Rostov-on-Don, Rostov Oblast, Southern Federal District, Russia

🇷🇺 Rostov-on-Don (Ростов-на-Дону) is a port city and the administrative centre of Rostov Oblast and the Southern Federal District of Russia. It lies in the south-eastern part of the East European Plain on the Don River, 32 km (20 mi) from the Sea of Azov, directly north of the North Caucasus. The south-western suburbs of the city lie above the Don river delta. Rostov-on-Don has a population of over one million people, and is an important cultural centre of Southern Russia.

History From ancient times, the area around the mouth of the Don River has held cultural and commercial importance. Ancient indigenous inhabitants included the Scythian and Sarmatian tribes. It was the site of Tanais, an ancient Greek colony, Fort Tana under the Genoese, and Fort Azak in the time of the Ottoman Empire.

In 1749, a custom house was established on the Temernik River, a tributary of the Don, by edict of the Empress Elizabeth, the daughter of Peter the Great, in order to control trade with Turkey. It was co-located with a fortress named for Dimitry of Rostov, a metropolitan bishop of the old northern town of Rostov the Great. Azov, a town closer to the Sea of Azov on the Don, gradually lost its commercial importance in the region to the new fortress, but it remains an important historical center.

In 1756, the "Russian commercial and trading company of Constantinople" was founded at the "merchants' settlement" (Kupecheskaya Sloboda) on the high bank of the Don. Towards the end of the eighteenth century, with the incorporation of previously Ottoman Black Sea territories into the Russian Empire, the settlement lost much of its militarily strategic importance as a frontier post.

In 1796, the settlement was chartered and in 1797, it became the seat of Rostovsky Uyezd within Novorossiysk Governorate. In 1806, it was officially renamed Rostov-on-Don. During the 19th century, due to its river connections with Russia's interior, Rostov developed into a major trade centre and communications hub. A railway connection with Kharkiv was completed in 1870, with further links following in 1871 to Voronezh and in 1875 to Vladikavkaz.

Concurrent with improvements in communications, heavy industry developed. Coal from the Donets Basin and iron ore from Krivoy Rog supported the establishment of an iron foundry in 1846. In 1859, the production of pumps and steam boilers began. Industrial growth was accompanied by a rapid increase in population, with 119,500 residents registered in Rostov by the end of the nineteenth century along with approximately 140 industrial businesses. The harbour was one of the largest trade hubs in southern Russia, especially for the export of wheat, timber, and iron ore.

In 1779, Rostov-on-Don became associated with a settlement of Armenian refugees from Crimea at Nakhichevan-on-Don. The two settlements were separated by a field of wheat. In 1928, the two towns were merged. The former town border lies beneath the Teatralnaya Square of central Rostov-on-Don. By 1928, following the incorporation of the hitherto neighbouring city of Nakhichevan-on-Don, Rostov had become the third-largest city in Russia.

In the early 20th century, epidemics of cholera during the summer months were not uncommon.

History: 20th century During World War I Rostov-on-Don was briefly occupied by the German Empire in 1918.

During the Russian Civil War, the Whites and the Reds contested Rostov-on-Don, then the most heavily industrialised city of South Russia. By 1928, the regional government had moved from the old Cossack capital of Novocherkassk to Rostov-on-Don.

In the Soviet years, the Bolsheviks demolished two of Rostov-on-Don's principal landmarks: St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral (1908) and St. George Cathedral (1783–1807).

During World War II, Nazi German forces occupied Rostov-on-Don, at first from 19/20 November to 2 December 1941, after attacks by the German First Panzer Army in the Battle of Rostov, and then for seven months from 24 July 1942 to 14 February 1943. The town was of strategic importance as a railway junction and a river port accessing the Caucasus, a region rich in oil and minerals. It took ten years to restore the city from the damage during World War II.

In 1942 up to 30,000 Russian Jews were massacred by the German military in Rostov-on-Don at a site called Zmievskaya Balka.

History: 21st century Rostov-on-Don hosted several matches of the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Rostov-on-Don is the location of the Russian Southern Military District, which includes the 58th Combined Arms Army. As such, it was a key logistical hub during the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine and the 2023 Ukrainian counteroffensive.

On 23 June 2023, amid the conflict in Ukraine, the Wagner Group, a private military company fighting on behalf of the Russian Federation, declared a rebellion against the Russian Ministry of Defence and took control of Rostov-on-Don. On June 24, after reaching a negotiated settlement with the Russian government and military, the Wagner Group withdrew from the city.

Economy Rostov's favourable geographical position at trading crossroads promotes economic development. The Don River is a major shipping lane connecting south-western Russia with the north. Rostov-on-Don is a trading port for Russian, Italian, Greek and Turkish merchants selling, for example, wool, wheat and oil. It is also an important river port for passengers. The Rostov-on-Don agricultural region produces one-third of Russia's vegetable oil from sunflowers.

Volga–Don Canal With the construction of the Volga-Don Shipping Canal in 1952, Rostov-on-Don has become known as a "port of five seas" (reachable from the Black Sea, the Sea of Azov, the Caspian Sea, the White Sea, and the Baltic Sea). See the article Port of Rostov-on-Don

Modern industry In modern times, Rostov-on-Don has experienced economic growth. Numerous start-up companies have established headquarters in the city, the median income is increasing, and the city is being transformed into a modern, industrial and technology-rich hub. For instance, Rostov-on-Don is a centre for helicopter and farm machinery manufacturing. The "Tebodin" engineering company opened its fourth office in Rostov-on-Don in June 2010.

Transport Public transport in Rostov-on-Don includes buses, trolleybuses, trams, and marshrutkas (routed minibus, usually a 17-passenger Mercedes Sprinter). The Rostov Metro was planned in the early 90s and later in 2000s and 2010s. At the end of 2021, the Government of the Rostov Region and the Sinara company signed an agreement on the creation of a high-speed tramway in Rostov-on-Don on a concession basis. This happened at the international forum Transport Week 2021 in Moscow. By signing this agreement, the regional government put an end to the idea of developing the metro in the city in favour of the tram.

The Rostov-on-Don Airport caters for domestic travel, as well as flights to and from the former C.I.S., Europe, Africa and Asia. Its IATA code is "ROV". Donavia airlines (formerly "Aeroflot Don") has its head office in Rostov-on-Don. The Bataysk military aerodrome (which is located 5.0 miles (8.0 km) north-west of the city center) may be developed into a new airport hub for Southern Russia. Platov International Airport was opened in late 2017 as part of preparations for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

The international river port specializes in the packaging and freighting of minerals and timber. Shipping information is published on line.

The main railway stations in Rostov-on-Don are "Rostov-Glavny" and "Rostov-Prigorodny". The "St. Petersburg-Rostov-Caucasus" railway crosses the territory of Rostov-on-Don. The North Caucasus Railway Administration Building is in Rostov-on-Don.

Several highways of federal and regional significance cross Rostov. The M-4 “Don” route passes Rostov to the east and crosses the Don river in the Aksay city area. The “Rostov-Novoshakhtinsk” starts from the Northern housing block area of the city running north to connect with the M-4 “Don” route between Shakhty and Novoshakhtinsk.

The Greater Rostov supercity The Ministry of Regional Development of Russia has prepared a program to create eight multimillion conglomerate population centees or 'super cities'. The Rostov Oblast will be one of these. “The Greater Rostov” metropolitan area will include the cities of Rostov-on-Don, Novocherkassk, Taganrog, Aksay, Bataysk, and Azov.

Communications In 1929, the first automatic telephone exchange in Russia with a capacity of 6,000 numbers commenced in Rostov-on-Don. Since 2004, standard telephone numbers in Rostov-on-Don have been seven digits in length. Since 2009, city numbers have begun with "2". The city dialing code is "863".

Financial services The first commercial bank in the South of Russia, Rostovsoсbank, was opened in Rostov-on-Don. The bank existed from 1989 to 1998, and before the withdrawal of the banking license it made a full return of deposits to all depositors. The largest bank in the Rostov region is Center-Invest. In total, there are about 50 banks and their branches, 17% local banks, 80% representative offices of federal banks, and 4% representative offices of foreign banks.

Education Rostov-on-Don hosts higher educational establishments, including universities, academies, secondary schools of vocational training including colleges, technical schools, specialized schools, and elementary schools of vocational training including lyceums, professional colleges and schools of general education.

The largest educational establishments in the city include: • Southern Federal University • Don State Technical University • Rostov State University of Economy • Rostov State Transport University (The Railway Engineers' University) • Rostov State University of Civil Engineering • Rostov State Medical University • Rostov State Conservatory named after Sergei Rachmaninoff • Branch of the Moscow State Academy named after F.F. Ushakov • Rostov Eparchy Religious College • Rostov Institute of Advocacy of Entrepreneurs • Rostov Institute of Foreign Languages • Rostov International Institute of Economy and Management • Rostov Juridical Institute of Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation • Rostov Institute of Physical Training and Sports (branch of the Cuban State University of Physical Training, Sports and Tourism) • Rostov Social & Economic Institute • Rostov branch of Moscow Institute of Economy, Management and Law • South-Russian Institute of the Humanities • North-Caucasian Academy of Public Service • North-Caucasian Institute of Anthropology and Applied Psychology • The Modern University for the Humanities • Russian State University of Trade & Economy • Institute of Management, Business and Law, • Rostov Institute of Law of the Russian Juridical Academy of the Russian Federation • Rostov State Academy of Architecture and Arts, • Rostov College of Arts named after M.B. Grekov.

There is also a French cultural centre (Alliance Francaise), a British Council and German Goethe Institute (DAAD and Bosch foundation), and a Korean Cultural Centre.

Culture The most conspicuous architectural feature of the central part of the city is the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (1860–1887), designed by Konstantin Thon.

Libraries Rostov-on-Don's libraries include: • The Don State Public Library, • Central Library named after Maxim Gorky, • Regional Children's Library named after V.M. Velichkina • Rostov Regional Special Library for the Blind, • Scientific Library of the Medical University, • Central State Children's Library named after Lenin • Children's Library named after A.S. Pushkin • Children's Library named after Mayakovsky • South-Russian Don State Public Library.

Theaters In the Academic Drama Theater named after Maxim Gorky works Mikhail Bushnov, who is the national artist of the USSR and an honorary citizen of Rostov-on-Don. • Maxim Gorky Academic Drama Theater • Rostov State Puppet Theater • Rostov Regional Academic Theater of the Youth • Rostov Musical Theater • Philharmonic centre • Theater 18+ • Kim Nazaretov jazz centre.

Culture: Museums The small collections of the Art Gallery and the Museum of Arts include some works by Repin, Surikov, Perov, Levitan and Aivazovsky as well as modern Rostov artists. • Museum of Local Lore • Rostov Regional Museum of Fine Arts • Museum of Fine Arts on Dmitrovskaya • Museum of Russian & Armenian Friendship • Pioneer and Railway Museum and Children's Railway.

Other facilities Other facilities include seven stadiums, a Palace of Sports, a circus, a zoo botanical gardens and parks. Rostov-on-Don hosts the North Caucasian Science Center and research institutes. The city is also home to a Starbucks coffee chain, a true rarity in this geographical area of Russia.

Religion The Administration of Rostov and Novocherkassk Eparchy of the Russian Orthodox Church is located in Rostov. Other religious facilities in Rostov-on-Don are the Roman Catholic "Church of the Lord's Supper", the Old Believers' temple, a synagogue, a mosque, and the Diamond Way Buddhist Center of the Karma Kagyu Tradition. There are also several Armenian and Greek Orthodox churches in the city, with one of the Armenian churches being the oldest standing building in Rostov. All of the Armenian churches are in the Nakhichevan-on-Don district of the city.

Russian Orthodox churches • Church of the Intercession • Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church (belongs to Moscow Patriarchate) • St. Alexandra's Church • Ascension Church • Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary • Church of St. John of Kronstadt, Rostov-on-Don

Old Believers churches • Old Believers Pokrovsky Cathedral

Armenian Apostolic Church • Church of the Resurrection, Rostov-on-Don

Synagogues • Soldier Synagogue, currently home to the Rostov Jewish Community and the only active synagogue in Rostov-on-Don • Main Choral Synagogue, no longer in active use as a synagogue • The Artisans' Synagogue, destroyed by fire during WWII, formerly located at 106 Stanislavskogo St.

Mosques • Cathedral Mosque

Mass media The construction of the Rostov TV centre began in 1956 and was completed on 26 April 1958. The first television program was broadcast on 30 April 1958. Colour television was first broadcast in 1974. Radio transmission began in Rostov-on-Don on October 17, 1975. In 2009, there were fourteen FM radio stations in Rostov-on-Don. It is also possibly the home of the Squeaky Wheel number station.

Sport Rostov-on-Don is one of the host cities for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

In 2018, Rostov-on-Don was one of the Russian cities to host the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Rostov Arena with a capacity of 45,000 spectators was built on the left bank of the Don River, left of the exit from the city via the Voroshilovsky Bridge. The stadium hosted 5 games of the FIFA World Cup. • June 17, 21:00, Brazil — Switzerland, Group E • June 20, 18:00, Uruguay — Saudi Arabia, Group A • June 23, 18:00, South Korea — Mexico, Group F • June 26, 21:00, Iceland — Croatia, Group D • July 2, 21:00, Belgium — Japan, Round of 16

During the FIFA World Cup, Teatralnaya Square served as a venue for the FIFA Fan Fest. The specially arranged area had a capacity of 25,000 people. Fans were able to watch all World Cup games on a big screen. The venue was serviced by food outlets and had several entertainment areas. In preparation for the FIFA World Cup, the city implemented a large-scale development program. Apart from the new stadium, the city built a camping area for fans arriving for the World Cup, the Southern and Western Bypasses, and new hotels. Reconstruction works were carried out at the bridge crossing over the Don River (expanding the traffic way to 6 lanes), a number of healthcare facilities, and the embankment area. A new airport, Yuzhny, was built.

Tourist Industry • Central Market, local bazaars and fresh fish markets • Bridges over the Don river and Don Embankment • Don River lookout • Armenian Holy Cross Church • Rostovchanka statue • River Steamboat rides • Orthodox Cathedral of the Nativity of the Holy Virgin • Pushkinskaya Street • Maxim Gorky Park • Traditional Cossack villages (stanitsas) • National Sholokhov Museum-Reserve • Azov ancient fortress • Rostov circus • Rostov state opera and ballet theatre • Monastery of St. Jacob • Rostov Zoo • Museum of North Caucasus Railway • Botanical Garden of Southern Federal University • Art Gallery 16th Line • Alexander Column • Grigory and Aksinya in a boat • Park of Aviators • October Park • Anatoly Sobino Park.