Novosibirsk

 Novosibirsk is the largest industrial, scientific, cultural and administrative center of Siberia. The city was founded in 1893, and at first it functioned just as the settlement for the workers who built the bridge over the Ob River. Novosibirsk was supposed to be a local trade center, but since the October Revolution it became the city of not only industrial, but also cultural and scientific importance. Gradually it was turned into the forth largest city of Russia. The architectural look of Novosibirsk is represented by the grandeur building of the Central Railway Station, the Opera Theater, and the central square ensemble. There are more than 2 thousands of historical and architectural monuments on the territory of Novosibirsk.

 Quick facts about Novosibirsk

	Area:		477 sq km
	Location:		The city lies on the both banks of the Ob River, in the middle of Russia.
	Geographic coordinates:		55 04 N, 82 55 E
	Population:		approx 1,406,600 (2005 est.)
	Foundation:		1893
	Climate:		The climate is sharply continental. The average temperature in winter is -19 C, in summer + 21 C.
	UTC/GMT Offset:		UTC/GMT + 6 hours
	Area code:		3832
	Major attractions:		Voznesensky Cathedral, Chapel of St Nikolai, Catholic Cathedral, Museum of Regional Studies.