Towns
Saint Petersburg
Saint Petersburg is a world-class destination and
Russia's second largest city, with a population of more than 5
million perched at the eastern tip of of the Baltic Sea and the Neva
River.
The city was formerly known as Petrograd , and
later Leningrad.
This is one of the most breathtakingly beautiful
places on earth, and virtually any building in the
l
arge
historic center, threaded with canals dotted with baroque bridges,
can be considered an attraction—and indeed, it is a UNESCO World
Heritage site. This is a magical city, with a long list of major
attractions. Its Hermitage Museum, housed in the Winter Palace of the
Romanov Dynasty, is both one of the world's greatest and oldest
collections of art, treasure, and antiquities, and one of its most
beautiful buildings.
Founded by Peter the Great in 1703, in the
territory of Inkeri town of Nien which was a capital of Finno-Ugric
province Ingermanland which was part of Novgorod Republic, and
Sweden. The first settlements in this region date from 2500 years
ago. Archaeologists found old graves full of izhora silver treasures,
also korela-inkeri epos of Kalevala halfly was written near Sester
river, modern Sestroretsk. In this time the lifestyle of aborigines
was very different it was forest people which lived in tunnels
underground, famous for hunting, mushroom medicine, and making steel.
It was place of joining three finno ugric subethnosos suomi Inkeri
and Karela, St Petersburg the former home of the tsars and the center
of imperial Russian culture, Saint Petersburg was known as "The
Venice of the North" in its heyday. Re-christened Petrograd
during the first World War, the city was renamed Leningrad in 1924 in
honor of communist revolutionary and founder of the Soviet Union,
Vladmir I. Lenin. Bombed, besieged and starved during World War II,
the city took a back seat to Moscow during the Soviet-era.
Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, the city
has rapidly been making up for lost time and is by far the most
cosmopolitan and Western of Russia's cities. With world-class
architecture, astonishing views and friendly people, there's lots to
do here.
There are some whole countries who probably can't
boast as many great sights as this one city. From the priceless
treasures of the world-famous Hermitage to the palaces and art of the
Russian Museum there's a heck of a lot of culture to be
enjoyed.
Then there's the historical angle - Catherine the
Great, Peter the Greatand the last Russian Tsars all left their mark
on this great city, as did Russia's great writers such as Dostoevsky
and Pushkin. Many visitors also associate the city with the communist
era and memories of old Leningrad, and especially the terrible siege
of World War II, still linger on in the city's many monuments and
parks.
Finally if you are here simply to enjoy yourself
and have fun - you are in the right place! St. Petersburg's nightlife
scene is legendary and the locals are famous for being much more
relaxed that in the Russian capital Moscow. Every season has its own
special celebrations and fine dining, world-class ballet and opera
and cafe culture are all part of the Petersburg way of life.
Vladimir
Vladimir bears the name of its founder, Prince Vladimir Monomach. In 1108, on the high bank of the Klyazma River, a fortress was built, which soon grew into a town. It rapidly expanded and became the capital of North-Eastern Russia in the 12th century. Its unique architectural masterpieces together with its cultural and artistic monuments tell of the profound spiritual life of the Russian people, the artistry of Russian builders, painters and craftsmen. The main entrance to the city is guarded by the Golden Gate
Suzdal
This calm Russian town, first mentioned in chronicles in the 11th century, is considered to be one of the best preserved Russian towns. No other town possesses as many splendid specimens of Russian architecture of different epochs whilst retaining its original character and appearance. The hilly green town is very seductive, walking around is a pleasure, the monasteries and old beautiful churches offer dream views.
Kostroma
A very inviting town, located on the Volga river. Kostroma played a particular role in Russian history as the birthplace of the Romanov Dynasty. In 1613, the boyars gathering at the Ipatiev Monastery blessed the young Mikhail Romanov to become the Tzar of Russia. It is also famous for its Fire-Watch Tower (the symbol of the town) and ancient churches like the Church of the Resurrection with the 16th century iconostasis.
Yaroslavl
Yaroslavl got its name from Yaroslav Mudry, who founded the town at the beginning of the 11th century, where the Volga river meets the Kotorosl. Many poets have written about Yaroslavl and the city's inimitable architecture, the heroic past of the city and its famous craftsmen and stone-masons, potters and blacksmiths, painters and sculptors. Located in the city are numerous churches with striking and original beauty. The entire panorama of the Kotorosl embankment consists of a chain of magnificent, unique churches giving visitors plenty to explore.
Sergiev Posad
Sergeev Posad is the former religious capital of Russia and offers beautifully restored Monastery, as well as a taste of what smaller towns in Russia are like. Trinity Lavra is one of Russia's most important religious centers founded in the mid-14th century and in 1993 declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The picturesque ensemble of the monastery itself, comprising over 50 buildings and other structures, is a true gem of Russian architecture.
Kazan
Being the city of unique cultural heritage, Kazan is included in the World Heritage Cities List and has been awarded with a medal of the UNESCO. One of the main attractions is the Kazan Kremlin. Built by Ivan the Terrible on the ruins of the palace of the Kazan Khanate that he destroyed, this white fortress is a beautiful sight in any season.
Ekaterinburg
During the city tour you will see the major attractions of Ekaterinburg. On the Historical square there is the oldest architectural monument in Ekaterinburg today – the Dam, which was built in 1723. You will visit the ex-site of Ipatyev House (a place of Romanovs imprisonment and brutal murder) that was turned into Cathedral on the Blood.
Novosibirsk
Located in the heart of Eurasia Novosibirsk is a city of record holders. Take a picture of the world's longest metro bridge and stroll along the world's longest straight street (Red Avenue) and this stop on the Trans-Siberian railway has made the city's railway hub the largest in this vast country.
Irkutsk
The city lies on the banks of the Angara River, a tributary of the Yenisei River, 72 kilometers below its outflow from Lake Baikal. Irkutsk grew out of the winter quarters established (1652) by Yakov Pokhabov for gold-trading and for the collection of the fur tax from the Buryats. The first road connection between Moscow and Irkutsk – the Siberian Road – was built in 1760. Many new products, often imported from China, were widely available in Irkutsk for the first time, including gold, diamonds, furs, wood, silk and tea.
Lake Baikal
Lake Baikal is respectfully called be locals "Sacred Sea". It's a Lake of Superlatives – the deepest (1 637 m deep), the oldest (35-37 million years old). It's worth mentioning also that Baikal is the biggest fresh water reservoir on the Planet and contains 22% of the World's fresh water supplies.