Thanks to its development in the 18th century as a booming centre of the textile industry, today Ivanovo is still often referred to as the 'City of Brides' (due to the influx of women to work in its factories) or as 'Russian/Red Manchester' (another major textile producer at the time). It also gained the nickname 'Home of the First Soviet' after the first workers' council was formed here. Although it is considered a principal city of the Golden Ring, Ivanovo has less to offer than the other destinations on the popular tourist route. However a trip to Ivanovo can be combined with visits to more touristy cities in the Ivanovo Region such as Plyos.