Yekaterinburg: A city forged in steel and culture

Nestled in the heart of the Ural Mountains, Yekaterinburg is the capital of Russia's Sverdlovsk Oblast – a city where Europe meets Asia. Positioned along the natural boundary of the Eurasian continent, its unique geography lends it both strategic importance and symbolic appeal. Founded in 1723 and named after Catherine I, the wife of Peter the Great, Yekaterinburg boasts a rich tapestry of history and culture.

As one of Russia's major industrial powerhouses, the city is especially known for its metallurgy and heavy industry. The region is rich in natural resources such as gold, gemstones, iron, copper, magnesite and nickel, making it a leading center for mining and metal processing. Yekaterinburg lies at the heart of Russia's largest metallurgical base.

With a population of around 1.5 million, it is Russia's fourth-largest city and a key transport hub, located 1,667 kilometers from Moscow. The city is home to Koltsovo International Airport and sits on the vital Trans-Siberian Railway. It also has four federal highways and seven major rail lines, making it the third-largest logistics hub in the country.

Yekaterinburg offers a perfect blend of modern urban life and deep cultural roots. Museums, theaters and art galleries – such as the Yekaterinburg State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre – make it a paradise for culture lovers.

(Photos via VCG)