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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.