Donetsk is located in the east of Ukraine, and is capital of the Donbass region. It is renowned as being a centre for industry, and is famous for its many coal mines. Indeed, it was founded by a Welshman, John Hughes, in 1869, who set up several mines in the region. Originally named Yuzovka in his honour, it was renamed Stalino during Soviet times until Nikita Krushchev ordered all cities named after Joseph Stalin to be renamed in 1961.
Main Tourist Sights
The main sight in Donetsk is the Cathedral, or Cathedral of the Transfiguration of Jesus to give it is full title. Originally built in the late 1800s it was destroyed by the Soviets during the 1930s, and rebuilt from scratch, with construction only finishing a few years ago.
Other Things to Do
According to the University of Donetsk web page, there are, among other things, 3 theatres, 20 cinemas, a regional museum of fine arts, 140 museums and museum rooms and a planetarium in the city.
Getting Around By Public Transport
The city has 12 tram lines and 17 trolley bus lines, as well as numerous bus services. The trams and trolley buses, though, are rather slow and cumbersome.
The metro system in the city is currently under construction and not due to be completed for several years, with the first stage opening in 2012.
Getting Around By Car
The official speed limit in the Ukraine is 60 km/h in the cities, 90 km/h on secondary roads and 130 km/h on the highways. Be warned there is a zero tolerance drink driving policy applied in Ukraine.
Getting Around By Taxi
Taxis are available to be hailed in the street in Donetsk, but it is advisable that you arrange the fare in advance. Haggling can be useful here, as often taxi drivers will inflate the prices quoted for westerners, so it’s best to ask for a price beforehand rather than negotiate at the destination especially if you are travelling any real distance.
If you’re just hopping around the city centre, however, taxis work out pretty cheaply, and it should cost no more than a couple of pounds.
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