The architecture of the city of Rostov does not evoke such admiration as the architecture of London or Paris, but this is only a subjective opinion. In fact, the largest southern city in Russia has something to surprise its guests. These are monuments of historical architecture, because the city was founded back in 1749, and modern buildings, and original architectural solutions that have become the property of the urban architecture of Rostov.
Features of the architecture of Rostov-on-Don
The architecture of Rostov was dictated by its position on the economic map of Russia; for a long time the city was the Northern Gateway to the country, being the stronghold of the country on the border with the North Caucasus. It was through Rostov that all transport interchanges leading cargo from the Southern cities to the North of the country followed. The city was a fortress with many defensive structures and was the center of the Don Cossacks, where hotbeds of uprisings and disagreements with the government of the country regularly broke out. Only with the end of the great October Revolution the city began to develop as an industrial center and huge factories were built, which became the face of Rostov. A plant like Rostselmash has become an important part of the city’s urban architecture.
Classical architecture of Rostov
The classical architecture of Rostov-on-Don includes many buildings of the 20th century, which embody the history of the city and its true face.
- Shenderov's apartment building is a classic building in the Art Nouveau style, with light notes of eclecticism, which was built at the end of the 19th century. Initially, the house belonged to the merchant Shenderov, who rented out small premises in the central part of the house for trading establishments. Later, the house was nationalized and became the property of the USSR. The house was destroyed during the Great Patriotic War, but it was restored in 1950. Now, Shenderov's apartment building is an important part of the architecture of Rostov, and serves as a branch of Alfa Bank.
- The residential building of Ivan Zvorykin is another building in the city built in the Art Nouveau style. The construction of the house dates back to 1912, as a residential building for the Rostov mayor Ivan Zvorykin. The house is built on three floors and stands on the corner of the block. The design of the facades of the house contains Gothic elements. The house has a rather complex internal structure, with two entrances from two streets. The legendary playwright Vladimir Kirshon worked in Ivan Zvorykin’s residential building, as stated on the memorial plaque on the façade of the building. The house is a cultural heritage site of regional significance.
- Paramonov's mansion is a striking example of classical architecture in Rostov-on-Don . The mansion is in the neoclassical style and is extremely popular among city guests. The mansion was erected in 1914, but it did not remain in Paramonov’s ownership for long; the mansion was taken over for the needs of the Bolshevik Revolutionary Committee. Afterwards, the mansion served for medical purposes, and only in the 30s it became a building of cultural significance - the Museum of Local Lore was located within its walls. Now, the building serves as a library at the Rostov National University. The mansion undergoes regular renovations due to accumulated dampness in the basement. The facade of the Paramonov mansion has a typical facade for neoclassicism, with straight lines and a symmetrical composition. On the south side, the facade is decorated with two rows of beautiful columns, and a double-flight staircase leads to the central entrance.
- The Martyn brothers' house is a very colorful building in Rostov, the architecture of which is impressive. The building was erected from red brick at the end of the 19th century, and its owner was British citizen Ivan Martyn. The building has two floors and was built in an eclectic style. The main highlight of the house is the pointed tower in the corner of the building, so reminiscent of the architecture of British cities. Currently, the State Museum-Reserve of M.A. is located in the house of the Martyn brothers. Sholokhov.
The temple architecture of the city is very developed, since Rostov is the southern capital of the country's Orthodox life. Now there are 41 operating Orthodox churches in the city.
- Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary - built in 1860, the cathedral is the center of Orthodox life in the city. The cathedral was built on the site of the ancient Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which had fallen into disrepair and could not be reconstructed. The cathedral is a five-domed temple made of the strongest stone. When viewed from above, the cathedral has the shape of a cross. Near the temple there is a three-level bell tower, 75 meters high. In front of the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary there is Cathedral Square with a monument to St. Demetrius.
- Church of the Intercession - Rostov church has a deep history dating back to the 17th century. The temple was rebuilt several times. The modern temple dates back to 2007. The church is painted in light colors and is small in size. But its beauty is emphasized by the novelty and rich decoration of the inner church hall, which was made possible through charitable donations from the townspeople.
The main attractions of Rostov-on-Don - TOP-5
The almost 300-year history of the city, bearing the title of Hero, is full of bright events. Significant sights are associated with them, by which Rostov-on-Don is recognized even by those people who have never been here. Visiting them, as a rule, is possible even in 1 day.
Stele to the Soldiers-Liberators
- Address: Theater Square. Transport stop "Teatralnaya Ploshchad".
A magnificent monument dedicated to the feat of the Soviet people, who saved the world from the plague of fascism, appeared in the city in 1983. On the eve of the fortieth anniversary of the liberation of Rostov-on-Don, a monument striking in its grandeur was inaugurated.
The paired stele, rising 72 m above the ground, is crowned with a top stylized as the bow of a ship with a raster in the form of a sculpture of the goddess of victory Nike, cast in copper. On the reverse side there is a huge model of the Order of the Patriotic War. At the base, the monument is surrounded by a high relief made of pouf, within the contour of which there is a belfry of 12 bells.
Cart from Rostov
- Address: Rowing Canal Embankment. Suburban train stop "1352 km".
The refrain of an incredibly popular song in Soviet times forever linked the name of the city with the cart - a mobile firing point based on a spring crew, which was the most effective means of supporting cavalry regiments going on the attack.
For the 60th anniversary of the October Revolution, a 15-meter-high monument appeared on the hill from the southern entrance to Rostov-on-Don, depicting a quadriga of galloping horses carrying a cart with two Red Army soldiers firing at the enemy from a Maxim machine gun. Despite the fact that the plaster sculpture covered with copper sheets looks, at first glance, quite massive, its authors managed to perfectly convey the expression of the moment.
Sculpture "Rostovite"
- Address: F. Ushakov Embankment. Transport stop "Embankment".
One of the iconic sights of Rostov-on-Don and, perhaps, the main symbol of the hospitality of the friendly people inhabiting the wonderful city, is the composition “Rostovchanka”. An elegant sculpture that appeared on the F. Ushakov embankment in 1984 depicts a young beauty with gorgeous curls flowing over her shoulders, emerging with outstretched arms from the waves of the Don. Rostov Aphrodite is young, full of strength and amazingly beautiful.
Atlanta Fountain
- Address: Theater Square. Transport stop "Teatralnaya Ploshchad".
The “Atlanta” fountain, built in 1936, destroyed during the war and restored five years after its end, is considered a true decoration of the city’s main square. This wonderful building is a true masterpiece of architecture.
In the middle of the rectangular pool, from the walls of which geysers gush, there is a round stepped pedestal made of granite, “inhabited” with stone frogs and newts. The Atlanteans tower on it, holding a cup in their mighty hands. In its center there is a main nozzle with a powerful jet. In the evenings, when the multi-colored lights turn on, the fountain looks fantastic.
Church of Seraphim of Sarov
- Opening hours: daily, from 7:00 to 19:00.
- Phone: +7 863 240‑90-02.
- Website: https://www.serafim-rostov.cerkov.ru
- Address: st. Portovaya, 72. Transport stop "School".
The wonderful temple, erected with public funds and consecrated in 1911, is especially revered by Rostovites, and believers from many cities of the country strive to venerate its shrines. The images of the “Appearance of the Mother of God”, “Blessed Peter and Fevronia”, “Seraphim of Sarov” with particles of the robe and relics of the saint stored here are considered miraculous. The building of the white-stone five-domed church with an elegant bell tower is considered one of the architectural highlights of the city, and its magnificent interiors are a must-see even for convinced atheists.
And grandma is against it
In his opinion, a positive trend in the repair of facades of ancient buildings is still observed. Now, if the building is brick, the estimate will necessarily include cleaning, not plastering.
“True, the problem is that now it is not architects who decide what a century-old building should look like, but residents. There are times when experts recommend cleaning the house, and some grandmother from the second floor, who was set up by the same contractors from the Overhaul Fund, shouts that the building absolutely needs to be plastered. And according to the law, they must listen to grandma. And the overhaul system often takes advantage of this. After all, plastering suggests that less effort will be expended, and the earnings will be more,” our interlocutor regrets.
But there are good examples here too - the constructivist buildings on Nolnaya Street had to be plastered, experts met with the residents, convinced that this should not be done, and as a result the brick house was painted and a good color scheme was chosen. Paint on brickwork is, in fact, conservation, and in the future there is a chance to clear many historical facades of paint, but unfairly applied plaster with its hard adhesive layer will be much more difficult to remove and more destructive for ancient masonry. So it’s a shame that old atmospheric houses, such as the complex of houses of the Tramvayshchik residential complex on Pushkinskaya or the Mikoyan Shoe Factory residential complex on Budennovsky, have been “rolled up” in “bark beetle” forever, killing their historical appearance.
Urban architectural gems
When planning to explore the city on your own, it is worth highlighting what you absolutely need to see in Rostov-on-Don in addition to the attractions presented in the previous section. The obligatory excursion program includes inspection of the following architectural monuments:
City Council building
- Address: st. Bolshaya Sadovaya, 47. Transport stop "Semashko Lane".
The magnificent high-status mansion, which now houses the City Duma and City Hall, is an architectural monument of federal significance. Luxurious building designed by A.N. Pomerantsev, has been decorating Rostov-on-Don since 1897. The eclectic tiered facade shines with attics and domes crowned with graceful cylindrical bay windows.
Luxuriously decorated with stucco arches lead to elegant balconies, fenced with parapets made of shaped cast iron. Figured monograms of cartouches and medallions in combination with openwork carved decor only increase the overall stunning impression made by the exterior of the building.
Mansion of Margarita Chernova
- Address: st. Bolshaya Sadovaya, 25. Transport stop "Bratsky Lane".
There is a surprisingly romantic story associated with the appearance of this architectural masterpiece. At the end of the 19th century. One of the richest Rostov merchants, Elpidifor Paramonov, fell in love with the charming actress Margarita Chernova, who shone on the stage of the local theater. The beauty did not agree to become the wife of a businessman for a long time, but could not resist an unprecedented, incredibly elegant gift - a luxurious mansion.
The building, erected in 1899, amazes and enchants with its eclectic architecture. It has everything: Atlantean sculptures, supporting porticos, luxurious attics, delightful balustrades, openwork stucco and a magnificent dome topped with a spire above an elegant turret.
Martyn Brothers Mansion
- Address: st. Bolshaya Sadovaya, 125. Transport stop "Fortress Lane".
Another remarkable building, which became the architectural highlight of the city, was erected in 1893 for the owner of the foundry and mechanical plant, British citizen Ivan Martyn. The magnificent red brick mansion is considered an excellent example of the original combination of Russian and German architectural styles of the late 19th century.
The exterior of the building is elegant and eclectic. Gothic pointed turrets with spiers perfectly coexist with traditional Russian carved battlements framing the cornice. The house attracts with its completeness and thoughtfulness of the composition.
Paramonov's mansion
- Address: Pushkinskaya, 148.
The former mansion of the merchant Paramonov was built in 1914. A unique architectural example was created in the neoclassical style. It has the status of “Architectural Monument of Federal Significance”.
The austere and beautiful building has always been popular. In 1918, immediately after the establishment of Soviet power, the revolutionary committee was housed in it. Then - the Institute of Blood Transfusion and the local history museum. Nowadays the university library is located here.
The architectural appearance of the building sets the style of the entire street. The facade attracts attention. In the center is a six-column portico of the Ionic order. The side facades are decorated with pilasters. A very beautiful fashionable house. It stands out for its noble appearance.
Paramonovsky warehouses
- Address: Beregovaya, 47a.
The complex of warehouse buildings dates back to the 19th century. Located on the banks of the Don River. It is considered a monument of federal significance. The warehouses belonged to different owners. But the most famous of them is the merchant Paramonov. The ancient buildings survived the Great Patriotic War, but could not survive mismanagement.
Only in 1985 were the warehouses recognized as an architectural monument. Experts appreciated their laconic brick decor with motifs of classicism and Romanesque architecture.
Engineers of the century before last competently used the natural feature of the area - springs. They collected the cool water in troughs and ran it through the storage areas. Thus, they were always maintained at a lower temperature. Now the Paramonovsky warehouses are ruins, picturesquely scattered among springs and lakes.
Don't miss: attractions of the Rostov region - TOP-35
Restorer named time
Rarely, there are buildings with well-preserved pre-revolutionary lime plaster, for example, a residential building at 4, 26th Line.
“These are the kind of buildings that, in an amicable way, should not be touched at all,” Bocharnikov is sure. – How can this building be treated humanely? Restore the base, since this is the lower part and it gets dirty and cracked the most, restore the lost parts between the windows, insert decent frames, carefully patch up the cornice on top. Renew the front entrance: what is valuable is that the original doors have been preserved here, even the original relief glass has survived. And do not paint or smear anything in order to preserve the perfectly clear reliefs, the smoothness of the plaster and its noble vintage appearance. No amount of art can imitate such a texture; it will look like a prop. But here time did everything itself.
We approach the corner building on Gazetny, part of the complex of the famous Wrangel household.
One house is still awaiting restoration, and the other, the corner one, has already been renovated. True, they chose a controversial green shade for it - this was “prescribed” for the builders by the Ministry of Culture.
The fourth number in our rating is the former Vasilenko bell factory on the corner of Pushkinskaya and Gazetny. Initially, there was a Burtsev factory there, which made building ceramics: pipes, tiles for stoves and refractory bricks. Then Burtsev sold the entire business to Vasilenko.
Now the building houses the military prosecutor's office. It was repaired under the overhaul program and did a decent job. As in the House with Owls, the builders skillfully restored the plaster - they made it smooth and applied it evenly.
Interesting monuments of Rostov-on-Don
We have included monuments, memorials, and sculptural compositions in the city of Rostov-on-Don as a separate sub-item.
Stele of Military Glory
- Address: Military Glory Square. Transport stop "Aerovokzal".
On the eve of the celebration of Victory Day in 2008, Rostov-on-Don was awarded the title of City of Military Glory. Two years later, a monument in honor of this significant event was opened in front of the airport building. Surrounded by four stone pylons with bas-reliefs depicting fragments of WWII battles, a pedestal with the city’s coat of arms and the text of the Decree of the President of the Russian Federation was erected. A massive column of polished red granite, topped with a proud double-headed eagle, rises 6.5 meters above it.
"Kumzhenskaya Grove"
- Address: Park on the Don embankment. Transport stop "Kumzhenskaya Roshcha".
A wonderful opportunity to combine outdoor recreation with an exciting excursion is provided by the Kumzhenskaya Grove park, a favorite place for leisure for many Rostovites. On the spit at the confluence of the Don and the Dead Donets there is everything you need to have a great time or have a picnic or go fishing.
In the grove there is a magnificent monument dedicated to the soldiers who gave their lives for the liberation of Rostov-on-Don from the Nazis. The dominant feature of the memorial composition “Storm” is a 12 m high stele, under which there is a sculptural composition depicting soldiers going into a final fierce attack.
Sculptural composition “Stepan Razin with his squad”
- Address: Beregovaya street.
Composition of seven sculptures. Includes a figure of Stepan Razin, a Persian princess and five warriors standing in a boat. The famous chieftain was born and raised on the Don. From here he began his uprising. There are many memorial places in the city dedicated to Razin. The monument was erected in 1972. It is made of concrete. It stands on the river embankment and attracts attention with its unusual appearance.
Sculpture "Artist"
- Address: Naberezhnaya street.
Installed in 2013, located on the embankment. It is part of a program to improve the appearance of the city. Depicts an artist who paints with a brush on a transparent canvas. In his other hand he holds a palette. The monument captivates with its openness. There is no pedestal, so the monument is among people. The portrait painter seems to invite everyone to insert the completed canvas into the frame.
Composition “Bathing a horse”
- Address: historical area Dolomanovskaya Sloboda.
The monument appeared in 2013. Located near the river station. Author: Anatoly Sknarin. The sculpture also has a second name - “Summer”. It is made of bronze. Depicts a boy riding a horse. The horse is cast only up to half of the body. Everything else “sinks” into the granite pedestal depicting the water surface. The boy leaned back. He put his face under the rays of the sun and enjoys every second of the hot summer.
Sculpture "Fisherman"
- Address: Beregovaya street.
Installed in 2013. Depicts a man who enthusiastically catches fish. For the townspeople this is a very symbolic monument, because among them there are many keen fishermen and hunters. The figure is impressive.
A hefty fellow stands with a rod bent to death and drags a hefty catfish from the river. There is undisguised pleasure on his face. A good positive composition that reminds people of the simple joys of life.
Monument to Maxim Gorky
- Address: Kazan Stairs.
Appeared on the city embankment in 1961, far from us. Made to full height. Stands on a high pedestal.
The famous writer is connected with Rostov-on-Don by only a few points in his biography. In his youth, he had the opportunity to spend the night in a local shelter and work part-time as a loader at the port. In 1929, on the way to Italy, he gave a fiery speech to the builders of Rostselmash. That's all, actually.
However, the monument is popular among the people. It is evidence of a glorious past, the memory of which has been preserved in human memory.
