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Belgorod is a city of the first firework display. As one of the oldest cities in Russia it has a turbulent history stretching back more than 1000 years. In the first annals of history it was first mentioned in the 10^th century as a small settlement of Slavs occupied the chalky hills overlooking the Seversky Donets river.

By the 16^th century it had grown into the fortress White town inhabitants of which were occupied with fishing and hunting.

During the World War II Belgorod was almost completely destroyed. Many new buildings, offices, schools and higher education establishments had been built in Belgorod since then.

Now Belgorod is a bustling city with a strong sense of history. It is a cultural, economic, industrial, educational and administrative center of the region.

No doubt Belgorod is a very beautiful city. In the center of it one can see a Cathedral Square on one side of which there is the Drama Theatre named after M.Shepkin, an outstanding Russian actor and play writer. On the other side of the Square there is a statue of Leaning woman with an Eternal Flame on the bottom of it, a monument to those who fought and died in the Great Patriotic War. It is customary with newly-weds to lay flowers at it.

The Cathedral Square is the place of mass demonstrations, festivals, firework displays.

Not far from the Cathedral Square there is a powerful magnet for tourists - Diorama – a memorial to the battle of the blazing Bulge.

A Museum of local history, a relic of the past, is much loved by residents and visitors of the city.

A monument to Prince Vladimir situated on a commanding hill top restores to his former glory. It was Vladimir Krasnoe Solnyshko who laid down the outpost of Kiev Rus in Belgorod.

Transfiguration Cathedral is a haven of peace for imperishable relic of St. Iaosaph.

The citizens of Belgorod enjoy spending their weekends in the Amusement park and in the Victory Park where one can go boating and ride on different attractions. “A Ferriswheel” of the Amusement park gives a good possibility to observe the city.

Belgorod Scientific Library situated next to the Amusement Park houses a large number of books, newspapers, magazines and journals and holds exhibitions throughout the year.

Museums, art galleries, cinemas, hotels, cafes, bars, community centers have much to offer to residents and visitors.

Moreover Belgorod is famous for its industry. There are many factories and plants in it. They are: The Power Engineering Plant, a sugar refinery, a cannery, a creamery, a brickfield and many others.

In Belgorod you can see many students. They study at Belgorod State University, at the Technological University, at the University of Cooperative Trade, at the Agricultural Academy and at the Departments of Moscow Universities. A new complex of Belgorod State University pleasing the eye is a part of architectural heritage of the city. It is the most impressive building of modern design with a charming fountain in front of it.

Besides in Belgorod there is a great number of colleges and schools.

Citizens of Belgorod are proud of its historical and architectural magnificence.

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