Volgograd, Russia -- formerly known as Stalingrad -- is located on the west bank of the Volga River. Volgograd literally means Volga city, in Russian, and was aptly named in 1961. However, during the Soviet Era, Volgograd was known by the name Stalingrad and earned the title, the Hero City, in 1945, due to the defeat of the Germans in the infamous Battle of Stalingrad -- a turning point in World War II. This link to world history is the most fascinating reason to experience the city.