Donetsk

Donetsk

History

Donetsk was founded in 1689 by an English technician named J.J. Hughes. Mr. Hughes built the smithy that became the first production line of the future metallurgical plant. Donetsk was then known as Hughesovka (Yuzovka or Huzovka) until 1924. Afterwards the city was called Stalino until 1961. It was given the status of a city in 1917 and became the capital of the Donetsk region in 1932. During Nikita Khrushchev's second wave of destalinization in November 1961, all Soviet cities called after Stalin were renamed. Stalino was renamed to Donetsk after the Seversky Donets river, a tributary of the Don river. In 1965, the Donetsk Academy of Sciences was established as part of the Academy of Science of the Ukrainian SSR. In 1970, Donetsk was recognized by Unesco as the cleanest industrial town in the world. Donetsk was granted the Order of Lenin in 1979. The city is a major industrial, scientific and cultural center with a population of over 1.1 million inhabitants.

Architecture

19th century
Donetsk, at the time Yuzovka, was divided into two parts: north and south. In the southern part of Yuzovka were the factories, train depots, telegraph building, hospitals and city's schools. Not far from the factories was the English Colony where the engineers and the bosses lived. After the construction of J.J. Hughes' residence and various complexes for the foreign workers, the city's southern part was developed mainly in the English style. Buildings featured rectangle and triangle shaped facades, green rooftops, large windows and balconies. The streets were wide and had footpaths. The most influence on the architecture of Donetsk came from the official architect of  Novorossiya company - Moldingauyer. The preserved buildings of southern Yuzovka include the residence of J.J. Hughes, residence of Bolfur and residence of Bosse.

The northern part of Yuzovka, called Novyi Svet (New World), was mainly inhabitated by traders, craftsmen and bureaucrats. Here were located the indoor market, the police headquarters and the Cathedral of the Transfiguration of Jesus. The main street of Novyi Svet and the neighboring lanes were mainly made up of low residential buildings, markets, restaurants, hotels, offices and banks. The most famous preserved building in this area was the Hotel Great Britain.

20th century
The first general plan of Stalino was made in 1932 in Odessa by architect Golovchenko. In 1937 the project was partially reworked. These projects were the first in the city's construction bureau's history. A major part of the developments in 20th century were designed by architect Vigdergauz who in 1978 was given the Government Award of the USSR for his contribution to the architecture of Donetsk.

Donetsk Forest Park

The park welcomes everyone who seeks fresh air, peace and a quiet place for relaxation. Though the park was opened quite recently (in 2004), it already won the regional quality-level contest "The Best 100 Products of Ukraine". The Forest Park management team successfully pursues the ultimate goal to provide top quality customer service. The Forest Park Recreation Complex is located in the Velikoanadolsky Forest Reserve. You are welcome to enjoy services offered by the Medical Center, Forest Park Hotel, restaurant, cafe bar, summer terrace, business center, sport center and an entertainment center. The sport center features facilities for various sports like biking, sailing, tennis, billiard and other entertainment.  

Where to stay Donbass Palace Hotel Artema 80 $ 260 - 2500 per night Victoria Hotel Avenue Mira 14a $ 127 - 611 per night Prague Hotel Dubrava 101/103 +380 62 381 1166 +380 62 381 1177 info@prague.donetsk.ua $ 136 - 283 per night Central Hotel Artema 87 +380 62 332 3016 +380 62 332 2988 reception@hotelcentral.com.ua $ 75 - 255 per night

Rialto Hotel Tkachenko 145 $ 111 - 230 per night Legion Hotel Ovnatanyan 16a +380 62 385 9565 +380 62 385 8856 zakaz@hotel-legion.com $ 102 - 153 per night Hotel John Hughes Cheljuskinzev 157 +380 62 381 0848 Atlas hotel Artema 13b/Shevchenko Boulevard 20 +380 62 381 7979 info@atlashotel.com.ua