The free walking tour of the city was going to start at the tourist info office at noon so I had about an hour and a half to explore on my own before that. I decided to head to the northern part of the old town and stay away from the more popular sights the walking tour would be covering.

The town had a very medieval feel and many local stores had people dressed in historical costumes.

The fortified walls circle the old town. Some souvenir vendors have set up in their alcoves and you can also pay to walk around the ramparts.

I was visiting some of the Orthodox and Catholic Churches navigating my way to the north gate.

The walls give the town a very medieval and historical feel and one of its unique characteristics. I circled back to the tourist office by noon in time for the walking tour. It was an interesting start to the USSR we know nothing about in the west.