Taganrog city, Russia (Taganrok)

The city of Rostov oblast.

Taganrog overview

Taganrog (also spelled Taganrok) is the second largest city of Rostov oblast located on the northern shore of Taganrog bay, Azov Sea. The city is about 50 km away from the mouth of the river Don, 50 km from the border with Ukraine, 950 km from Moscow, 60 km from Rostov-on-Don (the capital city of the region).

Taganrog has the population of about 258,000 (2009).

The phone code of the city is +7 8634; the postal codes - 347900-347942.

Taganrog city flag

Taganrog city flag

Taganrog city coat of arms

Taganrog city coat of arms

Taganrog city map, Russia

Taganrog city map of Russia

Taganrog history

Archeological research stated that in 7th-6th centuries B.C. there was a Greek settlement on the territory of present day Taganrog. At present the settlement is absolutely destroyed by the sea. The settlement was founded in the second half of 7th century B.C. and destroyed in the second half of 6th century B.C., probably by nomad Scyths.

Beside Taganrog settlement only one Greek colony existed on the northern shore of Black Sea in 7th century B.C. It was on the island of Berezan. In about 13th century, when Italians rapidly colonized Black Sea basin, the city-port Pizano was constructed there.

Taganrog was first time mentioned in known written sources on September 12th, 1698. Taganrog was founded as a fortress and harbor for Russian Navy by Peter’s I order. Taganrog became the first navy base in Russia, the first Russian sea-port on the open seashore and the first Russian town built according to regular plan.

Later that place was called Troyetsk on Tagany Rog, then Troitsk and finally, Taganrog. Peter I even intended to transfer the capital of Russia to Taganrog. But the war lost to Turkey determined the fate of the town.

Initially the town experienced bad times. According to Prut peace treaty Russia was to destroy the harbor and the town. It was fulfilled in February 1712. It was in 1769 that restoration of Taganrog town began during Russian-Turkish war by Catherine’s the Great order. After Sevastopol was founded in 1783, Taganrog lost its military importance and turned into the largest trade port in Russia.

Close agricultural districts favored the development of Taganrog. The town was an important center of wheat and flax trading. In 1869 Taganrog was linked with the railway with Kharkov and Rostov-on-Don cities.

In 19th century Taganrog town was a trade center, interesting residences of Italian and Greek merchants are retained since that time. At the end of 19th century industry began to develop quickly; metallurgical, boiler and machine-building plants were constructed. In 1908 first power station was built in Taganrog.

During Russian Civil War, from 1918 till 1920 General Headquarters of Denikin (Armed Forces of Russian South Commander-in-Chief) was located in Taganrog. Since 1937 the city is a part of Rostov oblast.

Taganrog views

Taganrog city, Russia view

Taganrog city, Russia view

Author: Egor Selyanko

Taganrog city view

Taganrog city view

Author: Ann Genergart

Taganrog city street view

Taganrog city street view

Author: Andrey Kholyavkin


Taganrog economics

Present day Taganrog is a large industrial, scientific, cultural and historical center, one of the leading seaports in the south of Russia. The largest enterprise of the city is Taganrog metallurgical plant: steel production, steel pipes for oil and gas industries.

Machine-building industry is developed in Taganrog city: boiler equipment for power stations, forge and press equipment, combine harvesters. There are also several plants of military importance located in the city.

“Taganrog automobile plant” (TagAZ) operates on the basis of “Taganrog combine harvester plant”. It produces automobiles Hyudai. There are also chemical, light and food industry plants on the territory of Taganrog.

The railway crosses the city and links Taganrog with Rostov-on-Don and the cities of Donetsk oblast of Ukraine. Highway Rostov-on-Don - Mariupol also crosses the city.

Taganrog sceneries

Taganrog city scenery

Taganrog city scenery

Author: A.Levushkin

Taganrog city, Russia scenery

Taganrog city, Russia scenery

Author: Pavel M. Vasiliev

Taganrog city port view

Taganrog city port view

Author: Alena Amplieva


Taganrog attractions

Among the main places of interest of Taganrog are:

  • Literary, historical and archeological museum-reserve named after A.P.Chekhov;
  • Art museum;
  • Museum of local study;
  • Museum of city construction;
  • Drama theater;
  • The oldest in the South of Russia recreation park.

Taganrog gave Russia and the world a lot of outstanding persons. First of all, this is A.P.Chekhov, his 150th anniversary is marked in 2010. A lot of names are linked with Taganrog city: actress F.G.Ranevskaya, artists K.A.Savitsky and A.K.Kuindzhi, writers K.G.Paustovsky and I.D.Vasilenko, trainer A.A.Durov, singer Ye.V.Obraztsova, poet M.I.Tanich.

Taganrog city of Russia photos

Taganrog places

Taganrog city railway station

Taganrog city railway station

Author: Sergey Kholodilnikov

Taganrog city university view

Taganrog city university view

Author: Max Ivanuk

Taganrog city water park

Taganrog city water park

Author: Egor Selyanko


Taganrog attractions

Taganrog city Chekhov house

Taganrog city Chekhov house

Author: Egor Selyanko

Taganrog city Ranevskaya monument

Taganrog city Ranevskaya monument

Author: Ann Genergart

Taganrog city Peter I monument

Taganrog city Peter I monument

Author: Andrey Kholyavkin


The questions of our visitors

David asks: What is the best time to travel to Taganrog?
Expert's answer:
I recommend you to visit Taganrog at the end of May - June; the sea is already warm, all fruit available and the number of people is not high comparing to July and August.