Ivanovo is situated on both banks of the Uvod River. It was created from two villages, Ivanovo and Voznesensk, in 1871. Until 1932 it was known as Ivanovo-Voznesensk. The first linen mills in Russia were founded near Ivanovo by order of Peter I the Great in 1710.
There are several objects of cultural heritage in Ivanovo. Among them are the buildings of the constructivism style, like the Ship-house which was build in 1930 by architect D. F. Fridman. Ivanovo is famous for its railway station which was build in 1934. Other notable sights include Schudrovskaya Palatka. It is the first brick civil building in Ivanovo that was build in the 17th century.