Introduction to Vladimir: Vladimir (Влади́мир) is the first stop of the "Golden Circle" and the first stop of the Trans-Siberian Railway. It was the capital of Russia in the 12th century and is now the provincial capital with a population of 400,000. The train station is in the city center, and historical buildings such as churches and monasteries are on high slopes along the river. From any point, you can overlook the vast wilderness and rolling hills across the river.