Historical Sites of Russia
Kazan – The exact date of Kazan foundation is unknown. According to the opinions of some historians it was founded in the second half of the 13th century, but other specialists believe that the city was founded in 1177. It is located on the banks of the Volga River. Since 1438 the city was the capital of Kazan Khanate, and in 1552 it was conquered by Russian tsar Ivan the Terrible. Nowadays Kazan is the capital of the Tatarstan republic. Kazan is a large industrial center of the region. It witnessed many important historical events. For example, here the leader of the Bolsheviks party Vladimir Lenin started his activities. Kazan is a very interesting city from the architectural point of view. Here one can see old buildings, which have been carefully preserved till nowadays: the Kremlin with various constructions of the 16th-18th centuries, the Peter and Paul cathedral, the Marjani mosque.
Velikiy Novgorod
Veliky Novgorod, one of the most ancient cities of Russia, was founded in the 9-10 centuries. Throughout many centuries, Novgorod was a political center of vast territories stretching up from Baltic lands to the Urals Mountains. For a long time Veliky Novgorod had been the largest center of culture in Russia, where chronicles, books, hagiographies, deductive literature were created. Many outstanding monuments of medieval architecture and painting including old churches, temples and cathedrals have been preserved in the city. The outdoor Vitoslavlitsy museum of wooden architecture presents some excellent examples of wooden structures from different parts and suburbs of Novgorod. The visit to Novgorod helps to get acquainted with everyday life of the Russian people, who lived on the territory of Novgorod principality in different times.
The Golden Ring Towns
The Golden Ring is the name for a popular tourist route with the network of ancient towns north-east of Moscow. These Russian towns are famous for unique architectural constructions dating back to the 12-17th centuries.
During this fascinating tour you will have an opportunity to visit such towns as Vladimir, Suzdal, Kosroma, Yaroslavl and Rostov. You will see fascinating temples made of white stone, visit ancient monasteries, and listen to the ringing of church bells. The Golden Ring tour is a very good way to learn more about Russian history, culture and traditions.
