Alchevsk city, Ukraine

The city of Lugansk oblast.

Alchevsk - Overview

Alchevsk (former Voroshilovsk, Kommunarsk) is a city located in Luhansk Oblast of Ukraine, one of the largest industrial centers of Donbas. It is located about 45 km from Luhansk.

Since 2014, Alchevsk is controlled by the self-proclaimed Lugansk People’s Republic.

The population of Alchevsk is about 106,000 (2021).

Alchevsk city flag

Alchevsk city flag

Alchevsk city coat of arms

Alchevsk city coat of arms

Alchevsk city map location


The Lugansk People’s Republic

In 2014, during the protests that took place in the Lugansk region, governmental buildings were seized and the Lugansk People’s Republic was proclaimed. May 11, 2014, the referendum about the republic’s independence was held. Its legitimacy was not recognized by Ukraine, the EU and US consider it illegal.

The territory of the Lugansk region became a place of armed conflict between the armed forces of Ukraine and the people protecting the self-proclaimed republic.

Today, the conflict is not resolved and the future of this region remains unclear. It is not recommended to visit this area because it is very unsafe, especially for foreigners.

Citizens of Ukraine who remain in this territory have to leave the conflict zone to obtain official documents. To leave/enter the conflict zone, a special pass is required, it is issued free of charge online.

History of Alchevsk

Alchevsk was named after its founder - Alexey Kirillovich Alchevsky, the famous Ukrainian manufacturer, businessman, banker, and patron of art.

It was founded as a settlement for workers in the mid 1890s in connection with the construction of a metallurgic plant close to Yuryevka station (Kommunarsk station now) of the Yekaterininskaya Railway.

Donetsk-Yuryevsky Plant (Alchevsk group of metallurgical plants now) was founded by Alexey Alchevsky. At that time, the plant founded by him was the only metallurgical plant in the territory of today’s Ukraine.

During the economic crisis of the early 20th century, A.K. Alchevsky was unable to compete with foreign companies operating in Donbass. After Tsar’s government refused to grant him a loan, he committed suicide by throwing himself under the train at Tsarskoselsky railway station in St. Petersburg. It was May 7, 1901. After his death, the plant shares fell and passed to French-Belgian companies.

More Historical Facts…

Upon the request made by the Russian industrialists, the station of Yuryevka was renamed into Alchevskoye in 1903. The same name was given to the settlement for workers, which gradually turned into a town.

In 1932, the name and the status of the town changed again - it was named Voroshilovsk, after the Soviet statesman K.Ye. Voroshilov, who started his career and revolutionary activities in this town. Further on, from 1957 to 1961, the city was renamed several times Voroshilovsk-Alchevsk. From 1961 to 1991, the town was called Kommunarsk.

After the proclamation of Ukrainian independence, during the referendum held on December 1, 1991, the local population voted to return the old historical name - Alchevsk.

Alchevsk streets

In the center of Alchevsk

In the center of Alchevsk

Author: Michele Reznikov

Alchevsk is a green city

Alchevsk is a green city

Author: Radislav Goryanoy

Lenin Square in Alchevsk

Lenin Square in Alchevsk

Author: Schabelsky Sergey


Alchevsk transport

You can move around Alchevsk by trolley-buses, buses, minibuses, and taxi.

Historically, trolleybuses take the central place in passenger traffic of the city. In the late 1990s, private buses and minibuses began to operate too. The routes of buses and minibuses almost completely copy the routes of trolleybuses. Sometimes, there are some minor additions and variations.

Alchevsk was the first city in the Lugansk region with trolleybuses (1954). And to this day, the local trolleybus network remains one of the best in the region and Ukraine.

Alchevsk bus station is located in the Central Market area. There are regular buses to Donetsk, Lugansk, Horlivka, Stakhanov (Kadiivka), Krasnodon (Sorokyne), Bryanka.

Alchevsk sights

Alchevsk is located in an area with a temperate climate, the city is rich in greenery, plants, flowers. In these climatic conditions, a lot of varieties of such trees as oak, chestnut, maple, poplar and aspen are growing well. The city has a special gardening service.

The club attraction is the cultural and entertainment center “PartyZone”. The city has two stadiums, movie theaters, libraries, museums, cultural centers, and other entertainment complexes.

The pride of the city is the Palace of Culture of Metallurgists hosting various cultural events that take place during the holidays. Such folk art groups as “Metallurg”, “Impulse”, “South metallurgist”, “Circus Group”, “Chorus of the folk song”, “Vocal Group”, “Ensemble of Folk Instruments” perform there.

Museums

Local History Museum. The museum was established on a voluntary basis in 1970. In 1982, it became a department of the Lugansk Regional Museum of Local History. The exposition is located in several halls. The museum has about 7,000 exhibits.

Museum of the Metallurgical Plant History. The museum of the history of the Alchevsk Iron and Steel Works was opened in 1966. It has a number of documents, photographs and other exhibits about different periods in the history of the plant. In 1973, the museum was awarded the title of a national museum.

Churches

  • Protection of the Mother of God Church,
  • George the Conqueror Church built in honor of the 2000th anniversary of the birth of Christ and the 55th anniversary of the victory over the Nazi Germany,
  • St. Nicholas Cathedral. In 2008, the cathedral celebrated its bicentennial anniversary.

Other places of interest

  • Lenin Square,
  • Color-light fountain near the Palace of Culture of Chemists,
  • The 30th Anniversary of Victory Square,
  • Monument at Victory Square. Self-propelled gun SU-100 (local people also call it “The Tank”),
  • Stella (“Spire”) installed in honor of the 20th anniversary of Victory (near the Palace of Culture of Chemists),
  • Soviet Square,
  • Limansky ponds,
  • To the east of the city, in Perevalsk District, Isakovsky Reservoir is located.

Alchevsk city, Ukraine photos

Alchevsk places

In a typical residential area of Alchevsk

In a typical residential area of Alchevsk

Author: Andrey Lyovkin

Alchevsk Railway Station

Alchevsk Railway Station

Author: Radislav Goryanoy

Palace of Culture in Alchevsk

Palace of Culture in Alchevsk

Author: Radislav Goryanoy


Alchevsk attractions

Institute of Mining and Smelting in Alchevsk

Institute of Mining and Smelting in Alchevsk

Author: Dmitry Soroka

George the Conqueror Church in Alchevsk

George the Conqueror Church in Alchevsk

Author: Michele Reznikov

St. Nicholas Cathedral in Alchevsk

St. Nicholas Cathedral in Alchevsk

Author: Radislav Goryanoy


The questions of our visitors

CW asks: Hello! I have also been speaking with a woman from, Alchevsk Ukraine like others here. I have requested Skype from her but all she can do is send me a video message from her smartphone because she says the internet is not working in her area because her town is in the center of the war with Russia and internet video doesn't work. She has done everything I have asked of her in the cellphone video such as saying my name the she says hello etc. We have been emailing for a few weeks now, but she has not asked me for money yet. And I stress "yet." What do you suggest I ask her next to confirm her identity before taking this any further and is her claim about Skype and internet capabilities legitimate? Thank you for your consideration. Respectfully, CW
Expert's answer:
It is true that Alchevsk is in the conflict zone however it is located relatively far from the border where the fighting is taking place. Separatist authorities themselves offer consultations via Skype, so the allegation that it is impossible to use it in Alchevsk looks dubious. You can also ask to send you a set of photos taken, for example, on Lenin Square in the center of Alchevsk to prove that this "person" actually lives in Alchevsk. Of course the best way is to offer to meet in Kyiv as travel restrictions have been lifted. A real person can do it without your help.
James asks: My fiance is from Alchevsk and is planning to fly back this week from Cyprus, to see her family. What is the safest and easiest way to go back. I was thinking from Russia, but she says from Kharkiv although she hasn't been home in 3 years.
Expert's answer:
If she doesn't want to violate Ukrainian laws, then it will be right to come to Alchevsk from Kharkiv and not across the border with Russia. There are several regular buses running from Kharkiv to Alchevsk and back. Also, to enter/leave the conflict zone a person should get a special pass issued online.
Gene asks: I've been emailing a girl in this town of Alchevsk. She says she loves in a pretty volatile area... She hasn't asked for any help yet but can you suggest any way I can actually find out if she is a real person or am I being "groomed" for sending money?
Expert's answer:
As of August 2018, Alchevsk is not under control of Ukrainian officials, so you can't go there. The first step is to offer this person to communicate via something like Skype with a webcam turned on. Internet is still available in this area so it should not be a problem. After several such talks you can offer to meet in such large cities as Kyiv or Kharkiv and it will be the final check. Locals can leave the conflict zone, passes are issued for free, there are regular buses available.

The comments of our visitors

Jon
Alchevsk
Hi! My fiance lives in Alchevsk. To the others who asked questions. I would definitely want to see the women on video. They have internet but many times there are problems. We get interrupted many times doing video. My fiance takes a bus from Alchevsk to Kharkov via Russia. It takes 17-20 hours that way as they have to wait at the crossing and be checked for hours. Never send money to someone you have not met. You have no idea how many other men they are talking to.

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