Lipetsk.

History

In 1703 Peter the Great ordered ironworks to be built here to supply the army and navy during the Great Northern War. Lipetsk received town status in 1779. Mineral springs were found in the early 19th century, and in 1805 a spa opened, described as one of the oldest mud and balneological resorts in Russia. The Novolipetsk Steel Works, founded in 1934, shaped the city throughout the Soviet era.

Culture & traditions

The emblem of Lipetsk is the Cathedral of the Nativity of Christ, built in 1791–1803. The drama theatre has been running since 1921, alongside a puppet theatre and the Khrennikov Chamber Concert Hall. Museums include the local history museum, the regional picture gallery and the V. S. Sorokin Art Museum, known as the House of the Master. The 1839 obelisk to Peter I and the Petrovsky Descent with its cascade fountain recall the city's founder.

Sport

The city's best-known club is the football side Metallurg Lipetsk. Lipetsk also has a women's volleyball team, Lipetsk, and a junior ice hockey club, MHK Lipetsk.

Food & drink

Lipetsk's signature product is its mineral water: the local springs gave rise to the spa, and the water is bottled under local brands. The therapeutic waters and mud are still used for treatment.

Practical information

Lipetsk Airport, which has international status, is about 10 km from the city; Moscow lies some 438 km away, and the two have been linked by rail since the 19th century. The city is on Moscow time. The climate is moderately continental, averaging about −7 °C in January and +20 °C in July. May to September is the best time to visit.

What to see

• Cathedral of the Nativity of Christ — the city's chief architectural landmark
• Lower Park — the historic spa park by the mineral springs
• Petrovsky Descent — a promenade with a cascade fountain added in 2007
• Obelisk to Peter I — an 1839 monument to the founder of the ironworks
• House of the Master — the V. S. Sorokin Art Museum
• Tank Crews Monument — a memorial unveiled in 1978