Odintsovo

History

The village of Odintsovo was established in the late 14th century by a noble known as Andrey Odinets (whose real name Andrey Domotkanov). For the great service to Dmitry Donskoy Odinets was granted land to the southwest of Moscow. Town status was granted to Odintsovo in 1957.

Administrative and municipal status

Within the framework of administrative divisions, Odintsovo serves as the administrative center of Odintsovsky District. As an administrative division, it is, together with nineteen rural localities, incorporated within Odintsovsky District as the City of Odintsovo. As a municipal division, the City of Odintsovo is incorporated within Odintsovsky Municipal District as Odintsovo Urban Settlement.

Coat of arms

The coat of arms of Odintsovo shows a white deer, representing cleanliness and purity. The deer lies facing the west, although gazes to the east.

Sports

Odintsovo volleyball clubs Iskra (men) and Zarechie Odintsovo (women) were both champions of Russia in the past and are still performing successfully. Zarechie Odintsovo won in the final in April 2008 against Dinamo Moscow to become champions of Russia. Many male and female players in Russian national volleyball teams either grew up, or played/trained in Odintsovo.

"The Ice Palace", or the Odintsovo ice skating and hockey ring, was named to have "the best ice ever played on" by North American and former Soviet ice hockey veterans during the Stanley Cup visit in 2004.

Religion

Odintsovo is home to the Church of Grebnevskaya, Icon of the Mother of God, which was built in 1802.

Notable people

Twin towns and sister cities

Odintsovo is twinned with: