I Love My Birthplace.

Dear Toma,

Our summer holidays are coming. It’s our favourite time and I hope to see you and your family in our beautiful ancient town Vladimir.

My town can be called one of the pearls in the tourist route «The Golden Ring of Russia».

My town has wonderful history and I would like to tell you about it.

The town of Vladimir is widely spread on the high bank of the Klyazma River. Vladimir is one of the most ancient and glorious towns in Russia. Prince Vladimir Monomakh founded the town and gave it his name in 1108. His grandson Andrey Bogolubskij made Vladimir the capital of Ancient Rus. As a result enormous construction works began.

Even now you will be able to see yourself some of the unique buildings which were constructed at that time. The Golden Gatesis the main historical monument of that time. It is made of white stone. It was a   high – strength tower and a place for ceremonial meetings. It is the only defensive construction in Vladimir that could withstand the attacks of the Tatar troops.

The grand five - domed Assumption Cathedral is the first temple of the Vladimir Rus. Here one can still see the frescoes made by Andrey Rublev. Many great princes of the Vladimir Rus were buried here.

Not far from the Assumption Cathedral there is a gorgeous Dmitrievskij Cathedral. One can’t help but admire his regal majesty. The white – stone walls of the cathedral are covered by various carvings of plants, birds and animals.

Everybody who comes to modern Vladimir admires the ancient monuments that were spared by the merciless time. You will be amazed by the simplicity and beauty of the Nativity Cathedral and the architectural ensemble of the Knyaginin monastery.

I can’t express all the joy and pride that I feel, watching the eternal art, created by the skillful builders, blacksmiths, stonedressers and caulkers who were gathered together from all over Russia.

Nowadays my town Vladimir is a large cultural and industrial center. More than 50 industrial enterprises are situated in different parts of the town.

Modern Vladimir is spread along the bank of the Klyazma River. The new town has everything any modern town has: wide long streets, multistoried buildings, beautiful parks, comfortable supermarkets, theaters and a concert hall. But still Vladimir has its own character, its own face.

Toma, you will be surprised by the contrasting beauty of Vladimir. Old wooden houses sometimes have a very fashionable multi – storied neighbour made of glass and concrete,

anarrow and crooked street can lead to a modern gorgeous hotel or a wide and busy avenue can turn into an intercity driveway running   through the forests and plains.

I love Vladimir. It is the place where I live. Nearly every street talks to me. Here is my friend’s home, there is my dancing club, and here is the park where I walk with my little sister and there is the ice palace – I am skating there with my family.

Toma, I will show you all the places I love in Vladimir and sure, you will love them too. Many tourists grown – ups and children, from all over Russia and from all over the world come to visit my town. And nobody feels disappointed. Vladimir captures the people’s attention, shows its simple ancient beauty and takes a piece of one’s heart.

I am really happy that I live in such a town. Come soon and you will see that I am not boasting.

See you soon, Nastya.

Носкова Анастасия, ученица 7 «А»  МБОУ СОШ №33 г. Владимира