In addition to its official name, Rostov-on-Don has a few more - “Caucasus Gate”, “Rostov-papa”, “Azov Liverpool”, which are often used when it comes to this hospitable and hospitable southern city.
It is located along the shores of the majestic and mighty Don, 40 km from the Sea of ​​Azov. This is a very beautiful and actively developing city with a population of 1.2 million inhabitants, having a long and interesting history, which is reflected in the historical, cultural and architectural monuments of Rostov. Where to go for a tourist? This question interests many who are going to visit the south of Russia. In this review, we have prepared for you a small selection of interesting places in the city that you must see.
Some historical facts
The history of the city is rooted in the distant past, during the reign of Peter I. It was during this period, during the first Crimean campaign in the mouth of the small river Temernik, that the camp was located where the ships of the Russian flotilla were being repaired. Gradually, the area around it began to fill with settlements, in which Russian soldiers settled, who completed the service.
In 1749, Empress Elizaveta Petrovna ordered the construction of customs at the mouth of the Temernik River. At the same time, the construction of a trading port was started. Customs became the base for the fortress, named after the decree of Empress Catherine II of Rostov in honor of Dmitry Rostovsky. It is interesting that one of the first commandants of this fortress was the great commander A.V. Suvorov.
The Rostov fortress and the new port very soon attracted attention and aroused great interest of foreign merchants. Trade began to grow. Bazaars were held here, which were very popular. Not far from Rostov appeared a settlement of Armenians who had resettled from the Crimean peninsula. It was named Nor Nakhichevan.
In 1863, Rostov-on-Don became part of the region Don troops. During the Civil War, the city several times passed from the "white" to the "red" and vice versa. Soviet power was finally established in 1920.
The New Economic Policy (NEP) has given a powerful impetus to the development of the southern city. During this period, he developed rapidly. In the years of the first five-year plans, large industrial enterprises were built in Rostov. For example, in 1927, the giant for the production of agricultural equipment, Rostselmash, began work. Around the same time, a chemical plant (now Empils), metalworking enterprises, appeared. In 1928, Nor-Nakhichevan was annexed to Rostov-on-Don and became an urban area.
During the war with fascist Germany, all large enterprises of the city were converted for the production of firearms and ammunition. The invaders entered the city twice, but he was not conquered - in February 1943 he was finally released.
After the Great Victory, the ruined city was restored. Dozens of large industrial enterprises, schools and clinics, roads and bridges, theaters were built here. Today, Rostov-on-Don covers an area of ​​more than 350 km².
Sights and interesting places of Rostov: Bolshaya Sadovaya street
If you arrive in Rostov by train, then, getting from the railway station to the center, you will pass along the oldest and most beautiful street of the city, which is 3.8 km long. There are many city memorials, as well as administrative buildings. The street has an important transport significance - along it are the routes that connect the center with other areas.
Pushkinskaya street
If you do not know where to go for a walk in Rostov, as one of the possible options we suggest you to visit the main street of the city - Pushkinskaya. Magnificent old buildings are located here: merchant estates and apartment buildings, squares and monuments.
The section from Chekhov Avenue is a pedestrian. Walking along this street, you can walk to the main square of the city - Teatralnaya. Now, in connection with the 2018 World Cup, travel on it is closed, because today it has turned into a huge fan zone, where you can watch football matches on a giant screen, exchange impressions with Russian and foreign fans.
Stele to the liberating soldiers
There are several monuments on Theater Square, one of which is dedicated to the feat of the Soviet people, which saved the world from the fascist plague. A magnificent stele appeared on the square on the eve of the fortieth anniversary of the liberation of the city (1983). A paired stela, rising 72 meters high, is crowned with a sculpture of the goddess of victory Nika, which is cast from copper. On the reverse side of the monument is a mock order of the Patriotic War. At the base of the monument is surrounded by a high relief of puff. Inside is a belfry of 12 bells.
Theater named after M. Gorky
Where to go to theater-goers in Rostov? The city has over 10 theater troupes. The building of the Drama Theater. Gorky, located on Theater Square - one of the oldest. It was built in the 30s of the last century in the constructivism style that was fashionable at the time in the Soviet Union. The authors of the project were V. G. Gelfreich and V. A. Schuko. From a distance, the huge structure resembles the shape of a tractor.
Fountain
In the square, located next to the theater. M. Gorky, in the 30s a fountain was installed according to the project of a promising young graduate of the local art school named after Grekov - E. Vuchetich. The sculptural composition consists of figures of Atlantes holding a huge bowl. During the Second World War, the fountain was destroyed, but already in the 50s it was restored from surviving photographs.
Rostov musical theater
In Rostov-on-Don, a great interest in musical art. At the beginning of the XIX century, many touring troupes came here. The Musical Theater in Rostov was founded in 1919, and only 12 years later (1931) it was given the status of a state. At first, only operettas were staged on his stage. Today his repertoire has expanded - musicals, rock operas, operas, operettas, ballets and symphony concerts.
In 1999, the troupe received an invaluable gift from the city - a new building consisting of two halls. Large, designed for a thousand spectators, and a chamber, which can simultaneously be visited by 238 spectators. The theater building, made in the form of a white piano with a raised lid, is one of the most technically equipped not only in the city, but also in the country. If you do not know where to go in Rostov in the evening, visit this theater. You will enjoy the performances of talented actors.
House of Margarita Chernova
This colorful two-story mansion was built in 1899 for the Rostov actress, the beautiful Margarita Chernova, one of her fans - the merchant Paramonov, designed by N. A. Doroshenko. At the beginning of the last century, receptions and concerts were often held on the second floor, and the premises of the first were rented out. The building is made in the eclectic style. Its appearance combines elements of modernity and features of the classics. Today, the building is the Bank of Moscow.
Cathedral
The majestic Orthodox church, built in 1860 according to the project of the brilliant K.A. Ton, is located in the center of Rostov, where tourists are advised to go. The first church on the site of the current temple was built of wood in 1781, but it burned down during a fire. The second was built in 1822, but it soon became dilapidated.
Nativity Cathedral, which is a monument of architecture of republican significance, is a five-domed stone temple, which has a plan in the form of a cross, made in the Russian-Byzantine style. On the courtyard of the temple is the baptismal complex of St. Nicholas, a small required church, a bell tower and several service buildings.
Church of the Intercession
Where else can you go to Rostov to beauty lovers of religious buildings? The temple is located on the corner of Bolshaya Sadovaya and Kirovsky Avenue. The first church was built at the beginning of the last century, but already in the 30s it was demolished, and a monument to S. M. Kirov was erected on the surviving foundation.
In 2007, a new church was built with donations that were collected throughout the country. The church is made in the eclectic style. It combines modern elements and features of old Russian styles.
"Zmievskaya beam"
Residents of the city are very careful about the memory of not only the war heroes who defended our country, but also the innocent victims who died in Rostov. Where to go to honor their memory?
This is the Zmievskaya Balka memorial complex dedicated to the tragic events of the most terrible war in the history of mankind. More precisely, the tragedy that occurred in Rostov-on-Don (1942), when the Nazis shot 27 thousand inhabitants (mostly Jews).
The complex is a beautiful well-kept park with the Eternal Flame, the “Memorial Site”, the “Alley of Sorrows”, the museum and the sculptural composition “Victims of execution”.
"Kumzhenskaya grove"
Another famous memorial complex, which perpetuated the memory of the fallen soldiers of the Soviet army, liberating the city from the Nazi occupiers. It consists of several sculptural compositions that are located along the main avenue, as well as a mass grave. The Sturm monument, which depicts soldiers marching on the attack, and an 18-meter-high metal stele make a strong impression.
Promenade
The city embankment, which stretches over 2 km, is one of the most visited places in the city. It is always crowded here: in the early morning hours there are many supporters of a healthy lifestyle who go jogging along shady alleys, and in the evening lovers meet here, couples with children walk, townspeople of old age relax on comfortable benches. Therefore, if you do not know where to go with a girl in Rostov, then go to the embankment. Here, throughout the year, holidays, festivals are held.
In 2012, a color music fountain was installed on the embankment, and a year later it was decorated with a number of sculptures: “Fisherman”, “Artist”, “Bathing a horse”, “Cancer”, “Gregory and Aksinya in a boat”, “Don-father”.
Where to go in Rostov on the weekend? Art Museum
In the summer, most of Rostov go to the beaches, as the summer in the city is usually very hot. Those who do not like a beach holiday visit the city museums, of which there are many.
In Rostov, an art gallery appeared in 1928. Today, its funds, including painting and graphics, sculpture and household items, number several thousand copies. Sections of the exposition are devoted to Western European and Eastern culture, Russian art of the XVIII-XX centuries.
Museum of Local Lore
One of the largest local history museums in southern Russia, which was founded in the 30s of the last century. Here are collections on the history, culture of the region. During the years of the occupation of Rostov, German funds were looted museum funds. Fortunately, some exhibits were returned.
Where can I go with a child in Rostov?
Young travelers in this city will not be bored. There are many places where young tourists of different ages will be interested - several water parks, a dolphinarium, a circus, a puppet theater, and entertainment complexes.
Rostov Zoo
One of the largest zoos in Russia, located in Rostov, where all tourists who have visited the city are advised to go with a child. It occupies a vast territory of about 90 hectares. The zoo has a park area, which is ideal for walking and relaxing. At present, 400 species of animals feel comfortable here, of which 33 are listed in the Red Book, and 105 are under the protection of IUCN.
Waterpark "H2O"
An entertainment complex that can be visited by the whole family. It consists of water attractions, swimming pools for adults and children, baths, spa areas, shops and cafes. Those who wish can go in for sports swimming or water aerobics.
Central Park M. Gorky
Rostov is literally immersed in greenery - there are 9 parks located in different areas of the city. Park them. Gorky is a unique recreational and natural complex in Rostov, where many tourists are advised to go. The park consists of two tiers. On its territory are located: several architectural monuments, seven fountains, a cinema, a museum of wooden sculptures, a pavilion for chess players, a summer stage, a jazz hall, attractions and cafes.
Rostov Arena
There is another attraction of Rostov, where even people who are far from sports should go. We are talking about a stadium built for the 2018 World Cup on the left bank of the Don, with a capacity of 45 thousand seats. This structure has an oval shape, its outlines resemble waves. There is a rectangular cutout above the field in the structure.
The stadium has three tiers of spectator stands. The construction looks light, “airy”, resembling sails and wings.
Impressions of tourists about the city
Many travelers admit that they did not even imagine, being in Rostov, where to go, what to see. They were struck by the beauty and color of this southern city. There are many unique attractions, historical, architectural monuments, the inspection of which will be interesting not only for adults, but also for children. Rostov-on-Don leaves bright and very pleasant impressions.