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Siberia

   Siberia borrows more than a half of the Russian Federation territory. It makes almost a quarter of all Asia. In spite of its rather small density of population Siberia is very attractive for cultural-cognitive and ethnographic tourism fans. Due to the infrastructure development tourists from all over the world can discover unique nature and original culture of the region. Russian developing of Siberia began in the 16th century. Various people with various cultures and traditions have been living there for ages. Most of them have kept their own way of life and national singularity till the present time. Some Siberian regions are rich with unique archaeological sights. One can cross the whole Siberia from east to west by Trans-Siberian Express. Different routes are offered: one can cross almost the whole country from Moscow to Vladivostok or have a journey with visiting China and Mongolia. You can enjoy the variety of picturesque Siberian views, become acquainted with the rich history and culture of this mysterious place in the world.

Ural

     Siberia is separated from the European part of Russian with mountains of Ural. Geographical border between Europe and Asia passes along the east slopes of the Ural mountains. There are various interesting historical and archaeological monuments in region of Ural. Yekaterinburg is the main city of the region. It is a large industrial, scientific and cultural centre. The city is rich with monuments of architecture, museums and theatres. Ekaterinburg is the place of the tragic events of Russian history. In July, 1918 the Bolsheviks had shot the whole family of the last Russian emperor Nikolay II. The temple had been recently constructed on the place of that terrible tragedy. Near to Ekaterinburg, in a place where the remains of imperial family were found, the monastery is founded.

     In the south of Chelyabinsk Region, at the eastern mountainsides of Ural mountains the areheological complex Arkaim is situated. The ancient town of Arkaim is older than famous Troy. Among other sites of Ural Region a small town of Kasli with its shaped castings is well known.

Western Siberia

Western Siberia

     Western Siberia is a huge lowland with taiga forests and swamps. The historical centre of the region is a town of Tobolsk. It was founded in the 16th century and for a long time has been the centre of the Russian exploration of Siberia. The first and the only Kremlin in Siberia made of white stone is situated in Tobolsk (18th century). The Tobolsk Kremlin has been recently restored and has become one of the most beautiful architectural monuments of the region. On the territory of the Kremlin the elegant Sofia Uspensky Cathedral dominates. 

Tuva and Krasnoyarsk Region

     The Republic of Tuva is located in the Southern Siberia, in the geographical center of Asia. The unique culture of Tuvinians is based on the ancient shamanistic tradition. The Tuvisian shamans transfer their secrets and knowledge of healing from one generation to other. In the capital of the Tuva Republic there is even a special clinic where the patients are treated with ancient shamanistic methods. But even more popular is another cultural brand of Tuva - famous guttural singing.

     In the steppes of Tuva there are stony pagan idols, more than 2000 years old. The most famous got the name of Gengis Khan. The Tuvinians still believe that these idols possess magic power of bad or good will.

     You can explore many interesting things if you travel by bus on the route called Big Ring of Sayany. The tour begins Krasnoyarsk and goes through south of Krasnoyarsk Region and republics of Tuva and Khakassia. In Tuva you can get acquainted with routine life of local people, enjoy the guttural singing and participate at the Shamanistic ritual. In the museum Shushenskoye an authentic Siberian village of the 19th centuryis restored. Here you have the possibility to join the Old Russian ceremonies, to lunch in the village pb or observe the work of the craftsmen.

Pribaikalye and Buryatia

Lake Baikal

     No doubt that the main travel destination in Seberia is Lake Baikal. There is not only unique nature and landscapes, but also a lot of cultural sites there. The town of Irkutsk on the Angara river has rich history and cultural traditions. Irkutsk is often called the most beautiful Siberian town. Its ld wooden houses look specially fascinating, it is so called style of Siberian baroque.
     The excursions along the Round-Baikal Railway are getting more and more popular. They unite cultural and ecological tourism with active vacation. The Round Baikal Railway was built in the end of 19th - beginning of the 20th centuries as an integral part of the Transsiberian railway. Today it is known as a touristic route with fantastic panoramas and landscapes of the Lake Baikal. many old buildings and constructions along the route belong to the historical and cultural heritage. On the Eastern side of the Baikal Lake the Republic of Buryatia is located, the centre of Buryatia is located, the centre of Buddhism in Russia. The Northern version of Buddhism - Lamaism - entered the region in the 17th century and defined cultural tradition of Buryats. A lot of buddhistic temples - datsans used to be on this holy land, but in the Soviet period were destroyed. Nowadays many old Datsans and new ones are built and restored in Buryatia. The main Buddhist temple in Russia is situated in Ivolginsk, not far from the capital of Buryatia Ulan-Ude.

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Golden Ring of Russia

     The route formed with several ancient towns of the central part of Russia on the north-east from Moscow is called <<The Golden Ring of Russia>>. Journey through the Golden Ring is the best chance to discover traditions. Ancient orthodox churches with their unique frescos and icons, monasteries and ancient fortresses have admirable beauty. Russian homecraft traditions are shown in the local museums.

     Sergiev Posad is the first destination of the Golden Ring. This town is well-known with the Holy Trinity-St. Sergius Lavran orthodox monastery that has very rich history. The monastery was found in the 14th century by monk Sergiy Radonezhsky. It has been the centre of Russian Orthodoxy till the present. There are many outstanding architectural monuments in the Holy Trinity-St. Sergius Lavra. Assumption and Troitsky Cathedrals with their priceless icon collections are the most known of them.

     Alexandrov town is located not far from Sergiev Posad. The residence of the tar Ivan the Terrible was situated here in the 16th century. Ivan the Terrible is recognized as the most despotic tsar of Russia. Cultural festival <<Alexandrovskaya Sloboda>> is held here every year. Old Russian towns Pereslavl-Zalessky and Rostov Veliky (Rostov the Great) are rich with beautiful churches. These towns are located on the lakeside of the Lake Pleshcheyevo which is considered the native land of Russian fleet Three centuries ago powerful Russian tsar Peter the Great, the Russian fleet founder, used to study the main navigation elements on this lake. Lake Nero serves as a background to the majestic Rostov Kremlin walls and towers. The very first Christian temple of the Golden Ring - Cathedral of Assumption - is located in Rostov.

The largest town Golden Ring of Russia

     The largest town of the Golden Ring - Yaroslav - is located on the Vloga River bank. Having extraordinary rich history, Yaroslav will soon celebrate its millennium. Spaso-Preobrazhensky Cathedral, Church of Ilya the Prophet, monasteries of the 16th century and the picturesque Volga River embankment decorated with tracery fence are the most famous architectural monuments of the town. In 2005 Yaroslav was included into the List of the World's Cultural Heritage of UNESCO.
     The town of Kostroma is also remarkable with its historical and cultural monuments. Ipatievsky Monastery is the main of them. There are some museums in the monastery. One of them is develoted to the Russian tea ceremony.
     Some small towns - Uglich, Myshkin and Tutaev - are located up-stream the Volga. There are curious, unusual museums in the towns. Myshkin is famous for the Smirnov Museum dedicated to the creator of the famous vodka. Besides there is the Museum of Valenki (traditional Russian winter footwear). The town's inhabitants have established the only Museum of Mouse in the world. The town of Uglich is famous for the museum called <<Vodka Library>>. It is worth visiting the private museum of Kulagin where one can enjoy the well-known Uglich peal.
     The town of Suzdal can be called <<pearl>> of the Golden Ring. More than 200 architectural monuments including the Kremlin, monasteries, old trade rows and churches are concentrated here. Special charm of Suzdal is created with its peal that fills one's soul with lofty feelings. Traditional Russian low alcohol drink medovukha made in Suzdal is also well-known.
     Vladimir had been the capital of the Russian state in the 12th and 13th centuries. White-stone Assumption Cathedral of the 12th century is one of the outstanding architectural monuments of the town. It is decorated with frescoes of the ingenious Russian icon painters Andrey Rublev and Daniil Cherny (of the beginning of the 15th century). The walls of the Dmitrievsky Cathedral are decorated with the unique stone carving. There are more than 1000 images including Solomon, David, Alexander Macedonian and other famous historical figures.
     The main street of the town starting Swith the Golden Gate has remained till the present. One of the greatest masterpieces of the old Russian architecture - the Church of Protection on the Nerl River of 1165-is located in several kilometers from Vladimir. The shape of the Church is so elegant and graceful that it is frequently compared to a white sail. National craft traditions are carefully saved and passed from generation to generation all over the towns of the Golden Ring. Having journey through the Golden Ring, you can buy various original souvenirs made by Russian craftsmen. Artistic glass and crystal production from Gus-Khrustalny, painted trays from Zhostovo, scarves and shawls from Pavlov Posad are well-known today not only in Russia but also far abroad. Famous Russian Matryoshkas are made in Sergiev Posad. The very first Matryoshka was made there about 100 years ago. Golden Ring is one of the most popular tourist routes in Russia. One can admire the beauty of the ancient churches and monasteries and discover Russian history, culture and traditional Russian spiritually. Many cultural and folk festivals are held in the Golden Ring towns. Tourists can attend folk singing and dancing shows and even participate in them. Having visited one of them, you can explore the original national culture and peculiarity of Russia.

      

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     Peter The Great 1

      St. Petersburg is one of the most attractive cities in the world. It is often called the cultural capital of Russia. For two hundred years - till the year of 1918 - Saint Petersburg was the capital of Russian empire. This city bewitches with the beauty of its unique palaces, cathedrals, parks, squares, channels and embankments. In 2003 Saint Petersburg reached teh age of 300 years . It was founded in 1703 by the most famous Russian tsar, Peter I (the Great). The founders of Saint Petersburg dreamed it to be <<the window to Europe>>. The great city which would help them to come closer to the European community. The best European community. The best European and Russian architects of the 18th century were driven together to project the city. The masterpieces created by them have developed in a harmonious architectural ensemble.

     The oldest building of the architectural ensemble of Saint Petersburg is the Peter-and-Paul Fortress. It is located on the small island in the widest places of the Neva River. The foundation of the Peter-and-Paul Fortress was laid on May 16, 1703, and this date is considered the birthday of the city. Nevertheless the Palace Square is recognised as the centre of historic Saint Petersburg. The ensemble of the Palace Square with the Winter Palace, the building of the General Staff and Guards Corps are world-famous.

Architect of St. Petersburg

     The majestic baroque building of the Winter Palace was projected by Italian architect Rastrelli in the middle of the 18th century.Admiralty constructed in Imperial style is a core of the city central part. Three main streets of Saint Petersburg ray from this building. The gilded spike of Admiralty is crow with the ship - weathercock. Ship is one of the symbols of Saint Petersburg. One of the largest and most beautiful cathedrals - St. Isaac's Cathedral - was constructed in the 19th century by the architect Monferrahn. The admirable collection of the Russian monumental painting, sculpture and mosaic adorn this cathedral. One of the symbols of Saint Petersburg - Bronze Horseman- is located near to the cathedral. This monument to Peter I was created in 1782 by the architect Falkone. Great number of the world-famous architectural masterpieces is located here: Winter Palace, Palace Square, St. Isaak Cathedral, Kazansky Cathedral, Peter-and-Paul Fortress and Admiralty.

   

Winter Palace in St. Petersburg

   There are 93 rivers and canals in Saint PPetersburgetersburg. There total length is about 300 kms. The city is adorned with 342 bridges. The perfect architecture with the combination of the abundance of beautiful rivers and channels rant St. Perersburg with the most beautiful cities of the world. Northern Venice and Nothern Palmira - that is how people call Saint Petersburg. One just can't help admiring the fine horse statues made by Peter Klodt on the Anichkov bridge in the 19th century. Saint Petersburg by right is considered the cultural capital of Russia according to a quantity of museums and theatres. The well-known Hermitage has the richest art collection in the world. More that 3 000 000 exhibits are gathered in its halls. Among the art treasures of the museum, the best in the world collection of the West-European art stands out. It includes masterpieces by Raphael, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Rembrandt, Renoir, Van Gogh, Picasso and other great masters. Another famous museum-Russian Museum- has the largest collection of Russian art. All Russian painting and sculpture genres of the 10-20 centuries are shown there. There are more than 80 theatres, including the world-famous Mariinsky Opera and Ballet Theatre.

White nights in St. Petersburg

     A peculiarity of the city is also its season of <<the White nights>>. Those who visit St. Petersburg from the end of May to the middle of July - when for more than 50 days the sun almost doesn't set behind the skyline - can enjoy the wonderful panoramas of the city at night walking along numerous stone embankments. The international Festival of Arts <<White Night Stars>> is held in St. Petersburg every year. This event attracts crowds of participants and spectators. Northern capital of Russia is beautiful not only in summer, but also in winter. White snow covering squares, tress and roofs of the houses emphasizes the beauty of the palaces, cathedrals and other historical buildings. Many concerts and cultural events are held in the framework of the winter festival <<Art Square>> and the project called <<White days>>.

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Saint Petersburg Suburbs

     It is impossible to discover the real beauty of St. Petersburg without visiting its suburbs adorned with the magnificent palaces, parks and country residences of Russian emperors.

     Peterhof is located on the coast of the Gulf of Finland. It is famous with its splendid park and great number of fountains. The northern facade of the Peterhof Palace is embellished with the magnificent 64 fountains cascade and gilt sculptures.

     The Catherine Palace in Tsarskoe Selo (nowadays Pushkin) is one of the most beautiful architectural masterpieces of Russian baroque. One of the beautiful halls of the Catherine Palace, <<The Amber Room>>, was re-created and now opened for the visitors. <<The Amber Room>> with its unique exhibits has been stolen by Nazis during the World War II. Its laborious reconstruction lasted a few decades and has has been completed just recently.

     Tsarskoye Selo is also famous with its Lyceum where the greatest Russian poet Alexander Pushkin studied in the 19th century. The city of Pavlovsk is remarkable for the palace erected at the end of the 18th century. This palace surrounded with vast landscape park, charming rococo and romanticism style bridges, was the residence of emperor Paul I.

     Konstantinovskiy Palace in Strelna near Saint Peterburg was restored a few years ago. Originally it was erected as the mainemperors' residence, but then was neglected. Now the restored palace is the government residence on special occasions.

     

  

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Moscow and Moscow Region

    Moscow is the capital of Russia and one of the world main cultural centers. Various kinds of interesting excursions are offered here, Historical and architectural monuments, museums and theatres give unforgettable impressions to tourists. Moscow is more that 850 years old. It was first mentioned in the chronicles in 1147. The city was founded by the Russian prince Yuri Dolgoruki. The favourable geographical position at the crossing of important trade roads contributed to the fast development and growth of the city. Moscow had been the political and religious capital of Russia from the 15th till the 18th century. In 1918 it became the capital of USSR. Since 1991 the city has been the capital of the Russian Federation.

Kremlin and the Red Square

     The Kremlin and the Red Square are the best start ot explore Moscow sights. The Kremlin at the centre of Moscow is the outstanding historical and architectural that serves as a symbol for the whole Russia. It is the residency of the Russian President. The architectural complex of the Kremlin includes such outstanding monuments as Uspenskiy (Assumption) Cathedral, Ivan the Great Bell Tower, Granovitaya (Faceted) Chamber and Armory Museum. Having visited Kremlin one can see the biggest cannon (Tsar Cannon) and the biggest bell (Tsar Bell) in the world. The Kremlin had been reconstructed for several times. The present red brick towers and walls were erected at the end of the 15th century. 

     The Red Square which is the most important place in Moscow is situated near the Kremlin. Russian Tsars and Patriarchies used to talk with the people there.

     Later the Red Square became the place of military parades and celebrations. One of the greatest masterpieces of Russian architecture constructed in the middle of the 16th century is the majestic Blessed Basil's Cathedral that rises above the Red Square. It is recognized as a monument of architecture of the global value.

     The architectural shape of Moscow has been formed in course of different epochs. Moscow has been the largest centre of the Russian Orthodoxy for centuries. Many ancient churches and monasteries were remained up to now. The temple of the Christ the Savior Cathedral in Moscow has unusual history. This monumental Cathedral was orginally erected in the end of the 19th century. In 1931 the Cathedral was blown up. It took 6 years in the end of the 20th century to restore it completely. Great number of churches and orthodox monasteries are located in Moscow. Novodevitchiy Monastery is the most admirable of them. Unique flavor is given to the city with the architectural complexes of the tsar's and noble families manors of the 16th- 18th centuries. The Church of Ascension in a musem-preserve Kolomenskoye is included into List of the World's Cultural Heritage of UNESCO.

Moscow University

     Architectural shape of Moscow is strongly affected with <<Stalin high-risers>> -- the huge houses constructed in the middle of the 20th century by the order of Stalin. Moscow State University on Vorobievy Gory is the most known of them. Moscow metro stations <<Kropotkinskaya>>, <<Mayakovskaya>>, <<Krasnye Vorota>> are also recognized as the architectural monuments of that epoch. Several tens of theatres and museums are built in Moscow. Bolshoy Theatre is one of the most celebrated theatres in the world. Other popular Moscow theatres are: <<Lenkom>>, <<Sovremennik>> (<<Contemporary>>), Moscow Art Theatre Named After A. Chekhov. Actors of the world famous Moscow Circus on Tsvetnoy Bulvar have carefully kept Russian circus traditions.
     Russian circus is recognised as one of the best in the world. Tretyakov Gallery is the largest and the most popular art museum of Moscow. It is well-known with its huge collection os Russian fine arts, icons and sculptures. It includes some unique icons of the 15th century and unique masterpieces of Russian avantgardists Malevitch, Kandinskiy and Rodchenko. Pushkin Museum of Art is rich in collection of foreign art masterpieces. Moscow has the status of the world-famous cultural centre due to the abundance of the important cultural events held there. Great international festivals and exhibitions take place at the museums and art centers of the city.

Moscow suburbs

     Moscow suburbs and nearby region of Central Russia are high in cultural monuments. Having visited small old towns with their historical monuments, situated near Moscow manors and monasteries you will discover much interesting about Russian cultural heritage.
     Many princely estates of the 18th -19th centuries were kept in Moscow suburbs. The most remarkable old homesteads of Moscow Regions are Arkhangelskoe and Abramtsevo. Princely manor of Arkhangelskoe is located on a high hill aove the Moskva River. Big palace is surrounded by the park with memorial columns, pavilions, church of Archangel Michael, colonnade and theatre with ancient scenery of Italian artist Gonzag. At present, exhibitions, concerts and musical festivals are held in Arkhangelskoe. In the 19th-20th centuries Princely Manor of Abramtsevo was the place for meetings of intelligentsia. Wroks by famous Rusian painters Vasnetsov, Vrubel and Polenov have been preserved.

Old towns of Moscow

     Having visited small old towns of Moscow Region -- Serpukhov, Kolomna and others -- you will be imbued with the spirit of Russian history. The town of Serpukhov on a picturesque high bank of the Oka River is beautified with architectural complexes of monasteries, churches and fragments of the white stone Kremlin.

     Novoierusalimiskiy Monastery located to northwest from Moscow was built in the 17th century. It was the time when patriarch of Russian Orthodox Church, Nikon, decided to recreate the Holy Land near Moscow in resemblance of Jerusalem. Today a functioning monastery and a museum are placed here. Many places of Central Russia are inextricably related with the history of Russian literature.

   

Yasnaya Poliana  Museum

     The museum -- estate of Leo Tolstoy in a small town called Yasnaya Poliana in Tula Region (200 kilometers to the south from Moscow) is a major centre of cultural tourism. Great Russian writer was born here, lived and created the world famous novels <<War and Peace>> and <<Anna Karenina>>.

     Cultural festivals, international meetings of writers and Leo Tolstoy heritage study workshops are held in Yasnaya Poliana.

      

  

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Russian Culture

     Every staging of "Evgeniy Onegin" and "The Queen of Spades" by Tchiakovsky, "Boris Godunov" by Musorgskiy, "Tsar's Bride by Rimskiy-Korsakov and "Prince Igor" by Borodin is a remarkable cultural event. Russian opera singers and musicians are world-famous. 

     Opera fans of Paris, London, Barlin, Milan and New York applauded to Feodor Shalyapin. Some superb performances of tthis richly talented opera singer were shown in those cities at the beginning of the 20th century. 

     Great Russian conductors Valeriy Gergiv, Vladimir Spivakov and State Chamber Orchestra "The Moscow Virtuosi" are todays's idols of classical music fans all over the world, Russian ballet, its rich traditions and famous names of the ballet dancers are the most important cultural symbols of Russia. Russian school of classical ballet is considered to be the best in the world.

     Classical ballet came into Russia in the 18th century. By the end of the 19th century the national school of ballet had finally formed. It has concentrated achievements of the best ballet schools of the world and enriched their with Russian national dance traditions.

     Sergei Diagilev's "Russian Seasons" project of the 20th century beginning had a great importance for the Russian musical and dancing art.  

     Russian opera and ballet actors' performances organized in Europe by Sergei Diagilev achieved much success in Paris, London, Rome, Berlin and other cities.

      One of the greatest ballet dancers -Anna Pavlova - was one of the <<Russian Seasons>> stars. Galina Ulanova, Maya Plisetskaya, Michail Baryshnikov, Rudolf Nuriev were included to the world ballet history in the 20th century.

     Nowadays Russian classical ballet traditions are supported and developed by dancers and choreographers not only from Russia but from all over the world.

     Ballet <<Swan Lake>> by Tchaykovskiy attracts crowds of ballet fans, as hundred years ago. Visits to ballet or opera are included into Many tourism programs in Moscow and Saint Petersburg.

     Great masters of Russian advance-guard of the 20th century have brought priceless contribution into the world art.

Russian art

     They have generated new aesthetics of art, architecture and design. The works by Kazimir Malevitch and Vasily Kandinsky are being explored by critics of various countries. 

     Well-known <<The Black Square>> by Malevitch (of 1915) is kept in Moscow, at the State Tretiakov Gallery. Especial place among the cultural symbols of  Russia is occupied with its architectural monuments. The development of Russian culture is inseparably linked with religious tradition. The Orthodox Christianity came into Ancient Russia in the 10th century.

     Churches, cathedrals and monasteries constructed in different centuries reflect spitituality of Russia. It is possible to name cultural symbols of the country of Blessed Basil's Cathedral in the centre of Moscow, whitestone Temple of Protection on the Nerl river, unique Cathedral of Transfiguration (Preobrazhenskaya) in Kizhi. The Hermitage, Russian Museum and Mariinski Theatre in Saint Petersburg, the Bolshoy Theatre and Tretiakov Gallery in Moscow are recognized as significant symbols of cultural Russia.

     Folk art is also very important for culture of Russia. Russian fine arts, literature, music and danding art have incorporated centuries-old national cultural traditions and achievements.

     Originality and national peculiarity are reflected in folklore and tales, in traditions of national crafts.

     Having visited Russia one can get such remarkable souvenirs as samovar from Tula, Gzhel ceramics, Palekh caskets, trays from Zhostovo and many other things.

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Cultural tourism in Russia

     Russia is the country with the richest historical and cultural heritage. For many centuries different people with their own cultural and religious traditions have been living there. Visiting Russia one can discover the great heritage of the Russian history and culture reflected in numerous monuments.

     Considerable quantity of Russian historical monuments is located in its European part.

     Tourists visit Moscow and Saint Petersburg museums and theaters, admire ancient churches of the Golden Ring and Northwest of Russia, and explore folk art traditions.

     Russian culture is connected with the conversion to Christianity in many respects. Remarkable monuments of the old Russian architecture and unique icons are remained till the present days. Russian epoch of culture was being in the flower of development in the 18th century. The world famous enduring masterpieces of the Russian classical literature, music and fine arts were created in the 19th century. Russian modernism of the beginning of the 20th century was also very important for the global culture development. Having journy through Russian cities, attending museums and going sight-seeing one has the best chance to get unforgettable impressiosn of Russia.

     Moscow and Saint Petersburg are the largest cultural centers of Russia and its main tourism destinations. Each of these cities is rich in sights. Various excursions are offered there. One can admire beautiful architectural masterpieces of different epochs, learn much interesting about Russian history, museums and theaters. Moscow is a bright, dynamical megapolis where the history and the modernity are deeply intertwined. Saint Petersburg is the second largest city in Russia after Moscow. Saint Petersburg impartially is considered to be the "Cultural capital" of Russia. Tourists can infinitely discover architectural ensembles of the city and its suburbs, well-known Hermitage, Mariinskiy Theatre, canals and bridges.

     The Golden Ring cities are very popular for their white stone churches and monasteries. River cruises Moscow - Saint Petersburg including excursions to the Russian North, cruises over the Volga River become more and more popular. Having made such a travel one can explore Russian history, culture and traditions more deeply.

     Mysterious,boundless Siberia offers a big number of cultural sights to you: shamanism traditions and throat singing of Tyva, Buddhist temple of Buryatiya, historical towns along the Trans-Siberian Railway and mystical Baikal.

     This article will help you to discover Russian cultural and its main cultural and tourist sights during your visit to great country.

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Russian Culture

     Russia has made a priceless contribution to the world culture. Russia has given to the world not only great classics and fine arts masterpieces but the entire schools. Russian drama school of Stanislavsky and ballet school are the world-famous ones.

     Russian literature is known all over the world. The books by Lev Tolstoy and Feodor Dostoevsky are known the same as the works by Shakespeare and Dumas. "War and Peace", "Anna Karenina", "Crime and Punishment" are translated almost translated all-most into all languages.

     "Evgenie Onegin" by the great Russian poet Pushkin is included into the list of world literature masterpices of the 19th century. Many remarkable books were written in the 20th century, for example "Lolita" by Vladimir Nabokov and "Master and Margarita" by Mikhail Bulgakov.

Yasnay Poliana Museum

 Yasnaya Poliana Memorial Estate of Lev Tolstoy is located in 200 kms to the south from Moscow. Cultural festivals and international literary meetings are held here.
     There are many places in Saint Petersburg related to Dostoevsky and Pushkin, as well as to the characters of their books. Pushkinskie Gory (Pushkin Hills) is a literary memorial places in Pskov Region on the northwest of Russia. Every year the International Pushkin Poetry Festival is held there.
     Russian Classical music is well-known too. The best orchestras in the world play the symphonies by Peter Chajkovskiy, Sergey Rahmaninov and Alfred Shitke.