Discover Louisville, pronounced "Lou-a-Vull", the largest city in the state of Kentucky, situated on the banks of the Ohio River. More than 557,000 residents known as Louisvillians refer to their city as the Gateway to the South, Falls City, The Ville, River City and the Derby City. Medical research and service industries move the local economy forward and away from its historic dependence on heavy industries like automotive manufacturing and petrochemicals.
The Gateway to the South's citywide landscape blends old and new architecture. Within the heart of the city lies Old Louisville, home to two historic districts boasting the largest collection of Victorian Mansions in the nation and modern skyscrapers that easily rival some of the most recognizable cosmopolitan city skylines.
The Derby City earned the nickname due to the Louisville tradition known the world over as the Kentucky Derby, held at the Churchill Downs thoroughbred racetrack. The internationally famous race brings out one hundred and twenty-five thousand people each year to the watch the race and celebrates long standing traditions such as wearing hats for good luck, and sipping mint juleps made up of Kentucky bourbon, sweet syrup and fresh mint leaves.
World renowned events such as the Kentucky Derby only start the race to many winning attractions across the River City, from the Louisville Slugger Museum to the Muhammad Ali Center and award winning cultural venues like the Speed Art Museum, Louisville Ballet and the Kentucky Opera.
Welcome to Louisville, and remember it is pronounced LOU-a-Vull!
