About Nizhny Novgorod

Welcome to Nizhny Novgorod!

Nizhny Novgorod is one of the most ancient cities in Russia, the administrative center of the Volga Federal District, and the fifth most populous metropolis in the country. Nizhny Novgorod was founded in 1221 by Grand Prince Georgy Vsevolodovich of Vladimir. It is one of the few Russian cities founded by the saint.

From 1932 to 1999, the city was named Gorky in honor of Maxim Gorky, the world-famous writer, a classic of literature, a native of Nizhny Novgorod.

Nizhny Novgorod is located at the confluence of the two great rivers – the Volga and the Oka.

Some facts about NN

According to legend, one of the creators of the Nizhny Novgorod Kremlin was Leonardo da Vinci’s student. The documents confirm that an architect from Italy was invited to take part in the construction but his name is unknown.
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral sits on an oak raft, since it was actually impossible to build on the site: every spring it is flooded with water. The raft helps preserve the foundation.
Gorky Automobile Plant was built in cooperation with Ford Motor Company. The first cars at the enterprise were also made according to the drawings of the Americans with some modifications.
The oldest wooden house in Nizhny Novgorod has been preserved since late 19th century.
Nizhny Novgorod became the first city where sewers were built not only in Russia, but also in the whole of Europe.