Vologda is a city in Russia and the administrative center of Vologda Oblast. Population: 293,700 (2008 est.); Vologda takes its name, of likely Finno-Ugrian origin, from the Vologda River which flows through the city. The city is served by Vologda Airport and is host to Fedotovo, a major Russian Navy air base 44 km to the west. History Vologda was first mentioned in Novgorod chronicles for 1147, when Saint Gerasimus found a church and village already standing there. Surrounded by impassable wo… (More on Vologda)