One of the oldest and most well known provincial cities, legend claims its founding in the year 1010! There are many merchant churches...in order to stay in God's good grace, wealthy merchants sponsored their construction, and the more dazzling, the better their standing! There is the Church of St. Elijah the Prophet, which features five unevenly arranged green cupolas on its main building, covered galleries and bulky chapel spire...and wonderful frescoes...there is also the Saviour-Transfiguration Monastery, 12th century vintage...gold-domed but regrettably still under restoration...and finally, the Church of the Epiphany known for its 17th century handcrafted glazed tiles adorning the exterior...