(Source: http://votkinsk.mirtesen.ru)

History

In 1757, in the place where modern Votkinsk is now, a workers’ settlement was established for those who were employed for the construction of Votkinsk ironworks. Earl Shuvalov supervised the construction site. The official date of foundation of the city is considered to be 1759, when the factory started operating. Votkinsk received the city status in 1935.

In Votkinsk for more than seventy years, ships were built that were walking along the Baltic, White, Black, Caspian and Aral seas, as well as along the Kama, Volga, Dnieper, Neva, Ladoga, the rivers of Siberia and of the Far East. Their production began when lieutenant colonel Chaykovskiy was a new mining chief of the Kama-Votkinsk District, the father of the future composer. Until now, the coast of Tobol, Irtysh, Ob, Amur River, Ishim River and many other rivers connect the bridges erected by citizens of Votkinsk in the XIX century.

The hydro-electric station is 30 km from Votkinsk on the Kama that is one of the main suppliers of electricity in the Urals. The anchor with a laurel wreath instead of a ring is painted in the center of city arms. And thanks to anchor production the city became famous all over Russia. The rope placed over the anchor, was put on the coat of arms as a memory of the anchor that was forged with the participation of the future Emperor Alexander II. Clarion was painted here that reminds of the birth of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky in the town, and the tip of the spear, symbolizing the production of missiles.

Votkinsk is a birthplace of the famous composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. The farmstead of his childhood, which is now a museum, receives more than a hundred thousand tourists annually.

Events & Festivals

Every year, in late April - early May the birthplace of the great composer becomes the central venue for conducting the Music Festival Tchaikovsky for more than 50 consecutive years. In its framework the concert-goers can enjoy the works of the outstanding Russian composer, which are played by famous musical groups. The closing ceremony of the festival is traditionally held on the birthday of Tchaikovsky (May 7) in his house-museum.

Moreover, in Votkinsk they celebrate another memorable date related to Tchaikovsky - Remembrance Day of Composer (November 6-7). Excursions to historical sites and temples of the city are arranged with the support of the House-Museum of Tchaikovsky. Besides, during this day a memorial service in the Cathedral of the Annunciation is held.

The festival "City of Masters" is held during the City Day, which is celebrated on the last Saturday of August. Within its framework interactive areas are open for children and adults.

Celebrities

In Votkinsk  Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky was born and spent the first years of his life. As the composer himself confessed, the nature of the native land left its mark in his soul forever, and childhood experiences obtained in Votkinsk remained one of the most striking impression for him. It is believed that the scene of the famous ballet "Swan Lake" by Tchaikovsky was written off from the Votkinsk pond.