Rostov-on-Don is the administrative center of the Rostov region. It is located on the banks of the Don River. It is a large and very beautiful city with a total area of 354 sq. 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 rather old city, it was founded in December 1749. The 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, the Don, is very interesting and symbolic. It is the dividing line between Europe (right bank) and Asia (left bank). There are a huge number of beautiful corners, magnificent architectural monuments, 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 office. A fortress has been built here since 1761. She was named after a saintDimitri Rostovsky. Gradually, the fortress was overgrown with residential buildings, and by 1807 it 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 the Great Patriotic War, the fascist occupation led to the almost complete destruction of the city. Every sight 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 the inhabitants has an abundance of museums and theaters. The city of Rostov-on-Don is a real cultural capital. You can spend all your free time walking around exhibitions and the Hermitage. It has become a good tradition to hold international theater and music festivals here. Residents also take part in creative competitions with pleasure. For several years in a row, the traditional decade of the Donskoy Theatre, the Bard Song Festival and the theatrical "Manifesto" have been held here. This greatly enlivens the everyday life of the townspeople 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 a cozy club in the evening 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, ancient catacombs that even go beyond the area. Somewhere out there lie incredible treasures. Even realizing that it's allonly a legend, it's hard not to imagine these dark transitions with their fascinating history.
Here there is a beautiful legend about the buried golden horse of Genghis Khan. He fell into the ground during the battle of the Horde with the Cossacks who attacked their camp. Like it or not, but the story about such a fact is silent.
Where you can relax here
The best vacation for a summer evening is a leisurely walk around the city. We will tell you what Rostov is. Excursions can be conducted by any local resident, if you ask well. The people here are very hospitable.
We will start our virtual hike from Gorky Park. It has long been chosen by couples in love and families with children. Here you can simply enjoy the freshness of the green alleys and take a break 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 boyfriend. After walking through the park, you can go further to the building of the City Duma. This is a real attraction of Rostov. The dazzling snow-white building shines in the sun, as if woven from lace.
After admiring it, you can follow further to go to Theater Square, right 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 festivities 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 give the townspeoplemiss.
After walking along Teatralny Proezd, 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 waiting for another surprise here. It can be playing the violin, songs or a theatrical performance, a performance by dance groups. Many cozy benches make this boulevard a real auditorium. If you want to go further, you can walk along Chekhov Avenue and go down to the embankment. The majestic Don slowly rolls its waves in front of you. On the way, you can see the old building of the Paramon warehouses. It is familiar to all children, because in one of the premises an underground spring beats, forming a free pool.
If the walk tired you, you can go to Levberdon and taste local food in one of the Cossack restaurants. Then it would be logical to take a walk to Bolshaya Sadovaya Street and see the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. And in the evening, to view the city in the light of sunset, return to the embankment and take the river bus. So you can end a day full of adventure. If you don't want to miss something interesting, the map of Rostov will come in handy. They are sold at newsstands along with newspapers.
Where to go on the weekend
There are many amazing places here, 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, there is a Botanical Garden. If you are interested in rareplants, 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 palms here, but the nature of Russia is incredibly diverse and beautiful even without them.
The local market is another miracle. It is so huge that do not even try to remember where you were, so that later you can return to the product you like. For convenience, it is equipped with huge stands with detailed maps and signs, you can navigate by them and not get lost. Residents of the capital are no strangers, 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, there is a Muslim mosque, a Catholic church, a Buddhist center and even a synagogue in the city. You don't have to be a believer to appreciate the beauty of these architectural monuments.
If you have children, then go to the zoo with the whole family on the day off. It is located on Zoological Street and is a great place for a family vacation. This complex is so large that it will take all day to explore it. Excursions are conducted here, guides work, in addition, you can purchase a map in advance so as not to get lost on its territory. About 5,000 animals live here.
Souvenirs for friends
What to bring for family and friends? This question occupies 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 issightseeing magnets. 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 see 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, decorated with golden domes, is the most important landmark of Rostov, the center of the city's architectural ensemble. The church of the Armenian monastery is also interesting. Today, the museum of Russian-Armenian friendship is located here. A memorial complex dedicated to the liberation of Rostov during the Great Patriotic War was erected on Theater Square. And not far away 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 it yourself.
Theatres
The Gorky Drama Theater is the oldest cultural abode in southern Russia. If you come to visit Rostov, you must definitely visit the theater. It contains the whole soul of the Russian people. Traditionally, plays of Russian classics are staged here, as well as works by famous, modern playwrights. The best theatrical groups of the country come here on tour in the summer. The Gorky Theater is the largest, but not the only oneRostov will also surprise you with this.
The theater is loved and appreciated here. You can visit the State Musical Theatre, the Academic Youth Theatre, and the Puppet Theatre. V. Bylkov. But that's not all, you can visit the circus, the regional Philharmonic, the Conservatory. C. Rachmaninov, children's art gallery and exhibition halls of artists. Rostov appears to be so multifaceted before its guests. Russia treats its spiritual and cultural heritage very carefully, carefully protecting and increasing it. That is why ancient cities have such a magical atmosphere.
Architectural monuments
The map of Rostov will show you not even dozens, but hundreds of stunning structures, buildings, monuments and sculptures 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. Anna. This military fortification was built in 1735, now it is a quiet monastery. The embankment itself is a place where dozens of monuments and sculptures are located.
Museums of the city
Museums of Rostov is a separate topic for research. The most beautiful, probably, 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 17th century. The Rostov Museum of Local Lore will delight you with full information about the life and way of life of local residents, a wonderful exhibition of flora and fauna. Museumcontemporary fine arts is a place where artists can exhibit their works without rent. Admission is free, if you are interested in a particular painting, you can contact its author.
Summarize
Today we looked at the wonderful southern city - Rostov. Holidays here can be fantastically varied. Active or cognitive, calm and pacifying, you choose in the end. 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 better.
