The history of Gubakha is inextricably linked to the exploration of the Ural's natural riches. The timeline is generally traced back to the mid-18th century, specifically to 1755, when an iron ore deposit was discovered on Krestovaya Mountain. Initially, a settlement arose at the mine, with residents extracting raw materials for the metallurgical plants being built in the Kama region. The city's name itself, according to one version, comes from the Pomor word "guba," meaning a bay or cove, which may refer to the characteristics of the Kosva River in this area.
Key Factors of Formation
The transformation of a small mining settlement into a significant industrial center was driven by a unique combination of geographical and economic factors:
Coal Wealth: The most important event was the discovery of the Kizel coal basin. Industrial coal mining began here in the 19th century, which determined the city's fate for the century ahead.
Transport Logistics: Initially, the main transport artery was the Kosva River, along which barges with products were floated. A powerful boost to development came from the construction of the Lunyevka branch of the Ural Mountain Mining Railway in 1879, which connected local mines with the outside world.
Energy Breakthrough: The availability of accessible fuel allowed for the construction of the Kizel State District Power Plant (GRES) here in 1924—the third most powerful in the country at the time and the first in the Urals to run on local coal.
Early Cultural and Economic Characteristics
The economy of early Gubakha was mono-industrial and entirely dependent on mining. This formed the harsh but close-knit lifestyle of the workers' settlements. Infrastructure developed haphazardly around the mines and plants, leading to an interesting layout feature: the city effectively consisted of several separate parts (Upper and Lower Gubakha, the settlement at the power plant). Gubakha was granted official city status in 1941, which legally consolidated these territories into a single administrative center.
Timeline
Key Milestones in Gubakha's History
1755 — Discovery of an iron ore deposit on Krestovaya Mountain, which marked the beginning of industrial development in the territory.
1825 — Discovery of the first coal seam in the upper reaches of the Usva River, starting the history of the Kizel coal basin.
1879 — Launch of traffic on the Lunyevka branch of the Ural Mountain Mining Railway, connecting local mines with the region's plants.
1924 — Commissioning of the Kizel GRES № 3, which became the first project of the GOELRO plan in the Urals and one of the most powerful power plants of its time.
1936 — Laying of the foundation for the Gubakha Coke and Chemical Plant, which became a vital link in the city's industrial chain.
1941 — By decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the RSFSR, the workers' settlements were merged into the city of Gubakha, under regional jurisdiction.
1955 — Production of the first output at the chemical plant (now Metafrax), marking the beginning of the "big chemistry" era in the region.
1960s — Active construction of the New Gubakha micro-districts and gradual relocation of residents from the old part of the city, which was in the industrial emission zone.
1990s — Closure of the last coal mines in the Kizel basin and the final reorientation of the city's economy toward the chemical industry.
2010s — The city's transformation into one of the Perm Region's tourism centers thanks to the modernization of the ski resort and the hosting of major festivals.
Milestones
Stages of Development and Urban Transformation
The history of Gubakha is an example of how industrial necessity dictated living conditions and was later replaced by a search for new development paths. Several key stages can be identified that defined the modern face and economy of the city:
Creation of the Energy Heart of the Urals. The launch of the Kizel State District Power Plant (GRES) in 1924 was not just a technical achievement but a city-forming factor. The station, running on local coal, provided energy to the region's industrial enterprises and gave an impetus to the development of infrastructure around the workers' settlement, turning Gubakha into a strategically important hub.
Transition to the Chemical Industry. In the mid-20th century, recognizing the limited coal resources, regional leadership focused on chemistry. The launch of the chemical plant (the future Metafrax) radically changed the city's economic profile. This decision allowed Gubakha to survive and maintain economic stability after the mines closed in the 1990s.
Urban Planning Experiment: "New Gubakha." A unique urban transformation took place in the 1960s and 1970s. Due to heavy gas pollution in the valley where the old city was located, it was decided to build residential micro-districts on the high ground. This led to a mass relocation of residents and the formation of the modern city center, far from the industrial sites.
Crisis and Closure of the Kizel Coal Basin. In the 1990s, the liquidation of coal mines became a severe test for the social sphere and the labor market. This stage marked the end of the era of Gubakha's mining glory, forcing the city to seek new purposes and adapt to a market economy while relying on chemical production.
Developing a Tourism Brand. In the 21st century, Gubakha began to actively develop as a center for outdoor recreation and culture. The modernization of the ski center and the hosting of large-scale festivals (such as "Mysteries of Krestovaya Mountain") allowed the economy to diversify and attract a flow of tourists, creating an image for the city as one of the most attractive places in the Perm Region.
Architecture
Urban Planning Uniqueness: Two Cities
The architectural character of Gubakha is unique for its dramatic dualism. Effectively, the city's history is divided into two spatial periods: "Old Gubakha" (now a deserted ghost town in the valley) and "New Gubakha" (a modern residential area on the hills). This is a rare example of a large-scale urban relocation for environmental reasons, which created a clear separation of architectural layers.
Architectural Eras and Styles
Gubakha's development lacks historical styles such as Gothic or Baroque. The city's appearance is a product of Soviet industrialization and post-Soviet adaptation.
Stalinist Neoclassicism (Empire style) — 1930s–1950s: This style dominated Old Gubakha. The most striking, albeit ruined, monument of this era is the Miners' Palace of Culture (Kalinin Palace of Culture). Even in its remaining walls, one can see the monumentality, colonnades, arched windows, and symmetry characteristic of the grand Soviet architecture of that time.
Soviet Modernism and Functionalism — 1960s–1980s: The primary style of New Gubakha. The city's move to the mountain coincided with the era of the struggle against "architectural excesses." Residential development consists of typical brick and panel buildings ("Khrushchevkas" and "Brezhnevkas"). Key features include concise forms, pragmatic layouts, and wide avenues designed for good ventilation.
Modern Eclecticism — since the 1990s: Represented by religious sites and tourism infrastructure. A bright example is the Church of the Icon of the Mother of God "Joy of All Who Sorrow", built in the 2000s, which stylizes the traditions of Russian temple architecture.
Iconic Sites and Layout
The urban structure of New Gubakha is dictated by the complex local terrain. The city is stretched along the crest of a hill, providing vantage points over the surrounding forests and mountains.
Ruins of Old Gubakha: An informal but iconic landmark. The remains of residential buildings and administrative structures, being reclaimed by nature, create a unique "ghost town" landscape that attracts photographers and tourists.
Industrial Landscape: Industrial giants are an essential part of the visual image—the buildings of the Metafrax plant and the structures of the Kizel State District Power Plant (GRES). Their massive technical facilities serve as landmarks against the backdrop of the Ural taiga.
Skiing Infrastructure: In recent years, the architectural look has been complemented by "alpine chalet" style buildings on the slopes of Krestovaya Mountain, forming a new resort image for the city.
Notable People
People Who Made Gubakha Famous
The history of Gubakha is inextricably linked with the lives of people who, through their work, talent, and deeds, contributed to the development of the city, the region, and the entire country. Among them are war heroes, statesmen, athletes, and industrialists.
Ivan Alexandrovich Kondaurov (1926–1992) Hero of the Soviet Union, tankman, public figure
A participant in World War II who distinguished himself in battles on the Vistula. After the war, he lived and worked in Gubakha for many years at the mine and in the DOSAAF system. One of the city's streets bears his name, and his memory is immortalized in memorials.
Valentin Georgievich Stepankov (born 1951) The first Prosecutor General of the Russian Federation, State Counselor of Justice
He began his professional career in Gubakha, where he served as the city prosecutor in the late 1970s. He later became a key figure in the legal system of the new Russia during the period of the USSR's dissolution and the establishment of Russian statehood. He is an honorary citizen of the city.
Evgeni Nikolaevich Ketov (born 1986) Hockey player, World Champion (2012), two-time Gagarin Cup winner
A native of Gubakha and a product of the local sports school. He had a brilliant career in professional hockey, playing for leading KHL clubs (SKA, Ak Bars) and the Russian national team. He serves as an example of sporting success for the city's youth.
Vladimir Alexandrovich Daut (born 1950) Industrialist, long-time head of PJSC Metafrax
He headed the city-forming enterprise during the difficult years of economic reforms. Under his leadership, the plant became one of the leaders of the Russian chemical industry, ensuring stability and the development of Gubakha's social infrastructure. He is an honorary citizen of the city.
Valery Ivanovich Fedorov (born 1943) Colonel General of Police, First Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation (1999–2001)
He began his professional and public career in Gubakha, working in the city's Komsomol and party bodies. He made a significant contribution to strengthening law and order at the state level.
Rashid Raffanovich Gabdullin Entrepreneur, cultural figure, producer
A native of the Gubakha settlement of Ugleuralsky. He is the initiator and organizer of the famous landscape theater festival "Mysteries of Krestovaya Mountain," which turned Gubakha into one of the main tourism and cultural brands of the Perm Region.