Description

City of Military Glory is an honorary title bestowed upon the citizenry of Russian cities, where defenders had displayed courage, steadfastness, and mass heroism in the fight for their Fatherland’s freedom and independence during the Second World War.

In the early 16th century, the settlement of Orel became part of the Moscow principality. In 1566, in accordance with Ivan the Terrible’s order, a fortress was founded here to protect the southern borders of the state. This year is considered the founding year of Orel.

Since the mid-17th century, Orel was the center of bread- and hempen-making industries. In 1708, the town was part of the Kiev gubernia (province). In 1778, the Orel guberniya (province) was established and the town became its administrative center.

During World War II, Orel was occupied by the Wehrmacht on October 3, 1941, and liberated on August 5, 1943, after the Battle of Kursk. The city was almost completely destroyed.