Zmeinogorsk, the administrative center of the Zmeinogorsk district of the Altai Territory, was founded in 1736 as a mine and a fortress. In 1952 Zmeinogorsk was given the status of a city of regional subordination. Today it is one of the unique historical centers of Siberia, organically combining the unique beauty of landscapes, hydraulic engineering and mining facilities of the 18-19th centuries and a developed urban infrastructure.

Zmeinogorsk is a symbol of Russia's ore wealth and outstanding technical achievements in the field of mining and metallurgy. This city is the main supplier of gold and silver to Russia for over 100 years, in the 18th century it was the richest Russian silver mine and one of the largest metallurgical centers in the world.

Photo: Alexey Zyryanov