Astrakhan online camera. Square at the monument to Ostrovsky
According to the rating, Astrakhan is one of the most beautiful cities in Russia. Many people know where Astrakhan is, but not everyone knows the other names of this city - Volga Venice, the Pearl of the Lower Volga, the Caspian capital.
Astrakhan is the administrative center of Astrakhan Oblast and is a border region. In the east it borders Kazakhstan, in the west with Kalmykia, in the south it is washed by the waters of the Caspian Sea, and in the north it neighbors Volgograd Oblast.
The city is located in the delta of the Volga River in its upper part, so Astrakhan spreads out on 11 islands.
Astrakhan has a climate with large temperature variations throughout the year. Because of the proximity of the desert, dry winds blow in the city in the summer. The city has the worst drought not only in Russia, but also in Europe.
Mention of Astrakhan (the city of Itil) is associated with the medieval state of Khazaria (650-969), of which the city was the capital. Prince Svyatoslav, who in 969 captured and destroyed the city of Itil (Astrakhan), contributed to the fall of the Khazar Khaganate.
In the 13th century, Astrakhan (Haji-Tarkhan) was reborn as the center of the Golden Horde. In 1556 Astrakhan surrendered to the Russians and swore allegiance to Tsar Ivan the Terrible. In 1717, by order of Peter I, Astrakhan province was created, and Astrakhan became the center.
The city finally acquired its borders in 1943. In the mid-20th century, the city was rebuilt, squares and squares were laid out, and the embankment was renewed.
