The most interesting cities in Russia: rating, sights. Sights of Russia Message on the topic of world attractions
Russia is a great and diverse country, its expanses amaze the imagination. Everything is here: from amazing architectural monuments to all kinds of natural attractions, stretching from the Baltic to the Pacific Ocean. What can you see in Russia, what are the most interesting and unusual places that attract tourists from all over the world?
Moscow and St. Petersburg, Siberia, the Far East, the Volga region, the Krasnodar Territory, the Russian North, the Caucasus and the Urals are the most famous regions where the most famous are concentrated.
A selection of the best objects in Russia will help you get to know the history and culture of the country that ranks first in the world in terms of territory.
the Moscow Kremlin
The Moscow Kremlin is perhaps the main attraction of Moscow. This architectural and artistic ensemble is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The unique museum complex includes museum-cathedrals, the Patriarch's Chambers of the 17th century, the Ivan the Great Bell Tower and the Armory - a treasure museum.
The Kremlin museums present unique exhibits. Among them are royal carriages, icons, weapons and armor, state regalia and much more. On the territory of the Kremlin is the residence of the President of Russia.
Visiting the Moscow Kremlin paid, ticket price 500 RUB, children under 16 years old - free of charge.
If you stay in the city for more than a day, you should take care of accommodation for the night. .
Red Square
Red Square is located in the very center of Moscow and is the heart of Russia. There are unique sights here. What is the Lenin Mausoleum with a solemn guard, Execution Ground, Kazan Cathedral.
The square is the main venue for ceremonial parades. This is one of the main attractions of Moscow.
Photo source: raskalov_vit.livejournal.com.
The territory of the square is not intended for the passage of cars, it is a pedestrian zone.
Tretyakov Gallery
The most famous art museum in Moscow is the Tretyakov Gallery. The museum's collection includes more than 100 thousand works of art. Here is the largest collection of Russian fine art in the world. The museum was founded in 1856 by the merchant P. M. Tretyakov. The facade of the museum building was made according to the sketches of the artist Vasnetsov.
Entrance ticket: 400 RUB.
Kizhi Island
The open-air museum-reserve Kizhi is one of the most visited attractions in Russia. 89 unique monuments of wooden architecture are collected here: old houses, chapels, mills, churches, barns and other buildings.
The most famous building of the museum is the Church of the Transfiguration, built in 1714. Its height is 37 meters, it is decorated with 22 domes of different sizes, descending to the ground. And all this construction is made without a single nail.
Kizhi Pogost is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The island is located on Lake Onega, 68 km from the capital of Karelia, the city of Petrozavodsk.
Photo source: nice-places.com.
Motor ships run to the island, the cost of a two-way trip is 2750 RUB, departure from Petrozavodsk.
Saint Sophie Cathedral
Hagia Sophia in Novgorod is rightfully considered the most outstanding monument of ancient Russian architecture. He is only a few years younger than Sophia of Kiev, it was she who served as the prototype of the Novgorod shrine. The construction of the temple was carried out by Prince Vladimir of Novgorod, the son of Yaroslav the Wise.
The cross of the central dome of the cathedral is crowned with the figure of a dove - a symbol of the Holy Spirit, and while he is there, the city is under his protection.
Photo source: dic.academic.ru.
The cathedral is located on the territory of the Novgorod Kremlin, temple entrance free.
Saint Isaac's Cathedral
The museum-monument St. Isaac's Cathedral in St. Petersburg is one of the best cathedrals in Europe, and is also one of the main attractions of Russia.
Well-known masters of the middle of the 19th century worked on the interior decoration of the cathedral, among them Karl Bryullov, Fedor Bruni, Vasily Shebuev, Ivan Vitali. Mosaic paintings are of particular interest, there are about 60 of them. Stained-glass windows are no less beautiful - their area is about 28.5 sq.m.
It is possible to climb the colonnade of the dome of the cathedral, from a height of 43 meters a beautiful view of the city opens up.
Photo source: kvartirka.com.
Complex ticket to the cathedral and to the colonnade - 400 RUB.
For an overnight stay in St. Petersburg, you can use.
curonian spit
The Curonian Spit National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is located on the Baltic coast. The nature of the spit is diverse and unique, there are deserts and meadows covered with moss and lichen, pine and deciduous forests, swamps and moving dunes.
Photo source: amigo-tours.ru.
The length of the spit is 98 km, the width varies from 400 to 3800 meters.
One-time pass to visit the park: 250 RUB.
Museum-Reserve "Peterhof"
Another unique attraction of St. Petersburg. The Peterhof State Museum-Reserve is a palace complex with fountains, gardens and parks. The amazingly beautiful palace and park complex is most famous for its fountains, there are more than 150 of them.
The complex consists of the Upper Garden, the Palace and the Lower Park. One of the main attractions is the Grand Cascade, in the center of which is the figure of Samson tearing apart the mouth of a lion.
Another decoration of the park - White Nights, they last from mid-May to almost mid-July. The museum is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List and is also recognized as one of the wonders of Russia.
Photo source: tonkosti.ru.
Peterhof is located on the coast of the Gulf of Finland, 30 km from St. Petersburg.
Museum fees: from 70 to 520 RUB.
Kazan Kremlin
The Kazan Kremlin is the main attraction of Kazan. On the territory of the museum-reserve, Tatar and Russian architecture coexist - this is the Annunciation Cathedral and the main mosque of Kazan Kul Shalif, the Governor's House and the leaning Syuyumbike tower.
The Kremlin is the official residence of the President of the Republic of Tatarstan.
Photo source: gelio.livejournal.com.
Entrance to the Kremlin free. The fee is taken only for visiting museums: from 150 to 250 RUB.
There are a lot of accommodation options in Kazan. .
Sochi Arboretum
The Sochi Arboretum is a monument of landscape gardening art; it contains a unique collection of subtropical plants brought from different parts of the world. The rose garden is especially popular.
The park has a cable car, you can look at all this splendor from a bird's eye view. In 2012, the park celebrated its 120th anniversary.
Photo source: foto.glavbukh.ru.
Entrance ticket: 250 RUB.
teletskoye lake
The amazing beauty of Lake Teletskoye is the pearl of Altai. This is one of the deepest lakes on the planet with the purest water, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Photo source: rossija.info.
Local people consider the lake sacred. The incredible beauty of these places is fascinating, the waterfalls are especially interesting - the most visited is Korbu, its height is 12.5 meters. The entire right bank is part of the Altai Reserve.
Arch Steller
The Steller Arch is a unique natural monument of the Kamchatka Territory. It is a symbol of the Commander Biosphere Reserve, located on the Pacific Ocean between the bays of Poludennaya and Gladkovskaya. The height of the arch is 20.6 m, formed as a result of natural rock erosion.
Photo source: photokamchatka.ru.
It is named after its discoverer, traveler Georg Wilhelm Steller.
Novgorod detinets
The Novgorod Kremlin (Detinets) is the oldest Kremlin in Russia, its age has exceeded 970 years. He entered the list of the best sights of Russia.
On the territory of the Kremlin there is the most ancient temple in Russia - St. Sophia Cathedral, the Vladychnaya (Faceted) Chamber, a monument to the 1000th anniversary of Russia, the Church of St. Andrew Stratilat and other buildings. The total area of the Kremlin is 12.1 hectares.
Photo source: etotam.com.
The Novgorod Kremlin is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Entrance ticket price: 190 RUB.
Kungur ice cave
The Kungur ice cave is the largest karst cave in Russia, it ranks seventh in the ranking of the longest gypsum caves in the world. Its length is 5600 meters, there are up to fifty grottoes, more than 60 lakes.
The air temperature in some grottoes does not rise above zero degrees. The approximate age of the cave is 10-12 thousand years, located in the Urals in the Perm region. The length of the route equipped for tourists is 1500 meters.
Photo source: russia.ksio.ru.
The cost of entrance tickets: from 600 to 1000 RUB.
Dombai
Dombay is one of the oldest ski resorts in Russia. It is located at the foot of the Main Caucasian Range at an altitude of 1620 meters in the valley.
Photo source: a-tours.com.
Beautiful nature and well-developed infrastructure attracts numerous tourists, the season lasts from November to May.
boxwood waterfalls
Picturesque Boxwood waterfalls attract many tourists every year. There are waterfalls on the East Dagomys River surrounded by relict forests. The river flows through the gorge, forming waterfalls-cascades. Near each of them there are deepenings with the purest water in which you can swim.
Photo source: openarium.ru.
The highest waterfalls reach a height of 5 meters. There are waterfalls a few kilometers from Sochi, near the village of Baranovka.
Diamond quarry "Mir"
One of the world's largest diamond quarry "Mir" is located in Yakutia. A giant funnel 525 meters deep is literally mesmerizing, the quarry is especially impressive from a bird's eye view.
Photo source: free-eyes.com.
For more than 50 years, diamonds have been mined here, the largest was found in 1981 - 324.5 carats. In 2001, the development was stopped, and the quarry was mothballed.
Krasnoyarsk pillars
The nature reserve "Krasnoyarsk pillars" is located in the spurs of the Eastern Sayan on the right bank of the Yenisei. Local rocks resemble pillars, they are narrow and high: from 60 to 600 m. In total, there are about a hundred pillars made of gray-pink granite, most of them have their own names.
Photo source: feelek.livejournal.com.
Approximate age of the pillars: from 450 to 600 million years.
Elbrus
Mount Elbrus is the most famous and highest peak in Russia. Its height is 5642 meters, it is part of the Caucasus Range.
You can get to the top by cable car up to the level of 2950 meters, from here you can see an amazing panorama of the Caucasus.
Photo source: outdoorukraine.com.
This is a great place for lovers of skiing, there are slopes of various levels of difficulty.
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If you liked the article, tell your friends;) Sights of Russia created by nature itself!!!Rock Sail
Not far from the beach of the resort village of Praskoveevka in the Krasnodar Territory there is an interesting monument, the creator of which is nature itself. It is a layer of sandstone vertically standing on the seashore, more than 30 m high and about 20 m wide. How exactly did it happen that this rock rises in splendid isolation on the coast, it is not completely clear: whether it broke away from the coastal rocks and remained in the sand, whether so and was in the same place. Among geologists, the second version is more popular. They say the Sail is the only thing left after the sea washed out the softer sandstones. That is, once the Sail was part of the bottom of the sea, and the surface of the water was much higher.
At a height of about 2.5 meters in Parus there is a hole, the origin of which is also unclear. Many guidebooks say that it was pierced by mountain artillery arrows during the Caucasian War. However, this version of the origin of the hole is questioned: S. Vasyukov, who explored the Black Sea coast, wrote in 1903 after examining the rock that “... sailors fired at it from an armadillo, fired 4 shells, but the wall remained unshakable, although traces of nuclei are visible, nowhere pierced cliffs ... ".
Divnogorie
Divnogorie is a nature reserve and plateau in the Liskinsky district of the Voronezh region, at the confluence of the Tikhaya Sosna and Don rivers. The land of fabulous chalk mountains, cave churches and picturesque nature. From a geological point of view, the reserve is a Cretaceous deposit on the surface of the earth. The top layer consists of 15-20% chalk. Below 80 meters - a layer of pure chalk. The name Divnogorie was given to the area for the chalk pillars, called by the local population "divas" (from marvel - miracle).
The first written evidence is the notes of Ignatius Smolyanin, who accompanied Metropolitan Pimen in 1389: “I floated to the Quiet Pine and saw the pillars of white stone, marvelously and red, stand side by side, like the stones are small, white and bright green, over the river over the Pine.” On the territory of the reserve there are cave chalk churches of the 17th century (the Church of the Sicilian Icon of the Mother of God, the Church of John the Baptist and Divnogorskaya-3), the Mayatsky settlement of the 9th-10th centuries (the remains of a medieval fortress and a necropolis) and the Mayatsky pottery complex of the 9th-10th centuries, Svyato-Uspensky Divnogorsky monastery (XVII century).
Big Divas
The Kostomarovsky Spassky Women's Monastery is one of the oldest Russian monasteries, founded even before the official adoption of Christianity in Russia. Here is the icon of the Valaam Mother of God.
Blue Lakes
There are five unique natural lakes in the Cherek region of Kabardino-Balkaria: Lower Blue, Secret, Dry and two Upper Blue. The most interesting is the Lower Lake, located at the northern foot of the Rocky Range at an altitude of 1492 m. Unique is the fact that with a small size (its area is 2.6 hectares), it has a depth of 258 m (according to other sources 368). This is the sixth deepest lake in the former USSR. Not a single stream or river flows into the lake, but about 70 million liters flow out (into the Cherek River) every day. Due to the presence of hydrogen sulfide, the water has a blue tint. The surface water temperature in winter and summer is 9.3°C.
Mount Vottovaara
Until now, an inquisitive researcher can find monuments in the remote taiga corners of Karelia that do not fit into the system of logical ideas of modern man. One of such monuments is the complex on the mountain Vottovaara. Mountain Vottovaara (the highest point of western Karelia - height 417 m) in Karelia is considered by superstitious people to be a place of concentration of evil forces and a bridge to another world: ugly trees grow here, fauna is almost absent, lakes are dead. One name for it among the people is worth something: Death-mountain.
In recent years, Death Mountain has become a place of pilgrimage for followers of various mystical directions, who claim that this is a place of concentration of evil forces and a bridge to another world. The peaks are a rocky plateau, in some places covered with trees of bizarre shape and height. For example, old, hundred- and two-hundred-year-old pines here are not higher than two meters. On the top of Vottovaara, on an area of about six square kilometers, there are about 1,600 stones (“Karelian Stonehenge”), laid in some mysterious order. A number of large multi-ton stones are placed on "legs": several smaller stones.
Some researchers suggest that this is an ancient cult complex. However, in official science, the version about the natural origin of "Stonehenge" prevails. Geologists believe that cracks and faults were formed as a result of a strong earthquake about 9 thousand years ago. The even planes of the stones are the result of the properties of the local rock - quartzite, the structure of which sets such even planes during a split.
"Stairway to Heaven"
Pillars of weathering Man-Pupu-Ner
Weathering pillars on the Man-Pupu-Ner plateau in the Komi Republic (Mansi boobs). About 200 million years ago, there were high mountains in the place of stone pillars. Millennia passed. Rain, snow, wind, frost and heat gradually destroyed the mountains, and first of all the weak rocks. The hard sericite-quartzite shales of which the remnants were composed were less destroyed and survived to this day, while soft rocks were destroyed by weathering and carried by water and wind into relief depressions. In the past, a place of religious worship of the Mansi people. Man-Pupu-Ner in the Mansi language means "Small mountain of idols"
Lake Shaitan and floating islands
One of the most unique lakes in Russia - Lake Shaitan, is located 39 km from the city of Urzhum. The lake has a karst origin, the depth is up to 25 meters. The lake is fed by underground groundwater and atmospheric precipitation. A unique phenomenon is the islands drifting along the lake, on which bushes and small trees grow. Some of the islands can support the weight of several people. Another unique feature of the Shaitan Lake is the upward ejection of fountains and columns of water. The pillars are of different heights (up to 10 m), the emissions are irregular and rapidly fast, seeing them is a great success. Local residents claim that emissions also occur in winter, leaving rearing, thick ice floes sticking up.
In a clearing near the lake, there used to be a large two-story wooden house that belonged to the owner of the forest, the landowner and large industrialist Mosolov. Since his serfs cut down the forest without permission, Mosolov ordered the foresters to punish the poachers not with a ruble, but with bathing in Shaitan. The culprit was taken out on a boat and allowed to swim to the shore. The felling of the forest immediately stopped - the people were terribly afraid of the lake.
camel mountain
Camel Mountain is located in the Orenburg region, 9 km southeast of the village of Vostochny, on the left bank of the drying-up stream Aschisu. It is a quartzite rock outcrop up to 20 meters high. The camel is one of the most original natural sculptures and a kind of symbol of the Orenburg dry steppe Trans-Urals. For a long time, the wind blew the soil, and the mountain, built of hard rocks, turned into a twenty-meter quartz block resembling a lying camel.
There are many legends about the rock. One of them tells about how one day a camel, who came from the desert, wanted to measure his strength with the Ural Range. Prepared for battle, and so it froze for centuries.
Kungur cave
The Kungur Ice Cave is one of the largest karst caves in the world and one of the most popular attractions in the Urals. The cave is located in the Perm Territory, on the right bank of the Sylva River on the outskirts of the city of Kungur in the village of Filippovka, (100 km from Perm). The length of the cave is about 5700 m, of which 1.5 km is equipped for tourists. The cave contains about 50 grottoes, 70 lakes, 146 so-called "organ pipes" (the highest one is in the Etherny grotto, 22 m) - high shafts, reaching almost to the surface.
coral grotto
Hanging stone blocks in Dante's Grotto
Grotto Meteorny
Stone rat in Custer's grotto
Organ pipe in the grotto of Friendship of Peoples
underground lake
stone mushrooms
Approximately 1.5 km below the confluence of the Chulcha River on the right bank of the Chulyshman in the Altai Republic, the Akkurum tract begins, where stone mushrooms are located - curious landforms formed as a result of selective washing out (scientifically - denudation) of heterogeneous rocks. They look graceful and very unusual. One can only rejoice that this unusual natural phenomenon has survived to our time in all its glory. Unfortunately, these mushrooms continue to gradually decay. They say that during the earthquakes in Altai in 2003, several “hats” fell. There is an opinion among geologists that our grandchildren may never see them.
Chara Sands
Chara Sands is a tract in the Kalarsky district of the Chita region, which is a sandy massif about 10 km by 5 km in size. It is located in the Chara basin, in the foothills of the Kodar ridge, between the valleys of the Chara, Middle Sakukan and Upper Sakukan rivers. Surrounded by larch taiga and swamps. The length of individual dunes is 150-170 m. height is up to 80 m.
A desert with dunes with an area of 100 square kilometers rises a hundred meters high among the swamps. No one really can explain its origin. They say that these are grains of sand weathered from the rocks and taken out of the Middle Sakukan valley to the plain. But why then are the mountains made of sedimentary rocks, and the sand is the purest quartz? There are no analogues of such a desert in the world.
The desert begins with a sharp transition from pine forest, larch or peat bog to sand. No intermediate zone, no "no man's land" - nature does not recognize neutrality here. You can stand with one foot in the desert, and the other in the taiga. In the depressions between dunes there are forested areas - larch forests, dwarf birches, even moisture-loving dwarf pine. You can see such a surreal landscape as ice on the sand (not necessarily in winter, but also in summer).
Along the edges of the desert, streams flow from under the sands in many places. The water is purest.
Chara sands under the snow
Patomsky crater
The Patomsky crater in the Irkutsk region is a cone-shaped hill, consisting of crushed limestone, up to 180 m in diameter and 40 m high. At the top is a funnel of either meteorite or volcanic origin. Among the local population is called the "Nest of the fiery eagle." The mysterious crater was discovered in 1951 by geologist Vladimir Kolpakov and is still one of the most mysterious natural objects in the world. In size and appearance, it is similar to a lunar crater.
It is still unclear how it appeared on the surface of the earth. There are dozens of hypotheses about its origin. The two main ones are: volcanic origin (but no traces of lava were found) and a trace from the fall of a huge meteorite to the ground (but the crater does not look like meteorite craters known to science). There are more and fantastic versions, for example, the result of Tesla's experiment or the crash site of an alien ship.
Lena Pillars
The Lena Pillars is a geological formation and a national natural park of the same name in Russia, on the banks of the Lena River in the Khangalassky ulus of Yakutia, 104 km from the city of Pokrovsk. The Lena Pillars are a complex of vertically elongated rocks stretching for many kilometers, bizarrely piled up along the banks of the Lena, a deep valley cutting through the Prilensky plateau. The pillars reach the highest density between the villages of Petrovskoye and Tit-Ary. Rock formations, the height of which reaches 100 meters, are composed of Cambrian limestones.
The beginning of the formation of the rocks that formed this natural monument is usually dated to the early Cambrian - 560-540 million years ago. The formation of the Lena Pillars as a landform is dated to a much later period - about 400 thousand years ago, that is, relatively recent geological time.
On the rocks rising along the banks of the Lena and Sinya rivers, numerous rock paintings were found, made with yellow mineral paint by the ancient inhabitants of these places. These are stylized images of animals that have been preserved to varying degrees, fragments of ancient Turkic runic inscriptions, rock compositions depicting a person.
The Decembrist A. A. Bestuzhev-Marlinsky spoke enthusiastically about the Pillars: “Some kind of holy silence lies on the virgin creation, and the soul merges with the wild, but majestic nature”
Cape Stolbchaty
Cape Stolbchaty on the Kuril island of Kunashir (Sakhalin region) is a unique geological formation in the form of a solid stone ledge rising on the very shore of the sea as a high sheer wall. The erupted volcanic rocks formed narrow 4-, 5- and 6-coal basalt columns, the so-called columnar sections. At the foot of the columnar wall, polished bars lie in disorder, like sawn-off firewood.
The coastal platform, leveled by sea waves, creates the illusion of a pavement, and single pillars that have survived from destruction look like the remains of a broken fence. It is surprising that such an ideal composition was created by an accident of nature, it is impossible to believe that the columnar structure was formed by lava flows flowing down here once upon a time.
If you look at the "pavement" from above, you can see that the rock is simultaneously divided not only into columnar units, but also into larger similar segments with even sides.
Valley of Geysers
The Valley of Geysers is one of the largest geyser fields in the world and the only one in Eurasia. Located in Kamchatka in the Kronotsky State Biosphere Reserve. At the confluence of the Geysernaya and Shumnaya rivers, on an area of about 2 sq. km, there are about 20 large geysers and many springs that periodically emit fountains of almost boiling water (over 95C) or hot steam. At present, part of the valley is covered by a large landslide.
The valley was discovered only in the spring of 1941. The discovery was made by a young female geologist Tatyana Ustinova with an Itelmen guide Anisifor Krupenin. They climbed the bed of the Shumnaya River and, entering a narrow passage between the rocks, stopped near the mouth of an unknown tributary. There was still snow in April. Having somehow settled down on a steep snow-covered slope, the exhausted travelers decided to have a bite to eat. On the opposite bank of the river one could see a thawed rocky platform, over which a light park curled. And suddenly - a jet of hot water hit them right from this thaw hole! Tatyana Ustinova realized that in front of her was a real geyser - the first one discovered in the USSR.
North Pole of Cold
The North Pole of Cold is located in the Tomtor area of the Oymyakonsky district (ulus) of Yakutia. Here, in 1924, the lowest temperature in the Northern Hemisphere was recorded -71.2 ° C (according to other sources -77.8). The average monthly temperature in January is minus 61 degrees Celsius, and on the coldest days it can also be minus 68. There are no other places in the world where people constantly live and work at such low temperatures.
Temperatures below 60 degrees Celsius happen here almost every January, and in August it can be either plus 30 or minus 15. The Pole of Cold tourist festival is held annually in the village of Tomtor, where Santa Claus traditionally comes from Lapland. In March 2004, the residence of Santa Claus opened here.
"Discovered" the pole of cold Sergei Vladimirovich Obruchev, geologist, son of the author of the famous "Sannikov Land" and "Plutonium" V.A. Obruchev. Exploring the valley of the Indigirka and heading towards the Chersky Ridge, Obruchev drew attention to a strange noise that accompanied him all the time on the way. “It’s as if grain is being poured or the wind is shaking dry snow from the trees. Wherever you turn around, this noise is everywhere, but meanwhile there is no wind and the trees do not move, ”he wrote later. Finally, the traveler guessed that it was his frozen breath rustling. This characteristic noise appears at frost below minus 50 °C. The Yakuts call it the whisper of the stars.
The local walrus Andrei swims at -50. Fortunately, for this there is a river that does not freeze due to warm springs.
In this regard, naive questions often arise from the category "Which country is better?", "Which has the most attractions." Naturally, no one will give a clear answer to this question, because everything is relative. Attractions are not only exclusively touristic, but also known only to local residents who are in love with their city and see it from a special angle.
Accounting for important objects of cultural, historical and natural heritage is maintained by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). By compiling the World Heritage List, UNESCO tries to promote and guarantee the preservation of natural, cultural or mixed sites. The highest concentration of attractions due to their proximity in Europe. Most of these interesting places are concentrated in the cradle of Western civilization - in. There are many World Heritage Sites and, not surprisingly, over the centuries these two cultures have mixed and influenced each other, and the significance of each of them is undeniable. Not all attractions made the list, many more will be included, and many will never make it, which is why they will not become less valuable. Italy is immediately followed by , and . So if your mind craves cultural food, these countries are a must see for you.
On the other hand, statistics show that it is far from the UN that determines the best of the best. Most travelers in the world consider the country to visit number 1 France. France is the undisputed leader of world tourism, although trips there, as a rule, do not exceed several days in duration. Either a magnificent historical past with expansions and colonization, or the years of prosperity of the monarchs, but something definitely played a decisive role in turning this country into a tourist mecca.
The next place in terms of attendance after the tiny charming France is occupied by, which, due to their multinationality and many states, have concentrated a great many natural and man-made masterpieces on a vast territory. Following the States in this ranking is China, which is understandable. The ancient oriental culture of the most populous country on the planet is famous all over the world.
Although if we continue the chain of the “most-most” category outside of this rating, it is also worth mentioning that it is so diverse that even in a hundred trips you can not know it, tourism in which sometimes borders on madness - either in large cities, or hermit, in the midst of wild and stunning nature. Super-saturated leisure during your vacation will also be provided to you in Spain, famous for its festivities. Folk games and customs there are like nationwide flash mobs - wild, special and exciting.
Travel Company Group Travel sincerely wishes you success with the choice of the country for rest. Even given any recommendations, this choice will not be easy. And whatever your decision, we have a thousand and one ways to satisfy it.
Photo: 500px.com by Peter BABILOTTE
Even the most avid traveler will always be able to find unexplored places, countries and cultures, because our planet is so diverse. Rice terraces, waterfalls and clear ponds - we have collected for you 30 sights that everyone should see at least once!
1Pamukkale, Turkey
A natural site in the Turkish province of Denizli is 17 geothermal springs that look extraordinary! The dazzling white terraces are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. And besides, they are open for swimming.
Photo: hermosatoursturkey.com
2
Rice terraces, China
The most famous rice terraces in China, Longji Rice Terraces, are called "Dragon Ridge" due to their unusual shape. They are located near the Guilin district and rise above the sea by 300-1100 meters. This place gets its most spectacular view in the spring, when the blue sky and the sun are reflected in the water.
Photo: mybirdie.ca 3 Temples of Bagan, Myanmar
The ancient city of Bagan in the state of Myanmar today is an archaeological area with pagodas, temples and monasteries. The most famous and beautiful of them are the Buddhist temple of Damyanji and Ananda. Once you see this ancient city, you will remember it forever.
Photo: hotels-myanmar.com 4 Monasteries of Meteora, Greece
The largest complex of monasteries in Greece impresses primarily with its location: it is located on the tops of cliffs reaching a height of 600 meters. The monasteries are a unique attraction, because they were built in 950-970, when there were no roads, no equipment, and all materials were lifted onto the rocks by hand.
Photo: lovethesepics.com Uyuni Salt Flat, Bolivia
A dry lake in the south of the Altiplano desert plain is the largest salt marsh in the world. The mirror surface of Uyuni reflects the clouds, which creates an incredible sight!
Photo: hofmag.com 6 Hitachi National Park, Japan
In the park of the Japanese city of Hitachinaka, you can admire the beauty of nature at any time of the year, because there are plants that bloom every season.
Photo: yokotatravel.com 7 Ad Deir and Al Khazneh, Jordan
Temples in the city of Petra in Jordan are unique sights. Back in the 1st century AD. they were completely carved out of the rocks.
Photo: owegoo.com 8 Machu Picchu, Peru
"City among the clouds" is considered one of the most mysterious sights in the world, located on top of a mountain range at an altitude of 2450 meters above sea level. It is believed that the city was created as a sacred mountain shelter by the Inca ruler Pachacutec. 1200 people lived in it, and all of them mysteriously disappeared from the city in the middle of the 16th century.
Photo: julianrestaurant.com
9
Cave in Algarve, Portugal
Situated on a beach in the Portuguese region of Algarve, this cave creates an amazing view with its perforated vault. Especially when the rays of the sun pass through them.
Photo: 500px.com by IURII BURIAK
10
Lencois Maranhensis National Park in Brazil
A national park in the Brazilian state of Maranhao is known for its sand dunes. It takes on a particularly charming look during the rainy season, when lagoons form between the dunes.
Photo: aheadcomunicazione.it
11
Moraine Lake, Canada
Glacial Lake is located in Banff National Park at an altitude of 1885 meters. It is completely filled only from the middle to the end of June, being fed by a glacier. At this time, the rocky bottom of the lake creates an amazing reflection on the surface.
Photo: wallpaperfolder.com 12 Son Doong Cave, Vietnam
In the Vietnamese province of Quang Binh is the largest cave in the world - Shondong. It is assumed that its total volume is 38.5 million square meters. There is a river flowing in the cave, and there are also grass and trees.
Photo: thethaovanhoa.vn 13 Tulip fields, Netherlands
Flower fields in the Netherlands occupy vast territories, which is why they look so fabulous. The largest number of tulips bloom from early April to mid-May - it is at this time that you can see an incredible riot of colors!
Photo: kartunlucu.com 14 Mount Roraima, South America
Table Mountain Roraima is located at the junction of Brazil, Venezuela and Guyana. Its main feature is that a large cloud constantly hovers over the mountain.
Photo: feel-planet.com 15 Cave of Crystals, Mexico
At a depth of 300 meters under the city of Naica in Mexico is a cave of crystals. The largest crystal found here reached a height of 11 meters and had a width of 4 meters. You can stay inside the cave for no longer than 20 minutes, since the temperature in it can rise to 60 degrees.
Photo: tourism-spot.com 16 Colored rocks of Zhangye Danxia, China
In the Chinese province of Gansu, the Zhangye Danxia National Geopark is located, the main attraction of which is colored rocks. Formed by deposits of sandstone and other minerals, they reach a height of several hundred meters.
Photo: travelwithkally.blogspot.com
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Sea of stars, Maldives
Thanks to the bioluminescence of millions of living organisms, the beaches on the Maldivian island of Vaadhoo seem to be covered with stars. The sight is simply incredible!
Photo: thousandwonders.net 18 Antelope Canyon, USA
Located in northern Arizona, this canyon gets its name from its incredible antelope-like coloration. A special magic to this place is added by sunlight breaking through the rocks.
Photo: planetden.com 19 Fingal's Cave, UK
The rock-cut cave is located on the Scottish island of Staffa. Its walls are vertical basalt columns up to 20 meters high. For boats, the entrance to the cave is too narrow, so you can get into it only on foot along the edge above the water.
Photo: ml.southlive.in 20 Bamboo forest, Japan
Amazingly beautiful natural landmark Sagano Bamboo Forest is located near Kyoto. It is a picturesque alley of tall trees that look very impressive.
Photo: bonappetour.com 21 Spotted Lake, Canada
The Spotted Lake body of water near the town of Osoyoos is also called Kliuk. Its water is saturated with various minerals and has the highest concentration of magnesium sulfate in the world. Due to this, in the summer, during evaporation, spots of various shapes and colors form on the surface of the lake.
Photo: ppcorn.com 22 Perito Moreno Glacier, Argentina
One of the most famous tourist sites in Argentina is the Perito Moreno Glacier, located in the Los Glaciares National Park. It has an area of 250 square kilometers.
Photo: en.wikipedia.org 23 Iguazu Falls, South America
The complex of 270 waterfalls is located on the border of Brazil and Argentina and is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. They are the most visited attraction in South America, with up to 2 million visitors annually.
Photo: tedytravel.com 24 Giants Road, Northern Ireland
An amazing attraction was formed as a result of an ancient volcanic eruption near Bushmills in Northern Ireland.
Photo: iexplore.com 25 Flathead Lake, USA
The largest lake in the United States is located west of the Mississippi River and is known for its incredibly clear water. Despite the fact that at first glance it seems shallow, in some places the depth of Flathead Lake reaches 113 meters.
Photo: tumblr.com 26 Pongour Falls, Vietnam
The waterfall in the vicinity of the city of Dalat reaches a height of 40 meters and has a width of 100 meters. It is considered one of the main attractions of Vietnam - and no wonder, because its beauty is amazing!
Photo: reddit.com 27 Great Barrier Reef, Australia
The world's largest coral reef stretches for 2.5 thousand kilometers along the northeast coast of Australia. It is the world's largest natural object formed from living organisms. Moreover, it can be seen from space.
Photo: alterra.cc Guijiang River, China
The river in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region is one of the most scenic in China. Clear water and the surrounding nature create a simply amazing atmosphere!
Photo: toonts.com 29 Monolith Devils Tower, USA
The natural monument Devils Tower is located in the state of Wyoming and is a monolith of volcanic origin 386 meters high. It is believed that its age is from 195 to 225 million years.
Photo: npca.org 30 Troll tongue, Norway
A stone ledge on the Skjeggedal rock, near the Norwegian city of Odda, has a similar name due to its unusual shape: it looks like a big tongue. But in fact, this is a fallen piece of rock, horizontally frozen on its edge.
Photo: earthtrekkers.com 
Valley of Geysers in the Kronotsky Reserve 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 continuous processes taking place in the volcano, it almost completely disappeared, and fountains of boiling water filled 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)
Hermitage building 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)
Sculptures "Stand to the Death" and "Motherland" on Mamaev Kurgan Mamaev Kurgan - a hill that rises 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)
View from the Ferris wheel to the ensemble of the Kazan Kremlin on the left bank of the Kazanka River Fendes 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)
Monument to Tretyakov P.M. in front of the Tretyakov Gallery 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 brilliant and a little strange in the manner of painting, the artist breathes mystery and fabulousness.
9. Krasnaya Polyana (Sochi)
Sunny day in Krasnaya Polyana 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, most 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 famous Bolshoi Opera and Ballet Theater 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 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)
Kizhi - a monument of wooden architecture 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)
Towers of the Novgorod Kremlin Novgorod is the oldest city in Russia, an ancient craft and trade center, a link that connects Russia 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)
The ice kingdom of the Kungur cave 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)
Basil's Cathedral or Cathedral of the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin on Red Square 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)
Catherine Park with a palace in golden autumn in the Museum-Reserve "Tsarskoye Selo" in 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 Russia)
Picturesque panoramic view of Suzdal - part of the Golden Ring of Russia 
Wooden Church of the Savior in the Kostroma Museum of Wooden Architecture of the Golden Ring of Russia 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)
Chkalov Stairs and St. George's Tower of the Nizhny Novgorod Kremlin in 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 southeastern tip - this is the Georgievskaya Tower, next to which is the 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)
The white-stone Church of the Intercession on the Nerl on the territory of the Bogolyubovsky meadow, 1.5 km from the village of Bogolyubovo 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, kneeling down, 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.
Cruiser Aurora - the legendary warship moored at the embankment in St. Petersburg 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's temple, restored in the post-Soviet era.
22. Manpupuner (Komi Republic)
Manpupuner or Pillars of weathering on the territory of the Pechoro-Ilychsky Reserve in the 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, from 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)
The area of the city of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky against the backdrop of the Koryaksky volcano at dawn 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. There are few places on earth where you can find so many volcanoes on 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)
Lena Pillars on the banks of the Lena River in 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)
View from the Manezh building to the Kul Sharif mosque in the Kazan Kremlin 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)
Castle Swallow's Nest on a rock above the Yalta Bay on the southern coast of Crimea 
Amazing aerial view of the southern coast of Crimea with a castle over an abyss on a sunny day Any quiz on the sights of Crimea is not complete without mentioning the most, 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 that would remind 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, see the interior and exterior of the building, and admire the view from a sheer cliff.
27. Sayano-Shushenskaya HPP (Yenisei River)
Sayano-Shushenskaya hydroelectric power station named after P. S. Neporozhny on the 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)
Shikhan Tratau - an isolated hill (mountain-single) in the 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)
Elbrus - the highest peak in Russia in the North 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)
Soyuz rocket launch pad at the Plesetsk cosmodrome 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 exercised, 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
VL 85-022 with a container train on the stretch Utulik-Slyudyanka on the coast of Lake Baikal Sorovas 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)
Landscape of the State Biosphere Natural Reserve Golden Mountains of Altai While the most popular historical sights are concentrated in the European part of Russia, its Asian part is the 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 natural Central Asian zones converge in this region: steppes, deserts, forest-steppes, mountain taiga, mixed forests, alpine and subalpine meadows. The pearl of Altai is the deep-sea Teletskoye lake, 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 in 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)
View from the Anchor Square to the Naval Cathedral of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker in Kronstadt Florstein 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 not only please 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.