Volgograd

Originally founded in 1589 as the fortress Tsaritsyn, Volgograd is better known by its pre-1960’s name of Stalingrad.  Stalingrad is synonymous with the bloodiest battle of the Second World War, which cost the lives of hundreds of thousands German troops and even more Russians.  A visit to Volgograd would not be complete without paying tribute to the dead at the Mamai Mound Memorial, the site of the fiercest conflict.  The area is covered with statues, the largest being a 72m high one of Mother Russia, memorials and ruined battlements.  In complete contrast a river trip down the mighty Volga makes for a relaxing break from the horrors of war.