The Origin of the Name of Barnaul
Barnaul, the fifth largest city in the Siberian region and the twentieth largest city in Russia, has a population of approximately 600,000 people. The city’s official founding year is considered to be 1730, coinciding with the time when the miner Akinfiy Demidov sent 200 peasants to the Altai region to establish factories. At that time, he began constructing silver and copper smelting plants, which became the main driving force behind the development of the settlement.
Urban Features
Barnaul is the largest city and the administrative center of the Altai region in Russia. It is located at the confluence of the Barnaulka and Ob Rivers in the West Siberian Plain, approximately two hours away from the city of Novosibirsk. According to the 2010 census, its population was 612,401, making it the twenty-first largest city in Russia and the fourth largest in the Siberian Federal District. Barnaul lies in southwestern Siberia on the left bank of the Ob River and serves as a key transportation, industrial, cultural, medical, and educational center for the Siberian region. The city was founded by the wealthy Demidov family, who aimed to develop copper and silver production; after the factories were taken over by the crown, the city continued to grow. Barnaul eventually became the main center for silver production in Russia.
Barnaul City Airport
Barnaul has one international airport called German Titov Stepnovich Airport, formerly known as Mikhaylovka Airport, which was established in 1967. It is located approximately 17 kilometers from the city center. Additionally, there is a small aviation airport in the resort town of Belokurikha.
Climate of Barnaul
Barnaul has a continental climate with a unique geographical location in the southwestern Siberian Plain, resulting in significant temperature variations throughout the year. The coldest month is January, with an average temperature of -15°C, while the warmest month is July, with an average temperature of 20°C.
Universities
One of the most well-known universities in the city is Altai Medical University, which has also become a popular destination for international students residing in Russia.