Rostov-on-Don is the administrative center of the Rostov region. It is located on the banks of the Don River. This is a large and very beautiful city, with a total area of 354 square meters. km More than a million people live here, and the mild climate regularly encourages new residents to move here. The distance to Moscow is about 1000 km, so the road from the capital will take only one day.
This is a fairly old city, it was founded in December 1749. Indigenous people know and appreciate the sights of Rostov-on-Don and affectionately call their city the "southern capital" of Russia. The location of the main artery, Don, is very interesting and symbolic. It is the dividing line between Europe (right bank) and Asia (left). There are a huge number of beautiful corners, magnificent monuments of architecture, gardens and green squares. The city is truly amazing, the sights of Rostov-on-Don demonstrate not only the change of centuries, but also the exploits of the Russian people.
History of the city
Like many other cities, Rostov-on-Don was founded as a border customs. Since 1761, a fortress was built here. She was named after St. Demetrius of Rostov. Gradually, the fortress was overgrown with residential buildings, and by 1807 received the status of a county town with a modern name. The city grew rapidly, in 1937 it became the center of the Rostov region. Great trials and hardships awaited him. During World War II, fascist occupation led to the almost complete destruction of the city. Each landmark of Rostov after the war was restored with love so that the city would flourish again.
Culture
An important influence on the formation of the culture of residents is provided by the abundance of museums and theaters. The city of Rostov-on-Don is a real cultural capital. You can spend all your free time walking through exhibitions and the Hermitage. It has become a good tradition to hold international theater and music festivals. Residents also take part in creative competitions with pleasure. For several years in a row, the traditional decade of the Don Theater, the festival of the Bard song and the theater "Manifesto" have been taking place here. This greatly enlivens the everyday life of citizens and brings new colors to it.
Local legends
If you decide to visit the city of Rostov-on-Don, then get ready to hear a lot of ancient myths. It is very interesting for lovers of mysticism: to sit in the evening in a cozy club and listen to amazing stories, where rumors are mixed with fairy tales and richly flavored with love for their native city. You will hear about the underground city, the ancient catacombs that go even beyond the region. Somewhere there are incredible treasures. Even understanding that this is just a legend, it is difficult not to imagine these gloomy transitions with their fascinating history.
There is a beautiful legend about the buried golden horse of Genghis Khan. He fell underground during the battle of the Horde with the Cossacks who attacked their camp. Like it or not, but the story of such a fact is silent.
Where you can relax
The best vacation for a summer evening is a leisurely walk around the city. We will tell you what Rostov is. Excursions can be given to you by any local resident, if you ask well. The people here are very hospitable.
We will begin our virtual trek from Gorky Park. He has long been chosen by couples and families with children in love. Here you can simply enjoy the freshness of green alleys and relax from the scorching sun, or have a bite to eat in one of the cozy cafes. Near the park there is a symbolic sculpture - a girl waiting for her gentleman. Having walked in the park, you can go further to the building of the City Duma. This is a real attraction of Rostov. A dazzling snow-white building shines in the sun, as if woven from lace.
After admiring it, you can follow on to go to Theater Square, directly to the Gorky Drama Theater. This is truly a masterpiece of world architecture of the era of constructivism. The building was built in the form of a huge tractor. It is on this square that mass celebrations take place, which sometimes last for several days. Music sounds, people laugh, it smells delicious from colorful tents. Concerts and an exciting program do not let the townspeople get bored.
Walking along the Theater Passage, you can get to the most pedestrian Pushkin Boulevard. This is an amazing place, a real open air concert venue. Almost every evening, the townspeople are here waiting for another surprise. It can be a violin playing, songs or a theatrical performance, performance of dance groups. A lot of cozy benches make this boulevard a real auditorium. If you want to go further, you can go along Chekhov Avenue and go down to the embankment. The majestic Don slowly rolls his waves in front of you. Along the way, you can see the old building of Paramonovskie Warehouses. It is familiar to all the kids, because in one of the rooms an underground source strikes, forming a free pool.
If the walk tired you, you can go to Levberdon and taste local food in one of the Cossack restaurants. Further, it would be logical to take a walk on Bolshaya Sadovaya Street and examine the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. In the evening, to view the city in the sunset light, return to the promenade and catch the river bus. So you can end the day, full of adventure. If you do not want to miss something interesting, a map of Rostov is useful to you. They are sold in kiosks along with newspapers.
Where to go at the weekend
There are many amazing places, each of which is a landmark of Rostov. In the area of the Temernik river, which is located in the northwestern part of the city, the Botanical Garden is located. If you are interested in rare plants, like luxurious, green alleys, then be sure to come for a walk in its open spaces. This is the largest natural park in Russia. Unlike the Sochi arboretum, there are no exotic palm trees, but the nature of Russia is incredibly diverse and beautiful without them.
The local market is another miracle. It is so huge that you don’t even try to remember where you were, so that later you return to your favorite product. For convenience, it is equipped with huge stands with detailed maps and signs, you can navigate along them and not get lost. Residents of the capital are not used to it, but if you come from the provinces, you will be very surprised. Directly opposite the market you will see the Cathedral complex, in addition to it, a Muslim mosque, a Catholic church, a Buddhist center and even a synagogue work in the city. It is not necessary to be a believer to appreciate the beauty of these architectural monuments.
If you have children, then go to the zoo with your whole family on a day off. It is located on Zoological Street and is a great place for families. This complex is so large that it will take an entire day to inspect it. Tours are held here, guides work, in addition, you can purchase a card in advance so as not to get lost on its territory. About 5,000 animals live here.
Souvenirs for friends
What to bring with you for family and friends? This question is interesting for every tourist. In fact, a lot of souvenirs are sold here. These are plates and mugs, baseball caps and T-shirts with views of the city. The most economical option is magnets with the image of attractions. They do not take up too much space, but your loved ones will be pleased.
Sights of Rostov
A short weekend is not enough to inspect them. In Rostov-on-Don, there are 543 monuments of architecture, 57 archaeological heritage, 18 structures of monumental art of federal significance.
The Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, decorated with golden domes - this is the most important attraction of Rostov, the center of the architectural ensemble of the city. The church of the Armenian monastery is also interesting; today there is a museum of Russian-Armenian friendship. A memorial complex was erected on Theater Square dedicated to the liberation of Rostov during the days of World War II. And quite nearby there is a stunning ensemble of fountains, the main of which is a stunning sculpture in the form of 4 Atlantes supporting the dome. A short article cannot fully convey the atmosphere and beauty of this region, for this you need to visit here yourself.
Theaters
The Gorky Drama Theater is the oldest cultural monastery in southern Russia. If you come to visit Rostov, the theater must be visited. In it is the whole soul of the Russian people. Here the plays of the Russian classics are traditionally staged, as well as the works of famous, modern playwrights. The best theater groups in the country are on tour in the summer. The Gorky Theater is the largest, but not the only one, this will also surprise Rostov.
The theater here is loved and appreciated. You can visit the state musical theater, and the academic youth, as well as the Puppet Theater. V. Bylkova. But this is far from all, you can visit the circus, the regional philharmonic society, the Conservatory. C. Rachmaninov, children's art gallery and exhibition halls of artists. So many-sided Rostov appears before its guests. Russia is very careful with its spiritual and cultural heritage, carefully preserving and enhancing it. That is why ancient cities have such a magical atmosphere.
Monuments of architecture
The map of Rostov will show you not even dozens, but hundreds of amazing structures, buildings, monuments and sculptures that are worth visiting. In addition to the already mentioned objects, you can go for a walk in Pokrovsky Square. Its main attraction is the temple, which was once the fortress of St. Anne. This military fortification was built in 1735, now there is a quiet monastery. The embankment itself is the place where dozens of monuments and sculptures are located.
Museums of the city
Museums in Rostov - this is a separate topic for research. Probably the most beautiful is the regional museum of fine arts. It is located in a cozy, old mansion, behind an openwork fence. Here you can trace the entire history of the development of painting since the XVII century. The Rostov Museum of Local Lore will please you with complete information about the life and way of life of local residents, a wonderful exhibition of flora and fauna. The Museum of Modern Art is a place where artists can exhibit their works without rent. Admission is free if you are interested in a certain picture - you can contact its author.
To summarize
Today we considered the wonderful southern city - Rostov. Holidays here can be fantastically diverse. Active or informative, calm and pacifying, in the end you choose. I just want to give advice - stock up on free time. Even a week will not be enough to get to know this magnificent city closer.