Introducing Saratov
Although it lacks major tourist attractions, Saratov is a pleasant city with a thriving commercial centre and an attractive green river embankment. Founded in 1590, Saratov was initially a fortress forming a line of defence for the trade route along the Volga.
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A large community of ethnic Germans, mostly farmers, settled along the Volga around Saratov in the 18th and 19th centur- ies and even got their own autonomous republic within Russia in 1924. However, this was abolished during WWII when Saratov was actually occupied by the Nazis. Emigration and deportation have since decreased their numbers.
The first man in space, cosmonaut Yury Gagarin, lived in Saratov and studied at the local university, which now bears his name. The lively café scene on pr Kirova and the town's distinctive German flavour (due mainly to the tourists it attracts) make Saratov an enjoyable place to spend a day.
Last updated: Feb 17, 2009
Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
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RE: Freezing in Russia, by car in February
by yblanter 01 September 2011
Around Saratov it will be very cold (may be down to -30) and very windy. I would not recommend staying in a tent overnight. Staying in…
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Freezing in Russia, by car in February
by josuah 31 August 2011
Hello everyone, Next Feburay I and a friend plan to travel from Switzerland to Kyrgyzstan by car. We have a small SUV (Mitsubishi Pajero…
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RE: Getting from Kazan to Uralsk (Russia to Kazakhstan)
by everbrite 29 May 2011
>Would it matter that my visa expires during the flight out? As long as you go through immigration before your visa expires you will be…
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