Saratov city, Russia (Saratow)

The capital city of Saratov oblast.

Saratov city overview

Saratov city (also spelled Saratow) is a major Volga River port, administrative center of Saratov oblast of Russia. Saratov city is located about 860 km southeast of Moscow along the right bank of Volga River.

Saratov city population - 836,000 (2008); land area - 393 sq. km.

Saratov city phone code - +7-8452; postal codes - 410000-410600.

Saratov city flag

Saratov city coat of arms

Saratov city map, Russia

Saratov city history

In 1586 Samara fortress was constructed on the border of Russian State being under the rule of Tsar Fedor Ivanovich. Later, in 1589, Tsaritsyn (Stalingrad during Soviet times and Volgograd now) fortress was built. Saratov fortress was founded between these two fortresses in 1590.

There are several versions of Saratov name origin. First one says that it is connected with Turkic phrase “Saryk Atov” meaning “hawks island”. Another one says that the origin is from Tatar phrase “Sary Tau” meaning “Yellow Mountain” (Saratov city is surrounded by several sandy hills).

In the beginning of 19th century Saratov city became an important river port. The industry began to develop quickly after the building of railway connecting city with Moscow in 1870. Saratov had the status of “closed city” during the times of Soviet power (no foreigners were allowed to visit it) because it was Soviet major aircraft and space ships producing center.

Also it should be mentioned that Saratov city was home to Volga Germans for a long time. Pokrovsk city (present time name - Engels) situated just across the Volga River from Saratov was the capital of German Republic (about 800,000 of Volga Germans).

A lot of them (about 400,000) were exiled to Siberia and Kazakhstan with the beginning of World War II. Later, in 1980th, a lot of Volga Germans emigrated to Germany.