Rostov-on-Don (Russia)

Rostov-on-Don is a Don River cruise port and city in southeastern Russia, located approx 32 km (20 mi) from the Azov Sea. The city has a population of around 1,2 million, ranking it Russia's 10th largest.

The town was established in 1749. The first railway was opened in 1875. Before the Russian Revolution (1918), the city was the Empire's most heavily industrialized. During WW2 (1939-1954), the city was occupied by the Germans for 7 months (July 1942 - February 1943) for its strategic railway junction and river port connecting to the Caucasus region (oil and minerals).

Volga-Don Canal connects Volga and Don rivers at their closest points. The shipping canal was opened in 1952, connecting the city to 5 seas: (Black, Azov, Caspian, White, and Baltic).

The city's economy is based on its location on Don River - a major waterway connecting (via Volga River) southwestern with northern Russia. The main river shipping goods are timber, minerals, wool, wheat, oil. Passenger shipping is also very important. Region's agriculture industry produces 1/3 of Russia's vegetable oil from sunflowers. The city's manufacturing industry includes helicopters and farm machinery.

Public transportation includes buses, trolleys, trams, bus cabs, Metro (under construction). Rostov-on-Don Airport serves domestic and international flights (Eastern Europe, Africa, Asia). Platov International Airport was opened in 2017.

The international river port serves passenger and freight ships (carrying mainly minerals, oil, and timber). The city is served by a direct railway (connecting St Petersburg with the Caucasus) and several highways. Russia has a program to create a total of 8 megapolises, and Rostov will be one of these mega-cities. Greater Rostov metro area will include Rostov-on-Don, Novocherkassk, Taganrog, Aksay, Bataysk, and Azov.

Rostov-on-Don cruise terminal