Alexandria (Ukraine): location, history and sights of the city

There are at least six countries in the worldwhich have a city called Alexandria: Ukraine, Egypt, USA, Romania, United Kingdom and South Africa. But in this article we will talk about the Ukrainian Alexandria. Where is this city located? When was it founded? What sights can you see here? The answers to all these questions will be found below.

Alexandria (Ukraine): map and geographical location of the city

A city with the poetic name Alexandriastretched over an area of ​​more than 6 thousand hectares at the confluence of two steppe rivers - Ingulza and Berezovka. Geographical address of the city: Ukraine, Kirovograd region. Alexandria is located 70 kilometers from the regional center and 350 kilometers from the country's capital. The location of the locality on the map of Ukraine can be seen on the following map:

Through this steppe city is the international motorway "Makhachkala - Brest", as well as an important railway branch "Znamenka - Debaltsevo."

Alexandria (Ukraine) is located withinflat section of the Dnieper Upland, densely rugged valleys of several rivers, as well as beams and numerous ravines. In some places, Precambrian rocks of solid age (gneisses, quartzites and granites) come to the surface.

The climate of this territory is moderatecontinental, with hot dry summers and a fairly cold and little snowy winter. During the year, no more than 500 millimeters of precipitation falls in Alexandria. Such climatic conditions are very favorable for the cultivation of many crops: wheat, corn, beet. Natural (virgin steppe) vegetation within the city and in its environs practically does not occur. In Alexandria, there are two small forests, the main tree species in which are maple, oak, poplar, acacia and linden.

Alexandria (Ukraine): a brief history of the city

According to legend, the city was founded by the Cossack Us. The first mention of the settlement in this place (it was just the Usovka farm) is dated by historians in 1746. The historical center of the city is located at the confluence of the rivers Ingulets and Berezovka. Here, on the island of Zasnov, it is planned to create a landscape park with a monument to the founders of Alexandria. However, while the implementation of this project, the city does not have enough funds.

The advantageous geographical location of Alexandriacontributed to its transformation into an important transport and industrial center of the Russian Empire in the early twentieth century. At the same time, the first attempts to develop lavish brown coal deposits begin.

The city of Alexandria has its own flag andofficial coat of arms. The latter consists of three fields - gold, green and crimson. Two Cossack sabers are depicted on the shield. One of them is entwined with an oak branch, and the other with a laurel branch.

Economy of Alexandria

The economy of the city is based on a heavyindustry (in particular, mining and machine building). In the middle of the twentieth century, the rapid industrial development of Alexandria begins, which, first of all, is manifested in the intensive development of local brown coal deposits. Then in the city, seven coal mines were laid and 3 mines were built. In addition, there was a unique factory where ozokerite was produced.

In 2000, the number of workers in the concern"Alexandriaugol" began to decline rapidly. To date, we can state that the coal industry of the city is in a state of complete stagnation.

In Alexandria continue to functionseveral machine-building factories producing electrical machines, as well as equipment for the food industry and agriculture. Also in the city works a brewery - a branch of the well-known company "Obolon".

The city's attractions

The city of Alexandria is not very rich in historical and cultural monuments. However, there is something to see the tourists here.

In pre-Soviet times, Alexandria operatedfive beautiful Orthodox churches, however, all of them were destroyed in the years of struggle against "opium for the people." Nevertheless, up to now, about a hundred pre-revolutionary buildings have reached the architectural value. One of the most interesting in the city is the building of the fire station in 1897.

Several dozens are installed in the citymonuments and obelisks, among which is a monument to the Conquerors of Space in Shevchenko Park, as well as a sculptural composition dedicated to the outstanding teacher Vasily Sukhomlinsky.

In Alexandria is also worth visiting the so-called Museum of Peace, which is included in the list of the most interesting museum facilities in Europe.

Conclusion

Alexandria (Ukraine) is a small town inKirovograd region with 80 thousand people. It is located in the steppe zone, on the banks of a large river Ingulets. The city is known since 1746. In the second half of the 20th century, Alexandria was an important center of the brown coal industry of the Soviet Union. However, today this industry is going through not the best of times.