The city of Tver was once the centre of a powerful mediaeval state that rivalled Moscow for supremacy among Russian principalities. Sadly though practically no buildings from this era have survived. The city is located on the confluence of the River Tversta and the River Volga, although in Tver the Mighty Volga has not yet acquired its mightiness. It is though nevertheless pleasant.

Following the foundation of St Petersburg, Tver became an important stop-off point for those travelling between the old and new capitals of the Russian Empire. The Russian royal family would often stay in Tver on route to or from Moscow and a Travellers Palace was especially built in the city for this purpose. Today it holds an art gallery.