Rostov-on-Don, in southern Russia, is a vibrant city shaped by centuries of trade, culture and history along the banks of the Don River. Its historic architecture and sacred sites reflect the layered heritage of one of the region's most important urban centres. Founded in the mid-eighteenth century around a customs post established by imperial decree, it grew rich as a river port linking the steppe to the Sea of Azov and is often called the gateway to the Caucasus. Merchant mansions and arcaded trading rows line Bolshaya Sadovaya Street, the cathedral crowns the old central market, and a long riverside embankment gives the city its distinctive southern rhythm.
