Our History - Our city

Sochi. A crossroad of cultures...

At the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Sochi has a rich and vibrant history dating back to the Byzantine Era, when the name Sochi was the first given to inhabitants of the Black Sea coast, and later adopted as the city's official name in 1896. The city, lying 1500 km east of Athens, Greece, the birth country of the Olympic Games, has welcomed visitors for thousands of years, from travelers and merchants on the famed Silk Road to Russian Czars.

Sochi has increasingly become a choice vacation spot due to the combination of its vibrant history and culture, extraordinary natural setting accented by its renowned mineral springs, and ideal climate. First becoming a resort destination in 1909, Sochi has remained a popular resort throughout Russia. Since the mid-20th century, the city has been the main destination of summer and recreation tourism in Russia.

Visitors are attracted by Sochi's unique climate and environment, which boasts numerous mineral springs. 300 spas stretch along Sochi's Mediterranean-style coastline, and are hidden in the surrounding mountains.

The alpine peaks, which frame Sochi, are home to Krasnaya Polyana, one of Russia's leading snow sport destinations. Situated 40km from the Black Sea coast, the ultimate snow and skiing conditions have pushed Sochi's development as an increasingly popular winter destination, as well.

The combinations of Sochi’s spectacular environment and location as a gateway to Eurasia as well as the people and visitors who enjoy the region’s unique ’beach-to-snow’ experience have contributed to Sochi’s rich history. The city’s most famous celebrities today include international tennis star Maria Sharapova, who lived and trained in the city and tennis Olympic Champion Evgeny Kafelnikov who was born in Sochi. In addition, President Putin has a second home here and has welcomed numerous Presidents and foreign dignitaries to Sochi.

Sochi is steeped in history. However, hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games would be one of the greatest historic milestones for the city, inspiring generations in Sochi and throughout Russia.

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