The Fifth FIDE Grand Prix is to be held in Astrakhan, completing a circle in the Caucasian region, with Nalchik in its center.
The Astrakhan Grand Prix is expected to be held in April 2010 in the new Opera House of the city.
Astrakhan lies on the Volga River, close to where it discharges into the Caspian Sea. The population is just over half a million.
The venue of the Fifth Grand Prix (just kidding – this is Astrakhan in the 17th century)
The Maria Ascension cathedral in Astrakhan today