The Baltic Sea and its rivers, which were part of the legendary trade route «from the Varangians to the Greeks», also serve as the North-Western border of Russian land. It is no coincidence that here, starting in the 9th century, several powerful citadels were constructed: Staraya Ladoga, Koporye, Ivangorod and Vyborg Castle. Medieval architects tried their best to design defensive structures that blended in well with the local landscape. This served as a type of camouflage, with nature and its cliffs, steep riverbanks and the Finnish Gulf adding another element of defense. These historic fortresses, located on important and strategic grounds, were passed back and forth between countries and were improved along with the development of wartime tactics and strategy. How did Ivan III trick the Livonian Order? Where is was the Swedish king’s treasure hidden and why is Russian chainmail bette...
The biographies of sports automobiles are packed with adventures and danger. They've seen roads of every kind. At a frenzied pace, they've hurtled through counries and across continents. These auto-athletes have mastered thousands of kilometers. At the museum of retro automobiles on Rogozhsky Val in Moscow, you can see the most famous sports crs of the 20th century, learn the histories of their triumphs, and discover some fascinating facts.
Krasnodar, the centre of the largest resort area in Russia, is a city with unique southern flavour. Here great respect has been paid to the traditions of the Cossacks, who immigrated to the area. Their century-old traditions beautifully accompany the rhythm of modern life in Krasnodar, one of the most dynamic economic centres in the country. Rumiya Niyazova travelled to the city of sun and endless holidays where she saw for herself that even tropical fruits grow in the bountiful region. She also got to experience some of the extreme activities on offer at the city’s many parks and dived into Krasnodar’s street night life where there are more bars and clubs than blocks of flats. Rumiya also found out what local trendsetters like to wear, met with the inhabitants of the city’s safari park and took on a virtual opponent in bowling — the most popular game amongst those who live...