About Russia
Russia, or the Russian Federation, is the largest country in the world
and is so vast that it has eleven time zones and a coastline of more
than 23,000 miles. It has been over 300 years since Peter the Great decided to open
Russia to the West. Since then, Russia has become much closer to
western civilization, perhaps even a part of it. It has been
enriched by western culture in many ways and yet has preserved its
distinct Eurasian character. Russia has had a troubled history, but
continues to stand proudly and boasts many splendors for foreign
visitors to behold. Onion-shaped domes inherited from the Byzantine
Empire, castles built to fend off the Mongol hordes, streets
constructed by Soviet planners--every corner has a rich and
fascinating history. Russia is also well known for its natural resources. It has
more than 100,000 rivers, and the world’s largest forest, and largest
lake (Lake Baikal).
Remember it then, Imagine it now.
Central Russia
- Moscow /
The Golden Ring /
Volga River Moscow is the cradle of Russian nation and
is sometimes called the heart of Russia. In 13th century, its
dukes had unified Russian lands to fend of the Mongols and ever
since, Moscow had occupied a prominent role in Russian politics,
economics, culture and national identity.
Moscow unique heritage,
its immense size and wealth, its vibrant cultural life make it one
of the world's capitals and one of the world's most exciting travel
destinations.
If Moscow is Russia's heart,
St.
Petersburg is its soul. St. Petersburg is relatively young, it was
established just 300 years ago. Rapid growth of Russian commerce
necessitated access to seas, but powerful neighbors sought to
prevent emergence of a new naval power. Russia's young tsar Peter
the Great who aspired to transform Russia into a world-class
European power waged the Seven Year War with Sweden in a result of
which he gained a small swampy stretch of land in the Gulf of
Finland. There, he laid the foundation for a city named after him
and for his empire.
Russia could be cold, but not always. You would be
surprised to learn that Russian southern cities are located on the
same latitude as Nice. The three largest southern cities of Russia
are Sochi, Volgograd and Rostov-on-Don.
Sochi, which is located on
the banks of
Black Sea next to gorgeous mountain slopes is famous
for its summer resorts and for being selected as the site for 2014
Winter Olympics. Volgograd (former Stalingrad), located on the
banks of
Volga River, is famous for the Battle of Stalingrad - a
turning point in the World War II. Rostov, also located on the
banks of Volga, is famous for being the capital of
Russian
Cossacks.So remote and desolated (only one inhabitant
per square mile), so beautiful and pristine, Siberia is one of the
world's most untouched places. Siberia is huge - 2/3 of Russia's
territory. In the east, on
Kamchatka, you will find chains of
volcanoes and geysers. In south, you will find Lake Baikal -
world's largest.
Siberia is roughly two times bigger than United
States. Explore the unexplored, leave civilization behind to
discover lands beyond the horizons.
