Saratov (Сара́тов), Russia

Holy Trinity Cathedral in Saratov, Russia
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Saratov_Triniteitskathedraal.jpg
Author: A. Savin


Saratov (Russian: Сара́тов) is a port city on the Volga River in southern Russia. The administrative center of Saratov Oblast, it spreads over 393 sq km (152 sq mi) and has a population of 838,000 people (2012 estimate).

Human presence in the Saratov area goes back at least to the 14th century, where the ancient city of Ukek existed. The present city was only founded in 1590, during the reign of Tsar Feodor Ivanovich, when a number of forts were erected at the area where the Volga flows close to the Don.

Saratov's position as a shipping port began in the 19th century. It was helped by the completion of the Ryazan-Ural Railroad in 1870. Until the railway bridge was built in 1935, a ferry served to connect the two ends of the Ryazan-Ural roadroad across the Volga.

Due to military presence in the area, Saratov was one of the designated closed cities of the Soviet Union until 1991.

Visiting Saratov

The Saratov Tsentralny Airport (RTW) gets regular flights from Moscow-Domodedovo and Yerevan.

Places of Interest in Saratov

 Latest updates on Penang Travel Tips