Rostov-on-Don (Ростóв-на-Донý), Russia

Cathedral of the Nativity of the Theotokos in Rostov-on-Don, Russia
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Rostov-on-Don_Cathedral.jpg
Author: Ian Brown


Rostov-on-Don (Russian: Ростóв-на-Донý) is a city in southwestern Russia. It serves as the administrative center for Rostov Oblast and the Southern Federal District of Russia. Situated on the banks of the Don River, Rostov-on-Don spans 354 sq km (137 sq mi) and has a population of slightly over a million people (2012 estimate). It is the 10th most populous city in Russia.

The presence of human in the Rostov-on-Don area has been traced back to the time of the ancient Greeks. The modern city was however founded much later, in 1749, when it was established as the site of a customs house to control trade with Turkey. To protect Russian interest in the area, a fortress was also built a short distance from the customs house.

By the turn of the 20th century, Rostov-on-Don has developed into a major trading and industrial city. As such, it was fought over between the White Army and the Red Army in the Russian Civil War (1918-1920). In 1928, the city assumed the role as regional capital.

Rostov-on-Don continued to develop its port, benefiting from its centralized located close to the Black Sea, the Sea of Azov, the Caspian Sea, the White Sea and the Baltic Sea. Today, the city has modernized in part due to recovery of the Russian economy.

Visiting Rostov-on-Don

There are flights from Moscow and Saint Petersburg as well as international flights from Vienna (Austrian Airlines) and Frankfurt (Lufthansa).

Places of Interest in Rostov-on-Don

 Latest updates on Penang Travel Tips