For decades Soviets and then Russians have been visiting subtropical Sochi for some summer sun on the Black Sea coast and for winter skiing holidays in the mountains of Krasnaya Polyana just outside Sochi. In recent years Sochi has also been gaining some fame abroad. It all started in 2014 when the Winter Olympics were held in the city, a somewhat strange choice considering that it is actually the warmest part of Russia. The games though were considered a great success and completely transformed the city through the construction of new transport infrastructure and world-class sporting venues and skiing facilities. At the same time, the classical Stalin-era architecture was preserved in the city, especially its large sanatoria for workers. Sochi’s international recognition grew further in 2018 when it hosted matches of the FIFA World Cup.