Rostov-on-Don history

The history of Rostov-on-Don dates back to the mid-18th century, when the need arose to strengthen the southern borders of the Russian Empire and develop trade in the Azov Sea region. The city was founded not as a military settlement, but as an important economic and customs point, which predetermined its future destiny as a major trading centre.

Foundation and First Mentions

Key dates in the early history of the city include:

• 1749 — By the decree of Empress Elizabeth Petrovna, the Temernitskaya Customs was established on the right bank of the Don. This date is considered the official founding year of the city. A port, wharf, and warehouses quickly grew around the customs house.
• 1761 — To protect the customs and the southern borders, the construction of a powerful fortress began, named in honour of Saint Dimitry of Rostov. Over time, the name was shortened to "Rostov Fortress", and then simply "Rostov". Later, to distinguish the city from the ancient Rostov the Great, it began to be called Rostov-on-Don.
• 1807 — The settlement around the fortress officially received city status.

Key Factors of Development

Several unique factors contributed to the rapid growth and development of Rostov-on-Don:

• Geographical Location: Its location on the busy Don River, near its confluence with the Sea of Azov, made the city a vital transport and trade hub, earning it the unofficial title "Gateway to the Caucasus".
• Trade: From the very beginning, the city developed as a merchant hub. The advantageous location of the port attracted Russian, Greek, Italian, Turkish, and Armenian merchants, which contributed to rapid economic growth and transformed Rostov into one of the largest centres of international trade in the south of Russia.
• Cultural Diversity: As a major trading centre, the city attracted people of different nationalities and faiths. This created a unique multicultural environment, which remains one of its distinctive features today.

Key Milestones in the History of Rostov-on-Don

The city's history is a dynamic chronicle of its transformation from a small customs house into one of the largest metropolises in southern Russia. Here are the main stages of this journey:

• 1749 — The Temernitskaya Customs is established by decree of Empress Elizabeth Petrovna, considered the official founding date of the city.
• 1761 — Construction begins on the Fortress of Saint Dimitry of Rostov to protect the empire's southern borders.
• 1807 — The settlement that grew around the fortress officially receives city status and soon becomes known as Rostov-on-Don.
• Mid-19th Century — The city turns into a major trading port, earning the unofficial title of "Merchant City" thanks to the booming development of trade.
• End of 19th Century — The construction of the railway gives a powerful impetus to industrial growth, earning Rostov-on-Don the nickname "Russian Chicago".
• 1928 — Rostov-on-Don merges with the neighbouring city of Nakhichevan-on-Don, significantly increasing its territory and population.
• 1929 — Construction begins on the "Rostselmash" plant, which subsequently became one of the giants of agricultural machinery manufacturing.
• 1941–1943 — During the Great Patriotic War, the city was occupied twice and became the site of fierce battles, resulting in its almost total destruction.
• 14 February 1943 — Rostov-on-Don was finally liberated from Nazi invaders.
• 1950s – 1960s — The city was fully restored after the war and continued its development as a major industrial and scientific centre.
• 1987 — The population of Rostov-on-Don exceeded one million people.
• 2008 — The city was awarded the honorary title "City of Military Glory".
• 2018 — Rostov-on-Don became one of the host cities for the FIFA World Cup matches.

Key Stages of Development: From Merchant City to Metropolis

The transformation of Rostov-on-Don into a major southern metropolis is the result of several key transformations, each leaving a noticeable mark on its economy, culture, and urban appearance.

• Mid-19th Century — "Merchant Boom". Thanks to its advantageous location on the Don, the city becomes one of the main trading ports of southern Russia. Active grain exports and the development of shipping lay the economic foundation for the future metropolis, while the centre sees the construction of wealthy merchant mansions.
• End of 19th Century — "Russian Chicago". This nickname appeared after the construction of the railway, which connected Rostov with the country's industrial centres and the Caucasus. This caused a real industrial explosion: dozens of factories opened in the city, leading to rapid population growth and a construction boom.
• 1928 — Merger with Nakhichevan-on-Don. The merger with the neighbouring city, founded by Armenian settlers, became a crucial urban planning event. This decision not only significantly increased the territory and population but also enriched the cultural image of the united city.
• 1930s — Industrial Giant. The construction of the "Rostselmash" plant, which began in 1929, became a symbol of Soviet industrialisation. The enterprise turned Rostov into one of the country's leading centres for agricultural machinery, defining its economic profile for decades to come.
• 1950s–1960s — Post-War Renaissance. The city was almost completely destroyed during the Great Patriotic War and was rebuilt from scratch. During this period, the modern layout of the central streets was formed, and the characteristic Stalinist Empire style appeared in the architecture, which today stands alongside restored pre-revolutionary buildings.
• 2018 — Infrastructure Leap for the World Cup. Preparation for the World Cup gave a powerful impetus to the development of modern infrastructure. The new Platov International Airport and the Rostov Arena stadium were built, and the Voroshilov Bridge was renovated, which radically improved the transport system and transformed the city.

The architectural look of Rostov-on-Don is a kaleidoscope of styles reflecting its turbulent history: from a merchant city to a major industrial and cultural centre. Here, Classicism neighbours lavish Eclecticism, Art Nouveau stands beside monumental Constructivism, and Stalinist Empire style coexists with modern developments.

19th Century: Classicism and Eclecticism

In the 19th century, during Rostov's rise as a major trading hub, Classicism and, later, Eclecticism dominated the architecture. The city was actively built up with revenue houses and merchant mansions. Eclecticism, mixing elements of Baroque, Renaissance, and Classicism, became the hallmark of "Merchant Rostov".

• Merchant Maximov's House — one of the early examples of Classicism, which housed the City Duma in the 19th century.
• City Duma Building (now the City Administration) on Bolshaya Sadovaya — a brilliant example of Eclecticism, designed by architect Alexander Pomerantsev. Its facade is richly decorated with stucco, sculptures, and Baroque elements.
• Gench-Ogluev Revenue House — another iconic monument of Eclecticism that defined the look of the city's main street.

Early 20th Century: The Era of Art Nouveau

At the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, during the industrial boom when Rostov was called "Russian Chicago", Eclecticism was replaced by Art Nouveau (Modern style). This style was characterised by smooth, natural lines, a rejection of strict symmetry, and the use of new materials. The first Art Nouveau building in the city was the Yablokov Trading House.

• Margarita Chernova Mansion — one of the most famous examples of Art Nouveau, distinguished by an asymmetrical facade and luxurious decor.
• State Bank Building — an example of Neoclassicism, another popular style of that time, which turned to ancient forms.

Soviet Period: Constructivism and Stalinist Empire

The 1920s and 1930s were marked by the flourishing of Constructivism — an avant-garde style that celebrated functionality, strict geometric forms, and scale. Rostov-on-Don became one of the centres of this architectural movement in the south of Russia.

• Gorky Drama Theatre — an internationally recognised masterpiece of Constructivism, built in the shape of a giant tractor.
• House of Soviets Building (now the Government of the Rostov Region) — another monumental monument of this era.

The post-war restoration of the city in the 1940s and 1950s took place under the sign of Stalinist Empire style. This style, combining monumentality, classical orders, and Soviet symbolism, shaped the appearance of many central streets restored after the destruction.

Modern Stage

From the end of the 20th century to the present day, the architecture of Rostov-on-Don has been developing in the vein of Modernism and Postmodernism. New high-rise residential complexes, glass and concrete business centres, and large infrastructure facilities are appearing, such as the Rostov Arena stadium built for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. These modern buildings enter into a dialogue with the rich historical heritage, creating a multi-layered and eclectic urban landscape.

Distinguished Figures Associated with Rostov-on-Don

Rostov-on-Don, a major cultural and scientific centre of southern Russia, has become the birthplace or an important stage in the lives of many talented people who have left a significant mark on history and art. The names of writers, artists, musicians, and heroes whose achievements have received worldwide recognition are linked to the city.

• Mikhail Sholokhov (1905–1984) — writer, Nobel Prize laureate in Literature. Although Sholokhov was born in the Kruzhilinsky hamlet, his life and work are inextricably linked with the Don region and Rostov-on-Don. He often visited the city, which became one of the settings for his works. Sholokhov gained worldwide fame thanks to his epic novel "And Quiet Flows the Don", in which he artistically captured the life of the Don Cossacks during a critical time for Russia.
• Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn (1918–2008) — writer, publicist, Nobel Prize laureate in Literature. Solzhenitsyn spent his childhood and youth in Rostov-on-Don, graduating from school and the Faculty of Physics and Mathematics at Rostov State University here. The Rostov period of his life strongly influenced the formation of his personality and views, which was later reflected in his literary work.
• Martiros Saryan (1880–1972) — painter, founder of the Armenian national school of painting in the 20th century. He was born in Nakhichevan-on-Don (now part of Rostov). The early period of his work, filled with the bright colours and light of the Don steppe, laid the foundation for his unique style. In Rostov-on-Don, Saryan initiated the creation of a local history museum, now known as the Museum of Russian-Armenian Friendship.
• Yuri Bashmet (born 1953) — world-renowned violist, conductor, and teacher. He was born in Rostov-on-Don and spent the first years of his life here. Bashmet is considered a musician who took the viola to a new level as a solo instrument, performing solo concerts in the best halls of the world. The Yuri Bashmet International Music Festival is regularly held in Rostov-on-Don.
• Vera Panova (1905–1973) — writer, playwright, and screenwriter. Panova was born and raised in Rostov-on-Don, where she began her journalistic and literary career. Her "Sentimental Romance" is largely autobiographical and describes her youth in Rostov in the 1920s. Panova's works, such as the novella "Sputniki" (The Train), brought her three Stalin Prizes.
• Yevgeny Vuchetich (1908–1974) — outstanding monumental sculptor. He studied at the Rostov Art School, and his first independent works were created in Rostov. He subsequently became the author of world-famous monuments, such as "The Motherland Calls!" on Mamayev Kurgan and the "Soviet War Memorial" in Treptower Park in Berlin.
• Alexander Pechersky (1909–1990) — Red Army officer, hero of the Resistance. He lived in Rostov-on-Don from 1915. He gained worldwide fame as the organiser of the only successful mass uprising in the Nazi death camp Sobibor on 14 October 1943. After the war, he returned and lived the rest of his life in Rostov.