Gorodets is one of the oldest Russian cities on the central part of the River Volga. During the 13th century it was the centre of the Gorodets Principality and became associated with mediaeval Russian hero Aleksandr Nevsky who died in the city on his return from the Golden Horde. Today the city is attempting to turn itself in a major tourist destination in the region, especially for tourists who stop off in the city as part of a cruise along the Volga. Gorodets can also be visited as part of a trip to Nizhny Novgorod.