Veliki Ustyug

Veliki Ustyug vyĭlyēˈkē o͝ostyo͞okˈ [key], city (1989 pop. 36,200), N central European Russia, a port on the Northern Dvina River. First mentioned as Ustyug in the 12th cent., the city later became (16th–17th cent.) a wealthy and important trade and transport center. Veliki Ustyug also became a noted center of painting and artistic handicrafts (particularly in silver) during the 17th and 18th cent. Its commercial role declined after the founding of St. Petersburg in 1703.

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