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 Trans-Siberian Trail. Until the 19th century, Suzdal was itself a transregional trading center, and since its legislative authorities missed connecting it to the Trans-Siberian Railway (Instead, it went through Vladimir), the city has preserved its village-like character.

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