190 hectares, and there are over 160 survived historical monuments in it.
The town of Tikhvin in the Novgorod region, a small provincial town, situated on the banks of the Tikhvinka River, will experience a great event this year. It was in the 14th century when the icon of Our Lady appeared exactly on the site of this town, and it caused the foundation of the Ascension Cloisters here. During World War II this icon was brought to the USA, and now it is kept in Chicago. In accordance with the decision of both governments the icon will be returned to Tikhvin this year.
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