Grodno is an ancient town. It was first mentioned in the Ipatiev's Chronicles in 1128.It means that Grodno is a little bit older than Moscow which was first mentioned in the chronicles only in 1147. Grodno stands on the River Niemen.The river gave birth to it. For centuries it connected Grodno with the far away countries. Now it is not so important, but still it is the border between two districts of Grodno - Leninsky District and Oktyabrsky District. The left-bank part of the city is much more younger.The streets are wide and long with many - storeyed houses.The largest plants are there too. On the whole there are about 50 plants and factories in Grodno. Grodno is a big cultural centre.There are about 40 secondary schools in it, two Universities, some state and commercial colleges, many technical schools, lots of libraries and cinemas, drama and puppet theatres. It 's impossible to say about Grodno and not to mention great people who lived in it or simply visited it. Among them are Stefan Batory,Peter the Great, Denis Davydov,Adam Mitskevich, Elisa Ozhesko,Maxim Bogdanovich and others. During its long history Grodno belonged to different states, it was in one of the principalities of the Old Rus,the Great Dutchy of Lithuania,Polish kingdom,Russian Empire.That's why many nations and many religions met and mixed in it.Grodno Catholic cathedrals,Orthodox churches,synagogues are among the most beautiful architectural monuments of the city and add a lot to its charm.