Bolshaya Sadovaya Street is rather far from the Don Embankment, but in the course of time it became the main and the most beautiful street in the city. In 19 century there were erected many beautiful buildings in all architectural styles in the street.
Bolshaya Sadovaya Street is worth walking on and looking at the architectural monuments of the city. Its most beautiful part stretches for 3 kilometers between Theatre Square and Gorky Park.
The famous (architecturally) Gorky Theatre is on Theatre Square. It was built in the shape of a tractor and was recognized as a bright example of Soviet constructivism. The large Great Patriotic War Memorial is also on Theatre Square.
First of May Park runs along Bolshaya Sadovaya Street from Theatre Square. There one can see the Redoubt of St. Alexander Nevsky – the remains of Rostov fortress. First of May Park fully preserved the layout of 19 century. Pokrovsky (Intercession) public garden and Musical theatre are after the park. Musical theatre is considered one of the oldest theaters in Rostov, but the building itself in the shape of an open piano was constructed only in 1999.
To the west of Pokrovsky public garden there are many 19 century houses of various architectural styles: rental houses, banks, universities, hotels, etc. Almost all of them survived to our days.
It will be very interesting to look at the Bank of Russia building with the sculptures of lions and the Rostov regional administration building with a big square in front of it. The local history museum is on 79, Bolshaya Sadovaya St. There one can see an interesting collection of gold artifacts found during the excavations at the Rostov region.
Of a special interest is the building of City Duma erected in 1899. It has a very beautiful decoration in the eclectic style and is one of the main city sights.
Gorky Park is one of the biggest parks in the center of the city. Many performances are held on the summer stage of the park. There are always a lot of people in the park. The beginning of the pedestrian Soborny (Cathedral) alley is opposite Gorky Park across Bolshaya Sadovaya Street. By this alley one can reach the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin.
