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Once a place of refuge for escaping feudal slaves, Rostov-on-Don (Rostov-na-Donu), in the lower Volga delta, has a long tradition of battling for freedom. The Don Cossacks (former serfs) fought to protect Russia's Southern border, and, in the 17th and 18th centuries, instigated uprisings that laid the foundation for later class struggles. Yet, Rostov-on-Don resisted the Communist Revolution, becoming one of the last cities absorbed into surge of the Red tide. The city of one million, situated on the Don River, has long thrived as a port for international trade vessels; even more so since the construction of the Volga-Don Canal transformed Rostov-on-Don into a five-sea port, with access to and from the Sea of Azov, and the Baltic, White, Black and Caspian seas. Tourism vessels such as Volga River cruise ships and hydrofoils also ply the busy waters. The region's rich soil has given birth to some of Russia's finest vineyards, especially those producing sparkling wines. Rostov-on-Don is also known for its manufacturers of everything from transport helicopters to footwear. The city has a rich scientific heritage -- among the men of science who have graced the city were Alexander Solzhenitsyn, who studied at the State University, and physiologist Ivan Pavlov, who performed many of his research experiments while a resident. Rostov-on-Don serves as a base for daytrips to area historical landmarks, including several important early Don Cossack forts and a number of impressive churches. The city itself offers little in the way of tourist attractions -- with the exception of the Museum of Local Studies and the Pushkin Fine Arts Museum -- though it does feature one of the region's most disturbing memorials: The Snake Ravine commemorates victims of the Second World War with a museum on Nazi atrocities.