Where I live

The city of Nizhny Novgorod is my native place. I mean to say that I was born in it and have been living here ever since my birthday.

This large city is known as an important industrial, commercial and cultural center as well. It is one of the largest cities in Russia because its population counts about two million people. It is situated at the confluence of two great Russian rivers – the Volga and the Oka. The city is administratively divided into 9 districts, but traditionally and geographically it is divided into two major parts – the Upper part and the Lower part. Nizhny Novgorod has a rich historical past. It was founded by the Russian prince Yuri Vsevolodovich in the year of 1221. At first the territory of the settlement occupied a tiny spot on the high bank of the Volga river, it was a fortress – the Kremlin – made of wood. Later the town grew and became rich and commercially important. Once before the Great October Socialist revolution the city was called “The Pocket of Russia” because Nizhegorodskaya Jarmarka seemed to be very important for developing trade connections not only within the boundaries of Russia but with many foreign countries as well.

The glory to our Motherland as well as to Nizhny Novgorod was brought by many outstanding and famous people who were born or lived here. Among them one can find the names of Russian writers, composers, artists , politicians, such as Balakirev, Shalyapin, Korolenko, Gorky, Makovsky, Sakharov, Minin , Pozharsky, Tchkalov and many others.

The best way to see the sights of the city is to go to Minin Square which is situated in the centre of the city. In the middle of the square there is a monument to Kozma Minin, our national hero. The Kremlin – an ancient Russian fortress which is used as a museum now – is located near Minin Square. Inside the Kremlin you can admire a fine example of Russian architecture – Archangelsky Cathedral. Minin is buried in it.

Bolshaya Pokrovskaya is the business heart of the city and the finest street. The main banks, shops and offices as well as theatres are concentrated on it. This street is very beautiful so one can wonder old and magnificent buildings here.

Our city is considered to be a great educational, scientific centre and has a highly developed industry. It is well- known all over the country for its Automobile Plant that produces cars and trucks and for the Sormovo Plant which produces river and sea boats.

My native city is a nice place. There are a lot of magnificent buildings, historical monuments, wonderful parks, squares and gardens in it. It has quite a number of churches and cathedrals, many of which have been restored lately. The guests of our city enjoy walking along the Volga Embankment from which they can get a beautiful view over the Volga, the river port and of many sights as well.

Topical Vocabulary

• native place - родной город ( село)

• population - население

• to be situated - быть расположенным

• at the confluence - на слиянии

• to be founded - быть основанным

• a settlement - поселение

• to occupy - занимать

• a fortress -крепость

• glory - слава

• embankment - набережная

• church - церковь

• cathedral - собор

• to go sightseeing - осматривать достопримечательности

• to wonder -любоваться