Rzhev facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rzhev (English)Ржев (Russian) |
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| - Town - Town of oblast significance |
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 Top:View of Rzhev Revolution Square and commercial area, Second:Alexander Nevsky Chapel, Rzhev Soviet (Russia) House, Third:Rzhev Herritage Post Office, Rzhev Libertors Obelisk, Bottom:Volzhskie Bridge and Volga River (all items from left to right) |
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| Administrative status (as of December 2012) | |
| Country | Russia |
| Federal subject | Tver Oblast |
| Administratively subordinated to | Rzhev Okrug |
| Municipal status (as of September 2006) | |
| Urban okrug | Rzhev Urban Okrug |
| Head of Administration | Alexander Shcheteshin |
| Statistics | |
| Population (2010 Census, preliminary) |
61,982 inhabitants |
| - Rank in 2010 | 257th |
| Time zone | MSK (UTC+04:00) |
| First mentioned | 1216 |
| Postal code(s) | 172380 |
| Dialing code(s) | +7 48232 |
| Official website: http://www.rzhevcity.ru/ | |
| Rzhev on WikiCommons | |
Rzhev (Russian: Ржев, IPA: [ˈrʐɛf]) is a historic town in Tver Oblast, Russia. It is located about 126 kilometers (78 miles) from Tver, on the main road and railway that connect Moscow and Riga. Rzhev is special because it is the highest town on the Volga River. In 2010, its population was around 61,982 people.
Contents
History of Rzhev
Rzhev was founded a very long time ago, in the Middle Ages. Some people say it was mentioned in laws as early as 1019. Others believe its first mention in a major history book was in 1216. Back then, it was owned by Mstislav the Bold, a prince from Toropets.
Early Conflicts and Rulers
In medieval times, Rzhev was a highly desired town. Three powerful groups often fought over it: the Novgorod Republic, the Principality of Smolensk, and the Grand Principality of Vladimir-Suzdal. After the Mongol invasion of Russia, Rzhev became the capital for a branch of the Smolensk royal family.
Later, the princes divided the town into two parts. These parts are still known as Prince-Dmitry's Side and Prince-Theodor's Side. In the mid-1300s, they had to defend Rzhev from attacks by Algirdas of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and the Grand Princes of Tver. Eventually, Rzhev was taken over by Tver, then by Poland-Lithuania, and finally by the Grand Duchy of Moscow.
Changes in Government and Growth
In 1708, Peter the Great made changes to how Russia was governed. Rzhev became part of the Ingermanlandia Governorate. Later, in 1775, it joined the Tver Viceroyalty, which became the Tver Governorate in 1796. During the 18th century, local business people, especially those of the Old Believer faith, helped the town become very successful.
In 1929, Rzhev became the center of the Rzhevsky District. It was first part of the Western Oblast and then, in 1935, it joined Kalinin Oblast. This area was later renamed Tver Oblast in 1990.
Rzhev During World War II
During World War II, German troops took control of Rzhev from October 14, 1941, to March 3, 1943. This was a very difficult time for the town. Many residents were forced to work in Germany, and thousands of others were harmed or lost their lives in a camp set up in the town center.
The area around Rzhev was the site of major battles between the Soviet and German armies. These battles are known as the Battles of Rzhev. They caused huge losses of life and almost completely destroyed the town. Because of these battles, very few old buildings from before the war survived.
To honor those who were lost, a special statue was revealed in Rzhev on June 30, 2020. Important leaders, including Vladimir Putin and Alexander Lukashenko, attended the event.
Economy and Transportation
Rzhev plays an important role in building things. The town produces many of the cranes used to construct apartment buildings and shopping malls in Moscow.
Getting Around Rzhev
Rzhev is a key point for travel. A railway connecting Moscow and Riga runs through the town. Another railway crosses it from north to south, linking Torzhok with Vyazma. There are also trains for passengers.
The M9 highway, which connects Moscow with Riga, also passes through Rzhev. Other roads link Rzhev to Tver (through Staritsa) and to Ostashkov. Buses also travel from Rzhev to nearby areas.
The Volga River flows through Rzhev and can be used by boats. However, there are no passenger boats on this part of the river.
Military History
The Battles of Rzhev were a series of major Soviet military operations during World War II. They took place between January 8, 1942, and March 31, 1943. These battles were extremely tough and resulted in many losses for the Soviet Army. Because of the high number of casualties, veterans and historians sometimes called the campaign the "Rzhev Meat Grinder."
During the Cold War, Rzhev was home to two important air bases: Rzhev and Bakhmutovo.
Culture and Recreation
Rzhev has many important cultural sites. There are 15 national heritage monuments and 72 local historical sites. These include the Church of John the Baptist, built in the 1800s, and memorials to soldiers and civilians who died in World War II. There are also several ancient archaeological sites.
The town has a local museum where you can learn more about Rzhev's history. In 2013, a museum dedicated to Joseph Stalin was opened in a building where he stayed for one night in 1943.
International Connections
Rzhev has connections with other cities around the world. These are called twin towns or sister cities.
Twin Towns and Sister Cities
Rzhev is twinned with:
Rzhev used to be twinned with:
Legionowo, Poland (this connection ended in 2022)
See also
In Spanish: Rzhev para niños
