Message on the topic of what sights. The most impressive natural monuments from the UNESCO list. Taj Mahal, Agra, India

Interesting cities in Russia? Ratings issued by Internet search engines are usually compiled on the basis of statistics of queries such as "attractions ..." or "what to see in ...". Based on this data, we decided to compile a list of interesting places in Russia, dividing the cities into categories.

The most interesting millionaire cities

According to 2016 data, there are 15 large cities in Russia with a population of more than 1 million people. Undoubtedly, the most interesting and beautiful among them are Moscow, St. Petersburg and Kazan.

Moscow - the main city of Russia, which has a long history. There are many interesting places that attract both tourists from other cities and foreign guests. The main attraction, which is visited daily by a huge number of people, is Red Square. Here you can admire the Kremlin towers, see the changing of the guard at the eternal flame and visit St. Basil's Cathedral.

In addition to Red Square, there are many more amazing and beautiful places in Moscow:

Well, of course, we must not forget about such wonderful places that are simply made for walking, like the old Arbat, Vorobyovy Gory, Victory Park, VDNKh.

federal city. Compared to Moscow, this is a rather young city, but, according to many tourists, it surpasses the capital in beauty.

it is the capital of the Republic of Tatarstan. The city is located at the confluence of the Kazanka River with the Volga. Kazan is an ancient city, in 2005 it celebrated its millennium. But despite its venerable age, it can be safely called a youth city. There are many secondary specialized and higher educational institutions where students from all over Russia study. In Kazan, there are places where you can have a good rest and enrich yourself culturally. Here are a few must-see places for all visitors to this city.

The Golden Ring of Russia is a whole tourist route that runs through eight ancient cities. Among them, 4 cities are considered by tourists the most interesting and beautiful.

Suzdal - quite a small town with only about 10,000 people. It is called the capital of the Golden Ring. It was here that the classics of the Soviet cinema "Balzaminov's Marriage" were filmed. Suzdal is a city-reserve, where you can meet a historical monument at almost every step. The most visited place here is the Suzdal Kremlin, which is the oldest part of the city. You can wander around Suzdal for hours, admiring the churches, wooden huts with skillful carvings, and simply the beauty of nature. Certainly, this is the city where you want to return.

Kostroma. This city, where at one time the fate of the Russian state was decided, is spread out on the banks of the Volga. There are many temples, museums and monasteries here.

Vladimir. This ancient city was once the capital of the Vladimir principality. It is famous for its unique architecture and picturesque landscapes.

this is an ancient city, it was founded by Yuri Dolgoruky in the XII century. There are many entertaining museums that will undoubtedly appeal to both children and adults:

In addition, in Pereslavl-Zalessky it is worth visiting its main attraction - the Assumption Goritsky Monastery. This is a whole complex consisting of a chapel, churches, a cathedral, a bathhouse, a belfry and a school building.

The most interesting cities of the Black Sea coast

There are many beautiful and interesting cities on the Black Sea, but I would especially like to mention Sevastopol and Sochi.

Recently, this is another, third in a row, city of federal significance. Probably not even a month is enough to visit all the interesting places of this city. Everything here is saturated with the military history of our country. Here is just a small list of what is worth seeing in Sevastopol:

Not far from Sevastopol, you can see the most beautiful place - Cape Fiolent. There are picturesque cliffs, clear water and a jasper beach, to which about 800 steps lead.

Sochi. Recently, thanks to the 2014 Winter Olympics, this resort town has changed markedly. Now Sochi has become not only a popular Russian holiday destination. European tourists also come here to go skiing. The most famous sights of Sochi:

And, of course, one cannot help but recall a city like Kaliningrad. Its entire appearance suggests that this is a city built in accordance with European architectural traditions. Here you can see ancient fortresses, temples, stroll through parks and reserves, visit museums.

Of course, these are not all the most interesting cities. The rating can be replenished, because our country is huge and there are a lot of interesting places in it.

Nature creates amazing and delightful places. Their beauty can attract the attention of tourists no less than interesting man-made sights. Just about such creations of nature, we will tell you in this top 10 natural attractions in Russia.

10 Oymyakon valley

9 Orda cave

8 Kungur ice cave

7 Putorana Plateau

6 Altai mountains

5 Lena Pillars

4 Valley of Geysers in Kamchatka

3 Manpupuner

1 Lake Baikal

The sights of the world are a huge number of popular and little-known ancient and modern, man-made and natural objects of history, culture, architecture, archeology, scattered across various centers of dead and now existing civilizations on planet Earth.

How to choose and see the most famous sights of the world? Here you need to be guided, first of all, by your own taste, knowledge of the history and culture of mankind. Here are just some of the sights that have played a significant role in the history of their region and the whole world.

Landmarks of China

This is a symbol of China, which is included in the famous UNESCO list. People who love China and its history are simply obliged to visit this gigantic creation of human hands. This defensive structure was built under different dynasties and for many centuries. In addition to protection, in some areas the Wall was used and used as a road.

The Great Wall of China was built to protect against the attacks of the Mongols and other barbarian tribes from the north even before our era. Most of it was built during the Qin Dynasty. It has a length of about 21 thousand km and is perfectly visible from space. Even today, its fortifications are extremely difficult to overcome.

forbidden city

This is an ancient part of Beijing, one of its main attractions. The official residence of the Chinese emperors was located here, his family, close associates and servants lived. Everyone else could not enter this huge palace complex on pain of death. Today, the Forbidden City is simply referred to as Gugun or the Former Palace.

The Forbidden City began to be built at the beginning of the 15th century, and was completed in 15 years. A significant part of the rich interior decoration of his palaces has survived to our time. In 1924, the last Chinese emperor was deposed, and the Forbidden City was opened to all Chinese and travelers. Today it is a state museum.

summer palace

The Chinese emperor and his family rested in this palace in the summer. The Summer Palace was built relatively recently - in the 18th century, but in the middle of the next century it was burned to the ground by French and Russian troops who conquered Beijing. Later, Empress Dowager Qixi restored this architectural masterpiece.

Like all Chinese landmarks, the Summer Palace has its giant specimens. For example, the Long Corridor (more than 700 meters), passing through which, through paintings and sculptures, you can get an impression of the history, mythology, and literature of this amazing country.

This is another giant Chinese attraction. After the death of the first emperor of the Qin dynasty in the city of Siam, several thousand statues of his soldiers with real weapons in their hands, horses and chariots made of baked terracotta clay were buried near the tomb.

This amazing burial was discovered only in the seventies of the last century. It became another man-made miracle of the era of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, in addition to the Great Wall of China and the Grand Canal, testifying to the greatness of China and its ancient history.

Jade Buddha Temple

This attraction is the visiting card of the second Chinese capital of Shanghai. As you know, Confucianism and Buddhism prevail in China. This shrine in Shanghai is famous for its Buddha statue made from solid jade. Buddha sits with closed eyes and meditates.

Interestingly, this is a functioning Buddhist temple; monks live in a monastery next to it. And at the same time it is a museum that sells tickets. And to look at the meditating jade Buddha, you still need to pay extra. But the monks never let tourists into their meditations.

Actually, Mao is also a great Chinese emperor, only red. And after his death, he was given precisely the imperial honors. In Beijing, on Tiananmen Square, everyone can visit the Mausoleum of Mao. This is one of the famous sights of China, telling about the history of this country in the 20th century.

As in Pushkin's fairy tale, Mao rests in a crystal coffin on the first floor of his Mausoleum, and on the second floor there is an exposition dedicated to the history of the Chinese revolution and the Chinese Communist Party.

Sights of Egypt

Great Egyptian Pyramids at Giza

Egypt has no less great and ancient history. Three pyramids from the time of the Old Kingdom and today continue to amaze tourists from all over the world with their gigantic size. As you know, they are also visible from space.

Three pharaohs were buried in these pyramids, who ruled Ancient Egypt as early as the 3rd millennium BC. If desired, tourists can go down inside the pyramid and see the Heavenly boat, on which the pharaoh, after death, must travel through the sky, heading to his Egyptian gods.

Most of the tombs of the ancient pharaohs have been plundered over the past centuries and millennia. And in Luxor in the middle of the last century in the Valley of the Kings, the whole tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamen, who ruled in the New Kingdom and died at a very young age, was found.

Since then, this tomb has acquired many legends and falsifications. What is worth only the famous, thanks to Hollywood, "the curse of Tutankhamun" and the announcement of the Egyptologists who discovered it as scammers. However, today it is the most popular tourist attraction in Egypt, which is adored by tourists.

Mount Moses

And this is the main attraction of Sinai. In accordance with the Old Testament, the Jews are convinced that the elder of their kind, the prophet Moses, received the Tablets on this mountain, in which God gave his commandments to mankind.

Today there is a belief that the one who ascends this mountain at sunrise and asks for mercy from God will receive from him the remission of all sins. There you can also visit the monastery of St. Catherine, which has existed since Byzantine times.

Sights of Italy

The Colosseum is the most famous amphitheater of Ancient Rome, well preserved to our times. He was saved even in the Middle Ages, when everything non-Christian was considered a product of Satan. Its construction began at the very beginning of a new era, after the death of Nero and the accession to the throne of Emperor Flavius.

Travelers who ask experienced tourists questions about what to visit in Russia that they will remember for their magical natural beauty receive the answer: “The Valley of Geysers located in Kamchatka”! This place is considered one of the. This volcanic canyon, which reaches a width of two kilometers and stretches for four kilometers, resembles a fantastic "city" of hundreds of geysers and hot springs. Hundreds of years ago there was a lake here, but under the influence of the continuous processes taking place in the volcano, it almost completely disappeared, and fountains of boiling water gushed in its place. The Valley of Geysers was discovered literally on the eve of the 1941 war. Here, near the Geysernaya River, the geyser Velikan is spouting like a fountain. Tourists who come to visit these sights of Russia can observe its work by climbing to a special observation deck on the right bank of the river. In a minute, the Giant throws up 30 tons of hot water, and the water column reaches the height of a nine-story building! Such a grandiose, truly fantastic spectacle is accompanied by a powerful roar. To the west of the Giant lies the Pearl Geyser, hidden at the bottom of the well and covered with geyserite, a bit reminiscent of natural pearls.

5. Hermitage (St. Petersburg)

The Winter Palace in St. Petersburg is a real treasure of the country and the northern capital. Its construction began under Peter the Great. This historical monument, looking into the waters of the Neva as if in a mirror, since the 1920s has become the most majestic and famous Russian museum - the Hermitage. Its unique collection owes its birth to the Empress Catherine II herself. The royal person placed her first acquired paintings in the Northern Pavilion in 1764. A random collection of paintings acquired by Catherine consisted of works by Jordaens, Hals and Rembrandt. With this purchase, Ekaterina began collecting paintings, which almost grew into a collecting mania. The rooms and galleries located in the Small Hermitage were filled with works of art literally exponentially. Soon there was simply no room left for paintings. Then the Great Hermitage was built. Soon the empress acquired the library of Denis Diderot, and Diderot himself, in gratitude, helped the empress buy paintings by the most famous masters of the brush. Today, the museum houses thousands of works by Poussin, Van Dyck, Rubens, Titian, Raphael and other geniuses who lived in Europe in different centuries. More than five million tourists visit the museum every year.

Check out the beautiful places in Russia in this wonderful video!

6. Mamaev Kurgan (Volgograd)

Mamayev Kurgan - a hill rising near the Volga, has long been a memorable place, unfortunately associated with the tragic events of the Patriotic War of 1941-1945. This monument to the memory of the heroes of the Battle of Stalingrad was opened in Volgograd in 1967. The remains of the soldiers - the defenders of Stalingrad - are buried on the hill. Immediately installed a statue of the Motherland 86 meters high. It can be seen for several kilometers to every traveler arriving in Volgograd. The sword in the hand of the statue with a total weight of 14 tons reaches a height of 33 meters. The weight of the entire sculpture is close to 1,500 tons. They say that a large SUV can fit in the palm of the statue! Often, guests of the city, going to this sight of Russia, lay flowers at the foot of Mamaev Kurgan and the Eternal Flame, honoring the memory of the victims of fascism. Guests of the city who are thinking about what to see in Russia and in Volgograd itself, of course, should admire the majestic changing of the guard ceremony, which takes place on Mamaev Kurgan every hour, starting at 9 am and ending at 7 pm. In addition, travelers who book an excursion here will see weapons from the times of the Second World War - multi-ton tanks and cannons.

7. Kazan Kremlin (Kazan)

The Kazan Kremlin is the main decoration of the capital of Tatarstan. Its Spasskaya Tower, built in 1562, is the most recognizable building of an ancient architectural structure. Its main “sign” is the watch, and they have their own history. The first clock of the Kazan Kremlin was not quite an ordinary mechanism that showed the time. Their dial constantly rotated, but the hand did not move! Modern clocks, according to which the whole of Tatarstan now checks the time, were installed only in 1963. Exhibitions, concerts and other entertainment events are constantly held on the territory of the Kremlin in Kazan. There are also cozy cafes with national Tatar cuisine. The most recognizable building in the Kremlin is the “falling” Soyumbike tower. Tourists looking for something to see in Russia and Kazan, related to the ancient history of the country, will definitely pay attention to the Mausoleum of Kazan Khans. From the observation deck of the Kremlin, a stunning majestic view of the modern part of the city opens up: the registry office, new houses, the Arena, the Palace of Farmers and the embankment. Tourists who want to take pictures in armor and shoot from a bow will be able to do this on the territory of the Kazan Kremlin. The main decoration of the historical site is the elegant blue and white Kul Sharif Mosque, which can accommodate more than 2,000 people.

8. State Tretyakov Gallery (Moscow)

The Moscow State Tretyakov Gallery, founded in 1856, is a historical treasure of Russia. The exposition of the gallery is located in several buildings. More than 1,500,000 people come here every year to get acquainted with the well-known monuments of Russian art. Currently, the collection of the Tretyakov Gallery covers a large historical period from representatives of ancient Russian painting of the 11th century to paintings by contemporaries. Every day the gallery is visited by students, elderly people, Muscovites and tourists who come to admire the sights of Russia. Here they admire the most famous works of art created by Ivanov, Shishkin, Vasnetsov, Surikov and other famous Russian artists. These paintings are the generally accepted standard of Russian art. Everyone will find the hall of Mikhail Vrubel here without mistake. Its subdued lighting and dark walls create an atmosphere that sets you up for a different perception of art. From all the works of a genius and a little strange in the manner of painting, the artist breathes mystery and fabulousness.

9. Krasnaya Polyana (Sochi)

Krasnaya Polyana is a ski resort near Sochi (Adler). There are trails for extreme sports, professionals, lovers of ski slopes and for beginners. Vacationers who want to take pictures of the nearby sights of Russia and Sochi can take a cable car up and take some rare shots. Of course, more tourists come to Krasnaya Polyana during the winter season, but even in summer, even those who decide to go here with kids will definitely find worthy entertainment here. The same cable car, which operates all year round, will appeal to both adults and their curious children, who have already managed to get tired of a beach holiday and frequent sea bathing. Having taken a lift ticket, you can climb to the highest point located in the mountains and relax in the Vysota bar, taking mulled wine for yourself, and natural juice for your child. There is also a mountain Olympic village built for the 2014 Olympics. Here you can stay in a hotel of any price category. In summer, the resort is a must to swim and sunbathe on the local beach, admiring the stunning views around the mountain.

10. Bolshoi Theater (Moscow)

The building of the Bolshoi Theater is easily recognizable by both avid theater-goers and people who are very far from everything related to art. It seems that the four horses, decorating the grandiose architectural structure, will now soar up. It is believed that the history of this Melpomene temple began in 1776, when Prince Urusov received permission from Empress Catherine II to open a public theater in Moscow. But the building that Urusov built burned down before the opening, and he decided to sell the enterprise to the Englishman Michael Maddox, a mathematician from Oxford, invited to Russia to teach the sciences of Tsarevich Pavel Romanov. And on December 30, 1780, the theater was solemnly opened. A 1000-seat hall, a spacious stage and a large orchestra pit were built in it. The first prima ballerina of the Bolshoi was the Frenchwoman Felicata Gullen-Sor. In 1918, Lenin demanded that the Bolshoi Theater be demolished immediately. He argued that opera is a bourgeois art that requires huge expenses and does not bring any benefit. Surprisingly, it was Stalin who changed Lenin's mind. In 1940, the Soviet government held a competition to give the theater a "Soviet working style". However, in 2011 the Bolshoi was restored, giving it its original historical appearance and improving acoustics.

Sights of Russia: what else to visit in Russia

13. Kizhi Architectural Ensemble (Petrozavodsk)

Any traveler who thinks about what to visit in Russia and Karelia chooses a trip to Kizhi. You can get from Petrozavodsk to the architectural ensemble of Kizhi in an hour and a half by boat. Now there is a museum of wooden architecture. However, it might not have existed if the Spaso-Kizhi churchyard had not arisen here in the 15th century. At that time, not a cemetery was called a churchyard, but a unit of territorial division. There were 130 villages in Kizhi at that time. First, the winter and summer churches were built, which later burned down in a fire. The architectural ensemble, familiar to many today, was built only in the 18th century. Construction began with the nine-domed Intercession Church. Its unique iconostasis has survived to this day. The most famous landmark of Russia in Kizhi is the Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord. Its 22 domes are depicted on numerous Russian souvenirs, dishes, towels. They say that nails were not used in its construction, but this is not true. In total, the architectural ensemble consists of two churches and a large bell tower with 33 domes, symbolizing the number of years lived by the Savior.

14. Novgorod Kremlin ( Velikiy Novgorod)

Novgorod is the oldest city in Russia, an ancient craft and trade center, a link that connects Rus' with Europe. The city still invites guests to look at its amazing sights. Among them is the Novgorod Kremlin or, as it was originally called, "detinets". This stone structure on the banks of the Volkhov was built by Prince Yaroslavl in the 11th century. For the first time, it was mentioned in the chronicles of 1044. But those original buildings have not been preserved. Later, the Kremlin was rebuilt and expanded several times. Today, the length of its walls is approaching one and a half kilometers. Now the Kremlin has 9 towers. The highest of them is Kokui. Behind the fortress walls there are various architectural monuments. St. Sophia Cathedral, near which all the townspeople used to gather at the Veche, the Faceted Chamber and the St. Sophia Belfry, which today attract curious tourists and people interested in the history of Russian architecture and the state as a whole. The territory of the Novgorod Kremlin is a favorite vacation spot for Novgorodians and guests of the ancient city. Here everything is adapted for recreation: cafes, playgrounds for children, carved benches. Thematic expositions dedicated to various events in Russian history are regularly arranged inside the Kremlin. From the observation deck you can take a panoramic shot of the city.

15. Kungur cave (Kungur, Perm region)

Avid travelers looking for something to see the most unusual and even mystical in Russia should definitely go down to the Kungur cave. She is beautiful, and great, and truly magical. The first tourists, including kings, descended here in the 19th century. Today this place is the most famous Ural miracle. Up to 100,000 people visit it every year. In just a few hours, moving through the cave manholes, tourists see winter, autumn, and spring. But summer never happens in a cave. The temperature here does not rise above +5⁰ + 8⁰ C, so even the Urals themselves, who decide to admire stalactites, stalagmites and underground lakes at their leisure, often shiver here from the cold, forgetting to put on a warm jacket and hat before descending. The most beautiful hall of the cave, mesmerizing with its snow-white brilliance, is the Diamond Grotto, so named because of its many years of icing. Even if the temperature outside is +30⁰ C, snow flowers bloom on the walls of the grotto. Groups of tourists are not allowed to stay here for more than five minutes. The caretakers of the cave protect its microclimate and protect it from melting ice. The length of all the passages of the cave reaches six kilometers, along with fifty loopholes and grottoes, each of which has its own name and an amazing history. Many halls are illuminated with multi-colored lights and look like unreal, fantastic halls.

16. St. Basil's Cathedral (Moscow)

The status of the most recognizable landmark of Moscow, in addition to the well-known Kremlin, should be assigned to St. Basil's Cathedral - even at a fleeting glance, its colorful domes evoke associations with the Russian capital. The origins of the cathedral date back to the 16th century, when, by order of Tsar Ivan the Terrible, a religious building grew on the site of the ancient temple of the Life-Giving Trinity. The basis for the creation of the cathedral was the idea of ​​Heavenly Jerusalem - a hipped bell tower, around which eight domes are located, from above it resembles an eight-pointed star, similar to that of Bethlehem. And if the facade of the cathedral impresses with splendor and abundance of flowers, then the interior of the inner hall surprises with the simplicity of decoration. Here, in the twilight, a completely different spirit reigns - the spirit of commemorations and meek prayers. While the main church hall occupies the first floor, an ensemble of 9 churches united by galleries is located on the second tier.

17. Tsarskoye Selo Museum-Reserve (Pushkin, St. Petersburg)

The great heritage of the city of Pushkin is a museum – the Tsarskoye Selo reserve with its Catherine Palace, which is a fine example of Russian architecture. The whole complex is the most important monument of gardening art of the 18th-20th centuries, which was badly damaged as a result of the events of the Great Patriotic War, but was later completely restored. The museum complex consists of gardens, parks, small thematic museums and the central object - the Catherine Palace, a magnificent baroque building in beautiful azure and white tones with an abundance of gilding elements. The splendor of the palace interior is especially evident in its Throne Room, sparkling with gilded decor and impressive artistically painted ceilings. The richness and cozy color of the Amber Room, the combination of snow-white walls and gold of the Front Enfilade, the grandeur and spaciousness of the Hermitage pavilion are impressive.

18. Golden Ring of Russia (cities of North-Eastern Rus')

The famous tourist route, which turned 50 in 2017, has already become a classic of tourism in Russia. It leads through the oldest Russian cities, where every historical place, every museum and cathedral keeps its centuries-old history. All the moments of the formation of ancient Russian architecture are revealed in the process of traveling through eight old Russian cities located on the map so that if you connect them with a single line, it looks like a closed ring - hence the name of the route. Majestic white-stone churches of the 12th-13th centuries, medieval tented buildings, creations of famous architectural schools, interesting exhibits of ancient museums, where woodcarving, products of talented jewelers and lacemakers, enamel painting, lacquer miniatures and much, much more will allow you to see with your own eyes a rich tour "Golden Ring of Russia".

19. Nizhny Novgorod Kremlin (Nizhny Novgorod)

On the territory of the confluence of the great Russian rivers, the Volga and the Oka, majestically rises a brick fortress - a fortification of the 16th century. The origins of the appearance of the Nizhny Novgorod Kremlin arose back in the distant 13th century, when the Russian prince founded the city here and surrounded it with fortifications. And only after 3 centuries an important fortification post of red brick and white limestone was erected. The total length of the Kremlin walls is about 2 km, these walls have 13 combat towers, and the main gate is the Dmitrievskaya Tower, which has become one of the symbols of Nizhny Novgorod. The second important tower is located in the south-eastern tip - this is the Georgievskaya Tower, next to which is Minin and Pozharsky Square with a monument to Chkalov, as well as an observation deck from which a huge 560-step Chkalov staircase leads down.

20. Church of the Intercession on the Nerl (1.5 km from Bogolyubov)

Another of the monuments of ancient Russian architecture is located in the Russian outback, one and a half kilometers from the village of Bogolyubovo. On a clear day, against the background of the blue sky, the Church of the Intercession on the Nerl is especially beautiful - the meek beauty of its facade, the combination of the piercing blue of the domes with its snow-white walls, is impressive. The church, which has become one of the symbols of Russia, was built in the 12th century in just one summer, not far from the residence of Prince Andrei Bogolyubsky. It was consecrated in memory of the events that took place in Constantinople in the 10th century during the siege of the city by the Saracens. There is a belief that the inhabitants of the city gathered in those difficult times in temples and prayed for the salvation of the city, and holy fool Andrew noticed how in the crowd of worshipers, on bended knee, the Mother of God herself offered up her prayers, after which she approached the throne, removed the cover from her head stretched it out over all people and bestowed salvation.

Mentioning the sights of St. Petersburg , It is impossible not to mention one of the most symbolic monuments of the northern capital - the cruiser Aurora. The armored cruiser, created to strengthen the navy in the process of geopolitical rivalry with England, was named after the ancient Roman goddess of the dawn. It was built at the very end of the 19th century and survived a number of significant events of the 20th century: it participated in the battles of the Japanese, World War I, was involved in the storming of the Winter Palace and in the defense of Kronstadt. The ship was regularly bombarded by enemy artillery, but still survived to this day. Today, there is a museum on board the cruiser dedicated to the participation of the ship in significant historical events, as well as a ship temple, restored in the post-Soviet era.

22. Manpupuner (Komi Republic)

Amazing natural formations in the form of weathered pillars can be seen in the Troitsko-Pechora region of Komi. The unusual name of these creations - Manpupuner - translated from the Mansi language means "Small mountain of idols". Once upon a time, millions of years ago, the Ural Mountains towered in this place, but over time, wind and water destroyed the rock. In some places, the stones turned out to be so strong that erosion could not cope with them - this is how a plateau was formed with bizarre rocky pillars, which are also called remnants. In total, there are seven such statues on the plateau, they rise in the middle of the plain, have a height of 30 to 42 meters and an unusual shape, at different angles resembling either the figure of a giant, or the head of a horse - in a word, there is room for imagination to roam.

23. Volcanoes of Kamchatka (Kamchatka)

Russia is great and immense, and if the sights of central Russia are concentrated in cities adjacent to the capital, and getting to know them will not take much time, then to visit others you will have to get to the opposite end of the mainland. So, to study the beautiful natural creations of the Kamchatka Peninsula, it is worth highlighting a separate trip - this region is so rich. It abounds with waterfalls, hot springs, beaches and coves, and, of course, the true symbol of Kamchatka is its many volcanoes. Few places on earth can meet such a number of volcanoes in such a small area, and with them unique landscapes, so excursions to Kamchatka are primarily rafting on mountain rivers, climbing dormant volcanoes, skiing from snow-covered slopes, therapeutic bathing in thermal springs , acquaintance with the ancient culture of the indigenous northern peoples and much, much more.

24. Lena Pillars (Yakutia)

In the Republic of Yakutia, on the banks of the large Siberian river Lena, there is an amazing stone ridge with a length of about 80 kilometers. The rocks, in some places reaching a height of 200 meters, were formed from ancient limestones, and their formation began about 500 million years ago. These formations have a bizarre striped “color” and an unusual elongated shape, and today a national park has been created on their territory. Since ancient times, this place was considered sacred - only shamans and elders were allowed to the rocks to talk with the spirits. From a scientific point of view, the pillars are an example of ancient formations of sedimentary rocks - once there was a sea in their place, and the bone remains of marine life served as the material for the formation of future rocks. Over time, the sea dried up, and weathering processes led to the formation of unusual natural creations.

25. Kul Sharif Mosque (Kazan)

The main mosque of Tatarstan and the symbol of the entire Tatar people is the Kul Sharif mosque in Kazan - a place of Muslim worship, weddings, photo shoots for tourists, and just a corner of authentic beauty and peace. It is worth noting that the modern building is not a historical building, it was erected quite recently on the site of the original Kul Sharif mosque that once existed here. The original building was destroyed back in the 16th century by the troops of the Russian Tsar Grozny, and only from 1996 to 2005, active restoration of the mosque started on this site, and the opening itself was timed to coincide with the millennium of the Tatar capital. The modern building is built of white marble and has eight high towers - minarets. Inside, you can visit the prayer halls, the Islamic Museum, and especially for foreign visitors, there are even special balconies from where you can watch the service.

26. Swallow's Nest (Crimea)

Any quiz on the sights of Crimea is not complete without mentioning perhaps the most famous monument of the peninsula - a magnificent castle, literally hovering on the edge of a cliff above the sea. Of course, this is the well-known "Swallow's Nest" - the smallest castle in the world, located at the tip of the southern cape Ai-Todor, at an altitude of 40 meters above sea level. The castle itself was built back in 1912 by order of a German baron, who wanted to see a castle in this beautiful place, reminding him of the architectural masterpieces of his distant homeland. In the Soviet years, more than one film was filmed in the vicinity of the castle, starting from the 70s until 2011, a restaurant operated within its walls, and today you can visit the museum here, see the interior and exterior of the building, admire the view from a sheer cliff.

27. Sayano-Shushenskaya HPP (Yenisei River)

In addition to the classic sights, there are other interesting places in Russia that clearly demonstrate the colossal nature of human labor and the genius of engineering. These include the dam of the Sayano-Shushenskaya hydroelectric power station - an impressive hydraulic structure in terms of scale and complexity. In terms of generated power, this hydroelectric power station ranks first among similar structures in Russia and seventh in the world. The dam has a huge height - 245 meters, and blocks the waters of one of the greatest rivers in the country - the Yenisei. Not only the size of the HPP is impressive - perhaps the most striking sight is the incredible spillway, because in just one second more than 13 thousand cubic meters of water can be discharged through special compartments.

28. Shikhans in Bashkiria (Bashkir Cis-Urals)

Few people know that in Bashkiria you can find ancient coral reefs that lay at the bottom of the Ural Sea millions of years ago. Shikhany - mountains that have witnessed natural processes occurring in those ancient times. These unique geological formations were essentially huge coral reefs, which, after the drying up of the ancient sea, became home to many terrestrial plants and animals. In modern times, Shihans are of some benefit to industry - a number of building materials are produced from multi-ton limestone deposits. Therefore, at the moment, out of the four shihans, in fact, only three remain: Yuraktau, Kushtau and Toratau. H fourth Shikhan Shakhtau, alas, almost all went for processing by the Bashkir industrial enterprise.

29. Elbrus (Caucasus)

The highest peak in Russia is 5,642 meters and belongs to the Caucasus Mountains system. This is Mount Elbrus at the junction of two republics - Karachay-Cherkess and Kabardino-Balkaria. The characteristic double-headed shape of Elbrus made the mountain a unique recognizable symbol of the North Caucasus. Today, it fascinates and attracts the attention of both climbers seeking to conquer high peaks and travelers who come to the foot to feel all the greatness and power of the stone giant. An interesting fact is that these two peaks are of volcanic origin - they were formed on a volcanic basis and, in fact, are two independent volcanoes. According to existing data, the last eruption here occurred about 2 thousand years ago. The highest is the western peak, the eastern one is 21 meters lower, and the saddle separates the two peaks, the height of which is about 300 meters lower than the mountain peaks.

30. Plesetsk Cosmodrome (Mirny)

Studying the sights of the world, it is worth paying attention to some objects of world importance in Russia - such is the Plesetsk cosmodrome, which played a crucial role in the development of astronautics. For example, until 2018, it ranked first in the world in terms of the number of space launches and launched vehicles. The cosmodrome is located in the Plesetsk district of the Arkhangelsk region and occupies a huge area - more than 1700 square meters. kilometers. Independent visits are prohibited, and excursion entry to the territory of the cosmodrome is carried out through a checkpoint, where strict control is carried out, due to the secrecy of the objects located here. On the territory you can visit the Historical and Memorial Museum, which is especially interesting for its realistic dioramas demonstrating the launch of rockets.

31. Trans-Siberian Railway

The Great Siberian Way, today called the Trans-Siberian Railway, surpasses all railway lines in the world in its scale. The length of the highway is almost 10 thousand kilometers, it passes through 21 constituent entities of the Russian Federation, and its main task is to connect the European region of the country, its main (Moscow) and northern capital (St. Petersburg) with the most important Far Eastern and East Siberian cities of Russia. The construction of the great Trans-Siberian Railway started back in 1891, after the emperor issued a decree on laying the Great Siberian Route, and lasted almost a quarter of a century. The starting point of the construction was a place near Vladivostok - Kuperovskaya Pad, it was here that Tsarevich Nikolai, in the future Tsar Nicholas II, personally drove the first wheelbarrow of earth to the future roadbed.

32. Golden Mountains of Altai (Siberia)

While the most popular historical sights are concentrated in the European part of Russia, its Asian part is a land of magnificent, pristine nature, wild expanses with a contrasting climate and sometimes very diverse nature. For example, Central Asia and Siberia are separated by a picturesque natural complex - the Golden Mountains of Altai, recognized as a World Heritage Site. Gorny Altai is a real treasury of natural resources: on an area of ​​1.64 million hectares there is the Altai Biosphere Reserve, the Katunsky Nature Reserve, the natural parks Belukha and the Ukok Quiet Zone. There are few places in the world with such contrasting landscapes - all the natural Central Asian zones converged in this region: steppes, deserts, forest-steppes, mountain taiga, mixed forests, alpine and subalpine meadows. The pearl of Altai is the deep-water Lake Teletskoye, called the younger brother of Baikal.

Jean & Nathalie

Mentioning the sights of the Crimean peninsula, one cannot fail to mention the luxurious monument of the Crimean Tatar architecture - the Khan's Palace in Bakhchisarai. In ancient sources, the palace is mentioned as a khan's residence, the construction of which was completed by 1551. The main task of the craftsmen who worked on the construction of the palace was to embody the Muslim idea of ​​an earthly paradise in the construction, and as a result of their work, not just a palace, but a miniature city grew up, which became the center of the cultural, spiritual and political life of the Crimean Tatar state. In the 20th century, a national museum was opened within the walls of the palace, and starting from 1979, as a result of laborious restoration, the palace acquired the role of a monument of Crimean architecture. The palace territory is still rich in greenery, fountains, all buildings have an authentic facade with characteristic ornate murals.

34. Naval Cathedral of St. Nicholas (Kronstadt)

At the very beginning of the 20th century, by decree of Tsar Nicholas II, the largest naval cathedral of the times of the Russian Empire, Nikolsky, was erected in the fortress city of Kronstadt. Today, this beautiful neo-Byzantine monumental building is the main naval temple of the Russian Federation and functions as a branch of the Central Naval Museum. Inside, the temple has a rich decoration with a mass of painted ornaments, an abundance of gilding, where much attention is paid to the maritime theme, because the cathedral was originally conceived as a monument to the dead sailors. In the hall of the temple you can see black memorial plaques made of marble, in the altar - the same white ones: the names of naval officers who died in battle are listed on black, and the names of clergymen who died at sea are listed on white. In the square of the cathedral there is an old garden, in which 32 oak trees were planted by the Russian tsar and his entourage.

AlixSaz Narzan Gallery Inner Hall
Interior of the Narzan Gallery in Kislovodsk Laura bera

If we mention the natural attractions of Russia, the presentation will not do without such riches that are not only pleasing to the eye, but also have a beneficial effect on human health. A very successful synthesis of useful natural gifts and skilful architectural craftsmanship is the Narzan Gallery, located in the very heart of Kislovodsk. Here, at the beginning of the 18th century, a narzan spring was discovered, the healing properties of its waters were discovered rather quickly, and a well was equipped a century later. In the same years, treatment with Narzan waters also spread. So, on the site of the spring, by order of Prince Vorontsov, in 1858, a beautiful Gothic structure made of yellow stone grew up, intended for the rest of holidaymakers who used life-giving water. The luxurious and spacious gallery has retained its original appearance to this day, having undergone only minor changes in the interiors.

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. The new visual symbols of Russia, chosen by popular vote (almost 225 million votes were taken into account in total), 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 you 10 winners of the competition, selected from over 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 Metropolis, that is, the residence for Metropolitan Jonah. Therefore, there is nothing formally to call it the Kremlin, the stone walls were quite decorative and should not have served to defend the city. The Kremlin has eleven towers in total. 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 triumphant 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 Card Museum and the Collectors Museum.

4. Nizhny Novgorod Kremlin (Photo: Alexander Sinderev)

From the annals it is known that Nizhny Novgorod was founded in 1221 by the Grand Duke of Vladimir Yuri Vsevolodovich. The defensive fortifications of the city - deep ditches and high ramparts - were originally built of wood and earth. The Nizhny Novgorod Kremlin became stone in 1515, when it became necessary 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 to the Heroes of the Battle of Stalingrad was opened on Mamaev 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, in the hill, the remains of the soldiers - the defenders of Stalingrad were reburied. The statue by 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. At the same time, 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. It is said that a car fits freely in the palm of the statue. In 2008, the statue of the Motherland on Mamaev 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 with the Velikaya River. Now the territory of the Kremlin unites two different parts of the city: Detinets with the Trinity Cathedral, the 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. The most revered shrines of the temple include miraculous icons, an ark with the relics of Pskov saints and Holguin's cross. For many centuries, the threat of an enemy attack constantly hung over the city, which forced the people of Pskov to constantly improve 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 come down to us in almost its original form.

7. Mosque named after Akhmat Kadyrov "Heart of Chechnya" (Photo: Timur Agirov)

Mosque "Heart of Chechnya" 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 outer and inner walls of the mosque are finished with marble, and the 36 chandeliers installed in the mosque resemble the three main shrines of Islam with their shapes: 27 chandeliers imitate the Kubbatu-as-Sakhra mosque in Jerusalem, 8 are modeled after the Rovzatu-Nebevi mosque in Medina and the largest, eight-meter chandelier, repeats the shape of the shrine of the Kaaba 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-Sergius Lavra (Photo: Vera Ostroumova)

The Trinity-Sergius Lavra 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 temple and perpetuating the traditions of Moscow architecture of the 14th-15th centuries. This is a unique historical object, one of the few cathedrals where the iconostasis has been preserved, painted by the greatest icon painters - Andrei Rublev and Daniil Cherny. The relics of Sergius of Radonezh lie in the Trinity Cathedral, hundreds of parishioners come to bow to them every day. In 1744, the Trinity-Sergius Monastery was awarded the honorary title of Lavra. Today it is a functioning male monastery, the spiritual center of Orthodox Russia. Since 1940, the Trinity-Sergius Lavra has been a state museum-reserve. It is under the protection of UNESCO.

This is a unique historical, cultural and natural complex, which is a particularly valuable object of the 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 Pogost. It consists of two churches and a bell tower of the 18th-19th centuries, surrounded by a single fence - a reconstruction of the traditional churchyard fences. The Church of the Transfiguration, rebuilt after a fire in 1714, was cut down from wood (including 22 domes and a cross), without nails, using an ax and a chisel. The long life of the Kizhi churches is explained by the fact that they were built without the use of a saw - the processing of wood with an ax does not violate its structure, so the churches do not collapse. In 1966, on the basis of the architectural ensemble of the Kizhi Pogost, the State Historical and Architectural Museum "Kizhi" was founded, where, in addition to the buildings existing in their original places, 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 Muscovite 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 did not spare the Kremlin - only a few towers and a couple of fragments of the fortress walls remained from the fortress. Despite this, the Kremlin in our time impresses with its grandeur and power. The most interesting of the seven surviving towers is the Marinkina or Kolomenskaya tower. A legend is connected with this tower: the wife of False Dmitry, Marina Mnishek, was allegedly imprisoned here. At present, the 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 rites, folk holidays and fairs are held here.

The 30 finalists of the competition also included the Golden Abode of Buddha Shakyamuni Temple, the Kungur Cave, the Solovetsky Archipelago, the Curonian Spit, the Valley of Geysers, the cable-stayed bridges in Vladivostok and other attractions.