It has been over 300 years since Peter the Great decided to "open" Russia to the West. Since then, Russia has become much closer to western civilization, perhaps even a part of it. It has been enriched by western culture in many ways and yet has preserved its distinct Eurasian character. Russia has had a troubled history, but continues to stand proudly and boasts many splendors for foreign visitors to behold. Onion-shaped domes inherited from the Byzantine Empire, castles built to fend off the Mongol hordes, streets constructed by Soviet planners--every corner has a rich and fascinating history. Remember it then, Imagine it now.

Central Russia - Moscow / The Golden Ring / Volga River

Moscow is the cradle of Russian nation and is sometimes called "the heart of Russia." In 13th century, its dukes had unified Russian lands to fend of the Mongols and ever since, Moscow had occupied a prominent role in Russian politics, economics, culture and national identity. Moscow unique heritage, its immense size and wealth, its vibrant cultural life make it one of the world's capitals and one of the world's most exciting travel destinations.




Northern Russia - St. Petersburg / Kizhi Island

If Moscow is "Russia's heart," St. Petersburg is its soul. St. Petersburg is relatively young, it was established just 300 years ago. Rapid growth of Russian commerce necessitated access to seas, but powerful neighbors sought to prevent emergence of a new naval power. Russia's young tsar Peter the Great who aspired to transform Russia into a world-class European power waged the Seven Year War with Sweden in a result of which he gained a small swampy stretch of land in the Gulf of Finland. There, he laid the foundation for a city named after him and for his empire. Continue


Southern Russia - Sochi / Volgograd / Rostov-on-Don

Russia could be cold, but not always. You would be surprised to learn that Russian southern cities are located on the same latitude as Nice. The three largest southern cities of Russia are Sochi, Volgograd and Rostov-on-Don. Sochi, which is located on the banks of Black Sea next to gorgeous mountain slopes is famous for its summer resorts and for being selected as the site for 2014 Winter Olympics. Volgograd (former Stalingrad), located on the banks of Volga River, is famous for the Battle of Stalingrad - a turning point in the World War II. Rostov, also located on the banks of Volga, is famous for being the capital of Russian Cossacks. Continue


Eastern Russia - Siberia / Kamchatka

So remote and desolated (only one inhabitant per square mile), so beautiful and pristine, Siberia is one of the world's most untouched places. Siberia is huge - 2/3 of Russia's territory. In the east, on Kamchatka, you will find chains of volcanoes and geysers. In south, you will find Lake Baikal - world's largest. Siberia is roughly two times bigger than United States. Explore the unexplored, leave civilization behind to discover lands beyond the horizons. Continue

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Facts about Russia / Map of Russia / Russian history / Faces of Russia