Belgorod.

History

A Severian hillfort stood here as early as the 8th century. The Belgorod fortress was built in 1596 under Tsar Feodor Ioannovich to guard the southern frontier. From 1658 it was the chief town of the Belgorod Line, a defensive barrier some 800 km long, but it lost its military role after Crimea was annexed in the late 18th century. During the Second World War the city was occupied twice and badly damaged; its liberation on 5 August 1943 was marked by Moscow's first victory salute. Since 1954 it has been the regional capital.

Culture & traditions

The city's main stage is the Shchepkin Academic Drama Theatre, alongside a philharmonic, a puppet theatre and a clowning theatre. Museums include the local history and art museums, a museum of folk culture and the diorama museum devoted to the Battle of Kursk. The Smolensk, Transfiguration and Assumption cathedrals rise over the old centre, and a 22-metre monument to Prince Vladimir stands above the river.

Sport

Belgorod is best known for volleyball, with professional volleyball clubs based in the city. Its main venues are the Kosmos Sports Palace and Salyut Stadium, and there is an Olympic reserve sports school. Gymnast Svetlana Khorkina, rhythmic gymnast Natalia Zuyeva, basketball player Alexey Shved and mixed martial artist Vadim Nemkov all come from Belgorod.

Food & drink

Until the mid-19th century Belgorod was a major market for lard and horilka, and the town had tallow, soap and candle works. Belgorod candles were especially renowned.

Practical information

Belgorod International Airport lies close to the city, and the railway has linked Belgorod with Moscow since 1869. The city is on Moscow time. The climate is humid continental, with an average annual temperature of about 7.7 °C and winter lows around −15 °C. Late spring to early autumn is the most comfortable time to visit.

What to see

• Battle of Kursk Diorama Museum — a vivid account of the 1943 tank battle
• Cathedral Square — the city's main square next to People's Boulevard
• Transfiguration Cathedral — one of the key churches of the old centre
• Monument to Prince Vladimir — a 22-metre statue above the Seversky Donets
• Shchepkin Drama Theatre — the city's leading playhouse
• Victory Park — a green space for a city stroll