Ardatov, Nizhny Novgorod Oblast

Ardatov (Russian: Ардатов; Russian pronunciation: [ɐr'datəf]; before 1779 and between 1925 and 1959 Ardatovo, Russian: Ардатово) is an urban locality (a work settlement) in the Nizhny Novgorod Oblast, Russia. It is the administrative center of the Ardatov District. It is located 165 kilometres (103 mi) southwest of Nizhny Novgorod and 430 kilometers east of Moscow. The nearest railway station, Mukhtolovo, is about 28.5 kilometres (17.7 mi) to the north.

Ardatov stands on the site of a presumed Bulgar camp settlement that existed since the 13th century, and later a Golden Horde fortified settlement. After the territory was annexed to Russia in 1552, it became a yasak village (first mentioned in 1578). The population was initially mixed Russian-Mordovian, and by the end of the 17th to the beginning of the 18th century, it became completely Russian. From 1779 to 1923, it was a uyezd town, from 1925 it became a village, from 1929 it served as a district center, and since 1959 it has been a town. As of 2022, the population of Ardatov was 9,768 people.

Until the mid-20th century, agriculture formed the basis of the economy, and later there was a trend towards a greater role for industry. The town has 2 technical schools, 2 secondary schools, 4 kindergartens, a cultural center, 2 libraries, a local history museum, a children's art school, and a hospital, as well as a sport and recreation center. Since 1930, a district newspaper has been published.

Until the early 20th century, Ardatov had significant religious importance, housing the Pokrovsky Nunnery, 3 churches, and several chapels. All of them were closed during the Soviet era. Since 1990, the restoration of some churches and the construction of new ones began, and since 2012, the town has is of the Ardatov Deanery of the Vyksa Diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church. However, as of 2024, the territory of the former monastery is occupied by a women's correctional colony. Ardatov does not have significant tourist potential, but over 20 sites are regional architectural monuments, and its central part has been officially recognised as a protected area.