One of the most important economic centers of the Southern Volga, Samara is a city that grew rapidly during the industrial revolution, earning it the nickname ‘Russia’s Chicago’.
During the Soviet years, Samara becoming a ‘closed city’ and foreigners were banned from entering it. It was also renamed Kuybyshev and during the years of Stalin’s rule a huge secret underground bunker was built here.
Nowadays, the city is open and is prospering due to the establishment of many foreign business headquarters and industries, while tourists are drawn to what is commonly agreed to be one of the most picturesque waterfronts on the Volga.
