"Made in USSR" Magnitogorsk by traveloturc

Magnitogorsk Travel Guide: 11 reviews and 36 photos

Magnitogorsk

Magnitogorsk is a typical Soviet city. The city was built in the first Joseph Stalin's 5 year plans and the first tent building settlements were erected in March of 1929. Railroad reached the city in June, 1929. Though the barracks were overcrowded almost instantly, the encampment became a blur of activity as workers began building what was then the world's largest and most advanced steel mill.

History

magnitogorsk

Many of these new workers were peasants from the surounging area who had been kicked off of their farms in the de-kulakization and collectivisation movements. Many others were recruited from cities in the west part of the country and still others were regarded as state criminals.

Steel Plant

stell plant

Stalin didn't want Russia's primary steel plant accessable to advancing armies from the west. It was therfefore worthwhile to have the plant off behind the Urals. Secondly, the low mountains near the Magnitogorsk site boasted some of the richest and most accessable deposits of iron ore in Russia.

Pros and Cons

In a nutshell:You dont need to come if you dont need steel

Intro Updated Jul 19, 2006
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Reviews (7)

pink in a gray city Hotels (1)

I didnt stay in this hotel but its builded in very recent times more travel advice

The mosque Things to Do (6)

Small but typical mosque helps the muslim population more travel advice

Ascension Cathedral Things to Do (6)

In the hill very near to the city the Ascension Cathedral wellcome the very few religious people of Magnitogorsk... more travel advice

Railway Station Things to Do (6)

Magnitogorsk was a "secret city" up to the Yeltsin times and all the population (250.000) was imported from other cities... more travel advice

Comments (2)

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colourblast Jul 20, 2012 at 6:52 AM

This is probably the ugliest city I have ever visited, but we did have a great time there, no thanks to the sights. Russians are wonderful warm hosts no matter where you go.
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picek May 29, 2011 at 10:00 AM

Very interesting place to visit... guess not very commonly included into tourist plans. The scale of the industry (and pollution?) is impressive - can't immagine all that built with (more and less) men's bare hands!