Interesting Rostov-on-Don Facts You Should Know

The city of Rostov-On-Don is located in southern Russia, and is one of the country’s main port cities. Historically, it was a trade centre between Russia, the Middle East and some parts of Asia. Here are some facts you probably never heard about the place.

Rostov-On-Don inspired the literary works of Sholokov

The Nobel Prize-winning author Mikhail Alexandrovich Sholokhov wrote the four-volume epic And Quiet Flows the Don in 1940. The story, which follows the struggles of Cossack life in Rostov-on-Don, is now considered to be one of the most important works of Russian literature.

Every year, locals celebrate Alexander Pushkin’s birthday with flowers and poetry readings

Russia’s most beloved poet published a poem celebrating Rostov-on-Don called, To The Don. In addition, it is believed that this city inspired him to write The Captain’s Daughter. Every year on 6th June, Pushkin’s birthday, locals gather at the monument dedicated to him to lay flowers and read his poems aloud.

Rostov-On-Don is connected to five seas

The Black Sea, the Sea of Azov, the Caspian Sea, the White Sea and the Baltic Sea, to be exact – they all converge at the port of Rostov-on-Don.

Rostov-On-Don is home one of the largest cemeteries in Europe

The Northern Cemetery has over 500,000 graves and an area of 400 hectares, making it one of the largest cemeteries in Europe. There can be up to 50 burials a day.

A grave at the Northern Cemetery in Rostov-on-Don

Rostov-On-Don has the largest number of fish markets in Russia

Because the city is connected to five different seas, you can find a huge variety of fish and seafood at Rostov’s numerous fish markets.

About the author

Yulia S.

Contributor / Journalist

Yulia was born and raised in Moscow, Russia but it didn't take long for her to move to Milan, Italy back in 2011 because of her passion for arts, culture, fashion & travel. Yulia is a travel expert, photographer, observer and all time traveler, she speaks fluently 3 languages and passionate about everything she does for living.