Each region of Russia has its own unique features, local flavor and original crafts. For our compatriots, even a trip to a neighboring region can be a real trip, with new discoveries and vivid impressions. No exception and the southern capital of the Cossacks - Rostov-on-Don. Today this city is a major cultural and economic center. What to bring from Rostov-on-Don besides pleasant memories of the trip, what souvenirs are considered branded brands here?
Rostov-on-Don: the gates of the Caucasus and not only
Modern Rostov-on-Don is not like any other city in Russia. This is a major port in which, from time immemorial, trade and economic relations and the exchange of cultural traditions have flourished. What is noteworthy, Rostov even today is sometimes called the "port of the five seas." Representatives of various nationalities coexist safely in this region: Russians, Ukrainians, Kazakhs, Armenians, Greeks, Jews. Rostov remains a city of contrasts. Entire blocks of buildings of the last and last centuries have been preserved here, and ultramodern high-rise towers are erected annually. There are many historical and cultural attractions in this city; a week will not be enough to inspect everyone. What to bring from Rostov-on-Don as souvenirs, what samples of local products can be considered unique?
Homeland of Don Cossacks
The history of Rostov-on-Don is inextricably linked with the Don Cossacks. The great Don army is recognized today as the most numerous and ancient Cossack army. Time does not stand still, the modern Cossacks have a completely different charter and functions. However, this is not a reason to forget the glorious history and downplay its significance. The most popular souvenir among tourists from the Cossacks is Nagayka. This is a special lash used when driving a horse. Traditionally, the whiskey is considered a symbol of power, and in the souvenir version it looks quite decorative. What to bring to Rostov-on-Don to friends who are fond of history? In souvenir shops you can buy elements of Cossack uniforms sewn according to old patterns or a costume in its entirety. You can also buy a sword or dagger. Souvenir samples of edged weapons today are decorated with rich decor and fit perfectly into any interior. Intellectuals, as a gift from Rostov, will surely like the book “Silent Don” of the local edition.
Semikarakorsk ceramics
One of the most interesting brands in Rostov is local ceramics. In modern souvenir shops you can find a variety of dishes and interior items, made in compliance with ancient traditions. Semikarakor ceramics is distinguished by its grace and delicate artful painting. Usually this dish is decorated with floral motifs, but if you wish, you can find real masterpieces with landscapes and sketches of everyday life. Souvenir shops in Rostov-on-Don offer to buy for themselves and as a gift entire sets, tea pairs, salad bowls, sets of plates, beautiful vases and decorative panels. Semikarakorsk ceramics as a craft has a long history. Once upon a time, the secrets of the manufacture of dishes were passed down from generation to generation and only certain dynasties were engaged in this craft. Today, a whole factory, Aksinya CJSC, maintains and observes ancient traditions, thanks to which everyone can buy Semikarakor ceramics at an affordable price. Sometimes the term “Rostov enamel” is mistakenly used to designate this dishware, and products are so elegant and delicate. However, it is worth noting that this definition is incorrect. Since enamel is a special technique used in the manufacture of jewelry and crafts in Rostov the Great, Yaroslavl Region.
Rostov textile
Famous for Rostov-on-Don and its textile factory "Sv Don". In many local stores, you can purchase bedding sets, embroidered bedspreads and tablecloths, and towels. Textiles are made exclusively from natural fabrics, characterized by high quality and a wide variety of colors. In modern collections monophonic options and products with various patterns are presented. Home textiles with embroidery look especially luxurious and original, and let Rostov textiles today - the brand is not as famous as Ivanovsky. It is in Rostov-on-Don that bedding, tablecloths and towels of excellent quality can be purchased at relatively low prices. Rostov bedding factory offers its customers a wide range of products. Among such a variety, there is a useful souvenir for each person gifted.
Gifts of Don
Going to Rostov and not trying the local fish specialties is a real crime. The most popular among city guests are crayfish, herring, carp, and bream. On the shelves of local markets and supermarkets you can find the gifts of Don in a fresh, dried and salty form. Vacuum-packed fish specialties are also sold, and these products are best suited for transportation. Delicious gifts from Rostov-on-Don will surely please your friends and relatives. Many cafes and restaurants in the city specialize in fish dishes. Be sure to visit such an institution, because it is in it that you can fully experience the atmosphere of the port city.
Souvenirs for adults
A fine addition to the main gift from Rostov-on-Don will be a bottle of local alcoholic drink. The recognized brand is Rostov Champagne, various varieties of which can be found on the shelves of absolutely all local grocery stores. The climate of the Rostov region is ideal for growing grapes. Vineyards here have been broken since time immemorial, thanks to which the winemaking culture rapidly developed and flourished. Rostov Distillery and today produces classic wines for every taste according to old recipes. Stronger liquors, balms and cognac are also present in the product range. What to bring from Rostov-on-Don to a man? Pay attention to the "branded" local varieties of vodka with the saying names "Quiet Don" and "Rostov Papa." Also in Rostov-on-Don you can buy "the best southern beer in Russia", according to the manufacturer, assuredly produced under the brand name "Don".
Universal gifts from the capital of the Cossacks
In Rostov-on-Don, as in any other city, you can buy inexpensive symbolic souvenirs. Fridge magnets, key rings, sets of postcards with views, souvenir plates and other little things can be bought here at every step. Such souvenirs from Rostov-on-Don can be presented as an addition to the main gift. They will also be useful as spare ones - for colleagues from work and friends to whom you do not plan to bring large, expensive gifts. Be sure to consider souvenirs not only with the name of the city, but also with coats of arms - Rostov itself and the Cossacks. Items with similar symbols will look advantageous and original in any collection. Tourists often bring fresh fruit and southern tea picks from Rostov-on-Don. If the volume of your luggage allows, you can try to bring home edible gifts from the Don. It is important to carefully choose fruits and pack them well for transport, otherwise they may crumple and lose their original qualities.
What souvenirs should not be looked for in Rostov-on-Don?
In souvenir shops and tourist fairs, you can see many decorative gizmos made in various techniques from a variety of materials. Many crafts give out for local crafts, but this is not always true. For example, Rostov enamel is a brand from Rostov the Great, which has nothing to do with Rostov-on-Don. Products in the Russian-folk style of wood and birch bark, sold in many shops, also have no historical connection to this region. But if you like these souvenirs, you can very well get them. In many places you can also find embroidery, jewelry and various versions of folk painting on sale. All these souvenirs look colorful and cute, but they are not genuine symbols of Rostov-on-Don.