Volgograd is formerly known as Stalingrad. It was the site of one of the most important and bloodiest battles of World War II - Battle of Stalingrad (1942-1943). The battle is regarded as the single largest battle in the history of warfare with over a million military personnel on each side. The battle itself lasted only 5 months, 1 week and 3 days. However, the casualties (killed, wounded or captured) is estimated to be almost two million in total.  It is a must visit place for any World War II history buff.