The southern capital of Russia is an interesting cultural center. The beauty of Rostov-on-Don can be appreciated by walking along the main tourist streets - Bolshaya Sadovaya and Pushkinskaya, Cathedral Lane and Teatralnaya Square. Unusual objects, which are cultural heritage, are also found underground - mosaic panels in underground passages.
The famous Don landscapes look especially picturesque from the embankment. You can get acquainted with the nature of the region in one of the city parks, and in the botanical garden you can admire the plants brought from all over the world. A few kilometers from the city there is a unique natural place - a spring lake with salt water. Walks around the city should be diversified by visiting museums, theaters, a water park or a zoo.
The most interesting and beautiful places
List, photos with names and descriptions of the best sights of Rostov-on-Don. He will help you plan routes to explore the top places of the city in 2-3 days.
Don river embankment
One of the favorite places of the townspeople and guests of the city. The pedestrian zone is lined with stone slabs, flower beds have been planted, many monuments have been erected - Rostovchanka, Grigory and Aksinya in a boat, Castle Tree, Nakhalenok and grandfather Shchukar. In the dark, the Petrovsky Fountain looks especially beautiful, dancing to music and decorated with lighting. From the embankment you can go on a boat trip on a cruise ship.
Read about all the top places in the region: the main attractions of the Rostov region.
Pushkinskaya street
A beautiful, quiet and cozy street, where old mansions in different styles are located, rare trees and flower beds are planted. The pedestrian boulevard has the status of a park area. Walking under the shade of trees, you can see many interesting monuments - Pushkin's balls, Kirov's sculpture, Chekhov's monument, Budyonny's bust. Street musicians often perform on the boulevard, there are many small cozy cafes.
Bolshaya Sadovaya street
The long street, 4 km long, is often called “Rostov Broadway” by the townspeople. This is an old street on which iconic architectural monuments are located - the Musical Theater, the Central Department Store, the City House, and profitable merchant houses of the 19th century. Unusual art objects have been installed - a sculpture of a merchant peddler and his cat, monuments to Empress Elizabeth Petrovna and Mikhail Lomonosov, a composition dedicated to the water supply.
Park "Levoberezhny"
Opened in 2018 ahead of the FIFA World Cup. One of the most attractive tourist attractions in the park is the light and music fountain. Its 256 jets are capable of rising up to 10 meters. The fountain can dance to the music of 15 compositions. Children's playgrounds are located in the central part of the park. There is an embankment and a sports and beach area. In the depths of the park, there is a green area for quiet leisure.
River Station
The grandiose building of the River Station was erected in 1977. Architects Kubasov and Alekseev created an interesting structure of glass and concrete, with walkways and walk-through galleries. Externally, the structure resembles a passenger ship. The building houses cafes, restaurants, entertainment complexes, travel agencies, and a hotel. From the docks of the River Station you can take a cruise to Astrakhan, Kazan, Samara, Yeisk.
Theatre square
The central square of the city, the architectural complex of which attracts many tourists. The main building of the square, which gave it its name, is the Theater of Opera and Ballet in the style of late constructivism. In the center of the square there is a fountain, on the podium of which there are sculptures of the Atlanteans. The tallest building of Teatralnaya Square is a memorial stele to the Liberators of Rostov, 72 meters high.
Cathedral lane
Pedestrian lane almost 3 km long. Founded in 1811 under the name Donskoy Lane. It houses the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Central Market, a monument to the plumber, a monument to St. Demetrius, Gorky Park and Cathedral Square. Before the 2018 FIFA World Cup, the lane was laid out with paving slabs, the facades of old houses were renovated, and benches were installed.
Underpass mosaics
Panels created by hand by master Palshintsev. The crossings were built in the 1970s-1980s. The mosaic cladding work was carried out for several years by a team of craftsmen. Ceramic paintings are created from Czech tiles, which were previously cut, fired and painted. Mosaic panels depict scenes from the historical past of the city, the lives of children, fragments of Sholokhov's works, and tell about the Cossacks.
Paramonovsk warehouses
Ruins of warehouse buildings and granaries from the middle of the 19th century. The buildings survived the bombing of the Second World War, but suffered during the period of ownerless existence. Warehouses are monuments of history and culture. They are made of red brick in the style of classicism and Romanesque architecture. Outwardly, they resemble the remains of a medieval fortress, around which springs flow, and lakes with waterfalls are located.
Stadium "Rostov Arena"
Football stadium built in 2018 to host the FIFA World Cup. Located on the left bank of the Don near the Levoberezhny park. The spectators of the northern stand can enjoy not only the sports spectacle, but also the views of the river. The visitor is offered a tour of the closed premises of the stadium - locker rooms, coaching rooms. They tell about the history and peculiarities of the construction of a sports facility.
Architectural landmarks of Rostov-on-Don
The city has many beautiful monuments of architecture and urban planning. These are merchant mansions, 19th century houses that belonged to rich and famous people.
City Duma building
The luxurious building was built at the end of the 19th century. His architectural project was created by A.N. Pomerantsev, who later developed the project of the Moscow GUM. The project combines different styles of architecture, but the details of the facade decoration are made in the Baroque style - sculptures of ancient goddesses, capitals with female heads, caryatids, stucco moldings, floral ornaments. Domes rise in the corners of the building. Tourists are not allowed inside the building.
House Masalitina
Located at the intersection of Kirovsky prospect and Bolshaya Sadovaya street. The eclectic mansion was built in 1890 by the city architect Vasiliev. Styles of classicism and baroque are intertwined in its design. The corner of the building is crowned with a pointed turret with a high spire. In different years, factories and shops occupied its premises. Currently, the former merchant mansion houses a restaurant.
House of Margarita Chernova
A cultural heritage site of the late 19th century. Belonged to the actress Chernova. It housed shops and living quarters. The main hall stood out for its high ceilings, stage and luxurious interiors. It hosted balls and music concerts. Rostov residents call the building "a house with caryatids" because of the beautifully designed balcony at the corner of the building. Above it rises an original-looking turret with a spire.
State Bank building
Built on Soviet Square in 1915 in the neoclassical style. This is the only building of the square's architectural complex that survived the Great Patriotic War. During the restoration, the rest of the buildings of the square were given a style similar to the design of a state bank building. The facade from the side of the main entrance is decorated with columns, the facade is completed by a massive pediment, which depicts the figures of the Roman gods.
House of brothers Martyn
The red brick house was built by Sokolov for the Martyn family in 1893.It has a pseudo-Gothic style and combines design elements typical of Russian and German architecture. The house housed the US consular mission, the factory office of the foundry and mechanical production and living rooms. Currently, its premises are occupied by exhibitions of the State Museum.
House of the merchant Gench-Ogluyev
Built opposite the building of the City Council by the same architect Pomerantsev. The apartment building was partially destroyed during the war. Rebuilt in the late 1940s. The architecture and design of the facades are made in different styles. The magnificent decor is taken from the Baroque style, the cladding of the building and the cornices are made in the classicism style, the turret is decorated with a Gothic pattern, the colors have Moorish motives. The stucco decoration has been preserved in the hall.
Monuments and monuments of Rostov-on-Don
The most famous historical and modern monuments and memorials of the city.
Monument "Tachanka-Rostovchanka"
Dedicated to the famous First Cavalry Army. The monument was erected in 1977 at the southern entrance to the city. It was in these places that fierce battles between the cavalry army of Budyonny and the army of General Denikin were fought. The sculptural composition depicts four horses carrying a cart with a machine gun, popularly called a cart. The height of the monument is 15 meters. A group of architects led by Sknarin worked on the project.
Don't Miss: 30 Interesting Monuments of Rostov-on-Don.
Memorial complex "In memory of the victims of fascism"
In Zmievskaya Balka in 1942, German troops killed about 27,000 people. In the 1950s, a memorial complex was erected on this site, which was completely renovated in the 1970s. The memorial park is located on a slope. At its main entrance there is the Funeral Hall, from which the Alley of Sorrow is laid down into the valley, leading to the bowl of the Eternal Flame. A monument to the Victims of Fascism was erected on the Memorial Site.
Memorial complex "Kumzhenskaya Grove"
Located in the Zheleznodorozhny district. Dedicated to the memory of the Red Army soldiers who defended the city in 1941-1943. There are steles, pylons and granite slabs near the mass grave, on which the names of combat units and the names of the soldiers who fought to hold the city are inscribed. The main object of the complex is the "Assault" sculpture depicting soldiers who are going to attack. On Victory Day, hundreds of townspeople come here to lay flowers.
Monument-stele "Liberators of Rostov"
Located on Teatralnaya Square above the Don River. Its height is 72 meters. Dedicated to the liberation of the city by the soldiers of the Red Army from the German invaders. It is crowned with a pommel in the form of a ship's bow, which is decorated with a sculpture of the goddess Nike and a model of the Order of the Patriotic War. At night, the stele is illuminated by illumination. In a small pool at the base of the monument, there is a bowl with the Eternal Flame.
Monument "Rostovchanka"
Installed on the Don embankment in 1984. The sculpture is dedicated to all residents of Rostov-on-Don. The sculptor Sknarin depicted a girl with her arms outstretched and enjoying the rays of the sun. Her face is turned to the river, and a fountain has been built at the foot of the monument. Many people compare Rostovchanka emerging from the waters of the Don with Aphrodite emerging from the sea foam. There are benches and a cafe near the monument.
The best museums of Rostov-on-Don
The most interesting museums in the city, which are definitely worth a visit.
Art Museum
It presents a collection of paintings by both Donskoy artists and internationally recognized masters - Aivazovsky, Bryullov, Surikov, Kuindzhi, Vasnetsov, Repin. There is an exposition dedicated to the works of European masters, the pearl of which is a painting by Rubens. Separate rooms are dedicated to the exhibition of ancient icons and the art of the peoples of the East. The museum is located in a former luxury merchant mansion.
Museum of the North Caucasian Railway
Consists of two sites - in the palace of culture at the main railway station and in the open air at the Gnilovskaya stop. The open area exhibitions of railway technology are fully interactive. You can touch all the exhibits with your hands, it will be especially interesting to sit in the driver's seat or try yourself in the role of a stoker. The collection consists of pre-war steam locomotives, freight and passenger electric trains.
Rostov Museum of Cosmonautics
Founded in 2009 and is part of a research and production enterprise. Among more than 400 exhibits of the museum there are space technology, mock-ups of communication satellites, cosmonauts' belongings, devices from rockets and spaceships, spacesuits. In a special simulator, visitors can make a virtual flight into space, feel the moments of launch and landing. The simulator is made of the Soyuz TMA-15 descent vehicle.
Rostov Museum of Local Lore
Located in a mansion on Bolshaya Sadovaya. About 200,000 people visit the museum annually. Its funds contain exhibits that tell about the history of the region, as well as its nature and cultural life. The most interesting collection of treasures of the Don burial mounds - about 2000 items of silver and gold, made in the period from the IV century BC. until the VIII century. There are also collections of entomological, paleontological, geological.
Main theaters of Rostov-on-Don
The best theater and concert venues, which are visited with pleasure by guests of the city and local theater fans.
Drama Theater named after M. Gorky
Located in a building that is called the "pearl of Soviet architecture". The theater has two halls - the Big one for 997 people and the Small one for 384 people. The theater was founded in 1863 and now it is one of the most titled provincial theaters in the country. The productions include both classical works and modern comedies. For several years, the performance "Quiet Don" has been especially loved by the audience.
Rostov Musical Theater
Founded in 1999 on the basis of the Musical Comedy Theater, operating since 1919. The theater building looks like a large white grand piano. It is equipped with a large stage, the auditorium can accommodate 1000 spectators. The theater troupe is numerous - about 60 dancers and soloists, 70 choir singers and more than 100 musicians in the orchestra. The repertoire of the musical theater includes more than 300 performances - operas, ballet, operettas, concert programs.
Rostov Youth Theater
It was founded in 1930 and for the first few years was called the Theater of the Young Spectator. The theater's performances are highly appreciated by critics and awards at all-Russian festivals. The performances are often staged by invited directors - Kirill Serebrennikov, Artur Khaikin, Yuri Popov. The music for the performances is written by the in-house theatrical rock group. The repertoire includes both classical and modern experimental productions.
Churches and temples of Rostov-on-Don
The most famous places of worship in the city, famous churches and monasteries.
Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin
The Cathedral is located near the Central Market; earlier there was a Soldier's Sloboda here. It was built in the middle of the 19th century and is an architectural monument. The five-domed church looks like a traditional for Orthodox churches in the Russian-Byzantine style. During the restoration in 1999, a four-tiered bell tower 75 meters high was restored according to the original sketches. The paintings, crosses and bells have also been recreated.
See also: 35 main churches of Rostov-on-Don.
Church of the Intercession
The history of the church began in 1762. Over the centuries, it was dismantled, moved to another place - to Kirovsky Prospekt, rebuilt and completed, demolished and rebuilt. The temple got its modern look in 2007. The restoration of the temple took place at the expense of donations from parishioners and charitable foundations. The white-stone building successfully combines traditional and modern church styles.
Iversky Convent
Convent, founded in 1908. According to some reports, in 1914 the monastery was visited by Emperor Nicholas I and Tsarevich Alexei.By 1929, the monastery acquired a large farm - an apiary, cattle and poultry yards, orchards. However, this did not prevent the Bolsheviks from closing the church, and exiling the inhabitants of the monastery to Siberia. The restoration of the monastery ended in 2005. Excursions are conducted on its territory.
Surb Khach Church
Armenian Church, the only surviving building of an ancient monastery. Located in the Voroshilovsky district on the slope of the reservoir. A stone staircase leads to the water, a spring springs nearby. The church was built in the 18th century. The main relic is a 6th century khachkar. It is believed that he was taken out of the ancient capital of Armenia. The church was designed by the architect Ivan Starov, the creator of the Trinity Cathedral and the Tauride Palace in St. Petersburg.
Children's attractions of Rostov-on-Don
The most popular places in the city where you can go with children.
Water park "H2O"
A large 24,000 m² water park. In addition to water activities, it has a SPA-complex, baths and saunas, a food court, shops. The indoor water park is open all year round. There are 8 speed slides for adults, including those with extreme slopes. There are Rapid River, wave and sports pools, and a rooftop pool for fun parties. The Pirate Water Town is equipped for children.
Rostov Zoo
The large zoo is home to more than 7000 animals of different species, including exotic and listed in the Red Book. The largest inhabitants are elephants, which are invariably the favorites of the public. You can see puma, kangaroos, ostriches, lions, giraffes, rhinos, crocodiles. There is a terrarium and a large aquarium area where stingrays and crabs live. Aviaries and cages are located among green spaces.
Rostov Dolphinarium
The indoor dolphinarium is located in the Fairy Tale Park in the Soviet District. Under the guidance of trainers, marine animals perform interesting tricks and acrobatic performances - they jump over hoops, dance and even sing. The show involves bottlenose dolphins, beluga whales, fur seal, walrus. After the show, you can take pictures with animals, and swim with dolphins, there is a dolphin therapy service.
Rostov State Circus
Located in a building built in 1957. The auditorium can accommodate 1,500 people. The interiors are striking in luxury. Above the main entrance there is a sculpture of an antique chariot with riders and figures of acrobats. In front of the building there is a monument to the artist Oleg Popov. The show program with bright numbers is updated annually. Famous circus artists come on tour - Zapashny, Durov, Filatov, Kio.
Gardens and parks of Rostov-on-Don
Quiet and peaceful places for walking, green areas within the city, where you can relax, sit on a bench and breathe in the fresh air.
Central Park of Culture and Leisure named after Maxim Gorky
The Central Park is traditionally the venue for city mass celebrations. This is the oldest park in the city, it was founded in 1813. On an area of 11 hectares there are attractions, cafes, classical monuments and modern art objects, a planetarium. The most beautiful place is considered to be the flower beds of the upper and lower park zones. Among the alleys there are 7 fountains, a rotunda, playgrounds for children.
Park named after the October Revolution
A popular resting place in a green area near Teatralnaya Square. There are sports and playgrounds, an amusement area. Attention is drawn to the 65-meter-high Ferris wheel, from which you can enjoy the Don landscapes. Ducks live in an artificial pond, and there are enclosures with flamingos and peacocks nearby. There is an indoor ice rink, an outdoor exercise area, and souvenir shops.
Botanical Garden of SFedU
It is located in the Temernik river valley. The mineral spring on its territory is considered an Orthodox shrine. The botanical garden has been operating since 1927. Several thousand Rostovites took part in planting plants. On an area of 200 hectares, about 6,000 different plant species grow, including 1,500 tropical and subtropical crops. Particularly interesting is the 90-year-old pedunculate oak 25 meters high.
Park of Culture and Rest named after Nikolay Ostrovsky
The largest park in Rostov-on-Don. Its area is over 60 hectares. The green areas of the park are beautifully decorated with flower beds and alpine slides. In the wild places of the park, you can meet squirrels and feed them with nuts. The alleys are decorated with sculptures of cartoon characters and animals. There is a bicycle and roller skate rental service, a cafe, sports grounds are equipped. The Health Trail 1 km long has been laid.
Children's park named after Viti Cherevichkin
The children's park bears the name of a 14-year-old boy who was killed by the German invaders. The park was founded in the 19th century and was previously called Aleksandrovsky. In the center of the park there is an 11-meter-high Alexander Column. The park is intended for the leisure of preschool and school children. It is equipped with several playgrounds and playgrounds, attractions, a trampoline, and a water park. Thematic exhibitions are held.
Places of interest near Rostov-on-Don
The best places around the city to go to on weekends by car.
Museum-reserve "Tanais"
Historical and archaeological park 35 km from the city. It was created on the site of the excavations of the ancient ancient city of Tanais. The exposition of the museum consists of 140,000 items. They tell about the cultural and economic life, the way of life of its inhabitants. You can see the models of the dwellings of the Tanaites, Sarmatian, Scythian, ancient Greek and Roman costumes. Remains of ancient defensive ramparts, a necropolis, and buildings of wealthy citizens have survived.
Don Military History Museum
Located near the farm Nedvigovka 35 km from the city. The military museum acquaints visitors with the history of the Russian army. Among the exhibitions, the most interesting collection of weapons - muskets, rifles, machine guns, sabers, mortars. There are exhibitions of military uniforms of soldiers from different eras. Military equipment is located in the open air - tanks, armored vehicles, infantry guns. A model of an old fortress has been built, reconstruction of major battles of different eras is being carried out.
Ethno-complex "Kumzha"
Ethnographic Museum of Folk Life and Art. Guests will get acquainted with the cultural heritage of the Don Cossacks, their religious, military and everyday traditions, take part in master classes in craft workshops, observe the rituals and customs of weddings and folk festivals. The main object of the complex is the Cossack village, with a maidan, a church and 25 kurens. It was created for the filming of a film about the life of the Don Ataman Platov.
Salt Lake
An artificial lake located south of Rostov-on-Don in the city of Bataysk. It is a popular summer destination. The landscaped sandy beach area is almost 2 km long and about 100 meters wide. The lake is filled with clean water from springs, while the concentration of salt in the water of the lake is only 4 times less than in the water of the Black Sea. The depth of the lake does not exceed 5 meters, so the water warms up well.
