Krasnodar

Krasnodar is a regional capital in southern Russia that stretches along the Kuban River, featuring wide boulevards, residential districts, and many green spaces. It serves as an economic and administrative center in the Kuban-Black Sea area, with several universities, theaters, and an extensive tram network connecting different neighborhoods.

The settlement began in 1793 as a fortress called Yekaterinodar, built by Black Sea Cossacks on lands granted by Empress Catherine II. It grew into a major agricultural and industrial hub during the early 20th century, receiving its current name after the Soviet renaming in 1920.

People here maintain a strong connection to Cossack heritage, visible in weekend folk festivals, traditional choirs, and regional costumes seen at markets and public squares. Families gather in the many parks and along the river in the evening, where walking, picnicking, and sitting on benches are part of daily routine.

The city connects well by train to Moscow, Saint Petersburg, and Sochi from the central station on Privokzalnaya Square, with regular departures throughout the day. Trams and buses help move around locally, and many central areas are walkable once you arrive.

The Shukhov hyperboloid structure from 1935 represents an early application of lattice steel construction that was later copied worldwide for towers and roofs. This engineering innovation became a predecessor to modern lightweight structures and stands today as a technical monument within the cityscape.