Over the past few years, Rostov-on-Don has become one of the most popular weekend destinations. From April to September there is hot summer weather, which Muscovites and St. Petersburg residents always yearn for. At the same time, the city has large water - the Don River, on which you can ride a boat or jet ski. Gastronomy, bar industry and hotel business are developing in Rostov. This is a beautiful merchant city, which is pleasant to walk around, enjoying the architectural eclecticism, including constructivism, wooden architecture, modernism, and even brutalism.
The main attractions of Rostov-on-Don - TOP-5
The almost 300-year history of the city, bearing the title of Hero, is full of bright events. Significant sights are associated with them, by which Rostov-on-Don is recognized even by those people who have never been here. Visiting them, as a rule, is possible even in 1 day.
Stele to the Soldiers-Liberators
- Address: Theater Square. Transport stop "Teatralnaya Ploshchad".
A magnificent monument dedicated to the feat of the Soviet people, who saved the world from the plague of fascism, appeared in the city in 1983. On the eve of the fortieth anniversary of the liberation of Rostov-on-Don, a monument striking in its grandeur was inaugurated.
The paired stele, rising 72 m above the ground, is crowned with a top stylized as the bow of a ship with a raster in the form of a sculpture of the goddess of victory Nike, cast in copper. On the reverse side there is a huge model of the Order of the Patriotic War. At the base, the monument is surrounded by a high relief made of pouf, within the contour of which there is a belfry of 12 bells.
Cart from Rostov
- Address: Rowing Canal Embankment. Suburban train stop "1352 km".
The refrain of an incredibly popular song in Soviet times forever linked the name of the city with the cart - a mobile firing point based on a spring crew, which was the most effective means of supporting cavalry regiments going on the attack.
For the 60th anniversary of the October Revolution, a 15-meter-high monument appeared on the hill from the southern entrance to Rostov-on-Don, depicting a quadriga of galloping horses carrying a cart with two Red Army soldiers firing at the enemy from a Maxim machine gun. Despite the fact that the plaster sculpture covered with copper sheets looks, at first glance, quite massive, its authors managed to perfectly convey the expression of the moment.
Sculpture "Rostovite"
- Address: F. Ushakov Embankment. Transport stop "Embankment".
One of the iconic sights of Rostov-on-Don and, perhaps, the main symbol of the hospitality of the friendly people inhabiting the wonderful city, is the composition “Rostovchanka”. An elegant sculpture that appeared on the F. Ushakov embankment in 1984 depicts a young beauty with gorgeous curls flowing over her shoulders, emerging with outstretched arms from the waves of the Don. Rostov Aphrodite is young, full of strength and amazingly beautiful.
Atlanta Fountain
- Address: Theater Square. Transport stop "Teatralnaya Ploshchad".
The “Atlanta” fountain, built in 1936, destroyed during the war and restored five years after its end, is considered a true decoration of the city’s main square. This wonderful building is a true masterpiece of architecture.
In the middle of the rectangular pool, from the walls of which geysers gush, there is a round stepped pedestal made of granite, “inhabited” with stone frogs and newts. The Atlanteans tower on it, holding a cup in their mighty hands. In its center there is a main nozzle with a powerful jet. In the evenings, when the multi-colored lights turn on, the fountain looks fantastic.
Church of Seraphim of Sarov
- Opening hours: daily, from 7:00 to 19:00.
- Phone: +7 863 240‑90-02.
- Website: https://www.serafim-rostov.cerkov.ru
- Address: st. Portovaya, 72. Transport stop "School".
The wonderful temple, erected with public funds and consecrated in 1911, is especially revered by Rostovites, and believers from many cities of the country strive to venerate its shrines. The images of the “Appearance of the Mother of God”, “Blessed Peter and Fevronia”, “Seraphim of Sarov” with particles of the robe and relics of the saint stored here are considered miraculous. The building of the white-stone five-domed church with an elegant bell tower is considered one of the architectural highlights of the city, and its magnificent interiors are a must-see even for convinced atheists.
Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
This temple was built in 1781, but 10 years later it was struck by lightning, causing the building to burn down. At the end of the 18th century it was rebuilt, and soon it became a cathedral. During the war years, it was planned to blow up the bell tower, but only a couple of the upper tiers were destroyed.
Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Arriving at the cathedral, you can admire its architecture in the Russian-Byzantine style , as well as the interior decoration and icons. You can also serve.
Urban architectural gems
When planning to explore the city on your own, it is worth highlighting what you absolutely need to see in Rostov-on-Don in addition to the attractions presented in the previous section. The obligatory excursion program includes inspection of the following architectural monuments:
City Council building
- Address: st. Bolshaya Sadovaya, 47. Transport stop "Semashko Lane".
The magnificent high-status mansion, which now houses the City Duma and City Hall, is an architectural monument of federal significance. Luxurious building designed by A.N. Pomerantsev, has been decorating Rostov-on-Don since 1897. The eclectic tiered facade shines with attics and domes crowned with graceful cylindrical bay windows.
Luxuriously decorated with stucco arches lead to elegant balconies, fenced with parapets made of shaped cast iron. Figured monograms of cartouches and medallions in combination with openwork carved decor only increase the overall stunning impression made by the exterior of the building.
Mansion of Margarita Chernova
- Address: st. Bolshaya Sadovaya, 25. Transport stop "Bratsky Lane".
There is a surprisingly romantic story associated with the appearance of this architectural masterpiece. At the end of the 19th century. One of the richest Rostov merchants, Elpidifor Paramonov, fell in love with the charming actress Margarita Chernova, who shone on the stage of the local theater. The beauty did not agree to become the wife of a businessman for a long time, but could not resist an unprecedented, incredibly elegant gift - a luxurious mansion.
The building, erected in 1899, amazes and enchants with its eclectic architecture. It has everything: Atlantean sculptures, supporting porticos, luxurious attics, delightful balustrades, openwork stucco and a magnificent dome topped with a spire above an elegant turret.
Martyn Brothers Mansion
- Address: st. Bolshaya Sadovaya, 125. Transport stop "Fortress Lane".
Another remarkable building, which became the architectural highlight of the city, was erected in 1893 for the owner of the foundry and mechanical plant, British citizen Ivan Martyn. The magnificent red brick mansion is considered an excellent example of the original combination of Russian and German architectural styles of the late 19th century.
The exterior of the building is elegant and eclectic. Gothic pointed turrets with spiers perfectly coexist with traditional Russian carved battlements framing the cornice. The house attracts with its completeness and thoughtfulness of the composition.
Paramonov's mansion
- Address: Pushkinskaya, 148.
The former mansion of the merchant Paramonov was built in 1914. A unique architectural example was created in the neoclassical style. It has the status of “Architectural Monument of Federal Significance”.
The austere and beautiful building has always been popular. In 1918, immediately after the establishment of Soviet power, the revolutionary committee was housed in it. Then - the Institute of Blood Transfusion and the local history museum. Nowadays the university library is located here.
The architectural appearance of the building sets the style of the entire street. The facade attracts attention. In the center is a six-column portico of the Ionic order. The side facades are decorated with pilasters. A very beautiful fashionable house. It stands out for its noble appearance.
Paramonovsky warehouses
- Address: Beregovaya, 47a.
The complex of warehouse buildings dates back to the 19th century. Located on the banks of the Don River. It is considered a monument of federal significance. The warehouses belonged to different owners. But the most famous of them is the merchant Paramonov. The ancient buildings survived the Great Patriotic War, but could not survive mismanagement.
Only in 1985 were the warehouses recognized as an architectural monument. Experts appreciated their laconic brick decor with motifs of classicism and Romanesque architecture.
Engineers of the century before last competently used the natural feature of the area - springs. They collected the cool water in troughs and ran it through the storage areas. Thus, they were always maintained at a lower temperature. Now the Paramonovsky warehouses are ruins, picturesquely scattered among springs and lakes.
Don't miss: attractions of the Rostov region - TOP-35
Where to drink
"Shine"
A bar reminiscent of both family restaurants in Tbilisi and classic German “biergartens”, which specializes in wines. The Siyanie menu contains many different biodynamics, interesting petnuts and intricate white wines, which are so pleasant to drink outside in the summer. The wines are served with mini-bruschettas with pate and beef tartare, shrimp carpaccio and ravioli with cheese, hummus and petiti with mussels and mushrooms. Also in Siyanie there is a large store where you can buy any item from the wine list by the bottle. Prices are significantly lower than in a similar Moscow establishment - “Na Vina”.
"Crystal"
In just a year and a half, this glass shop from the creators of the secret bar “Raskat”, which, unfortunately, has already closed, has become a cult place for Rostov. Here they pour tinctures of all possible flavors and colors, which are drunk so easily that the next morning you will certainly regret your trust in the bartenders. Take light peach, sweet cherry, spicy Armenian and slightly sour melon liqueur and snack on sandwiches with fish and egg or feta cheese and butter. And under no circumstances mix tinctures with cocktails.
"Golodranets"
Definitely the best beer bar in Rostov, where they will offer all imaginable and inconceivable craft variations of this drink. You can be boring and take a lager, or stop being afraid of experiments and order a smoothie sour with strawberries and bananas or a wine ale. If such a foam party sounds wild to you even in words, take at least the sour and salty variety of gose, which is fermented without adding yeast. It is believed that this beer is the future of craft beer.
Shanghai 12
The only speak easy bar in Rostov, which can be accessed through the “Drink Coffee” establishment. At Shanghai 12 you need to order cocktails. The bar team is passionate about quality mixology and focuses on complex, rich flavors. The owners of Shanghai 12 are especially good at twisting strong classics. If you're hungry, order dim sum. Yes, this is, of course, primarily a cocktail bar, but by a happy coincidence, they serve perfect Chinese dumplings in the thinnest dough.
Interesting monuments of Rostov-on-Don
We have included monuments, memorials, and sculptural compositions in the city of Rostov-on-Don as a separate sub-item.
Stele of Military Glory
- Address: Military Glory Square. Transport stop "Aerovokzal".
On the eve of the celebration of Victory Day in 2008, Rostov-on-Don was awarded the title of City of Military Glory. Two years later, a monument in honor of this significant event was opened in front of the airport building. Surrounded by four stone pylons with bas-reliefs depicting fragments of WWII battles, a pedestal with the city’s coat of arms and the text of the Decree of the President of the Russian Federation was erected. A massive column of polished red granite, topped with a proud double-headed eagle, rises 6.5 meters above it.
"Kumzhenskaya Grove"
- Address: Park on the Don embankment. Transport stop "Kumzhenskaya Roshcha".
A wonderful opportunity to combine outdoor recreation with an exciting excursion is provided by the Kumzhenskaya Grove park, a favorite place for leisure for many Rostovites. On the spit at the confluence of the Don and the Dead Donets there is everything you need to have a great time or have a picnic or go fishing.
In the grove there is a magnificent monument dedicated to the soldiers who gave their lives for the liberation of Rostov-on-Don from the Nazis. The dominant feature of the memorial composition “Storm” is a 12 m high stele, under which there is a sculptural composition depicting soldiers going into a final fierce attack.
Sculptural composition “Stepan Razin with his squad”
- Address: Beregovaya street.
Composition of seven sculptures. Includes a figure of Stepan Razin, a Persian princess and five warriors standing in a boat. The famous chieftain was born and raised on the Don. From here he began his uprising. There are many memorial places in the city dedicated to Razin. The monument was erected in 1972. It is made of concrete. It stands on the river embankment and attracts attention with its unusual appearance.
Sculpture "Artist"
- Address: Naberezhnaya street.
Installed in 2013, located on the embankment. It is part of a program to improve the appearance of the city. Depicts an artist who paints with a brush on a transparent canvas. In his other hand he holds a palette. The monument captivates with its openness. There is no pedestal, so the monument is among people. The portrait painter seems to invite everyone to insert the completed canvas into the frame.
Composition “Bathing a horse”
- Address: historical area Dolomanovskaya Sloboda.
The monument appeared in 2013. Located near the river station. Author: Anatoly Sknarin. The sculpture also has a second name - “Summer”. It is made of bronze. Depicts a boy riding a horse. The horse is cast only up to half of the body. Everything else “sinks” into the granite pedestal depicting the water surface. The boy leaned back. He put his face under the rays of the sun and enjoys every second of the hot summer.
Sculpture "Fisherman"
- Address: Beregovaya street.
Installed in 2013. Depicts a man who enthusiastically catches fish. For the townspeople this is a very symbolic monument, because among them there are many keen fishermen and hunters. The figure is impressive.
A hefty fellow stands with a rod bent to death and drags a hefty catfish from the river. There is undisguised pleasure on his face. A good positive composition that reminds people of the simple joys of life.
Monument to Maxim Gorky
- Address: Kazan Stairs.
Appeared on the city embankment in 1961, far from us. Made to full height. Stands on a high pedestal.
The famous writer is connected with Rostov-on-Don by only a few points in his biography. In his youth, he had the opportunity to spend the night in a local shelter and work part-time as a loader at the port. In 1929, on the way to Italy, he gave a fiery speech to the builders of Rostselmash. That's all, actually.
However, the monument is popular among the people. It is evidence of a glorious past, the memory of which has been preserved in human memory.
theatre square
One of the most important city squares, where the cultural component of the city is concentrated.
The Academic Drama Theater named after Maxim Gorky, an ensemble of fountains, monuments and sculptures, such as the memorial “For the liberation of the city from the Nazi invaders” are located here.
Panoramic view of the Gorky Theater and Theater Square:
Rostov Zoo
Address: Zoologicheskaya Street, 3 Telephone: Opening hours: in summer from 8.00 to 20.00, in winter from 8.00 to 17.00
Rostov Zoo is one of the largest zoological parks in Russia. This is the home of more than 4,000 animals, many of which are listed in the Red Book. The park has not only rare species of animals, but also plants, and also has its own terrarium where you can watch crocodiles from South America and exotic fish species.
A beautiful landscape, a pond with swans, and flower beds fill this place with warmth and comfort. This park often hosts children's entertainment programs. On the territory there are trampolines, attractions and several cafes where you can relax and have a snack.
Entrance ticket for an adult costs 100 rubles, for a child – 50.
Art Museum
Address: Pushkinskaya st., 115, lane. Chekhova, 60 Telephone: Opening hours: Wed-Mon. 10.00 -18.00 Website: www.romii.ru Cost: 10-60 rub.
The museum has existed since 1938, and its collections are constantly being replenished. The museum premises are divided into many halls with exhibitions from ancient times to the 20th century.
Paintings from Western Europe, Russia and the East, sculptures, antique interior items - all this makes up the museum’s rich collection, which has been collected over many years.
The museum hosts exhibitions on various topics and also hosts classes in fine arts.
Waterpark H2O
Address: M. Nagibina Ave., 34 Telephone: 8-800-100-99-93 Website: www.h2opark.ru Opening hours: 10.00-22.00
In the H2O water park you can plunge into the atmosphere of seaside resorts: swim in the pools, ride various slides, sunbathe and even take a steam bath in a real Russian bathhouse.
This center is open at any time of the year; in summer you can sunbathe on the roof, and in winter there are hot pools.
The three-story building with a large area includes:
- 20 pools of different sizes
- 8 slides
- Excellent bath complex
- Children's mini-town on the water
- 3 cafeterias
- 3 bars located in the water
The pools fascinate with their beauty and the effects of simulating waves and waterfalls, and the presence of a jacuzzi. For lovers of extreme sports and drive, there are a variety of slides. If you get tired of active pastime, you can visit the thermal baths - several bath rooms (Roman, Turkish and salt).
There are a lot of visitors to the complex on weekends, so it is preferable to visit during the day. Prices vary depending on the plan you choose. A huge advantage of this place is the constant holding of profitable promotions.
At the box office you can buy tickets only in cash.
Space Museum
Address: Stachki Ave., 231/2 Telephone: Opening hours: 9.00-16.00 Cost: 150-250 rub.
The museum contains not only models of rockets, but also personal belongings of astronauts, navigation instruments, old photos and original documents.
In addition to the theoretical excursion program, the museum offers a virtual flight into space and watch a film about the work of astronauts.
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Liventsovskaya fortress
Address: outskirts of Rostov-on-Don, middle of the villages of Liventsovka and Karataevo. How to get there: by bus No. 32 (Sovkhoznaya stop), by car, GPS coordinates: 47.221033; 39.562451.
Liventsovskaya fortress is the remains of ancient settlements of the 18th century. The tribes of the Catacomb and Yamnaya cultures who lived in this place built a defensive fortress that has survived to this day. In this place you can see traces of the city, the remains of burials and a necropolis.
Steam Locomotive Museum
Address: Kazachiy lane, 44a Telephone: , Opening hours: Tue-Sun. 9.00–17.00 Cost: 80–100 rub.
The railway museum is an open-air museum with over 50 models, many of which are still in use today.
There are rare exhibits such as the Triaxial Tank. The oldest type of equipment in the museum, produced in 1901 in Austria-Hungary, ended up on Russian roads as a trophy during the First World War. After minor modernization, the tank was in use until the 40s. The design presented in the museum became the only one of its kind and currently there is no such exhibit anywhere else.
Interactive view of museum exhibits:
The museum often organizes historical trips around Rostov, which allows you to plunge into the retro atmosphere of the city.
You can touch all the exhibits, go inside and even feel like a driver.
Embankment named after Admiral Ushakov
The busiest place in the city, where during the day you can admire the views of the Don River and ships passing by, and in the evening you can plunge into the world of entertainment and fun. The embankment is named after the famous commander of the Black Sea Fleet - Fyodor Fedorovich Ushakov.
The embankment is completely pedestrian, there are many interesting monuments on it - in addition to Ushakov himself, there is Sholokhov and the heroes of his books (Nakhalenok, Grandfather Shchukar, Grishka with Aksinya), a girl from Rostov, cranes, sculptures from industrial waste, an artist with an empty frame in which and wants to take a photo, Don Father with his knees worn out by tourists’ butts, and many others.
Start a virtual walk along the embankment with Gregory and Aksinya:
Rostov Academic Drama Theater named after Maxim Gorky
Address: Teatralnaya Street, 1 Phone: , Website: www.rostovteatr.ru
This theater has become famous for its variety of performances based on the works of Russian and foreign authors. Recently, the theater has opened its doors to young spectators. The “theater on pillows” will interest even the most fastidious fidget, and after the performance you can share your impressions with each other over a cup of coffee in the art cafe, which is located in the same building.
The building is made in the shape of a tractor. The model of the building was honored to be in the London Museum of Architectural History, and the project itself was called a pearl of Soviet architecture.
House of Margarita Chernova
Address: Bolshaya Sadovaya street, 24/47
The mansion was presented to the popular 19th century actress Margarita Chernova by one of her many fans. It is assumed that the architect of the building was Nikolai Aleksandrovich Doroshenko. The walls of the house heard the poems of Nikolai Gumilyov and the speeches of Fyodor Chaliapin.
You can walk along the house on a virtual map:
During Soviet times, Margarita Chernova was evicted, and the mansion became state property. The building was heavily damaged during the war, but has now been restored in accordance with old photographs.
Old bazaar
Address: Budennovsky Prospekt, 12 Opening hours: 8.00-18.00, Monday 8.00-16.00. Website: www.trademarket.ru
In Rostov, it is customary to organize fairs where local traders present not only handicrafts, but also various gastronomic products.
At the Central Market they will not only show you and tell you in detail about the product, but they will also let you try it completely free. Cordiality and friendliness are another feature of Rostov sellers.
Getting to the place will be very easy; the central market is the final stop of any city public transport.
Paramonovsky warehouses
Address: intersection of Sokolov Avenue and Universitetsky Lane, bank of the Don River. GPS coordinates: 47.21787; 39.72635.
In the 19th century, there were warehouses on this site where grain, coal, wool and food were stored, the sale of which helped Rostov become one of the main economic centers of Russia.
The main feature of the place is the springs that do not freeze. This is the reason for the construction of warehouses, because the building always had the required temperature.
Among the many workers was Alexey Peshkov, who became famous under the name Maxim Gorky. His works describe the peculiarities of working in a warehouse and the difficulties workers experienced.
