Suzdal and Vladimir

Suzdal and Vladimir are smaller cities east of Moscow and they set what one might describe as the actual start of the transibirian trail. Until the 19th century, Suzdal was by itself a transregional trading center and since its legislation authorities missed to have connected to the transibirian railway (instead, it went through Vladimir), the city has preserved its villagelike character. 

Vladimir, on the other hand, is a small midsized Russian city with some nice spots and - surprise - a big cathedral 🙂