Belgorod city, Russia

The capital city of Belgorod oblast.

Belgorod overview

Belgorod city is an administrative center and capital of Belgorod oblast of Russia standing on the banks of Seversky Donets river about 700 km south of Moscow and 40 km from Ukrainian border. There is an international airport in Belgorod city (EGO).

Belgorod city population is about 358,000 (2009) on the land area of 153 sq. km.

Belgorod city phone code - +7-4722. Postal codes - 308000-308xxx.

Belgorod city flag

Belgorod city coat of arms

Belgorod city map, Russia

Belgorod features

Belgorod name from Russian language means “a white city” (the area of the city was rich in limestone). Belgorod city is cultural, economic, scientific and transport center of the region. The City Day of Belgorod is celebrated on August 5th.

Belgorod is one of the cleanest and well-planned cities of Russia. There are several educational centers in the city like Belgorod State University, Belgorod Technological University, Belgorod Agricultural Academy and Belgorod Financial Academy.

Belgorod history

First time the settlement on the present Belgorod city territory was mentioned in 1237. That time the village was completely destroyed by Batu Khan invasion on Russian lands. The settlement was founded again in 1596 (official foundation date) by Boris Godunov order.

The settlement was playing a role of fortress on the southern border of Russian state defending the country from Crimean Tatars raids. Later the border of Russia moved to the south and the fortress lost its importance. The area of Belgorod town was joined Kursk guberniya of Russian Empire.

Belgorod city was captured by Nazi Germany army in October, 1941 and finally liberated by Soviet army in August, 1943. The city was heavily damaged during the numerous battles and was completely rebuilt after the war. In 1954 Belgorod city received the status of administrative center of Belgorod oblast.

Belgorod views

Belgorod Russia city scenery

Author: Paulo Melgaco

Belgorod Russia city street

Author: Lyubomir Shevchuk

Belgorod city apartment houses

Author: Shilkov Sergey

Belgorod attractions

The cultural environment of Belgorod city is greatly influenced by cultural institutions, such as M.S.Schepkin State Academic Drama theater, State Puppet theater, Belgorod State Philharmonic Society, Culture and Art Institute, Music School and others.

There are museums of various types in Belgorod city: Historical and of Local Study, Arts, Literature, Diorama “Kursk Battle - Belgorod direction”, Folk Culture museum.

The largest traditional cultural events of Belgorod city are as follows: International Festival of Puppet Theaters “Belgorodskaya Fun”, All-Russia Theater Festival “Actors of Russia - to M.S.Shepkin”, cultural exchanges of cities and districts of the oblast as parts of cultural relay-race, International competitions of violinists, guitar-players and folk instrument players, Chorus Festivals named after S.A.Degtyaryov and G.Ya.Lomakin and others.