The most interesting sights of Russia. Sights of Russia What dos
Each country is famous for its capital. Looking at the map of Moscow, it becomes clear that it occupies an incredibly large area. A significant part of the city is occupied by shops, office enterprises and entertainment centers. Wandering around the city, you can enjoy the incredible beauty of the buildings. Anyone who finds themselves in the capital of Russia for the first time should definitely visit its attractions. In Moscow, you can study the history of the country by looking at ancient architecture, museums and ancient possessions of princes.
The city welcomes guests of any age and at any time of the year. Here you can visit the zoo, park and dolphinarium with your child. And creative people will find themselves at exhibitions and galleries. Many tourists come to Moscow to visit famous estates and parks.
In the summer, you should definitely book a boat trip on the Moscow River. From here it becomes possible to better see many of the sights of Moscow.
Moscow sights list
Many people ask where to buy tickets for such an excursion and how much they cost, so I’m adding a link to the site where you can find all this information -
The main attraction of Moscow is Red Square
Every tourist, being in the capital of Russia, will not be able to return home without visiting Red Square. This place is the real epicenter of the city. A lot of international events take place here.
Red Square On a magical night, this is where the President congratulates him on the New Year. Also, many veterans, military personnel and visitors come here every year to enjoy the solemn Victory Parade.
However, in addition to events on Red Square, there are several popular attractions. One of these masterpieces is the Spasskaya Tower. Even every schoolchild knows about the mausoleum, which is also located here.
Spasskaya Tower Alexander Garden
One of the most beautiful places in Moscow is the Alexander Garden.
Alexander Garden These fountains are located in the protected zone of the World Heritage Site - the Moscow Kremlin near Okhotny Ryad.
Fountains in the Alexander Garden 
Red Square is a national treasure and the pride of not only Muscovites, but also residents of all of Russia.
Like any attraction in Moscow, Red Square has its own history. From the date of its creation, from the end of the 15th century, it was famous as the most important square in Russia.
Red Square is located near the north-eastern wall of the Kremlin. And in the South there is one of the most beautiful churches, named in honor of St. Basil the Blessed. Once upon a time it had a different name - Intercession Cathedral. He will not leave anyone indifferent.
There are many significant places around Red Square. For example, in the northern part you can see the historical museum and the Cathedral of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God. There is also a monument to Minin and Pozharsky. Each place has its own history, which is passed on from one generation to another. You can read about it here.
Moscow Kremlin. View from Sofiyskaya embankment It is Red Square that is visited by the largest number of tourists every day. After all, visiting the sights of Moscow, you can learn about the history of all of Russia.
Of course, the center of Red Square is the Kremlin. It's hard not to notice him. The first walls were laid back in the 12th century. Historians claim that they were originally made of wood. Near it is the bell tower of Ivan the Great. Almost every person has heard about the Tsar Bell and the Tsar Cannon. These famous objects can also be seen here.
Red Square is truly a holy place. After all, the Assumption, Archangel and Annunciation Cathedrals, as well as the Church of the Deposition of the Robe, are located at a short distance from each other.
Armory, Borovitskaya and Vodovzvodnaya towers of the Kremlin Perhaps this is the only place in the country that can unite people of all generations, classes and nations. Residents of Russia treat these places with special pride. And a foreign tourist will definitely express his admiration.
Manezhnaya Square is located near the Kremlin and the Alexander Garden.
Tretyakov Gallery
Every resident of Russia, regardless of what city he lives in, has heard about the Tretyakov Gallery at least once in his life. It can be called one of the most visited places in Moscow. It is visited by a huge number of tourists every day.
Its history began back in 1889. The great artist P.M. Tretyakov collected his most picturesque paintings in one place. At first it was a small exhibition that the whole city came to see. Some paintings are especially popular now.
Today, the gallery contains about 150 paintings. You can also see sculpture and graphics here. Finding the Tretyakov Gallery is not difficult; it is located on Lavrushinsky Lane.
Address of the Tretyakov Gallery: Moscow, Lavrushinsky lane, 10
Directions: Metro “Tretyakovskaya” or “Polyanka”
Operating mode:
Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday - from 10.00 to 18.00
(box office and entrance to the exhibition until 17.00)
Thursday, Friday - from 10.00 to 21.00
(box office and entrance to the exhibition until 20.00)
day off - Monday
How to get to the Tretyakov Gallery by metro:
Metro "Tretyakovskaya", there is only one exit. Take the escalator to the top. Cross Bolshaya Ordynka Street and you will come across a fast food restaurant building. Turn left. Then turn right - you will find yourself in the Horde dead end. Follow it until the end, until the intersection with Lavrushensky Lane. There you will see the Tretyakov Gallery.
VDNKh - Exhibition of National Economic Achievements
Pavilion No. 1 Central 
The oceanarium at VDNKh in Moscow is the largest in Europe 
Moskvarium - center of oceanography and marine biology 
Ostankino Tower
International business center Moscow City 
There are many places for art lovers in Moscow. In the southern part of the city there is the Tsaritsino estate. This is an incredibly beautiful place.
Here you can stroll through the picturesque park, enjoy the paintings, architecture and nature reserve. Having visited this place at least once, it is impossible to forget its beauty.
Perhaps this is one of the biggest attractions in Moscow. Its area is about 550 hectares and it is under protection.
The Grand Palace is also a significant asset. In it you can learn about the life of the great Empress Catherine II. Various musical events are held on site. There is also a beautiful Musical Fountain here.
Address of the Tsaritsyno estate: st. Dolskaya 1., Tsaritsyno metro station
How to get to the Tsaritsyno Estate Museum by metro:
From the Tsaritsyno metro station (the first car from the center) walk right 10 meters and turn left into the tunnel. Walk along the tunnel for 20 meters and turn left along the stairs to the street. Go through the tunnel under the railway tracks (about 100 meters) and cross the pedestrian crossing. Behind it is the main entrance to the territory of the Tsaritsyno estate.
Another attraction of Moscow is the Novodevichy Convent
In the bend of the Moscow River is the Devichye Pole. The Novodevichy Convent is located on it. Once upon a time, the selection of girls for the Golden Horde took place here.
Previously, this attraction was called the Starodevichiy Monastery. Like all the sights of Moscow, the monastery is a frequently visited place among tourists.
There is a river nearby, so you can enjoy stunning views. Many people come here to relax and unwind. After all, it is recognized as the calmest point in the city.
Address: Moscow, Novodevichy pr., 1, “Sportivnaya” metro station
Opening hours: from 10:00 to 17:30 daily, except Tuesdays, day off. The first Monday of every month is sanitary day.
How to get to the Novodevichy Convent by metro:
Exit from the Sportivnaya metro station in the opposite direction from the exit to Luzhniki. That is, access to Usachev Street, 10th Anniversary of October. From the metro, if you stand with your back to it, walk to the right along 10 Anniversary of October Street for 5-10 minutes.
Church of the Life-Giving Trinity
Bell tower of the Donskoy Monastery 
Palace of Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich 
Small Cathedral of Our Lady of the Don 
Sights of Moscow - parks and reservoirs
The capital of Russia is famous not only for its special architecture, but also for its stunning landscapes. Many tourists fill their albums with picturesque photographs. The capital has many green areas, various reservoirs and parks.
On the benches you can meet older people who have decided to take a break from the city noise. In such quiet places there is only a friendly atmosphere. Here you can forget about all the worries, enjoy a relaxed atmosphere and merge with nature.
A little about Chistye Prudy...
The most talented people write songs, poems and stories about Chistye Prudy. And not in vain, because this is the brightest place in the capital. Here every corner is filled with a cozy and amazing atmosphere. It is absolutely impossible to meet a person who associates negative thoughts with Chistye Prudy.
It would seem that such a wonderful place has always been calm. But no! There was once a slaughterhouse here, and waste was thrown into a pond, which at that time was called Pogany. At the end of the 17th century, ownership was transferred to Menshikov. It was he who cleared and transformed the area into a picturesque view and built a beautiful church.
This place attracts people for walking, jogging and cycling. In winter you can go ice skating and in summer you can go boating.
Address: Moscow, Chistoprudny Boulevard, Chistye Prudy metro station, Turgenevskaya.
How to get to Chistye Prudy by metro:
Chistye Prudy is located next to the metro station of the same name. Coming out of the metro, you will see a monument to A.S. Griboedov, the park is located right behind him.
The beautiful Botanical Garden located in Moscow is a virtue not only of Russia, but of all of Europe. This is the largest green area. Plants from all over the world are collected here. Each guest can see something unusual for themselves.
There are many specialists working in the garden who create conditions favorable for the plant. Currently, there are more than 10 thousand different plants. Therefore, this place deserves special attention!
Address: Moscow, Botanicheskaya st., building 4, Vladykino metro station, VDNKh
How to get to the Botanical Garden by metro:
Art. m. "Vladykino" - 100 meters from the exit to the South Gate of the garden. Or Art. metro station "VDNKh", then by bus No. 803 or trolleybuses No. 9, 36, 73 to the stop "Hotel Ostankino".
Muzeon Park
Muzeon Park Gorky Park
Every person, even those who do not live in a metropolis, knows about Gorky Park. All parents want to bring their baby here to go on the rides.
Fans of water excursions can treat themselves to a trip on a catamaran. Nearby is the Neskuchny Garden, where an unusual silence reigns for a big city.
Gorky Park often hosts concerts, holidays, and discos, attracting a huge number of spectators.
Address: st. metro Park Kultury or metro station. Oktyabrskaya metro station, st. Krymsky Val, 9.
Opening hours: all days of the week, 24 hours a day. Entrance to the territory is free.
How to get to Gorky Park by metro:
The park is located near the Park Kultury metro station: after leaving the metro, cross the Moscow River along the Crimean Bridge, and it’s a 5-minute walk to the park.
Pedestrian street Arbat
The capital of Russia is capable of breaking the heart of any visitor at first sight. It is impossible to list all the beautiful places and attractions of Moscow. One of them is Arbat Street. This is perhaps the most famous place for walking in Moscow, where street performers show their talent, and artists are ready to paint a portrait of anyone.
Pedestrian street Arbat Arbat Street has quite ancient roots. Historians claim that Arbat was first mentioned in 1493. Previously, there were various trading shops here. Many talented poets held their performances here.
On Arbat, everyone will find something for themselves. Someone will make an unusual purchase, enjoy live music or take a unique photo.
Address : Moscow, st. Arbat, st. metro station Arbatskaya, Smolenskaya
How to get to Arbat by metro:
5-10 minutes walk from the Arbatskaya metro station on the Arbatsko-Pokrovskaya line. Watch the video.
Poklonnaya Gora
This Moscow landmark is historical in nature. At Poklonnaya Gora, people honor the memory of those who died during the war. It covers an area of more than 100 hectares. In 2010, the Eternal Flame was installed at Poklonnaya Hill. Tourists here visit the Church of St. George the Victorious, the Memory Monument, the Memorial Mosque and other historical sites.
Address: Moscow, Poklonnaya Gora, st. Brothers Fonchenko, 11
How to get to Poklonnaya Gora by metro:
For lovers of romantic walks, there is a unique chance to see the sights of Moscow while traveling on a boat along the Moscow River. This type of excursion is in great demand during the warm season.
A trip on a boat will give every person the most unforgettable experience. Isn't it a dream to enjoy the beauty of the city, the fresh breeze and the sound of the waves?
During the trip you can see architectural monuments, picturesque nature and magnificent embankments. Somewhere in the distance there will be a chance to see the grandeur of the Novospassky Monastery, the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, the Smolensk Metro Bridge, etc.
The ship begins to move from the Kremlin towards Sofievskaya Embankment. Some routes start from Kievsky Station to Kolomensky Park. Experienced guides will introduce travelers to the history of Moscow.
The main zoo in Russia has existed for many years. It was created back in the 18th century and has been very popular ever since. Today the zoo occupies a huge area and there are more than eight thousand animals of 1,100 species.
There are always a lot of tourists here, and of course, among them there are a large number of families with children. Seeing different animals is every child's dream. However, adults will also find a lot of interesting things here. A walk past cages with animals will bring a lot of joy, pleasure and positive emotions.
There is also a beautiful garden with a pond where you can feed the birds. A walk through the Moscow Zoo will definitely leave an unforgettable impression.
Address: Moscow, Bolshaya Gruzinskaya, 1 metro station “Krasnopresnenskaya” (Circle line) and “Barrikadnaya” (Tagansko-Krasnopresnenskaya line).
Monday is a sanitary day at the zoo.
Opening hours: 10.00 – 17.00 (Box offices open until 16.00)
How to get to the Moscow Zoo by metro:
After entering from the Krasnopresnenskaya metro station, you immediately need to go down into the underground passage and go first straight, and then to the right. When you exit, you will find yourself at the walls of the zoo, the main entrance is located a little to the right.
The city of Moscow is famous for its beauty. There are thousands of beautiful places in it. Guests of the country here will learn about the history of the entire country, thanks to the presence of a large number of attractions. Each street keeps its own history and its secrets, and many of them are named after great people.
View of the park and high-rise building on Kudrinskaya Square in the center of Moscow st. Barricade 
In the capital, newlyweds can stroll through picturesque and romantic places, enjoying their beauty, fashionistas can indulge in great shopping, and beauty connoisseurs can visit world-famous galleries.
Money Museum
The Money Museum is located in Moscow in the building of the Moscow River Shipping Company, near which there is free parking. The excursion can be booked and paid for on the museum’s special website.
At the entrance, a symbol of the Russian ruble is presented, decorated with different coins. The guide tells interesting facts from the history of money circulation.
On a separate display case there are copies of English money in the form of slats with notches, indicating the terminal. For many centuries this money was in use in England. English coins of the 19th century during the reign of Queen Victoria were also called bunch coins because of the image of the royal head on them.
In the 17th century, scale coins were common in Russia, so called because of their appearance resembling fish scales. At the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th centuries, Russian money had different nicknames depending on the denomination of the bill. For example, a banknote with the image of Alexander III was called Sashenka, with a portrait of Catherine II - Katenka, and with a portrait of Peter I - Petenka.
In Russia, before the start of the revolution, paper pennies were in use, reminiscent of candy wrappers and Kerensky rubles in honor of Kerensky. If before the revolution a double-headed eagle was depicted on banknotes, then since 1919 the image of a hammer and sickle appeared. A special stand presents pseudo-securities of financial pyramids of the nineties of the 20th century, which are reminiscent of those difficult times when people paid a lot of money for them, but in the end were deceived.
There is a separate place in the museum where, using a spinning wheel, you can view coins from different angles. There are also some coins with different scents on display, but they are located behind a display case and there is no opportunity to smell them. At certain stands you can see banknotes from Asian and African countries, as well as calendar coins and compass coins. At the end of the tour, an Olympiad is held for visitors, where they must answer some questions.
Video guide - the most beautiful places in Moscow
Sights of Moscow photo gallery
This week the results of the Russia 10 competition were summed up, the purpose of which is to select the main attractions of the country. New visual symbols of Russia, chosen by popular vote (in total, almost 225 million votes were taken into account), according to the organizers of the competition, are designed to promote the image of Russia as a unique country with a rich cultural and natural heritage.
We present to you the 10 winners of the competition, selected from more than 700 objects.
(Total 10 photos)
1. Lake Baikal (Photo: Gennady Losev)
Baikal is the largest reservoir of high-quality fresh water, the deepest and one of the oldest lakes on Earth. In 2008, Baikal was recognized as one of the Seven Wonders of Russia.
2. Rostov Kremlin (Photo: Valery Abramov)
The Kremlin was built in the 17th century as the Rostov Metropolitanate, that is, the residence of Metropolitan Jonah. Therefore, there is no reason to formally call it a Kremlin; the stone walls were of a rather decorative nature and were not supposed to serve for the defense of the city. In total, the Kremlin has eleven towers. Inside there are several cathedrals, among which the Assumption cathedral with its four-domed bell tower stands out. The Kremlin also became famous for the fact that it was here that episodes of Gaidai’s film “Ivan Vasilyevich Changes His Profession” were filmed.
3. Peterhof (Photo: Ilya Shtrom)
Peterhof is a kind of triumphal monument to the successful completion of Russia’s struggle for access to the Baltic Sea. The monument of world architecture and palace and park art includes a palace and park ensemble of the 18th-19th centuries, as well as the world's largest system of fountains and water cascades. The Peterhof Museum-Reserve unites 21 museums, including such unexpected ones as the Imperial Bicycles Museum, the Playing Cards Museum and the Collectors Museum.
4. Nizhny Novgorod Kremlin (Photo: Alexander Sinderev)
From the chronicles it is known that Nizhny Novgorod was founded in 1221 by the Grand Duke of Vladimir Yuri Vsevolodovich. The city's defensive fortifications - deep ditches and high ramparts - were originally built from wood and earth. The Nizhny Novgorod Kremlin became stone in 1515, when the need arose to strengthen the defense of the city - the main stronghold of the Moscow state against the Kazan Khanate. The new Kremlin was surrounded by a two-kilometer wall with 13 towers. In the 16th century, the fortress was repeatedly besieged by the enemy, but the enemy was never able to capture it.
5. Mamaev Kurgan and the sculpture “The Motherland Calls” (Photo: Anastasia Andreeva)
The memorial “Heroes of the Battle of Stalingrad” was opened on Mamayev Kurgan in Volgograd in 1967. From the Square of Sorrow, the ascent to the top of the mound begins to the base of the main monument - “The Motherland Calls”. Along the serpentine road, in the hill, the remains of the soldiers who defended Stalingrad were reburied. The statue, the work of sculptor Vuchetich and engineer Nikitin, is made of 5,500 tons of concrete and 2,400 tons of metal structures. The height of the monument is 86 meters, the height of the sculpture itself is 53 meters. Moreover, the thickness of the walls of the sculpture is no more than 30 centimeters. The sword in the hand of the Motherland weighs 14 tons and has a length of 33 meters. They say that a car can easily fit in the palm of the statue. In 2008, the statue of the Motherland on Mamayev Kurgan was also recognized as one of the Seven Wonders of Russia.
6. Pskov Kremlin – Krom (Photo: Valery Abramov)
Pskov Krom is the largest fortress in Europe. The length of its walls is 9 kilometers, the area is 3 hectares. Krom is located on a narrow cape at the confluence of the Pskov River and the Velikaya River. Now the Kremlin territory unites two different parts of the city: Detinets with the Trinity Cathedral, bell tower, veche square and Dovmontov city. The pride of Russian art of the 17th century is the seven-tiered iconostasis of the Trinity Cathedral. Particularly revered shrines of the temple include miraculous icons, an ark with the relics of Pskov saints and Holga’s cross. For many centuries, the threat of enemy attack constantly hung over the city, which forced the Pskovites to constantly improve their defensive structures. The Pskov Kremlin has withstood 26 sieges in its history. The fortress, which was in active military use for almost 1000 years, has reached us in almost its original form.
7. Mosque named after Akhmat Kadyrov “Heart of Chechnya” (Photo: Timur Agirov)
The “Heart of Chechnya” mosque in Grozny is considered one of the largest, most beautiful and majestic mosques in Europe and the world. It was opened on October 17, 2008 and named after Akhmat-Khadzhi Kadyrov, the first president of the Chechen Republic. The mosque is located on the picturesque bank of the Sunzha River, in the middle of a huge park with a cascade of colored fountains and night lighting. The external and internal walls of the mosque are decorated with marble, and the 36 chandeliers installed in the mosque, with their shapes, resemble the three main shrines of Islam: 27 chandeliers imitate the Kubbatu-as-Sahra mosque in Jerusalem, 8 are modeled after the Rovzatu-Nebevi mosque in Medina and the largest, eight-meter chandelier, repeats the shape of the Kaaba shrine in Mecca. The creation of a collection of exclusive chandeliers took several tons of bronze, about three kilograms of gold, and more than one million parts and Swarovski crystals.
8. Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius (Photo: Vera Ostroumova)
The Trinity Lavra of Sergius is located in the center of the city of Sergiev Posad, Moscow region, on the Konchura River. Founded in 1337 by St. Sergius of Radonezh. The earliest building of the monastery is considered to be the white stone Trinity Cathedral, erected in 1422 on the site of a wooden church and perpetuating the traditions of Moscow architecture of the 14th-15th centuries. This is a unique historical object, one of the few cathedrals where an iconostasis has been preserved, painted by the greatest icon painters - Andrei Rublev and Daniil Cherny. In the Trinity Cathedral lie the relics of St. Sergius of Radonezh, which hundreds of parishioners come to venerate every day. In 1744, the Trinity-Sergius Monastery was awarded the honorary title of Lavra. Today it is a functioning monastery, the spiritual center of Orthodox Russia. Since 1940, the Trinity-Sergius Lavra has been a state museum-reserve. Is under the protection of UNESCO.
This is a unique historical, cultural and natural complex, which is a particularly valuable object of cultural heritage of the peoples of Russia and a UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage Site. The basis of the museum collection is the ensemble of the Kizhi churchyard. It consists of two churches and a bell tower of the 18th-19th centuries, surrounded by a single fence - a reconstruction of traditional churchyard fences. The Church of the Transfiguration, rebuilt after a fire in 1714, was built from wood (including 22 domes and a cross), without nails, using an ax and a chisel. The long life of Kizhi churches is precisely explained by the fact that they were erected without the use of a saw - processing wood with an ax does not disturb its structure, so the churches are not destroyed. In 1966, on the basis of the architectural ensemble of the Kizhi Pogost, the Kizhi State Historical and Architectural Museum was founded, where, in addition to the buildings existing in their original locations, a large number of chapels, houses and outbuildings from Zaonezhye and other regions of Karelia were brought.
10. Kolomna Kremlin (Photo: Alexey Ustal)
The Kremlin in Kolomna is one of the most powerful fortresses of the Moscow state, built in 1525-1531 during the reign of Vasily III. The Kremlin is located at the confluence of the Moscow and Kolomenka rivers. Unfortunately, time has not been kind to the Kremlin - only a few towers and a couple of fragments of the fortress walls remain from the fortress. Despite this, the Kremlin still amazes us with its grandeur and power. The most interesting of the seven surviving towers is the Marinkina or Kolomenskaya Tower. There is a legend associated with this tower: the wife of False Dmitry, Marina Mnishek, was supposedly imprisoned here. Currently, a military-historical sports and cultural complex is located on the territory of the Kremlin. Knightly tournaments and games of knights, competitions of fighters, wrestlers and shooters, ancient rituals, folk festivals and fairs are held here.
The 30 finalists of the competition also included the Golden Abode of Buddha Shakyamuni Temple, Kungur Cave, Solovetsky Archipelago, Curonian Spit, Valley of Geysers, Cable-stayed bridges in Vladivostok and other attractions.
Even in a short time in Moscow, you can have time to appreciate the versatility of the capital’s attractions, and not just complete the minimum program and see postcard places. It is enough to plan the route in advance and decide on priorities: which objects need to be visited in any weather, and which ones to leave for next time.
What to see in Moscow in 1 day
Regardless of the starting point in the capital, the central destination for tourists remains the historical center - Red Square with the Kremlin. At the same time, a quick but thoughtful sightseeing of the square and the nearest architectural ensemble will require at least a couple of hours. In the allotted time, you can take a photo against the backdrop of the Spasskaya Tower and St. Basil's Cathedral, walk around the Kremlin, relax in the Alexander Garden overlooking the Manezh, admire churches and cathedrals, historical buildings with museums and, if you're lucky, even look into the Mausoleum. A visit to each of the major museums in the center of the capital requires at least two more hours.
What to see in Moscow in 2 days
Your vacation in Moscow on the second day should be supplemented with a visit to at least two museums from your personal “bucket list”, a contemplative walk through a park-reserve or the oldest botanical garden in the country.
It’s worth visiting Sparrow Hills not only for the observation deck overlooking the Luzhniki Stadium, skyscrapers and the Ostankino TV Tower. At the end of November 2018, the cable car opened and immediately became a new must-see attraction in Moscow.
When choosing an excursion and entertainment route for the second day for children, options are possible depending on the weather: for example, if the temperature is comfortable, you can devote the day to the zoo, in another case, go to Moskvarium, and then supplement the program with relaxation in one of the amusement parks in shopping centers or a water park.
What to see in Moscow in 3 days
A three-day stay in Moscow (as part of the first visit) already gives scope for searching for extraordinary attractions in addition to the basic routes. When choosing which interesting places to see in Moscow, it will be convenient to distribute them by location or type, and come up with themed days.
The classic first day is the center and two or three museums. The second day - relaxation in manor parks away from the noise of central streets, for example, in Kolomenskoye or Izmailovo (with a visit to the new tourist Kremlin), passing shopping and culinary tourism, observation deck in the evening. The third day is a visit to targeted places in the city: for some it is VDNKh or Moscow City, for others it is a classic production at the Bolshoi Theater or a new performance at RAMT, for others it is an extreme amusement park, a huge bookstore, a stylish nightclub, a recently opened exhibition space or a specific cultural event.
The list of places where tourists can go in Moscow is very wide and is not limited to the main attractions for beginners listed in the article. More objects can be found in the full list and search by category (in the blocks below, under the review).
Russia is an incredible country. This is not even a country, but a whole world, which has everything - from architectural masterpieces and a huge number of museums, to a wide variety of natural attractions - mountain lakes, geysers, glaciers and much more. It is incomprehensible how all this survived throughout the history of the largest country in the world, rich in wars and uprisings.
Russians are quite strange people - they are proud of their history, but at the same time they can write a three-letter word on a monument. They are delighted with the nature of their homeland, but they are too lazy to clean up the empty bottles after the picnic. Nevertheless, this is a great people with a difficult fate and attitude to life, which no philosophical concept can explain.
Foreigners go to Russia to check whether Dostoevsky, Tolstoy and Pushkin wrote about it, and to see with their own eyes attractions this unique country. Here is a short tour of the main ones.
1. Trans-Siberian Railway
Part of the world's longest railway, the historic section of the Trans-Siberian Railway stretches from Miass (a city in the Urals) to Vladivostok along the border with China and North Korea. It was this that Tsar Alexander III began to build in 1891, and his son Nicholas II completed what he started. 1916 The length of the oldest part of the Trans-Siberian Railway is more than 7,000 km, and the total length of the railway track connecting Moscow with Vladivostok is 9,288 km.
Most travelers use the train for overnight accommodation; there are first, second and third class sleeping accommodations, the most expensive compartments have separate showers and toilets.
2. Elbrus
Mount Elbrus, 5642 meters high, belongs to the Caucasus Range, located in southern Russia. Elbrus is included in the Seven Summits - the highest mountains located on different continents of the planet. This is the highest mountain in Russia, and thousands of beginner and experienced climbers come here every year.
Previously, Elbrus was a volcano, but not a single eruption was recorded, so it is believed that it is extinct forever. The 3800 meter mark can be reached by cable car, which is very convenient. At an altitude of 4130 meters, there used to be the Shelter of Eleven hotel, which burned down in 1998, and a new building is now under construction.
3. Valley of Geysers
The Russian Far East is an amazingly beautiful and unusual place. There are a lot of unique natural attractions here, one of which is the Valley of Geysers on the Kamchatka Peninsula - the second largest geyser field in the world.
The valley was discovered by Russian scientist Tatyana Ustinova in 1941, and since then many tourists and researchers have been coming here. The valley is included in the reserve, so there are certain rules for organizing excursions. The most convenient way to get to the Valley is by helicopter, but it is very expensive, so it is better to rent a helicopter with a company.
In 2007, a landslide descended into the Valley, after which it was flooded, but in 2013 a new landslide destroyed the natural dam, and the geysers began to flow again, and there were even more of them.
4. Kizhi Island
This is one of the main attractions of the Republic of Karelia, located in the North-West region of Russia, bordering Finland and washed by the waters of the White Sea. Since the 13th century, Karelians have lived here - a Finno-Ugric people who found themselves at the crossroads of the cultures of the West and the East.
Kizhi Island is a real open-air museum; you will not find anything like the local wooden churches anywhere else in the world. The 37-meter Church of the Transfiguration with its 22 domes is especially beautiful. The church was founded at the beginning of the 18th century and is entirely built of wood. In addition to it, there are wooden peasant houses, windmills, bell towers and barns. There are very few indigenous local residents, but they carefully preserve their traditions - they weave various crafts from birch bark, do embroidery, sew national clothes, knit lace and sing folk songs.
5. Hagia Sophia in Novgorod
The church of incredible beauty is the main temple of Novgorod, a very ancient Russian settlement. The cathedral, in turn, is the oldest surviving church built by the Slavs, completed in 1050. The Hagia Sophia Cathedral is located on the territory of the Novgorod Kremlin, the height of the church is almost 40 meters.
The temple is crowned with five domes; several ancient Orthodox shrines are kept here, for example, the Icon of the Mother of God “The Sign”, which, according to legend, saved Novgorod from an attack by one of the princes in 1170. His army besieged the city, and when the residents realized that they could not fight back, they began to offer prayers to the Lord. On the third night of the siege, Archbishop John heard a voice commanding him to take this icon out of the cathedral, and he followed the will of God. When one of the arrows of the besiegers hit the icon, tears flowed from the eyes of the Most Holy Theotokos, after which the army of the besiegers threw down their weapons and ran away.
6. Lake Baikal
Traveling along the Trans-Siberian Railway and not enjoying the views of Lake Baikal is simply stupid. This ancient lake is the cleanest and deepest freshwater body of water on the planet. It contains 20% of the world's fresh water reserves, and the depth of the lake reaches 1642 meters.
Baikal was formed about 25 million years ago, and currently it is one of the most famous and beautiful bodies of water in the world. The lake is very large, so many locals call it the sea, and another common nickname is the Pearl of Siberia. If you decide to spend a few days here, you can stay at one of the tourist centers or rent a house, and for a very reasonable fee, and lovers of exotic holidays can pitch a tent in some picturesque place on the shore.
Please note that your impressions of Baikal will be incomplete without trying smoked Baikal omul - this is the most delicious fish in the world.
7. Suzdal
The city of Suzdal was previously the capital of one of the principalities of Ancient Rus', and now it is part of the so-called Golden Ring of Russia - ancient cities in which beautiful examples of medieval Russian architecture have been preserved.
Each city of the Ring is unique in its own way, but Suzdal is just one big architectural masterpiece. There are many beautiful, surprisingly well-preserved cathedrals, churches and entire monasteries, and in the very heart of Suzdal is the famous Suzdal Kremlin. Unfortunately, its wooden towers were destroyed by fire in the 18th century, but the earthworks and several buildings still exist, so there is a lot to see.
Suzdal is like a huge open-air museum: walking along the streets, it’s easy to imagine that you are in the distant past.
8. Moscow Kremlin
To describe all the beauty of the unique buildings and relics of the Moscow Kremlin, there are not enough words even in the great and mighty Russian language. Located in the historical center of the Russian capital, this architectural ensemble has long become the hallmark of the country.
The first wooden fortifications appeared here in the 12th century, and under Grand Duke Dmitry Donskoy the Kremlin became white stone - in the most important towers and fortifications, wood was replaced with white stone. By the way, the memory of this was preserved in the speech of the Russian people - Moscow is still sometimes called “white stone”, although the Kremlin was “repainted” red long ago: Ivan III the Great (by the way, the grandfather of the first Russian Tsar Ivan IV the Terrible) ordered the best Italians to be sent from Europe architects, and they rebuilt the prince’s residence using baked bricks.
On an area of 27.5 hectares there are the Faceted Chamber (formerly it was the main ceremonial hall of the Kremlin), three cathedrals - the Assumption, Archangel and Annunciation, the Armory, the Ivan the Great Bell Tower and many other architectural masterpieces.
The Kremlin museums allow you to plunge headlong into the richest Russian history - it will take a lot of time to go around all the exhibitions and look at all the exhibits.
The Moscow Kremlin still serves as the residence of the rulers of Russia: reception halls and the official office of the president are located here, and concerts and various ceremonies are held in the Grand Kremlin Palace.
9. Hermitage
The Hermitage in St. Petersburg is the main treasury of Russia, in the literal and figurative sense of the word. Literally - because in the halls and storerooms of the museum there is a huge amount of priceless paintings, jewelry, samples of sculpture and ceramics, and what not! Figuratively - because it reflects the culture and history of Russia and the whole world, this is a real book, or, rather, a whole collection of works, but instead of a dry description of beautiful masterpieces, you can see them with your own eyes, it’s a pity you can’t touch them.
The museum began in 1764 as a collection of paintings by Empress Catherine II the Great, who spent considerable sums on the acquisition of paintings by brilliant European artists. Most of the paintings hung in the halls of the famous Winter Palace (the favorite residence of the Russian emperors), which later received the name “Hermitage” (in French this means “secluded place, shelter”).
Initially, ordinary people could not admire the masterpieces - the museum was opened to the general public only in 1852. Anyone who has ever been to the Hermitage will remember it for the rest of their lives, because there is an absolutely incredible atmosphere here, the luxury and splendor of the palace halls will not leave anyone indifferent. Please note that for photo and video shooting you need to purchase a special ticket, and you can only take photos without a flash.
10. St. Basil's Cathedral
This unusual and amazingly beautiful temple is located in the center of Moscow, on Red Square. You will find a description of the cathedral in any tourist guide, but it is better to see it with your own eyes, because it is impossible to describe it in words. It looks like a huge fire burning in the heart of the Russian capital: when the bright Moscow sun plays on its multi-colored domes, it is an incomparable spectacle.
The cathedral was erected in 1555–1561 by order of Ivan IV the Terrible. According to legend, after construction was completed, the cruel Russian Tsar ordered the architects Barma and Postnik to be blinded so that they could no longer build anything equal to this temple in beauty and grandeur. The king achieved his goal - in no corner of the world there is anything similar to this architectural masterpiece.
11. Red Square
A walk along Red Square is the first thing every foreign tourist should do in the Russian capital. The main milestones of Russian history are associated with this place, as evidenced by historical monuments - Lobnoye Mesto, where Russian tsars executed troublemakers, criminals and rebels; a monument to Kuzma Minin and Dmitry Pozharsky, who led the people’s militia at the beginning of the 17th century to drive the Polish occupiers out of Moscow; Mausoleum of V.I. Lenin and much more.
Various events dedicated to public holidays and military parades were (and are) regularly held on Red Square, and from here on November 7, 1941, Soviet soldiers went straight to the front.
By the way, in the old days the word “red” meant “beautiful”, and if you see the square with your own eyes, you will understand why it was called that.
12. Derbent
The unique city of the Russian republic of Dagestan is not very popular among tourists, but it is worth visiting if only to walk along the streets of one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world.
Derbent is famous for its truly Caucasian hospitality and rich cultural traditions. Among the main cultural and historical attractions are the Derbent Wall, which is about 1.5 thousand years old, and Naryn-Kala, an ancient fortress that once faithfully served the defenders of the city. The oldest Muslim temple in Russia is located here - the Juma Mosque, built in 733.
Among the city's attractions, one cannot fail to mention Derbent cognac, which is made from Dagestan grapes. If you happen to get to Derbent, be sure to try it. Now it is the second largest city in Dagestan: the population is about 100 thousand inhabitants, most of whom are Lezgins, Azerbaijanis and Tabasarans.
13. Altai Mountains
If you think that the most beautiful mountains on Earth are the Alps, then you have not been to Altai. This is the highest mountain system in Siberia, on its territory the borders of Russia, China, Mongolia and Kazakhstan converge, and unlike European mountain resorts, not all the trails here have been trampled by the ubiquitous tourists.
The Altai Mountains give birth to mighty and deep-flowing Siberian rivers - the Ob, Irtysh and Yenisei, and in the stunningly beautiful valleys there are rare animals that you will not find anywhere else. There are many poachers here, whom the authorities are trying to fight, but so far not very successfully, mainly because officials themselves have more than once been seen exterminating unique representatives of the local fauna.
Since ancient times, distinctive tribes and peoples have lived in Altai, somewhat similar to the Indians: they worship gods in animal forms and practice pagan rituals.
We present the most beautiful places in our country, which should be seen not only by every photographer and traveler, but also by every resident of our vast Russia. Read our material and you will see: we all have something to be proud of!
Natural parks, reserves
Lena Pillars, Yakutia
Lena Pillars is a natural park in Russia, located on the banks of the Lena River in the Khangalassky ulus of Yakutia, 104 km from the city of Pokrovsk. Stretching for many kilometers, the complex of vertically elongated rocks, intricately piled up along the banks of the Lena, cutting through the Prilenskoye Plateau with a deep valley, never ceases to attract photographers and travelers. The pillars reach their greatest density between the villages of Petrovskoye and Tit-Ary.
The height of the rock formations reaches 100 meters. Scientists believe that the formation of rocks began 560–540 million years ago, and the formation of the Lena Pillars as a landform began about 400 thousand years ago.
The Lena Pillars Natural Park was organized on the basis of the decree of the President of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) dated August 16, 1994 No. 837 and the government decree of February 10, 1995 and is subordinate to the regional Ministry of Nature Protection. The area of the park is 485 thousand hectares, the park consists of two branches - “Stolby” and “Sinsky”.
Valley of Geysers, Kamchatka
The Valley of Geysers, one of the largest geyser fields in the world and the only one in Eurasia, is located in Kamchatka in the Kronotsky State Biosphere Reserve, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List as part of the Volcanoes of Kamchatka natural complex.
The valley is a deep canyon of the Geysernaya River, on the sides of which there is an area of about 6 square meters. km there are numerous outlets of geysers, hot springs, mud pots, thermal areas, waterfalls and lakes. In this territory there is an abnormally high biodiversity and a high contrast of natural conditions and microclimate. The ecosystem of the Valley of Geysers is unique throughout the country. The territory of the valley is protected by a reserve regime.
Since 1992, under an agreement with the reserve, helicopter excursions have been organized here, and there is a strict system of rules for organizing excursions in order to maintain the balance of the ecosystem. In 2008, based on voting results, the Valley of Geysers was included in the list of seven wonders of Russia.
Weathering pillars, Komi Republic
Weathering pillars (Mansi logs) are a geological monument located in the Troitsko-Pechora region of the Komi Republic on the territory of the Pechora-Ilych Nature Reserve on Mount Man-Pupu-ner (“Small Mountain of Idols” translated from the Mansi language), in the interfluve of the Ichotlyaga and Pechora rivers . Many legends are associated with this extraordinary place. The pillars are considered one of the seven wonders of Russia.
The weathering pillars are located quite far from inhabited places. Reaching them is in some sense a feat. To do this, by the way, you need to obtain a pass from the administration of the reserve. From the Sverdlovsk Region and Perm Territory there is a walking route, from the Komi Republic there are road, water and walking routes.
About 200 million years ago, there were high mountains in place of the stone pillars. Rain, snow, wind, frost and heat gradually destroyed the mountains, and especially weak rocks. Hard sericite-quartzite shales were less destroyed and have survived to this day, while soft rocks were destroyed by weathering and carried by water and wind into relief depressions.
One pillar, 34 m high, stands somewhat apart from the others. Six others lined up at the edge of the cliff. The pillars have bizarre outlines and, depending on the place of inspection, resemble either the figure of a huge man, or the head of a horse or ram. It’s true: this place is ideal for a photographer’s imagination! In past times, the Mansi deified grandiose stone sculptures and worshiped them, but climbing Manpupuner was considered the greatest sin.
Curonian Spit, Kaliningrad region
The Curonian Spit is a sand spit located on the coast of the Baltic Sea and the Curonian Lagoon. It is a narrow and long saber-shaped strip of land separating the Curonian Lagoon from the Baltic Sea and stretching from the city of Zelenogradsk in the Kaliningrad region to the city of Klaipeda (Smiltyne) (Lithuania). The name of the spit comes from the name of the ancient Curonian tribes who lived here before the colonization of Prussia by the Germans.
The length is 98 kilometers, the width ranges from 400 meters (in the area of the village of Lesnoy) to 3.8 kilometers (in the area of \u200b\u200bCape Bulviko, just north of Nida).
The Curonian Spit is a unique natural-anthropogenic landscape and a territory of exceptional aesthetic value: the Curonian Spit is the largest sand body, included, along with the Hel and Vistula, in the Baltic complex of sand spits, which has no analogues in the world. The high level of biological diversity due to the combination of different landscapes - from desert (dunes) to tundra (raised bog) - provides insight into important and long-term ecological and biological processes in evolution.
The most significant element of the spit's relief is a continuous strip of white sand dunes 0.3 - 1 km wide, some of them approaching the highest in the world (up to 68 m). Due to its geographical location and orientation from northeast to southwest, it serves as a corridor for migratory birds of many species flying from the northwestern regions of Russia, Finland and the Baltic countries to the countries of Central and Southern Europe. Every year in spring and autumn, from 10 to 20 million birds fly over the spit, a significant part of which stop here to rest and feed.
Favorable climatic conditions allow you to relax on the Curonian Spit from May to November. In 2000, the Curonian Spit was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Nature reserve "Stolby". Krasnoyarsk region
The reserve is located on the northwestern spurs of the Eastern Sayan Mountains, bordering the Central Siberian Plateau. The natural boundaries of the protected area are the right tributaries of the river. Yenisei: in the northeast - the Bazaikha river, in the south and southwest - the Mana and Bolshaya Slizneva rivers. From the northeast, the territory borders the city of Krasnoyarsk; the border of the reserve can be reached by bus. The reserve was founded in 1925 on the initiative of city residents to preserve natural complexes around the picturesque syenite outcrops - “pillars”. Currently, its area is 47,219 hectares. Submitted to the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Lakes
Lake Baikal, Eastern Siberia
It is unlikely that Baikal needs any descriptions, but still... Baikal is the deepest lake on the planet, the largest natural reservoir of fresh water. The lake and coastal areas are distinguished by a unique diversity of flora and fauna. Local residents and many in Russia traditionally call Baikal the sea.
The maximum depth of the lake - 1642 m - was established in 1983 by L. G. Kolotilo and A. I. Sulimov during hydrographic work. The average depth of the lake is also very large - 744.4 m. Besides Baikal, only two lakes on Earth have a depth of more than 1000 meters: Tanganyika (1470 m) and the Caspian Sea (1025 m). One of the visiting cards of Russia, a place that you need to see with your own eyes at least once in your life!
Lake Seliger, Tver and Novgorod regions
Another place that needs no introduction. By the way, Seliger has another name - Ostashkovskoye Lake, after the name of the city of Ostashkov, located on the lake shore. The area of the lake is 260 sq. km, including about 38 sq. km. km there are islands (there are more than 160 of them on Seliger). The largest among them is Khachin Island. The area of the entire pool is 2275 sq. km.
Seliger receives 110 tributaries. The largest are the Krapivenka, Soroga and Seremukha rivers. Only one river, Selizharovka, flows out of it. The lake lies at an altitude of 205 meters above sea level and is of glacial origin. This explains its peculiar shape - it is not a lake in the usual concept, but rather a chain of lakes stretching from north to south for 100 km and connected by short narrow channels. The coastline, more than 500 km long, is rugged - forested headlands, deep picturesque bays jutting into the land, and islands of various shapes.
The water in Seliger is clear, transparency reaches 5 meters. On the shore of the southern part of Lake Seliger are the city of Ostashkov and the New Yeltsy estate.
Lake Kezenoy-am, Chechen Republic
Kezenoy-am is a lake on the border of the Vedeno region of the Chechen Republic and the Botlikh region of Dagestan. This is the largest and deepest lake in the North Caucasus, located at an altitude of more than 1800 meters above sea level. The surface of the lake is 2.4 sq. km.
The depth of the lake reaches 74 m. The length of the lake from north to south is 2 kilometers, and from west to east - 2.7 kilometers. The maximum width is 735 meters. The length of the coastline is 10 kilometers.
Lake Baskunchak
Akhtubinsky district, Astrakhan region
Baskunchak is a salt lake with an area of about 115 square meters. km in the Akhtubinsky district of the Astrakhan region, approximately 270 km north of the Caspian Sea, and 53 km east of the Volga. Lake Baskunchak is part of a unique natural complex that includes Mount Big Bogdo. In 1997, the Bogdinsko-Baskunchaksky natural complex was declared a reserve (Bogdinsko-Baskunchaksky Nature Reserve), where a special environmental regime was established on an area of 53.7 thousand hectares.
On the coast of the lake there are deposits of medicinal clays. In June-August, tourists come to the lake to bathe in brine and take mud baths. There is no need to talk about the beauty of these places. There are no fewer photographers here than people who want to improve their health.
Jack London Lake, Magadan Region
Located in the upper reaches of the Kolyma River in the Yagodninsky district of the Magadan region, it lies among the mountains, at an altitude of 803 meters, the length of the lake in the northwest direction is 10 kilometers, depth is 50 meters.
There are many small lakes around Jack London Lake. The most prominent lakes in size are lakes Mechta, Anemone, Gray Chaika, Nevidimka, Neighboring, and Kudinovskie lakes. One of the most beautiful and exotic lakes in the Far East. Old-timers say that the lake got its name thanks to an unusual find made by the “discoverers”. When the lake was discovered, researchers found Jack London's book "Martin Eden" on the shore.
Lake Elton, Volgograd region
Elton is a salty, drainless, self-sedating lake in the Pallasovsky district of the Volgograd region, located near the border with Kazakhstan. It is considered the largest mineral lake in Europe and one of the most mineralized in the world. They say the name of the lake comes from the Mongolian word “Altyn-Nor” - “golden bottom”.
Lake area - 152 sq. km. Until 1882, salt was mined on Elton; in 1910, the Elton medical sanatorium was founded on its shores (moved to a new location in 1945). In 2001, the lake and the adjacent territories of virgin steppes (106 thousand hectares) became part of the State Institution “Eltonsky Natural Park”.
Blue Lakes. Cherek-Balkarian Gorge, Kabardino-Balkaria
A group of five karst lakes in the Cherek region of Kabardino-Balkaria is located at the foot of the rocky ridge from where the Cherek-Balkarian gorge begins. Located at the entrance to the gorge, Blue Lake is a unique natural phenomenon, interesting not only for Kabardino-Balkaria, but also on a national scale. The Lower Blue Lake has several names: Chirik-kel (bulk) - rotten (smelly) lake; Sherej-ana (kab.) - Cherek’s mother; Psykhurey (kab.) - round water (lake), natural artesian well.
The uniqueness of the Lower Blue Lake lies in the fact that with a relatively small surface (only 235x130 m), its depth reaches 258 meters. The surface water temperature in winter and summer is about +9 degrees. Not a single stream or river flows into the lake, but about 70 million liters flow out every day. The lake level remains unchanged, which is explained by powerful underwater sources. The blue color of the water is due to the presence of hydrogen sulfide and the refraction of light rays in the deep pool.
The nature here is quite picturesque: green hills, dense beech forests on steep slopes, and in the distance, in the blue haze, peaks sparkling in the sun. Closer to Babugent the greenery becomes brighter and juicier. Near the village of Babugent there is a fork in the road. At the beginning of the road to the lake, in the rock there is a cave in which traces of an ancient site of the 5th-10th centuries AD were discovered. Now many bats live there, and sometimes, in bad weather, shepherds with flocks of sheep take shelter.
Seydozero, Kola Peninsula, Murmansk region
Lake in the Lovozero tundra on the Kola Peninsula. "Seid" translated from the Sami language means "sacred". The lake is located at an altitude of 189 m above sea level. The length of Seydozero is 8 km, width is from 1.5 to 2.5 km.
According to a number of science fiction writers and ufologists, it is one of the supposed places of existence of the Hyperborean civilization. Seekers of the unknown have been exploring these places since 1922.
Lake (reservoir) Zyuratkul. Chelyabinsk region
Zyuratkul is located in the Satka district of the Chelyabinsk region on the territory of the national park of the same name. One of the highest (724 m above sea level) reservoirs in the Southern Urals. The reservoir is surrounded by mountain ranges covered with dark coniferous forests. To the southwest is the Nurgush ridge, the highest ridge in the Chelyabinsk region. The main river feeding the reservoir is the Bolshoy Kyl. Near the source of the Satka River and the dam there is the small village of Zyuratkul, connected by bus to the city of Satka.
Previously, Zyuratkul was a natural lake. Now it is a reservoir formed by a dam built on Bolshaya Satka. A giant geoglyph was found in the lake area. About forty stone tools made of quartzite were also discovered. The technique of stone chipping makes it possible to date the tools to the Neolithic and Chalcolithic (VI-III millennium BC). Researchers are still inclined to the Copper-Stone Age (IV-III millennium BC). It is noted that at that time there were practically no forests in the Southern Urals (they appeared only 2,500 years ago), so the figure was easy to build and then viewed from the neighboring ridge until it was covered with a layer of soil.
Until the winter of 2012, another popular attraction was located on the shore of Lake Zyuratkul - Whale Pier, which was also called the “Ural Disneyland”. But in the fall of 2012, by court order, it was demolished.
Mountains and volcanoes
Elbrus, Kabardino-Balkaria
Elbrus is a stratovolcano located on the border of the republics of Kabardino-Balkaria and Karachay-Cherkessia. Elbrus is located north of the Greater Caucasus Range and is the highest peak in Russia. Considering that the border between Europe and Asia is ambiguous, Elbrus is often also called the highest European mountain peak, thereby classifying it as one of the “Seven Summits”.
The height of the western peak is 5642 m, the eastern one is 5621 m. The gorges of Adylsu, Shkheldy, Adyrsu, the Donguz-Oruna and Ushba massifs are very popular among climbers and mountain tourists. Elbrus region is the most popular ski resort in Russia. The total area of Elbrus glaciers is 134.5 square meters. km. The most famous of them: Big and Small Azau, Terskol.
Altai Mountains
The Altai Mountains represent a complex system of the highest ridges in Siberia, separated by deep river valleys and vast intramountain and intermountain basins. A mountain system at the junction of the borders of Russia, Mongolia, China and Kazakhstan. It is divided into Southern Altai (Southwestern), Southeastern Altai and Eastern Altai, Central Altai, Northern and Northeastern Altai, Northwestern Altai.
The Altai, Katunsky reserves and the Ukok plateau together form the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Altai - Golden Mountains”. Thousands of tourists come to Altai. This is a favorite place for photo tours and independent trips.
Divnogorye plateau, Liskinsky district, Voronezh region
“Divnogorye” is a hill and museum-reserve in the Liskinsky district of the Voronezh region of Russia. It is located 10 km west of the center of the region on the right bank of the Don River and 80 km south of Voronezh. The museum here was founded in 1988, and in 1991 it received the status of a museum-reserve. Currently, the museum-reserve is one of the most popular and most recognizable attractions in the Voronezh region. Every season, from May to October, it is visited by more than 60 thousand tourists.
The area of the museum-reserve is more than 11 sq. km. The maximum height of the plateau above sea level reaches 181 meters, relative - 103 meters (the mouth of the Tikhaya Sosna River at the confluence with the Don, which flows at the foot of the plateau, is located at an altitude of 78 m above sea level).
Dombay-Ulgen, Karachay-Cherkess Republic
Dombay-Ulgen is the top of the western part of the Watershed Range of the Greater Caucasus (on the border of Abkhazia and the Karachay-Cherkess Republic). Dombay-Ulgen is the highest peak in Abkhazia, located east of the village of Dombay, has three peaks: western (4036 m), main (4046 m) and eastern (3950 m).
A steep ridge extends from the main peak to the north, ending in a depression - the “Dombay saddle”. From the Dombay saddle there is a classic route (category 3B), which can be climbed in one day with a descent to the camp.
Putorana Plateau, Krasnoyarsk Territory
The Putorana Plateau is a mountain range located in the north-west of the Central Siberian Plateau. In the north and west, the plateau ends with a steep ledge (800 m or more), while the southern and eastern parts are characterized by gentle slopes. The maximum height of the plateau is 1701 m, among the highest peaks are Mount Kamen (1701 m), Kholokit (1542 m), Kotuyskaya (1510 m). In the north, the Putorana Plateau borders the Taimyr Peninsula. The name Putorana translated from Evenki means “lakes with steep banks.”
The area of the plateau is 250 thousand sq. km, which is comparable to the territory of Great Britain. On the territory of the plateau there is the Putorana State Nature Reserve, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
Marble Canyon Ruskeala, Republic of Karelia, Ruskeala village
Mountain Park "Ruskeala" is a tourist complex located in the Sortavala region of the Republic of Karelia, near the village of Ruskeala. The main object of the complex is a former marble quarry filled with groundwater.
The quarries discovered by Pastor Alopeus began to be developed at the beginning of the reign of Catherine II. The first developments were led by Captain Kozhin, who was advised by Italian specialists. Today, the length of the quarry from north to south is 460 meters, the width is up to 100 meters. The distance from the highest point of the quarry side to its bottom is over 50 meters. Water transparency reaches 15-18 meters.
Ruskeala marble was used in the construction of the most beautiful and significant buildings of St. Petersburg and its palace suburbs. It covered St. Isaac's Cathedral, laid out the floors of the Kazan Cathedral, made the window sills of the Hermitage, framed the windows of the Marble Palace and the facade of the Mikhailovsky Castle, as well as the underground halls of the Primorskaya and Ladozhskaya metro stations of the St. Petersburg metro. In 2010, a significant part of the filming of the film “The Dark World” took place in Ruskeala.
Eastern and Western Sayans. Eastern Siberia
The Eastern and Western Sayans are the common name for two mountain systems in southern Siberia. There are Western Sayan (length 650 km, height up to 3971 m - Mount Mongun-Taiga, which is the top of the ridge of the same name - the highest peak of Eastern Siberia, however, more often this ridge is not classified as the Sayans, but is separated into a separate mountain system - the Tuva Mountains), consisting of leveled and peaked ridges, on which there is no glaciation, separated by intermountain basins, and the Eastern Sayan (length about 1000 km, height up to 3491 m - Mount Munku-Sardyk) with typical mid-mountain ridges bearing glaciers. The rivers belong to the Yenisei basin. The slopes are dominated by mountain taiga, turning into mountain tundra.
The Western Sayan borders Altai in its southwestern part. Its main ridge is the Watershed Sayan Range with its highest point - Mount Kyzyl-Taiga (3121 m). The Western Sayan ridges are characterized by steep slopes, rugged terrain, and vast areas of stone placers. The height of the ridges in the west does not exceed 2500-3000 m, to the east it decreases to 2000 m.
The Eastern Sayan stretches almost at right angles to the Western Sayan. Its ridges form a system of “Belogory” (Manskoye, Kanskoye) and “belkov”, which got their name because of the snow on the peaks that does not melt all year round. In the central part, in the upper reaches of the Kazyr and Kizir rivers, several ridges form a “knot” with the highest point - the Grandiozny peak (2982 m). In the southeast are the highest and most inaccessible ranges - the Bolshoy Sayan, Tunkinskie Goltsy, Kitoiskie Goltsy, Kropotkin. The highest point of the Eastern Sayan - Munku-Sardyk (3491 m) is located in the ridge of the same name. Between the Sayan ridges there are more than a dozen basins of various sizes and depths, the most famous of which is the Abakan-Minusinsk basin, known for its archaeological sites. It is worth noting the large number of waterfalls.
Almost everywhere in the Sayan Mountains, dark coniferous taiga spruce-cedar-fir forests predominate, rising in the western and central parts to heights of 1500–1800 m or more; light deciduous cedar forests form the upper border of the forest at altitudes of 2000–2500 m. The fauna is as rich as the flora. The largest city located in the Sayan Mountains is Krasnoyarsk.
Shikhany Mountains. Republic of Bashkortostan
Shikhany are isolated hills in the Bashkir Cis-Urals, consisting of four single mountains: Tratau, Shakhtau, Yuraktau and Kushtau, which form a narrow chain stretched along the Belaya River for 20 km. Shihans are located near the cities of Sterlitamak and Ishimbay. They are unique natural monuments - the remains of a barrier reef formed in the warm sea of the early Permian period. The stones from which these shikhans are made contain imprints of ancient plants and animals.
The highest shihan is Tratau (or Toratau). Its height is 402 meters above sea level, and its relative height is 280 meters. At its foot are the ruins of a women's prison - one of the islands of the Gulag archipelago. Shikhan Tratau flaunts on the coat of arms of the city of Ishimbay, is a symbol of the Ishimbay region of Bashkiria. In the past, this mountain was considered sacred.
Volcano Krenitsyn. Sakhalin region, Onekotan island
An active volcano on the Onekotan Island of the Great Kuril Ridge. The largest two-tiered “volcano within a volcano” in the world is located in the southern part of Onekotan Island. The height of the volcano is 1324 m.
The volcanic cone rises in the form of an island inside Lake Koltsevoye, which lies at an altitude of 400 m (diameter about 7 km). The lake is surrounded by a somma - the walls of the more ancient Tao-Rusyr caldera (heights 540–920 m with a base diameter of 16–17 km).
There is only one known historical eruption, which occurred in 1952.
Volcano Tyatya, Kuril Islands
An active volcano on the Kunashir Island of the Great Kuril Ridge, on the territory of the Kuril Nature Reserve. In geographical terms, Tyatya is a stratovolcano of the somma-vesuvius type (“volcano within a volcano”). The height reaches 1819 m (the highest point of Kunashir; in 1977 and subsequent years, the south-eastern part of the edge of the summit crater collapsed and most of the material fell inside the north-eastern crater. As a result of this, the total height of the volcano decreased by about 30-50 meters and is currently probably less than 1800 meters above sea level)..
The height of the somma is 1485 m, it has a regular truncated cone with a diameter of 15–18 km at the base and up to 2.5 km at the annular ridge. The foothills of the volcano are decorated with coniferous-deciduous forests with bamboo and thickets of stone birch and dwarf cedar. In the forests at the foot you can often find a bear. The path to the volcano is difficult, but most tourists get to the volcano from Yuzhno-Kurilsk.
Caves
Orda Cave, Perm region
The Orda Cave is located on the southwestern outskirts of the village of Orda, Perm Territory, on the left bank of the Kungur River. Consists of a “dry” and underwater part. The length of the dry part is 300 meters, the underwater part is 4600 meters. Today, Orda Cave is the longest flooded cave in Russia. In addition, part of the cave is the longest siphon in the CIS - 935 meters.
The cave ranks 21st among the longest gypsum caves in the world. Famous photographer Viktor Lyagushkin dedicated an entire photo project to the Orda Cave.
Kungur Cave, Perm region
This is one of the most popular attractions in Siberia and the Urals, a natural monument of all-Russian significance. The cave is located in the Perm region, on the right bank of the Sylva River on the outskirts of the city of Kungur in the village of Filippovka, 100 km from Perm.
A unique geological monument - one of the largest karst caves in the European part of Russia, the seventh longest gypsum cave in the world. The length of the cave is about 5700 m, of which 1.5 km is equipped for visits by tourists. The average air temperature in the center of the cave is +5 °C, the relative humidity in the center of the cave is 100%. The Kungur cave contains 58 grottoes, 70 lakes, 146 so-called. “organ pipes” (the highest is in the Ethereal Grotto, 22 m) - high shafts reaching almost to the surface.
Architecture
Nevyansk Leaning Tower. Sverdlovsk region, Nevyansk city
Not everyone knows that in Russia we have our own version of the Leaning Tower of Pisa - a leaning tower in the center of Nevyansk, built in the first half of the 18th century by order of Akinfiy Demidov.
The height of the tower is 57.5 meters, the base is a square with a side of 9.5 m. The deviation of the tower from the vertical is about 1.85 m, with the greatest inclination observed at the lower tier (3 ° 16"). The exact date of construction of the tower is unknown, different sources give dates ranging from 1721 to 1745.
The tower is a massive quadrangle, with 3 octagonal tiers built on top. Inside the tower is divided into several levels - floors.
The purpose of the first floor is not precisely established. Demidov's office was located on the second floor, and during Soviet times it was a prison. On the third floor there was a laboratory: traces of silver and gold were found in soot taken from the chimneys of the furnaces. According to one version, Demidov minted counterfeit money here. According to another, here Demidov, secretly from the state treasury, smelted silver and gold, which was mined at his mines in Altai.
Even higher is the so-called “auditory room”. Its peculiarity is that standing in one corner of the room, you can clearly hear what is being said in the opposite corner. The effect observed in the room is associated with the special shape of the ceiling - it is vaulted and at the same time slightly flattened.
On the seventh and eighth floors there are chimes with musical chimes, created by the English watchmaker Richard Phelps in 1730. The tower is completed by a roof and a metal spire with a weather vane mounted on it, made of milled iron, in which the noble coat of arms of the Demidovs is embossed.
There is a legend that the tower tilted because the basements were flooded with all the workers minting counterfeit money. By Resolution of the Council of Ministers of the RSFSR No. 1327 of August 30, 1960, the tower was included in the list of historical monuments subject to protection as monuments of national importance.
Ivolginsky datsan. Republic of Buryatia, village of Verkhnyaya Ivolga
Ivolginsky datsan is a large Buddhist monastery complex, the center of the Buddhist traditional Sangha of Russia, which is the largest Buddhist community in Buryatia. One of the most striking monuments of Russian history and architecture. Located in the village of Verkhnyaya Ivolga, 36 km from the center of Ulan-Ude.
Bird home. Republic of Crimea
Among all the attractions of Crimea, it is not easy to choose just one. But we decided to stop at one of the most inspiring places. Swallow's Nest is an architectural and historical monument located on the steep 40-meter Aurora rock of Cape Ai-Todor in the village of Gaspra (Yalta City Council).
The structure resembles a medieval knight's castle like the Belem Tower or Villa Miramare near Trieste. The first wooden structure on this site was erected for a retired Russian general after the Russian-Turkish War of 1877–1878; it can be seen on the canvases of famous marine painters: I.K. Aivazovsky, L.F. Lagorio, A.P. Bogolyubov, and also in photographs from that time.
The second owner of this amazing dacha was the court physician A.K. Tobin. There is also very little information left about him. After his death, the house was owned for some time by a widow, who sold the plot to the Moscow merchant Rakhmanina. She demolished the old building, and soon a wooden castle appeared, which she called “Swallow’s Nest.”
“Swallow’s Nest” received its current appearance thanks to the oil industrialist Baron Steingel, who loved to vacation in Crimea. Steingel purchased a summer cottage on Aurora Rock and decided to build a romantic castle there, which is reminiscent of medieval buildings on the banks of the Rhine. The design of the new house was commissioned from engineer and sculptor Leonid Sherwood, the son of architect Vladimir Sherwood, author of the Historical Museum on Red Square in Moscow.
At the beginning of the First World War, the estate was bought by the Moscow merchant P. Shelaputin, who opened a restaurant in the castle. In the 1930s, there was a reading room here at the local holiday home, but the premises were considered unsafe and closed.
In 1927, Swallow's Nest was damaged during a strong earthquake. Only in 1967–1968 were repairs carried out. In addition to the monolithic slab, the entire structure was surrounded by anti-seismic belts. The tower, increased in height, became more decorative thanks to its four spiers. In 2013, cracks were discovered in the foundation slab, and in the fall the visit was suspended for design work to carry out reconstruction - strengthening the rock.
And 6 more amazing places:
Chara Sands, Transbaikal region
Chara Sands is a tract in the Kalarsky district of the Trans-Baikal Territory, which is a sandy massif measuring approximately 10 km by 5 km. Chara sands are located in the basin of the same name, in the foothills of the Kodar ridge, 9 kilometers from the village of Chara, between the valleys of the Chara, Middle Sakukan and Upper Sakukan rivers. The massif is a geological natural monument of geomorphological type of federal rank.
BAM station Novaya Chara is 10 kilometers away. The massif stretches from southwest to northeast and covers an area of about 50 sq. km. In no other basin of Transbaikalia are there such large massifs of loose moving sands. Chara sands are similar in appearance to the deserts of Central Asia. The vegetation is slightly different from the taiga: there are areas with larches, dwarf birches and moisture-loving dwarf cedar. In the northeastern part of the tract there are two small lakes - Alyonushka and Tayozhnoe.
Avachinskaya Bay, Kamchatka Territory
Avachinskaya Bay is a large ice-free bay of the Pacific Ocean off the south-eastern coast of the Kamchatka Peninsula, and is the main transport “gate” of the Kamchatka Territory. The main advantage of the bay is that it is one of the largest bays in the world: it can accommodate any ship in the world!
The length of the bay is 24 kilometers, the width at the entrance is 3 kilometers, the total area of the water surface is 215 sq. km. Depth up to 26 meters. The Avacha and Paratunka rivers flow into the bay. The cities of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky and Vilyuchinsk are located along the shores of the bay. The bay is the main base of the Russian Pacific Fleet in Kamchatka.
A unique symbol of the bay and its landmark are the Three Brothers rocks, located at the exit to the open Avacha Bay.
Commander Islands. Aleutsky district, Kamchatka region
The Commander Islands are an archipelago of four islands in the southwestern part of the Bering Sea of the Pacific Ocean, administratively part of the Aleutian region of the Kamchatka Territory of Russia. The islands are named after the navigator Commander Vitus Bering who discovered them in 1741. On the largest of them, Bering Island, there is the navigator’s grave. The Commander Islands are a place where Russian and Aleutian cultures mix. They have huge potential for the development of northern tourism.
Patomsky crater. Irkutsk region
The Patomsky crater is a cone of crushed limestone blocks on the slope of a mountain in the Patom Highlands in the Irkutsk region. Discovered in 1949 by geologist Vadim Viktorovich Kolpakov. Among the local population it is called the “Nest of the Fire Eagle”, also known as the “Kolpakov Cone”, “Dzhebuldinsky Crater”, “Yavaldinsky Crater”.
This is a unique geological object in its characteristics, which is a ring structure of the central type with a bulk cone composed of limestone and other rocks. The Patomsky crater was formed over a long period of time, about 500 years ago.
The diameter of the crater along the ridge is 76 m. The cone is crowned with a flat top, which is a ring shaft. In the center of the funnel there is a slide up to 12 m high. The total volume of the cone is estimated at 230–250 thousand cubic meters, weight - about a million tons.
Agur waterfalls. Sochi city, Krasnodar region
A cascade of waterfalls located on the Agura River in the Khostinsky district of Sochi. Distance from the Black Sea coast - 4 km. Further up the river - the Middle Falls, then the Upper.
The Lower Agur Waterfall is the first and most interesting of all three large waterfalls on the Agura River. It consists of two cascades: the lower one is 18 m high and the upper one is 12 m high. Below it is a wide and deep pool of blue water. From the Devil's Hole canyon to the Lower Waterfall it is approximately 1.5 km. Behind the first waterfall, a series of stairs and climbs go up, leading through 500 m to the Middle Agur waterfall - 23 meters, and then to the Upper - 21-meter waterfall. Near the Upper Waterfall, to the left of the path, there are rocks called Eagle Rocks.
Vasyugan swamps. Tomsk, Novosibirsk and Omsk regions
Some of the largest swamps in the world are located in Western Siberia, in the interfluve of the Ob and Irtysh, on the territory of the Vasyugan Plain, located mostly within the Tomsk region, and in small parts - the Novosibirsk and Omsk regions and the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug.
The area of the swamps is 53 thousand square meters. km (for comparison: the area of Switzerland is 41 thousand sq. km), the length from west to east is 573 km, from north to south - 320 km.
The Vasyugan swamps arose about 10 thousand years ago and have been constantly increasing since then - 75% of their current area was swamped less than 500 years ago. Swamps are the main source of fresh water in the region (water reserves are 400 cubic km), there are about 800 thousand small lakes, many rivers originate from swamps, in particular: Ava, Bakchar, Bolshoy Yugan, Vasyugan, Demyanka, etc. d.
The Vasyugan swamps are home to numerous local fauna, including rare ones. Rare species of animals in the swamps include, in particular, reindeer, golden eagles, white-tailed eagle, osprey, gray shrike, and peregrine falcon. There are significant quantities of squirrels, moose, sable, wood grouse, partridges, hazel grouse, black grouse, and in smaller quantities mink, otter, and wolverine. Flora also includes rare and endangered plant species and plant communities. Among wild plants, cranberries, blueberries, and cloudberries are widespread.
Now the flora and fauna of the swamps are under threat due to the development of the territory during the exploration and exploitation of oil and gas fields.
Wikipedia materials were used in preparing the article.
Happy travels!
