In the 15th century Shuya was the centre of an appendage principality which was ruled by the Suzdal line of Ryurikid princes - who in turn became known as the Shuisky family. In the 18th and 19th centuries the city became a thriving merchant and textile centre and many buildings from this era have survived, resulting in Shuya being named an Historical City of Russia. The city has no railway station but can easily be visited from Ivanovo.