When was the settlement of Kirov first mentioned in writing?
The year 1374 marks the first written mention of a settlement called Vyatka on the banks of the Vyatka River. Archaeological evidence suggests the city emerged between the middle and end of the thirteenth century.
Why did the city of Kirov change its name from Vyatka to Kirov?
December 1934 brought a name change to Kirov after Soviet communist party functionary Sergey Kirov died on December 1st. He never visited the city despite the honor bestowed upon his memory.
What is the oldest surviving monument in the town of Kirov?
The Assumption Cathedral built in 1689 stands today as the oldest surviving monument in the town. The Holy Trinity Cathedral was destroyed in 1931 while the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral was blown up in 1937.
Which museums operate within the city limits of Kirov?
About thirty-eight different museums operate within the city limits including the Vasnetsov Art Museum founded in 1910 by local artists Viktor and Apollinary Vasnetsov. The Grin Library holds extensive collections of children's literature alongside other cultural institutions.
How many students attend universities in Kirov Oblast today?
Vyatka State University enrolled eighteen thousand students as of 2022. Thirteen state universities and eleven non-state institutions operate in the city educating tens of thousands of students today.