The Samara region has an ancient history. The age of the first settlements discovered during excavations near modern cities reaches several thousand years. The region's development peaked in the 19th and 20th centuries. During this period, the Samara region became a major center for agriculture, oil production and oil refining.
The cities of the region developed around large industrial enterprises. Due to the high rates of economic growth, the settlements of the Samara region are developing rapidly, attracting a large number of new residents and tourists. The main attractions are historical museums, architectural monuments and large memorials. New entertainment and sports complexes are being opened in the cities of the Samara Region, and large cultural centers are being formed.
The largest cities of the Samara region
List of the largest cities in terms of population in the region.
Samara
The year of the city's foundation is considered to be 1586, but there are references to more ancient settlements in this area. Initially, Samara was a small fortress that defended the southeastern borders of the Russian state. By the 21st century, the city had become a major center for oil refining, metallurgy, as well as the aviation and space industries. The city has preserved many monuments of most Russian styles. In Samara, there are large historical memorials, a large number of parks and squares.
Population - 1 156 659 people (2020).
Tolyatti
The city was founded in 1737. Its main task was to protect the local population from the attacks of nomads. Until the 20th century, Togliatti remained a small town, but in the 1960s a VAZ was built here. Soon the city became a major center for mechanical engineering and chemical industry. All Soviet architectural styles are represented in the city, buildings from the pre-Soviet period have been preserved. In the central part of Togliatti, there are many monuments dedicated to the history of the country and the city.
Population - 707 thousand people.
Syzran
The city was founded in 1683. Initially, it was a major defensive point, but from the 18th century it became a center of trade. In the 19th century, a railway was built here, and during the Soviet period Syzran became an oil production center. Nowadays, Syzran has a large number of architectural monuments, many squares and an arboretum. The historical museum of the city houses a collection of archaeological finds, including a collection of skeletons of ichthyosaurs.
Population - 173 thousand people.
Novokuibyshevsk
The city was founded in 1946, but the first settlements and factories appeared much earlier. The backbone of the city's economy was the oil refinery, which has survived to this day. The city has a palace of culture, several theaters and cinemas. A large number of schools, gymnasiums and technical schools also operate in Novokuibyshevsk.
Population - 103 thousand people.
Chapaevsk
The city was founded in 1909 as a workers' settlement next to an explosives factory. In the first half of XX, Chapayevsk became a major center for the production of TNT and chemical weapons. Nowadays, chemical plants and enterprises for the production of building materials are located here. A large number of street sculptures of the Soviet period, which are popular city attractions, have survived in Chapaevsk.
Population - 73 thousand people.
Zhigulevsk
The city was created in 1949, on the Zhiguli Hills, after which it was named. In the middle of the 20th century, oil production began here and a cement plant was opened. There is a national park near Zhigulevsk, where natural landscapes and rare species of the region are preserved. The city is famous for its boxing schools, whose students regularly win prizes at Russian and international championships.
Population - 54 thousand people.
Gratifying
The modern city was created in 1946, but the first mentions of settlements in its place date back to 1770. The basis of the Otradny economy is made up of oil refineries. They ensure the growth of the city, finance the creation of cultural and sports organizations. In Otradnoye there is a house of culture, a historical museum and a theater.
Population - 47 thousand people.
Kinel
The settlement on the site of the modern city was created in 1837. Later, a railway was laid through Kinel, which gave impetus to the development of the city. Nowadays, the basis of the city's economy is made up of light industry enterprises and construction firms. The main attraction of the city is the monument to the Volodichkin family, in which 9 sons died during the Great Patriotic War.
Population - 35 thousand people.
Pokhvistnevo
The city was founded in 1888 as a railway station. In the middle of the 20th century, oil deposits were discovered here. Their development significantly accelerated the development of Pokhvistnevo. Nowadays, the basis of the economy is a machine-building plant. The main attractions of the city are the House of Culture and the Historical Museum of Local Lore.
Population - 28 thousand people.
Oktyabrsk
One of the oldest cities in the Samara region was founded in 1684. Its main task was to protect the borders of the Russian state. By the 19th century, Oktyabrsk had lost its defensive significance. A railway was laid through it. Today, the basis of the city's economy is made up of light industry enterprises. There is a local history museum in the city, which contains historical exhibits.
Population - 26 thousand people.
