Kirov, Kirov Oblast

Kirov , formerly known as Vyatka and Khlynov , is a city and the administrative center of Kirov Oblast, Russia, located on the Vyatka River. Population:

The fort of Khlynov, situated just west of the Ural Mountains, was founded by Novgorodian entrepreneurs in 1181. It was first mentioned as a town in documents from 1374. Khlynov was incorporated into the Grand Duchy of Moscow in 1489 and became known throughout Russia for its clay statuettes and whistles. It was also managed by Khanate of Kazan and was known as "Hilin". The town's oldest surviving monument is the Assumption Cathedral (1689), an imposing structure surmounted by five globular domes.