Yekaterinburg, alternatively romanized as Ekaterinburg, is the fourth-largest city in Russia. It was founded in 1723 by Vasily Tatishcev and Georg Wilhelm de Gennin. Yekaterinburg is situated on the border of Europe and Asia. It is surrounded by small lakes and wooded hills, partially cultivated for agricultural purposes. The city is famous for its theaters and home to some very popular theatre companies.