Leningrad is the Russian city washed by waters of Gulf of Finland in the northwest, by Ladoga, the largest lake in Europe, in the north, and in the northeast - by Lake Onega. The first capital of the ancient Russian state - Ladoga, founded in IX century by Russian prince Ruric, was in those times the first Russian city on the famous trading way "from Varangians to Greeks". The stone fortresses of Vyborg, Priozersk (Korel), Ivangorod, Schlisselburg (Petrokrepost) contained enemies and contributed to defensibility of Russia. Hundreds monuments erected by grateful descendants in honour of died defenders attract numerous tourists. Since XIII century monasteries of this land turned into large spiritual centres: Alexandro-Svirsky , Zelenetsky, Uspensky, Konevetsky. These and other objects of old Russian architecture excite constant interest among tourists. Severe historical destiny, closeness to Saint Petersburg, its geographical position determined the characteristic features of nature and economy of Leningrad. Leningrad is known for its historical monuments and the developed network of cultural establishments. There are more than 3900 monuments in the region. The ethnographic potential of the city is determined by the peoples of different cultural level. They are the Russians, the Karelians, the Veps, the Izhors and others.