Saturday, June 27, 2009

Krasnodar.


Krasnodar - City (from 1867) in southern Russia, the administrative center of Krasnodar territory, the historic center of the political and geographical area Kuban, informally called the capital of the Kuban and the southern capital of Russia. Founded in 1793, until 1920, was called Ekaterinodar.
The population of the city - 709 thousand inhabitants (2007) (17 th place in Russia), with subordinate settlements - 791 thousand. While the entire post-Soviet period and the total urban population of Russia is declining, Krasnodar - one of the few cities which has increased the population: for 80 people (almost 15%).

Krasnodar Region is located in the Northwest Caucasus. The length from north to south is about 400 km from east to west - about 360 km.

The determining factor in the growth of the population of the city (and region) authorities and experts called economic migration from all over the North Caucasus in southern Russia, Ukraine and the Caucasus, many of which are on their way, along with the Krasnodar Rostov-on-Don (who, along with their area commensurate took a very large number of migrants) has highlighted the level of development. The attractive town of Sochi and unallocated surplus of labor resource, the capital of Russian North Caucasus republic of Krasnodar and less in size and development, and have the specifics. Stavropol and Astrakhan (also a significant number of migrants) - less than in Krasnodar, Volgograd, Moscow and other cities - more and more numerous.

Jun 30, 1792 Catherine II signed the instrument of grant the Black Sea Cossack armies "in the eternal ownership consists of Tauria Island Fanagariya with all the land lying on the right side of the Kuban River, and on the other Sea of Azov to the Eisk town served as the military frontier of Earth. " In duty forces were attributed to "watch and vigil Border "...

Cut almost in half, the entire region, runs through it from east to west, like meanders around the 45 th parallel, fast Kuban. Yes, the blessed land of Kuban kept strictly midway between the equator and the pole at a latitude of northern Italy and southern France.

In Krasnodar, a lot of famous people were born: famous athletes, including the champions of Europe and the world, a composer, writer and others.


Here, too, was born Anna Netrebko - the world-famous Russian opera singer (soprano). In 2007, Anna Netrebko was included in the list of 100 most influential people in the world of the American magazine Time. Today, Anna Netrebko sings the best opera houses of Vienna, Berlin, London, Washington, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Philadelphia. She performs with the world's largest conductors, including Valery Gergiev, James Levine, Seiji Ozawa, Nikolaus Arnonkur, Zubin Mehta, Colin Davis, Claudio Abbado. In 2006, Anna received a second nationality (Austria) and now resides in Vienna.

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Friday, June 26, 2009

Valaam Island.

Valaam Island is located in the Republic of Karelia on the north end of Lake Ladoga. Getting to the island not be difficult, of St. Petersburg is constantly going cruise ships, from the city of Petrozavodsk you can do so using the bus.

Valaam - a picturesque place of the old in Finland. You will meet an entirely new nature, which does not happen to see only traveled to Russia: a wild, sullen, which show inspired, severe beauty - steep cliffs, steep, covered with forests, tend to lake, safe from all sides with granite walls of the bays, which quietly doze net as a mirror of water, while in the lake a terrible storm is raging.

You will see a large monastery on the cliff high above covered with white moss, now treated by monks. On a steep slope of Mount granite staircase leads to the monastery. The emergence of the Valaam Monastery belongs to the early days of Christian education in Russia.

The area of the Valaam archipelago consisting of more than 50 islands, is 36 km2. On the largest island of Valaam accounted for 2 / 3 of the area - 27,8 km 2. The length of the island of 9.6 km, width - 7.8 km.

On the island there are more than 480 plant species, many have been cultivated by monks. The island is covered mainly with coniferous forests (about 65% - pine), in 1965 as a natural reserve.
In the islands rich history. In 7 of the. He belonged to the city of Novgorod, in the early 17 century. it took the Swedes (monastery destroyed them in 1611). First 18. Balaam became again the Russian territory, in 1715 the monastery was restored. In 1918 the island was captured belofinny, and only in 1940, he returned to Russia. In 1979, on the island of Valaam create museum-reserve, which is very popular with many tourists.

Far beyond Russia spread the glory of the true jewel of Ladoga - the island of Valaam. The beauty of his harsh backward rocks, towering over the expanses of Lake Ladoga, the mighty pine and spruce virgin forests, as close to untouched corners of nature - lush gardens and leafy avenues of trees planted caring monk hands, do not leave indifferent. And among the incredible beauty of the bell-towers and domes of the main Cathedral of the monastery - the Transfiguration, the blue domes of a rival with the blue of the northern sky.
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Video: Great Russ - 54 cities, the overall appearance.

Video: RUSSIA -- Tchaikovsky - Sleeping Beauty - Waltz

Monday, June 22, 2009

The main attractions of the "Golden Ring "of Russia.

"Golden Ring" of Russia - more than 30 years, is one of the most popular tourist routes, which combines the ancient cities of Central Russia. In total more than 20 cities, but most were visited eight cities: Sergiev Posad, Pereslavl, Rostov, Yaroslavl, Kostroma, Ivanovo, Suzdal and Vladimir, the rest of the list is controversial.

They are all connecting roads, build a symbolic circle in which each city shine its rich history and sights, and together make up the treasury of Russian culture.

To drive the entire route, more than 1000 km, you'll need to spend about a month. Picture Russian cities, and rated the country and abroad. Rapidly built hotels, campsites and restaurants. In Suzdali and Rostov ever built for the tourist complex samples.


The easiest way to travel the Golden Ring by car, such as Suzdal and Pereslavl Zaleski can be reached only by car. In large cities can be reached by rail. From Moscow, go commuter train to Vladimir. Suburban train Moscow - Yaroslavl passes through Sergiev Posad, Alexandrov, Rostov Veliky.

Uglich, Rybinsk, Tutayev, Yaroslavl, Kostroma, Ples faces on the Volga, Murom is located on the shores of the Oka. Visit these cities included in the program of river cruises. Not for nothing river cruises are often confused with the Golden Ring route.

Recently, in the cities of Golden Ring of Russia intensively developed tourist industry, so in almost any city you can find sightseeing, affordable hotel, cafe or restaurant. For the same reason, the prices of these services is quite high, especially in Vladimir and Suzdal.

History of the Golden Ring is very exciting, it includes cultural and architectural heritage of Russia. Despite the hard times of wars and disasters, many of the unique centuries-old architecture and historical treasures are preserved till today. Undoubtedly, it is worth visiting the city of the Golden Ring to see all these monuments of their eyes, to enjoy the architecture, arts, painting, see the old icons of the great ancient masters.

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Vladimir.















Vladimir - a city in Russia, administrative center of Vladimir Oblast.

Population - 339,5 thousand people (2008).
Located on the left bank of the river Klyazma 180 km north-east of Moscow. A major transport hub for the car (M-7 «Volga») and the Railway (Moscow - Nizhny Novgorod), highways (Vladimir station).

The city is the Golden Ring of Russia is a recognized tourist destination.

Vladimir - the only city in Russia, involving suburban immediately with two Russian cities with subways. If you go by train from Vladimir, the nearest station in Moscow - «Novogireevo», Nizhny Novgorod - «Moscow».
The first people began to appear in the territory, which occupies a modern city, about 30-25 thousand years BC.

In 1108, Prince Vladimir Monomakh built a powerful fortress, protected from the south brae Klyazma, from the north - Lybid 'river, east and west - deep ravines. New Castle was named after the founder, Vladimir.
Heir Monomakh - Prince Yuri Dolgoruky taken the struggle for the throne of Kiev, initially paid little attention to the northern fiefdom, but, realizing the futility of the struggle in the south, and appreciated the advantages of the northern lands, their rich natural resources, Prince Yuri Dolgoruky has launched the construction of new fortifications in the land of Suzdal . They were founded by the city: Moscow, Pereslavl, Kideksha, Dmitrov, Yuryev-Polish, Zvenigorod. Prince Vladimir was rebuilt in a new princely court with the church in the name of their heavenly patron George (1157).

The rapid growth of the city has identified its conversion into capital of the principality.
During the XVIII century the city three times, changed their status.

Today, Vladimir - the regional center with a powerful industrial potential and rich cultural heritage. A huge number of attractions has contributed to tourism development and transformation of Vladimir in the international tourist center.
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Suzdal.















Suzdal - a city in Russia, administrative center of Suzdal district, Vladimir region.

Population - 11,0 thousand people. (2008).
Located on the Kamenka River, a tributary of the River Nerli, 26 kilometers north of Vladimir.

Suzdal - a city-park, part of the Golden Ring of Russia in Vladimir-Suzdal historic-artistic and architectural museum-reserve. The stories in the interim years mentioned in 1024, also called Suzhdal.

Suzdal has retained a large number of architectural monuments:

Suzdal has retained a large number of architectural monuments:

Suzdal Kremlin.
Monastic Ensembles (5).
Ensemble Market Square (7).
Monuments Posada (6).
Monuments Zarechny side (9).
Monuments sloboda Skuchilihi (4).
Sights nearby villages (4).
Monuments to the museum of wooden architecture (11).
Sculptural Monuments (3).
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Ivanovo.















Ivanovo is a Golden Ring of Russia. The main sights include:

Architect:

* Tents Schudrovskaya (XVII century)..
* Holy Vvedenskii nunnery.
* The wooden church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (kon. XVII century)..
* Cathedral of the Merciful Savior (1899), the architect Fyodor Shechtel. Demolished in 1937
* Manor Dyuringera A. (1910), architect AF Snurilov.
* Building Selhozbank (1927), the architect VA Vesnin.
* House-boat (1930), architect DF Friedman.
* House-Horseshoe (1934), architect A. Panov.
* Buildings Ivanovo-Voznesensky Polytechnic Institute (1928-1937), architect IA Fomin.
* «House team» (400-flat apartment building, 1930), architect I. Votes.
* Wooden Circus, the largest in Europe (1935), demolished in 1975
* Building Ivanovskiy historical and museum (1914), architect Peter A. Trubnikov.


Sharing the city into two parts, from north to south flowing river Disposed, confluent Klyazma. In the city in small rivers flow Disposed: Talka and Harinka. Forests surrounding the city are concentrated in town Lesnoye, Bogorodskoye, Pustosh Bor on the northern outskirts of the territory of 11 districts and places are public recreation. In the forests surrounding the city, growing all kinds of mushrooms, berries: raspberries, blueberries, strawberries. In hot weather you can bathe in the pools and parks.

Kostroma.














Kostroma - a city in Russia, administrative center of the Kostroma region, a major port on the Volga.

Number of permanent population of 271 700 people. (2008).

Kostroma is located at 352 kilometers northeast of Moscow, on Kostromskaya lowland, on both banks of the Volga River and the old river mouth Kostroma. According to legend, the city was founded in 1152 (according to Basil Tatishchev), the expansion of Prince Yuri Dolgoruky in the Volga region.

The city is part of the «Golden Ring of Russia». In the old part of town preserve the historic structure planning (master plan for the city was approved by the Empress Catherine II in 1781). The basis of radiotherapy planning grid of streets, the center of the city uncovered in relation to the Volga.

The key is considered a historical monument of Kostroma Ipatiev Monastery, founded in 1330-ies. Also important monuments of architecture and history in Kostroma is Epiphany-Anastasinsky monastery complex and Trade series (Kostroma)

A complete list of the surviving architectural monuments of Kostroma:

Architectural complex and monasteries Kostroma:

* Ipatiev Monastery
* Epiphany, Anastasinsky Monastery
* Znamensky monastery
* Museum of Wooden Architecture

Church of Kostroma:

Churches in the

* Church of Our Savior in the ranks
* Chapel of Nicholas
* Chapel of the Assumption of Our Lady

Church of the Volga

* Church of the Transfiguration of the Volga (Savior Transfiguration)
* Church of Elijah the Prophet at the ancient settlement

Ipatiev sloboda

* Church of St. John the Theologian in Ipatiev sloboda

Church in the city

* Church of the Resurrection at Debre
* John Chrysostom Church in Lavrovsky
* Church of Alexia, a man of God
* Church of St. John the Theologian on Kadkinoy Mount
* The church of Alexander and Antonina in settlement
* Church of Our Savior on Zaprudne
* Icon of the Mother of God Church "Vsetsaritsa"
* Chapel Vonifatiya
* Chapel Feodora Stratilat
* Church of St. Peter and Paul, Ferapont, Adriana and Feodossia in Panov

Civic architecture beginning of the XIX century (1800-1820):

* Trade ranks
* The building attendance areas (architects A. Zakharov, NI Metlin)
* House Borschova (architect NI Metlin)
* The buildings cooler and fire maypole (architect P. Fursov)

The civil architecture of XX century:

* The building of the house connection (1934)
* Exhibition of achievements of national economy.
Video: Сhoir of Ipatiev monastery. Russia, Kostroma.

Yaroslavl.














Yaroslavl - city in Russia, administrative center of Yaroslavl region and Yaroslavl region. Population - 605 thousand people (estimate as of January 1, 2008). The area of the city is 205 km ². The historic city center, situated at the confluence of the rivers Volga and Kotorosl is a UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Coat of arms of Yaroslavl: the silver shield standing on hind paws bear (symbol of foresight, and strength) in the left paw holds a golden ax on the same handle, the shield crowned with a cap Monomakh - its image is allowed on the arms of historical cities, the former seat of reigning grand dukes). Flag of the city is a picture of the emblem on a blue background.


City of Yaroslavl - the ancient Volga River city, widely known for its remarkable architectural monuments, a treasure of ancient Russian art. Long history of Yaroslavl starts with foundation in 1010 by Prince Yaroslav the Wise Rostov city - the fortress on the arrow - the confluence of the rivers Volga and Kotorosl.

During the period of education at the Kiev State this place has stood the ancient pagan sanctuary and was located the village of descendants of the Finno-Ugric tribes, mixed with a send Slavic population. Legends call it a settlement «Bear angle». Its residents were engaged in farming, hunting and fishing have been involved in trade with Scandinavia, Volga Bulgaria, the countries of the Middle East. All around, within a radius of 10-12 km, there are several similar settlements, whose inhabitants have left enormous necropolises.

The highest flowering of the city has reached in the XVII century, when in Yaroslavl were built great monuments of history, architecture, painting - the Church of Nikola Nadein (1620-1622 gg.), Christmas (1644), Elijah the Prophet (1647-1650 biennium.) John the Baptist (1671-1687 gg.), John Chrysostom (1654) and others of the Yaroslavl school of architecture and painting.



Year after year I face the ancient city. Modern Yaroslavl, with a population of more than 630 thousand people is the largest industrial and cultural center of the Upper Volga. The city is by automobile and tractor engines, a variety of tires, petroleum products, electric motors, asbestos technical articles, technical fabrics, paints and varnishes, etc. Currently, in Yaroslavl has 18 research and design institutions that promote the introduction of scientific and technological progress in many sectors of the economy. Yaroslavl country gave the first Russian truck, the first native-decker, the world's first synthetic rubber, the first domestic diesel engine, the first vibrator.

There are Yaroslavl State University, Technical University, Pedagogical University, Medical Academy, affiliated Institute of Railway Engineers, Institute of Economics and Finance, Higher man-portable air defense and financial military schools, 86 secondary schools and 24 sportschool. Daily TV goes on air - Radio «Yaroslavia». Yaroslavl is one of the most interesting tourist center «Golden Ring». Slaven great monuments of architecture and art. It presents many styles of Russian architecture of several eras.
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Rostov Veliky.

Rostov - a town in the Yaroslavl region (Russia), Rostov region. The district center of Yaroslavl Region.

The population of 33,6 thousand people (2005).

The city is located on the shores of Lake Nero, in 53 km from Yaroslavl, at 202 km from Moscow, on the route M8 «Kholmogory» Moscow - Arkhangelsk. There are railway and bus stations.

Rostov - one of the oldest cities in Russia. It is part of the Golden Ring of Russia. The first mention of it belongs to the year 862.

Rostov is often called Rostov the Great, to distinguish it from the Rostov-on-Don.

Rostov - one of the oldest cities in Russia. In old Russian chronicles «Tale interim years», in the record for 862 years it dealt with as a long-standing.

When Tsar Ivan the Terrible Rostov was taken oprichnina. In the dim time, growth has not escaped the tragic fate of many Russian cities. In 1608 he was burned and looted by the Polish-Lithuanian interventionists. In the history of Rostov it was the last invasion of the invaders, soon after that to strengthen the city around its central part was poured earthen fortress.

For many centuries, Rostov retained the importance of religious center. The territory of the Rostov diocese stretched far beyond today's Yaroslavl region, Rostov and hierarchy were among the most influential ecclesiastical lords. At the end of the XIV century Rostov bishops received the rank of archbishop, and in 1589 - Metropolitans. Metropolis of Rostov was one of the richest in Russia.

Since the second half of XIX century in Rostov began rehabilitation and restoration of architectural monuments of Rostov Kremlin. In 1883, the Kremlin has opened «The Museum of Antiquities of the Church», which continues to exist and at the present time and is a significant cultural and scientific center. Now the State Museum-Reserve is called «Rostov Kremlin». He has a rich collection of monuments of ancient Russian art - a unique collection of icons, ancient Russian facial needlework, paintings and graphics XVIII-XX centuries., Ancient manuscripts and documents, archeology. In 1995, the Rostov museum is included in the list of most valuable objects of cultural heritage of Russia.
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Pereyaslavl-Zalessky.














Pereslavl - a city of regional subordination in the Yaroslavl region of Russia. It is located in 140 kilometers from Moscow to Yaroslavl highway, on the shores of Lake Plescheeva, at the outfall of the river Trubezh.

Pereyaslavlem-Zalessky Named in honor of southern Pereyaslavlya. Since the XV century the pronunciation changed to Pereslavl. Outside forests in Zalesie - an area of fields and agriculture, so named Zalessky.

Founded in 1152 in Rostov-Suzdal Prince Yury Dolgoruky. In 1220 in Pereyaslavle born prince Alexander Nevsky.

In 1276-1294 the son of Alexander Nevsky, Dmitry Pereyaslavl, Knyazhiy in this city, was the Grand Duke Vladimir, but his residence was still in Pereyaslavle. Thus, at this time Pereyaslavl-Zaleski, was actually the capital of Russia. In 1302, after the death of Prince Ivan Dmitrievich, the city of his bequest went to the Moscow principality.

In 1688 Tsar Peter I at the lake began to build Plescheevom funny flotilla that was the beginning of Russian Navy. In 1692 construction was completed and the fleet is designed gala show.

In 1708 the city assigned to the Moscow province. Since 1719 - the center of the province of Pereslavl Moscow Province. Since 1778 - the town of the Vladimir province. Since 1929 - the center of Pereslavl region Yaroslavl region.

In 1884 the city was built by running water.

In 1896, the population was 8875 persons.

From 1872 to 1917 the city led the City Council. In 1994 it was reconstituted.
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Sergiev Posad.

Sergiev Posad - the city (since 1919) in the Moscow region of Russia, administrative center of Sergiev Posad district of Moscow region, one of the centers of Russian Orthodoxy, one of the main railway station on the line Moscow - Yaroslavl Moscow railway. The city is a monument of culture and art included in the UNESCO World Heritage List - the Trinity-Sergius Lavra.

The major attraction of the city and the historic city center is the ensemble of the Trinity-Sergius Lavra. Remarkable also Vvedenskaja and Pyatnitskaya church (both - 1547), Ascension (1766-1779), Assumption (1769) and Elijah (1773) Church, Monastery Hotel (1823, in the classical style), trade rows (beginning of XX century.) Pyatnitsky well (room XVII - Mr. XVIII centuries).

Sergiev Posad is named in honor of St. Sergius, the founder of the largest monastery in Russia. In 1919 the town was renamed in Sergiev, and in 1930. - In Zagorsk, in honor of a revolutionary VM Zagorsky. But in 1991 the city was finally returned to the historic name. Home town put Trinity Monastery. Glory of St. Sergius, and he founded a monastery resulted in the monastery the monks and pilgrims. Gradually began to settle near the monastery and the peasants. The first settlement became the basis of the future of cities, villages were Kokuevo, Panin and Klementevo.

Trinity monastery has always been a major landowner. Belonged to the monastery lands were great public benefits, thus contributing to the development of trade and crafts. In the area around the monastery gradually created sloboda mechanic people. So there icon and Povarskaya, Konyushennaya and Telezhnaya, Pushkarskaya and Streletskaya sloboda.
In 1355 the first time in the Trinity monastery in north-eastern Russia had been introduced "obschezhitiyny" statute, which led to the restructuring of the entire monastery. The monastery became like a small wooden town, which consists of three parts: public, residential and defensive. For a solid fence - Rectangle cells inside of which - the church and the refectory. Curiously, this layout of the monastery carried through all subsequent centuries and preserved to our days.

Reverend Sergius died in 1392 In 1422 a canonization of Reverend Sergius and bookmark the white Trinity Cathedral on his grave.

In the monastery received the baptism of Ivan the Terrible, in the years of which was attached great importance to transform the monastery into a powerful fortress, which had an important significance on the approaches to Moscow. Instead of a wooden fence in the 1540-1550gg. has built a strong wall with towers of brick and stone. In the 1608-1610 biennium. Monastery Sixteen months before the siege of the Polish-Lithuanian interventionists. Podvig defenders of the monastery has become widely known and have led to the credibility of the monastery.

When Peter I the monastery was still maintained the importance of the imperial fortress. In 1689 during a riot in Moscow Fire King Peter took refuge outside the monastery. In 1744 the decree of Empress Elizabeth Petrovna, the monastery was awarded the honorary title of Lavra, which emphasizes the primacy of the monastery, among other church institutions.

From 1919 to 1946 he worked. the monastery was closed. Temples were seized from the monastery, the monks dispersed, or repressed.

Today, Laura - current monastery, the spiritual center of Orthodox Russia. At the monastery in Moscow Theological Academy and Seminary, as well as museum-reserve. They are all on his own serve as the preservation of spiritual traditions, history and monuments of this wonderful place where the soul is alive in Russia. Numerous Lavrskaya buildings erected during the XV-XIX centuries best artists of Russia, represent a unique guide to the history of Russian architecture, open-air museum. The architectural ensemble of the Trinity-Sergius Lavra is included in the UNESCO World Heritage list.

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Golden Ring of Russia.


«Golden Ring of Russia» - about twenty cities of Central Russia, located on the north-east of Moscow, - the center of historical and architectural monuments of XII-XVIII centuries, a treasure of Russian culture.

In the Golden Ring is composed of the City of Moscow, Vladimir, Ivanovo, Kostroma, Yaroslavl, and Tver regions. But most important of these, eight cities - Sergiev Posad, Pereslavl, Rostov, Yaroslavl, Kostroma, Ivanovo, Suzdal and Vladimir, the rest of the list is controversial. The author of the term - a writer Yuri Bychkov, created in 1967, the same series of essays for the newspaper "Soviet Russia".

In a series of articles about the Golden Ring, we will tell you about the most important cities of this route c detailed descriptions and stories about historical figures, events and legends.

Sophia Park in Uman.



Sofiyivka - dendro the biggest in Europe, while it is landscape, ie, extends in the width and height. A particularly beautiful sight on top of a very high waterfall - but the whole park before you as the palm of your hand. There is still a park tour of the underground river by boat.

Sophia's Park is probably the most mystical place in Ukraine. At least there are 4 characters, which legend will perform your wishes, or rid of the disease.

* The crown of Vesta. Main entrance to the park is decorated with two stone guard towers, a crown which is derived from the ancient Roman temple of the goddess of home and the fire of Vesta, and Tivoli. All brides are trying to lure his bride here: Vesta herself bless you and your satellite, when you walk under her crown.
* Inside the grotto Calypso, who earlier called the Lions or Groth Groth Potocki, himself the Count Potocki wrote in Polish «Who is unhappy, let them go and be happy, and who is happy to let him become even happier». According to legend, you need to touch the copper inscription, and after the walk around before the middle of a huge stone three times, then Think of a wish.
* You can also cure of diseases, if go near Venus Bathers. If a person vypet of the water source, flowing with radon water and then Think of a desire to get rid of the disease, the illness will be required from the body.
* And with the help of «cataract» Sofiyivka can test fate. To dearest wish fulfilled, it is necessary to pass on the aisle directly behind it flows, and if you do not fall or a drop, all will be hidden.

No wonder it is considered that each resident of Ukraine at least once in their lifetime must visit Sofiyivskiy park. At any time of year it is beautiful in its own way. And, perhaps, you can guarantee that you will be impressed after a visit to the park and remember it for life.
In St. Sophia dendropark want to return again and again. Beckon to a majestic trees, mysterious caves, quiet lakes and noisy waterfalls. It seems that even a stone in the park has its own history.
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Kizhi Island.

Kizhi Island - an island on Lake Onega in Karelia, which is world-famous architectural ensemble consisting of a set of wooden buildings: churches, chapels, houses, business buildings. Some of these buildings were built on the spot, others were brought here from other places. According to one legend, Transfiguration Church was built without nails one ax, which the master then threw into the lake.

On the island are also a few villages, which together constitute the village of Kizhi.
The island of Kizhi in Lake Onega is located at 66 km from Petrozavodsk. The road to it lies among the picturesque clusters of islands, called skerry Kizhi.

Museum - Reserve «Kizhi» - this is one of the largest museums in the peasant culture of the Russian North. Collected in the collection of monuments comprises 76 buildings. The basis of the collection is an outstanding monument of folk architecture - Kizhi architectural ensemble, built on an island in the 18 - 19 centuries. Transfiguration Church, built in 1714 - mainly the construction of Kizhi churchyard. Perceived issued strict pyramidal silhouette of the church, close to striking a lot of detail. The church cut out of pine and 22 crowned heads, covered with aspen. Head of various sizes, arranged in 5 tiers, fanciful alternate with each other, giving the church whimsical, fairy-tale look. In a bright sunny day, they glitter and gold seem to be issued, at sunset - crimson, in cloudy weather - Silver.

Transfiguration Church - the product of his time, absorbed all the previous experience and the best traditions of northern wooden architecture, time, reflected the desire for a special luxury and elegance typical of the folk culture of Russia Hush century. Its creation reflected a combination of construction was the wisdom and practicality: the system drains the roof and architectural forms together into a coherent whole, ensuring the safety and durability of the church. The main tool was a carpenter ax. All the complex design of the church are made largely without the use of nails. Unfortunately, unknown to the creators of the names of the church. Preserved the legend of the Wizard, Nestor, which concluded its work, throw a stone into the waters of Lake Onega with the words: «There was not and will not be such». However, this is all just a beautiful legend.
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City Vologda


Ancient Russian city Vologda is one of the cities of Russia, in which there are many historically valuable monuments. This makes it a popular spot for tourists from all over Russia and abroad.

Honored attention to vologzhan and tourists visiting the Vologda region, also enjoys great city Ustyug, considered the birthplace of Santa Claus.
Vologda - a city in Russia, founded in 1147, the administrative, cultural and scientific center of Vologda region (from 23 September 1937).
Vologda is one of the cities having valuable historical heritage. He - one of the best preserved cities in Russia, the existing historic character of which has formed a harmonious combination of stone monuments and wooden architecture.

In Vologda, there are 193 architectural and history of federal significance. The most famous of them: Vologda Kremlin, St. Sophia's Cathedral, Savior-Prilutsky monastery ensemble Vladimirsky churches, the Church of Constantine and Helena, the church with frescoes of St. John the Baptist in Roschene, Dmitry Prilutsky and cover Kozlene, architectural stone bridge and the area of the Revolution.

Particular mention should be made the monuments of wooden architecture. Of the 115 historic cities of Russia (the list approved by the Ministry of Culture of the RSFSR in 1970), only 16 are monuments of wooden architecture.
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Seliger - the pearl of the Tver region and one of the great lakes in Russia.



Seliger - a system of lakes, is located on the border of Tver and Novgorod regions, where over a gradually rising plain sineyut wooded hills Valdai Hills. Seliger is an alternation Pleso and Protocols, and consists of 24 Pleso and lakes, the biggest - Polnovsky, Ostashkovsky, Kravotynsky, Selizharovsky, Trinity, Sosnitsky which are interconnected by a short straits - mezhtokami and long straits - rivers.

The coastline of Lake severely cut. The area of - some 260km2, including under the islands - 38km2. The lake stretches for 66 km from north to south and 37 km from west to east. In general, the coastline is more than 500 km. The average depth of the lake - 5.8, maximum - 24 m. Seliger lies at an altitude of about 205 m above sea level. The volume of water in the lake - 1.3 km 3. Basin Area - 2 275 km2.
One of the strongest impressions from the edge Seliger - full of poetry and the rest travel on the lakes. All visitors to the Seliger, enjoy here the two main modes of transport - road and waterways. Ships and buses connect Ostashkov many settlements on the shores of the lake .
Traveling by Seliger, you can choose various routes and means of movement. First of all, tourists are usually familiar with Ostashkovo, then sent to travels on the lake and its surrounding areas.
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Valdai Lake Valdai, Valdai National Park, the Valdai Hills - the legendary region.

Valdai National Park with plenty of hiking trails - equipped space for your tent on the shore of any of the wonderful Valdai lakes - hiking, fires, fishing, fish soup, singing with a guitar - a walk on the boats, boats, catamarans, - mushroom and berry expanse, - ski walks, skating with the mountains on sleds, snowmobiles, - ice fishing. In the town of Valdai, you can visit the museums of the city and county of bells, the famous monastery Iveron, purchase unique souvenirs of local craftsmen.

"Wood and Water - Land beauty" reads folk wisdom. At the Valdai, as nowhere else in the world, beauty is accompanied by people everywhere. Powerful marine pines, slender with sharp peaks of dark green spruce, birch and fine tremulous aspen on the picturesque hills of Valdai create landscapes of exceptional charm. There are unique to complement the numerous rivers and lakes. At the Valdai Hills of more than 300. This spring the river, which flows north - to the Baltic Sea and to the south - to the Caspian Sea. The rivers of these affluent and crystal clear. Some of these calls, and fast, others slow and quiet, but each will ultimately determine the well-being of vast territory of the European part of Russia.

It is no coincidence Valday called the cradle of Russian rivers.

Video: Valdai, Sound of bells

Saturday, June 20, 2009

The most beautiful places of Russia.

There are places on earth, as if specially designed for the life of the people, the beauty of this place forever brings people joy.

People traveling to Russia, quickly become accustomed to the unexpected, and the more distant from the main tourist routes, the higher the chance of unexpected discoveries. Some of the architectural sights, apparently abandoned, others have opened since the restoration of the parishioners, the rest take care, despite the lack of funds, the museum workers. In every corner of Russia have their own pearls.