VORONEZH
The centre of a rich black soil region in the south of Russia, Voronezh is a fast-growing metropolis with busy cultural life. Built as a stronghold which was meant to defend Russian lands from the incursions of Crimean Tartars, Voronezh gained importance in the beginning of the 18th century when Peter the Great decided to build the first Russian navy shipyard here. Like Volgograd and Sevastopol, Voronezh was almost entirely destroyed during World War II, and rebuilt in a lavish Soviet neoclassical style. Today's Voronezh is a bustling city with large student population, rich cultural life, lots of cool cafés, bars, theatres and art galleries. The biggest and most exciting event in the city is the International Platonov Arts Festival which is held annually in the first two weeks of June.
Distance from Moscow: 524km Founded in 1585 Population: 1 032 895 UTC+3
TO GET THERE
By train
There're day double-decker trains and overnight sleeper train from Moscow. The journey takes between 6h30min and 11h depending on the train. New double-decker trains depart twice a day in the morning and in the afternoon. There're several premium service night train which call at Voronezh. Note that there're several railway stations in Voronezh, Voronezh-1 being the most central where day trains and premium service night trains arrive and depart.
TO GET AROUND
The centre of Voronezh is located on the right bank of River Voronezh, along Prospect Revolyutsii and Kirova St. The majority of museums, theatres, restaurants and cafés are located in that area, and can be reached by foot. If you decide to go to Alye Parusa Park, Dinamo Park or elsewhere, it'd be best to catch a bus from Lenina Sq or call a taxi via Yandex Taxi app.
EVENTS IN VORONEZH
2-14 June - International Platonov Arts Festival
4 July - Usadba Jazz Music Festival
1-11 November - International Children Theatre Festival Bolshaya Peremena
4-7 December -Mandelshtam Poetry Festival