MARIUPOL

The city lies on the coast of the Sea of Azov 120 km to the south of Donetsk, the capital of the Donets Basin and the center of Donetsk region, the most industrial one in our country.

Mariupol was called Zhdanov from 1948 till 1988 in honor of an outstanding Communist leader, a member of Stalin’s clique. The city is famous not only for its beaches and sanatoriums, but also for its metallurgical industry. It’s a surprising neighborhood: large beaches and huge enterprises of heavy, metalworking, coke-chemical and machine-building industries located directly on the coast. One of the most famous enterprises is “Azovstal” iron and steel works. The air surely leaves much to be desired in the whole city, although it depends on the wind direction.

Mariupol is also a big port. You can see lots of different ships in the port.

Climate is moderate continental, warmest in the Donets Basin. The average temperature in January is 6 degrees below zero Centigrade and in July 24 degrees Centigrade.

The city parks, squares and quays are always full of people. The first thing for a traveler to do there is to walk along its main street – Lenin Avenue and then to go to the city beach. The Sea of Azov is very shallow – 8 m deep – and you can just walk far there.