Lipetsk

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Coat of arms of Lipetsk

Lipetsk (Russian: Ли́пецк) is a city located in the Central Federal District of Russia. It is the administrative center of Lipetsk Oblast. It is located on the banks of the Voronezh River in the Don basin, 508 km southeast of Moscow, at 52°37′N 39°37′E. Population: 506,114 (2002 Census); 327,000 (1973); 289,000 (1970); 157,000 (1959); 67,000 (1939); 21,000 (1926).

Lipetsk was first mentioned in the 13th century chronicles. In 1284, the city was destroyed by the Mongols. In 1702, Peter the Great ordered construction of a cast iron factory in Lipetsk near the iron ore deposits for making artillery shells. In 1796, Lipetsk became one of the principal towns of the Tambov guberniya. In 1879, Lipetsk hosted a congress of members of Zemlya i volya.

The principal industries of Lipetsk include ferrous metallurgy, machinery, metalworking, machine tools, engines, chemicals, food, and clothing.

Lipetsk is one of the oldest mud bath and balneological resorts in Russia (first opened in 1805). Peat mud and chalybeate hydrocarbonate calcic springs are used to treat patients. Sulphate and chloride sodium water is used for therapeutic baths and drinking.

Lipetsk is the home of the Lipetsk Polytechnic University, Lipetsk Teacher's Training College, and some other colleges.

MiG-19 on the plinth in front of 4-th Center of Combat Application and Conversion of Frontline Aviation

Historical notes:
1918-1919 - Squadron of Ilya Muromets air ships
1923-1924 - High pilot school
1924-1929 - 1-st squadron named after V.I.Lenin
1925-1933 - German aviation school
1929-1933 - Special 38-th sqadron
…

4th Center of Combat Application and Conversion of Frontline Aviation named after V.P.Chkalov is situated in Lipetsk. The Lipetsk Air Center has long and glorious history. Its chief, colonel Kharchevski has become famous after trial air combats in the USA and being a personal pilot of President Putin.

[edit] Economy

The Neoclassical Nativity Cathedral (1804)

The former steel combinate has been privatized in 1992 and Novolipetsk Steel

(NLMK) with approximately 48,000 employees and an 64% export ratio (2005) is one of the largest employers in the region. Other industry are another metallurgical plant "Svobodny Sokol" ("Free Falcon"), a tractor factory LTZ, pipe factory, a factory for refrigerators and household appliances, an ice factory, lathe factory, chemical factories, etc. Industry is mainly located south of Voronezh River.