Grozny.

History

The fortress of Groznaya was built on the Sunzha in 1818 on General Yermolov's orders, and the settlement became a town in the late 1860s. Industrial oil extraction began nearby in the early 1890s: the first well was drilled in 1893, the same year the railway arrived. By 1913 the population had nearly doubled, and Grozny had become a major oil and industrial centre. In 1942 German forces advanced towards the city but failed to take it.

Culture & traditions

The symbol of modern Grozny is the Heart of Chechnya Mosque, opened in 2008, part of a 14-hectare Islamic complex that also includes the Russian Islamic University. The city has the Russian Drama Theatre, the Chechen State Drama Theatre and the National Museum of the Chechen Republic. It is also home to the dance ensembles Vainakh and Lovzar, and the republic has opened a museum of journalism.

Practical information

The city is served by Grozny (Severny) Airport, which also handles international flights. The railway links Grozny with other North Caucasus cities and central Russia. The climate is continental, with long, hot summers often above +35 °C and mild winters. Spring and early autumn are the most comfortable times to visit.

What to see

• Heart of Chechnya Mosque — one of the largest mosques in Europe
• Sunzha embankment — a riverside walk in the city centre
• National Museum of the Chechen Republic — the region's history and culture
• A Vainakh or Lovzar performance — Chechen dance on stage
• Chechen State Drama Theatre — the republic's national stage