As a result of colonization of Siberia, Chelyabinsk first appeared as a military fortress in 1736 on the southeastern tip of the Ural mountain range. It quickly grew, and in 1781 already had a status of the city.
In 1934 it became a regional capital with one of the nation's highest concentration of industrial enterprises and USSR/Russia's backbone for metal production.
Despite the industrial profile and often gray images with some areas still closed for foreigners, the 1.1 million city has a lot to offer. It is a home to 7 institutions of higher education, 14 music and art schools, five state and four municipal theaters, a philharmonic and organ halls, a municipal jazz center, several museums and art galleries.
Along with richest collection of minerals and geological wonders displayed in local museums, you will also be able to visit a birth place of cast iron art. Many items made by local craftsmen are among world class treasures.