The most ancient and beautiful places in the world. The most famous landmarks in the world. Taj Mahal, India

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 attractions that everyone should see at least once!

Pamukkale, Türkiye

A natural site in the Turkish province of Denizli represents 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.

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 Guilin County and rise 300-1100 meters above the sea. This place takes on its most spectacular appearance in the spring, when the blue sky and sun are reflected in the water.

Temples of Bagan, Myanmar

The ancient city of Bagan in the state of Myanmar today is an archaeological site with pagodas, temples and monasteries. The most famous and beautiful of them are the Buddhist temple of Damayanji and Ananda. Once you see this ancient city, you will remember it forever.

Monasteries of Meteora, Greece

The largest complex of monasteries in Greece is striking primarily for 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 or equipment and all materials were raised to the rocks by hand.

Salt Flat of Uyuni, Bolivia

The dry lake in the southern Altiplano desert plain is the largest salt flat in the world. The mirror surface of Uyuni reflects the clouds, which creates an incredible sight!

Hitachi National Park, Japan

In the park of the Japanese city of Hitatinaka you can admire the beauty of nature at any time of the year, because there are plants that bloom every season.

Ad Deir and Al Khazneh, Jordan

The temples in the city of Petra in Jordan are unique attractions. Back in the 1st century AD. they were completely carved out of rocks.

Machu Picchu, Peru

“The City Among the Clouds” is considered one of the most mysterious sights in the world, located on the 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 refuge by the Inca ruler Pachacutec. It was home to 1,200 people, all of whom mysteriously disappeared from the city in the middle of the 16th century.

Cave in Algarve, Portugal

Situated on a beach in Portugal's Algarve region, this cave's perforated vault creates an amazing view. Especially when the sun's rays pass through them.

Lencois Maranhenses National Park in Brazil

The national park in the Brazilian state of Maranhão is famous for its sand dunes. It takes on a particularly enchanting appearance during the rainy season, when lagoons form between the dunes.

Moraine Lake, Canada

Glacial Lake is located in Banff National Park at an altitude of 1885 meters. It is completely filled only from mid to late June, fed by the glacier. At this time, the rocky bottom of the lake creates an amazing reflection on the surface.

Son Doong Cave, Vietnam

In the Vietnamese province of Quang Binh there is the largest cave in the world - Son Doong. It is assumed that its total volume is 38.5 million square meters. There is a river flowing in the cave, and there is also grass and trees.

Tulip fields, Netherlands

Flower fields in the Netherlands occupy vast areas, 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!

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.

Cave of Crystals, Mexico

At a depth of 300 meters under the city of Naica in Mexico there 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.

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 the colored rocks. Formed by deposits of sandstone and other minerals, they reach a height of several hundred meters.

Sea of ​​Stars, Maldives

Thanks to the bioluminescence of millions of living organisms, the beaches on the Maldivian island of Vaadu seem to be covered with stars. The spectacle is simply incredible!

Antelope Canyon, USA

Located in northern Arizona, this canyon gets its name from its incredible coloration, reminiscent of the skin of an antelope. The sunlight breaking through the rocks adds special magic to this place.

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. The entrance to the cave is too narrow for boats, so you can only get into it on foot along the edge above the water.

Bamboo forest, Japan

The amazingly beautiful natural landmark Sagano Bamboo Forest is located near Kyoto. It is a picturesque alley of tall trees that look very impressive.

Spotted Lake, Canada

Spotted Lake near Osoyoos is also called Kliuk. Its water is rich in 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.

Perito Moreno Glacier, Argentina

One of the most famous tourist sites in Argentina is the Perito Moreno Glacier, located in Los Glaciares National Park. It has an area of ​​250 square kilometers.

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 South America's most visited attraction, with up to 2 million visitors annually.

Giant's Causeway, Northern Ireland

The amazing landmark was formed as a result of an ancient volcanic eruption near Bushmills in Northern Ireland.

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.

Pongur Falls, Vietnam

The waterfall in the vicinity of the city of Dalat reaches a height of 40 meters and is 100 meters wide. It is considered one of the main attractions of Vietnam - and no wonder, because its beauty is amazing!

Great Barrier Reef, Australia

The world's largest coral reef stretches 2.5 thousand kilometers along the northeastern coast of Australia. It is the world's largest natural object formed from living organisms. Moreover, it can be seen from space.

Guijiang River, China

The river in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region is one of the most picturesque in China. Transparent water and surrounding nature create a simply amazing atmosphere!

Devils Tower Monolith, 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.

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 large tongue. But in fact, this is a fallen piece of rock, frozen horizontally on its edge.

Pyramids at Giza are the oldest and largest pyramids in the world, but the main thing is that the Pyramid of Cheops is the only one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World that has survived to this day. And without a doubt, the pyramids in Giza deservedly take first place in the Top 10 attractions of the world.

These pyramids were built inas tombs for ancient Egyptian kings, uhThese royal tombs reflect the strength and wealth of Egypt's ancient civilization.

The Great Pyramids of Giza are more popular than any other attractions in the world, they are located in the western part of the Nile, next to the capital of Egypt, Cairo. INThe Great Pyramid of Cheops is the oldest and largest, it was built as a tomb for the ancient Egyptian king Khufu (Cheops).It has a height of 137 meters, which means that the Cheops pyramid was the tallest structure on Earth for several millennia, until the towers of Cologne Cathedral were completed in 1880, and consists of2,300,000 blocks, some weighing up to 200 tons.

The second pyramid at Giza was built for Khafre, the son of King Khufu.It was erected in 2592 BC, tThe third pyramid at Giza was built for Menkaure, the son of King Khafre.

2. Great Wall of China, China

The most popular attraction in China, one of the seven wonders of the world of our time.It is the longest human-built structure in the world, stretching for as much as 6,300 kilometers.Construction of the first part of the Great Wall began under Emperor Qin Shi Huang in the 7th century, with other parts of the wall being added by subsequent emperors of China at a later time.

Stones, bricks, compacted earth and wood were used to build the Great Wall.More than 1 million people lost their lives during its construction and it became the longest cemetery in the world. More than 8 million people visit it every year.

3. Statue of Liberty, New York, USA

The Statue of Liberty is recognized as the main attraction of the United States, it is a symbol of Freedom, so why did millions of migrants from Europe strive for a country of great opportunities. The colossal sculpture is located 3 kilometers from Manhattan in New York.The statue actually represents the Roman Goddess of Liberty and is a gift from the people of France to the United States.

It was designed by French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi and was a gift from the United States for the World's Fair on October 28, 1876. ABOUTAbout 4 million tourists visit the Statue of Liberty every year. The height of this amazing sculpture is 93 meters, from the ground to the tips of the torch.

4. Taj Mahal, India

The most popular historical monument of India, located in the city of Agra.It was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. The architecture of the building shows the features of stylesMughal, Islamic, Persian, Ottoman and Indian.It took 17 years to build the Taj Mahal, and the first stone was laid in 1632. It is included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites and millions of tourists visit it every year.

5. Eiffel Tower, Paris

This is one of the most recognizable buildings in the world, located in the capital of France, Paris. It was named after Gustave Eiffel, the engineer responsible for its design and construction. The tower is over 300 meters high and weighs over 10,000 tons; construction was completed in 1889. for him; s construction. The 324 meter tower weighs 10,100 tons and was opened in 1889. For the next 41 years it remained the tallest building in the world.

6. Colosseum, Rome

This is the largest amphitheater in the world during the Roman Empire.It is also the most popular tourist and iconic symbol of Rome. Coliseumwas built in 70 AD. Emperor Vespasian.It was used for gladiator fights and public events.Gladiator fights took place in the Colosseum until 435 AD.It can accommodate up to 50,000 spectators and has 80 entrances.

7. Big Ben, England

The vast majority of tourists clearly associate Big Ben with England and is rightfully considered the main tourist attraction of the country. Few people know that in fact Big Ben is not a separate attraction, but a part Palace of Westminster in London. Big Ben contains the world's largest chimes and is the third tallest clock tower in the world. It is named after Benjamin Hall, one of the architects of this clock tower, which was built between 1848 and 1853.

8. Stonehenge, England

One of the most popular places in the world, located in Salisbury England.This prehistoric monument consists of standing stones and a large number of mounds.Archaeologists estimate that Stonehenge was built between 3000 and 2000 BC.

9. Golden Gate, USA

The most recognizable landmark in California, the Golden Gate Bridge is a suspension bridge that connects San Francisco to the rest of Northern California. Its length is almost 3 kilometers, and the height of the supports is 227 meters, itwas opened in 1937 and for the next 27 years remained the longest suspension bridge in the world. It is considered one of the most photographed landmarks in the United States.

10. Sydney Opera House, Australia

The Sydney Opera House is the most recognizable landmark and symbol of Australia, located on the shores of Sydney Harbour. This theater hosts more than 1,500 productions every year and is consideredone of the most vibrant art centers in the world. Calculated that over 7 million people visit this amazing Sydney tourist attraction.

The sights of the world are a huge number of popular and little-known ancient and modern, man-made and natural objects of history, culture, architecture, archeology, scattered across various centers of deceased and existing civilizations on planet Earth.

We have selected the 30 best, which every tourist should definitely see.

Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ on the Blood, St. Petersburg, Russia

The Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ, better known as the Church of the Savior on Blood, became the only Russian attraction on Trip Advisor's list. The Savior on Spilled Blood attracts tourists from all over the world not only with the splendor of its domes and interiors, but also with its unusual history, which has given rise to many legends and speculations. Many of them are related to the fact that the temple was erected on the spot where on March 1, 1881, the Narodnaya Volya member I. Grinevitsky mortally wounded Alexander II, who was popularly called the Tsar Liberator for the abolition of serfdom.

Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, California

If you look at a Google map, you can understand why the bridge (not golden, but red) is called a gate. The main local attraction “let” the Pacific Ocean into the San Francisco Bay, connecting the city with Marin County. This grandiose structure was built from 1933 to 1937. At the time of its opening, it was the largest suspension bridge in the world.

Christ the Redeemer Statue, Rio de Janeiro

The Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro is one of the most famous and popular monuments in the world. Every year, millions of tourists rise to its foot, from where a dizzying panorama of the city and bay opens with the picturesque Sugar Loaf Mountain, the famous beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema, and the huge bowl of the Maracana Stadium.

Machu Picchu, Peru

Machu Picchu, recognized as one of the New Wonders of the World, is located in modern Peru, on the top of a mountain range at an altitude of 2450 meters above sea level. It is called the “city in the sky” or “city in the clouds”, sometimes called the “lost city of the Incas”. Some archaeologists believe that the city was created as a sacred mountain retreat by the great Inca ruler Pachacutec around 1440, and functioned until 1532, when the Spanish invaded the Inca Empire. In 1532, all its inhabitants mysteriously disappeared.

Pyramids of Giza, Egypt

The pyramids at Giza are the oldest and largest pyramids in the world, but most importantly, the Pyramid of Cheops is the only one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World that has survived to this day. And without a doubt, the pyramids in Giza deservedly take first place in the Top 10 attractions of the world. These pyramids were built as tombs for the ancient Egyptian kings, these royal tombs reflect the power and wealth of the ancient civilization of Egypt.
The Great Pyramids of Giza are more popular than any other attractions in the world, they are located in the western part of the Nile, next to the capital of Egypt, Cairo. The Great Pyramid of Cheops is the oldest and largest, it was built as a tomb for the ancient Egyptian king Khufu (Cheops). It has a height of 137 meters, which means the Cheops pyramid was the tallest structure on Earth for several millennia, until the towers of Cologne Cathedral were completed in 1880, and consists of 2,300,000 blocks, some weighing up to 200 tons.
The second pyramid at Giza was built for Khafre, the son of King Khufu. It was erected in 2592 BC, the third pyramid at Giza was built for Menkaure, the son of King Khafre.

Section of the Great Wall of China Mutianyu, Beijing, China

On no other section of the Great Wall of China were restoration work carried out as well as on the Mutianyu section. This site, with 22 watchtowers that have retained their original appearance, is a true architectural masterpiece. The phrase Mutianyu from Chinese is translated as “a valley in which you can admire the views of the fields.” Among all the sections of the Great Wall of China, Mutianyu is the longest fully restored section open to tourists.

Siena Cathedral, Siena, Italy

According to the chronicles, at the beginning of the 13th century, the inhabitants of the city-state of Siena, which acted as the main competitor and adversary of Florence, “called upon their leaders to build a temple more magnificent than that of their neighbors.” So, between 1215 and 1263, on the site of the old temple, the Duomo of Siena was founded according to the plan of the Gothic master Niccolò Pisano. Today this majestic temple is the main attraction of Siena.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one of the six largest mosques in the world. Named after Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al-Nahyan, the founder and first president of the United Arab Emirates. Unlike many other Muslim temples, everyone is allowed into it, regardless of faith.

Old town of Dubrovnik, Croatia

In 1979, UNESCO listed Dubrovnik's old town as a World Heritage Site, including a significant portion of the city's ancient walls. They surround the city on four sides and contain a venerable collection of historical monuments, including towers, fortresses, churches, monasteries, squares and streets, schools, museums and galleries. Built for defensive purposes, these stone walls have protected its citizens since the founding of Dubrovnik in the 6th century.

Bayon Temple Complex, Siem Reap, Cambodia

Bayon is one of the most amazing temples located on the territory of Angkor Thom and was its religious center. The “highlight” of Bayon are the towers with many faces carved from stone, silently looking from above over the vast territory of Angkor Thom, and during the heyday of the state, over the entire Khmer Empire. Initially, there were 54 towers, which symbolized the 54 provinces under the rule of the king. Today, only about 37 towers remain.

Alhambra, Spain

The Alhambra is an ancient palace and fortress of the Moorish rulers of the province of Granada in southern Spain. The castle occupies the top of a rocky plateau on the southeastern border of Granada. The name Alhambra probably comes from the color of the sun-dried clay or bricks from which the castle walls are made. However, some historians suggest that the name came from the “red flame of torches” that illuminated the many years of construction of the castle, which went on around the clock.

Milan Cathedral (Duomo), Milan, Italy

The most important place in Milan is the Cathedral of Santa Maria Nascente (Duomo), a pearl of Italian Gothic architecture, which was built from 1386 to the beginning of the 19th century. The third largest Catholic church on the planet can easily be considered one of the wonders of the world. Its hundred-meter spiers tower over the center of Milan, and the golden statue of the Madonna on the longest spire (four meters high) is visible from many areas of the city.

Shwedagon Pagoda, Yangon, Myanmar

The Shwedagon Pagoda is the tallest spiritual building in Myanmar, or, as it is also called, the Land of Pagodas. The entire complex of the giant pagoda occupies more than five hectares of land, on which, in addition to the main structure, there are many smaller spiers and countless sculptures of mythical and real animals: golden griffins and elephants, dragons and lions. Such as it is today, Shwedagon Pagoda became in the 15th century, during the reign of Queen Shinsobu. It was then that the gigantic temple was finally given the shape of an inverted begging bowl and sheathed in gold from top to bottom.

Colosseum, Rome

This is the largest amphitheater in the world during the Roman Empire. It is also the most popular tourist and iconic symbol of Rome. The Colosseum was built in 70 AD. Emperor Vespasian. It was used for gladiator fights and public events. Gladiator fights took place in the Colosseum until 435 AD. It can accommodate up to 50,000 spectators and has 80 entrances.

Lincoln Memorial and Reflecting Pool, Washington, DC

The Lincoln Memorial is a majestic temple made in the ancient Greek style and somewhat reminiscent of the Parthenon. It is supported by 36 white marble columns, representing the number of states that belonged to the United States at the time of President Lincoln's death. In the center of the temple is a statue of the world's most respected American president sitting in a chair. Its height is 5.79 meters.

Gettysburg National Military Park, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

Gettysburg National Military Park is not a park in the traditional sense. Here you will not find shady alleys and flowering flower beds. This is the site of an important battle of the United States Civil War in 1863.

Teotihuacan, San Juan Teotihuacan, Mexico

The name of the ancient settlement of Teotihucan is translated from the Aztec language as “the city where people become gods.” According to legend, after the Great Flood, the gods returned to Teotihuacan to re-create the world. Modern researchers believe that the area of ​​this ancient settlement was 26-28 square kilometers, and the population was about 200 thousand people. It is one of the oldest and largest cities in the Western Hemisphere, the exact age of which is still unknown.

Mezquita, Cordoba, Spain

Walls decorated with intricate patterns, mosaic ornaments, hundreds of thin openwork columns - this is how the Cathedral Mosque of Cordoba appears today. Many centuries ago, there was an ancient Roman temple on this site, then it was replaced by a Visigothic church, and in 785 the Mezquita appeared. It became the second most important mosque on the planet, and the pilgrimage to Cordoba was even equated to the obligatory hajj to Mecca for every Muslim. But then the Catholics replaced the Moors, and Mezquita was turned into a Christian temple.

Ancient City of Petra, Petra/Wadi Musa, Jordan

In the very heart of Jordan, in the Wadi Musa valley, deep in the sandy mountains, there is the most amazing ancient city of Petra. Petra was originally a temporary refuge for the nomadic Nabatean tribes. From several fortified rock caves, it gradually grew into a large fortified city. There is only one way to get to the city - through the narrow Siq gorge, which was once the bed of a mountain stream. Petra still belongs to the Bedouins, who warmly welcome guests to their land.

St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican, Italy

The heart of the Vatican and the entire Catholic world, St. Peter's Basilica is one of the main attractions of Rome. Here you can view ancient Rome from a bird's eye view, admire the interior of the cathedral from the top of the dome, celebrate Mass and even receive the blessing of the pontiff.

Ancient city of Ephesus, Selcuk, Türkiye

The largest and best-preserved ancient city on the Aegean Sea and the second most important after Pompeii in the Mediterranean, ancient Ephesus is the most visited attraction in Turkey. Legends connect the appearance of the city with the name of Androcles, the son of the ruler of Athens, Codra, who, on the advice of an oracle, arrived in these places to found the temple of Artemis. The city got its name from the Amazon Ephesia, Androcles' lover.

Australian War Memorial, Canberra, Australia

The Australian War Memorial is the main memorial dedicated to the memory of soldiers killed during the First and Second World Wars. Today it is considered one of the most significant monuments of its kind in the world. The memorial is located near the Parliament building, from the balcony of which a 360-degree panorama of the monument opens.

Golden Temple - Harmandir Sahib, Amritsar, India

Harmandir Sahib is one of the oldest and most revered temples in India and is the Mecca of the Sikhs. Its upper tiers are covered with gold, which is why it is also known as the “Golden Temple”. The road to the entrance to the temple goes along a narrow marble bridge over a pond, the water of which is considered healing. Pilgrims believe that it consists of the elixir of immortality and holy water. The road over the bridge symbolizes the path from the sinner to the righteous.

Sagrada Familia, Barcelona, ​​Spain

The Basilica of the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona is one of the most famous long-term construction projects in the world: its construction began almost 150 years ago and continues to this day. Although Antonio Gaudi initially had nothing to do with the construction of this temple, a year after the start of work he headed this project. Gaudi built the temple for 30 years until he died. The reason for such a long construction period is that the Sagrada Familia is built solely on donations from parishioners.

Taj Mahal, Agra, India

The Taj Mahal Mausoleum is one of the most recognizable landmarks not only in India but throughout the world. The structure was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died during childbirth. The Taj Mahal is considered one of the most beautiful buildings in the world and also a symbol of eternal love.

Sydney Opera House, Australia

The Sydney Opera House is the most recognizable landmark and symbol of Australia, located on the shores of Sydney Harbour. The theater hosts more than 1,500 productions every year and is considered one of the busiest arts centers in the world. It is estimated that over 7 million people visit this amazing Sydney tourist attraction.

Angkor Wat, Siem Reap, Cambodia

The Cambodian temple Angkor Wat is the largest religious building ever created, the history of which goes back almost 9 centuries. Even its name speaks about the monumentality of the temple complex, because Angkor Wat literally translates as Temple City. It covers an area of ​​200 hectares and is surrounded by a moat 190 meters wide. This colossal structure is dedicated to the god Vishnu, revered in this area.

Big Ben, England

The vast majority of tourists clearly associate Big Ben with England and is rightfully considered the main tourist attraction of the country. Few people know that in fact Big Ben is not a separate attraction, but part of the Palace of Westminster in London. Big Ben contains the world's largest chimes and is the third tallest clock tower in the world. It is named after Benjamin Hall, one of the architects of this clock tower, which was built between 1848 and 1853.

Eiffel Tower, Paris

This is one of the most recognizable buildings in the world, located in the capital of France, Paris. It was named after Gustave Eiffel, the engineer responsible for its design and construction. The tower is over 300 meters high and weighs over 10,000 tons; construction was completed in 1889. for him; s construction. The 324 meter tower weighs 10,100 tons and was opened in 1889. For the next 41 years it remained the tallest building in the world.

Statue of Liberty, New York, USA

The Statue of Liberty is recognized as the main attraction of the United States, it is a symbol of Freedom, so why did millions of migrants from Europe strive for a country of great opportunities. The colossal sculpture is located 3 kilometers from Manhattan in New York. The statue actually represents the Roman Goddess of Liberty and is a gift from the people of France to the United States.
It was designed by French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi and was a gift from the United States for the World's Fair on October 28, 1876. About 4 million tourists visit the Statue of Liberty every year. The height of this amazing sculpture is 93 meters, from the ground to the tips of the torch.

How many attractions do you think are located on the territory of the largest country on the planet? We think no one will name the exact number, because there are so many amazingly beautiful and unique places in Russia!

This country is rich in both natural and man-made attractions and will surprise you with historical buildings and cultural traditions. In Russia you can find both incredibly beautiful wooden churches and picturesque corners created by nature just for a pleasant holiday.

Of course, most tourists begin their acquaintance with Russia precisely from and, where the tourist infrastructure is especially well developed. However, today tours, for example, to the lakes of Karelia, Baikal and Altai, are becoming increasingly popular.

Popular hotels and inns at affordable prices.

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What to see in Russia?

The most interesting and beautiful places, photographs and brief descriptions.

1. St. Basil's Cathedral

Probably the most famous Russian temple, bright and unusual, a real calling card not only of Moscow, but of the whole country. St. Basil's Cathedral is notable not only for its location right on Red Square, but also for its history, architecture, original decoration and collection of icons and church valuables.

2. Moscow Kremlin and Red Square

The Kremlin is not just an amazing historical building, but also a symbol of Russian power. You can talk about everything that can be seen in the expanses of Red Square and the Kremlin for a very long time; this object still remains the subject of study by scientists and creates more and more legends. Of course, visiting Russia and not visiting its heart would be a huge miss!

3. Lake Baikal

Every schoolchild knows that Baikal has the greatest depth on the planet. But to say that this is simply the deepest lake means not to note the amazing atmosphere and beauty of this place. Be sure to appreciate the purity of the blue ice of Lake Baikal, its amazingly delicious fish and simply relax from the bustle of the city alone with nature.

4. Valley of Geysers in Kamchatka

This valley looks as if it was transported from another planet. This is the most extensive area with geysers in the world and the only one in all of Eurasia! If you want to see one of the Seven Wonders of Russia, take a helicopter tour, which follows strict rules and is only supervised by a guide.

5. Architectural ensemble of Kizhi

This amazing creation is located on an island on Lake Onega and is unique of its kind. The openwork church, built, just imagine, without a single nail, exclusively with an axe, the bell tower, the beautiful fence and the unique flavor of the Kizhi ensemble do not leave anyone indifferent.

6. Kazan Kremlin

This is not just a historical object of cultural heritage, but a museum-reserve, the only center of Tatar culture and traditions on the planet. The Kazan Kremlin has been perfectly preserved, retaining its unique features and appearance. This Tatar fortress is located in the very center, so you definitely won’t pass by.

7. Nizhny Novgorod Kremlin

Built back in the 16th century, the Kremlin in Novgorod surprises with its impregnable walls with narrow loopholes, blind towers stretching over several levels, and fortifications. Michael the Archangel Cathedral is also located here. To this day, the Kremlin remains the cultural and administrative center of the city; there are two museums and a Center for Contemporary Art.

8. Golden Ring of Russia

Of course, the ring is symbolic, uniting eight ancient Russian cities. Routes along the Golden Circle have become very popular weekend tours, during which you can see the most interesting places, and so on. Monasteries, churches, original souvenirs and simply beautiful nature will make a trip along the Golden Ring memorable and interesting.

9. Church of the Intercession on the Nerl

A masterpiece of world architecture, an elegant building that stands in a meadow, in the place where the Nerl River connects with the Klyazma. This architectural monument is confidently called the most lyrical, unusual and beautiful. The temple, standing secluded on the river bank, harmoniously fits into the surrounding nature and seems to be an integral part of it.

10. State Tretyakov Gallery

The largest Russian museum, which has collected a lot of masterpieces by Russian artists and others. Having started with a private collection, today the Tretyakov Gallery is known throughout the world and is a museum of federal significance. You can wander through the halls of this gallery for hours, and many of the paintings deserve a separate story, they are so important for world culture.

11. Hermitage

This St. Petersburg museum magnificently celebrated its 250th anniversary in 2014 and is one of the most extensive collections of artistic masterpieces on the planet. The Hermitage collection contains more than 3 million exhibits, including not only paintings, but also sculptures, numismatics, archaeological artifacts, as well as objects of applied art.

12. Bolshoi Theater

One of the most important, significant opera and ballet theaters on the planet. The Bolshoi Theater, which recently “survived” a large-scale reconstruction, is located in the center of Moscow and attracts not only theatergoers, but also those who would just like to get to know its features and luxurious decoration. We warn you that tickets for the premiere at the Bolshoi Theater will not be easy to get, and their price may unpleasantly surprise provincials.

13. Peterhof

A luxurious, truly royal residence near St. Petersburg, founded by Peter the Great, famous for its parks and fountains, the magnificent decoration of the Grand Palace and pavilions. The system of cascades and fountains of Peterhof is the largest in the world! Moreover, all the fountains are decorated in the same style, with numerous sculptures.

14. Old Arbat Street

The most famous street in Moscow, glorified by poets, writers and artists. Now Arbat is the most tourist street in the capital, closed to cars and famous for its souvenir shops, shops, street musicians and artists. It’s nice to sit in a cafe here, or just stroll along the street, which has retained its historical charm.

15. Mamayev Kurgan and the sculpture “The Motherland Calls”

During the Great Patriotic War, Mamayev Kurgan played a very important strategic role and became the site of bloody battles. Now there is a memorial complex, the most noticeable part of which is the statue “The Motherland Calls.” The complex has become the most visited in Russia; thanks to its location, it is clearly visible from a distance of tens of kilometers.

16. Cable-stayed bridges in Vladivostok

The need to build bridges to connect the different parts scattered along the banks of the Golden Horn has been talked about for more than a hundred years. However, it was possible to implement this large-scale project, which changed the appearance of the city, only in 2012. Now Vladivostok is decorated with two of the largest cable-stayed bridges in the country, and the bridge to Russky Island with the longest span on the planet is included in the Guinness Book of Records.

17. Weathering pillars – Manpupuner

The Manpupuner plateau is located in the northern part of the Urals and is famous for its weathering pillars - massive stone sculptures created by nature. Now it is a nature reserve that can only be visited with a special permit. The height of individual pillars reaches 42 meters; this place was important in the religious views of the Mansi.

18. Kungur Cave

This is the pearl of the Urals - an ice cave, which is considered the most beautiful of all the gypsum caves on the planet. Today, the Kungur Cave, located in the ancient city of the same name, is the only one in the country specially equipped for excursions. You can walk between frozen “sculptures” made of ice and stone, visit the restaurant at the entrance and stay right at the local hotel.

19. Volcanoes of Kamchatka

It is noteworthy that the residents of Kamchatka are not afraid of their volcanoes. They are not very active, decorating the landscape with their dark silhouettes. Which of the Kamchatka volcanoes is the most beautiful? We can argue about this for a very long time! The Kronotsky, Koryaksky and Klyuchevsky volcanoes, which have become real symbols of the region, are usually called the highest.

20. Lena Pillars

This natural park is located in Yakutia, on the Lena River. Tours by boat along the majestic pillars, simply amazing in their size and unusual appearance, created by nature, are very popular. In general, the complex consists of two separate sections, occupying a total area of ​​about 81 thousand hectares.

21. Sayano-Shushenskaya HPP

This is already a landmark, if you can call it that, the country’s largest hydroelectric power station created by man. It took a very long time to build the Sayano-Shushenskaya hydroelectric power station, encountering difficulties such as cracks in the dam. In 2009, a major accident occurred at the station; it was restored only in the fall of 2014.

22. Kul Sharif Mosque

According to legend, after Russian troops took Kazan in the 16th century, the mosque was burned to the ground, and Kul Sharif himself, the warrior and prophet of Muhammad, was killed. However, the outlines of that mosque remained, which simply amazed the conquerors. As a result, Ivan the Terrible repeated them in St. Basil's Cathedral. The mosque in Kazan was rebuilt and opened in 2005 and has now become a decoration of the entire city.

23. Shihans in Bashkiria

This is the highest rock mass of the entire Upper Urals, three mountains that are represented by warriors defending this region - Kush-Tau, Tra-Tau and Yurak-Tau, the three brothers of Shikhan. The fourth mountain was almost completely used in the extraction of raw materials for the plant in Sterlitamak. The Shikhans in Bashkiria are known for their wonderful nature and amazing geology - they are made of coral reefs, because the Ural Sea once raged here.

24. Elbrus

The highest mountain in Russia. And if we take into account the fact that there is still no clear border between Europe and Asia, then the same applies to the entire European territory. Of course, not everyone can climb its 5642 meters, but the surroundings of Elbrus still enjoy the glory of one of the most beautiful regions of Russia, with its ancient history and special atmosphere.

25. Trans-Siberian Railway

Transsib is the longest railway line on the planet. This highway stretches for 9298 kilometers! Almost across the entire country. The Trans-Siberian Railway connects the European part of Russia with Siberia and the Far Eastern regions and plays a huge role in the history and economy of the country. Construction of the Trans-Siberian Railway began back in 1891, so now the authorities intend to reconstruct the highway.

26. Golden Mountains of Altai

This section of the vast expanses of Russia combines steppes and tundra, semi-deserts and mountains, clear lakes and amazing caves, fast rivers and alpine meadows. In the Golden Mountains of Altai, cedar forests have been preserved; it is here that the highest mountain of Siberia - Belukha - is located, the Altai pearl - Lake Teletskoye and a lot of other interesting things.

27. Krasnoyarsk Stolby Nature Reserve

Just a few kilometers from the outskirts is the Stolby Nature Reserve, which was founded back in 1925. The main feature of the reserve is the rocky cliffs that rise above the taiga, surprising with their variety of shapes and colors, as well as their sizes - up to 100 meters. The nature of the Stolby Nature Reserve is very beautiful and diverse, which attracts tourists.

28. Wrangel Island

One of the most inaccessible reserves not only in Russia, but throughout the whole world, is located in the Arctic and is primarily known as a favorite place for polar bears, whose females raise their cubs here. In winter, Wrangel Island is very deserted, but in summer, on a polar day, you can come to admire the untouched nature of the Arctic.

29. Cruiser Aurora

There is no point in describing the most famous Russian ship. Everyone who studied in a Soviet school knows perfectly well the song dedicated to him, his history, and his participation in the 1917 revolution. Now it is a museum cruiser, which has now left its “eternal mooring” and went to the shipyard for major repairs. The Aurora should return to the pier of the Northern capital in 2016.

30. Pole of Cold Oymyakon

Yakutia is the coldest of all inhabited regions of the Northern Hemisphere. It was the settlement of Oymyakon that was recognized as the coldest place - the temperature here dropped to minus 71.2 degrees! In honor of this, a memorial sign was erected, the so-called “Pole of Cold”. At the same time, even at minus 50 degrees, local residents hear the “whisper of stars,” a noise that is more like wind or falling grains. In fact, it freezes the person's breath.

“Well, we’ll arrive. Well, let's take a swim. Well, let's have a cocktail. So, what is next? What do we do?" Sound familiar? If yes, congratulations, you are one of those very type of people who can’t sit still. Well, if, moreover, limp reclining in sun loungers inspires you as little as strong-willed surfing, then you are one of the small but elite class of aesthetes, greedy for art and architecture.

Admit it, you simply cannot look at Dali’s creations without trembling in your knees, the Acropolis puts you in a state close to prayerful ecstasy, and the streets of old Prague practically drive you crazy. Congratulations, you are an “excursion-oriented, ordinary tourist.”

The whole point of excursion tourism is that it calmly coexists with a beach holiday, and with a ski holiday, as well as with any other. One does not exclude the other; rather, it complements the other.

However, there are entire tours dedicated to sightseeing of cities and capitals, antiquities and natural wonders of all five continents. Such trips are usually chosen by individuals married to art or simply greedy for it in a good way, and people who want to see the world on vacation, and not just a couple of heavenly, but completely identical atolls.

But, in order to be as honest with yourself as possible, it is still necessary to say that a “naked” excursion will not give you much pleasure - all that will remain in your head is a chaotic cocktail of porticos and rotundas, dozens of museum halls and thousand-year-old ruins.

When choosing a program, do not chase the number of attractions - in the end, you will go on a trip again. Choose a moderate pace - sprinkle excursions richly with rest, and get the most vivid and fresh impressions.

Holiday destinations

Classic: Europe. The main blow of the excursion element usually falls on Mother Europe with its Czech Republic, France, Greece, Italy, Spain, and other ancient-medieval joys. Tours in Europe, which, as we know, is not so big, often cover more than one country. Sometimes tours include visits to world-famous attractions - such as, for example, Versailles in France, the Colosseum in Italy, the Acropolis in Greece. Sometimes excursions are conducted exclusively to little-known places, sometimes highly specialized tours are organized, for example, on Baroque architecture or a temple structure.

Ancient civilizations. Second in the popularity ranking are countries that grew up on the ruins of ancient civilizations - Egypt, India, China, Chile, Peru, Mexico. Obviously, such tours take second place not in terms of tourist interest, but in terms of remoteness, expressed not so much in geographical terms as in monetary terms. Ancient civilizations with monuments that take us back not even centuries, but millennia, are surprisingly mysterious and therefore alluring. The further into the dust of time, the more secrets to which, as we know, no one can remain indifferent.

Exotica and ecology. Ancient civilizations are followed by countries with exotic landscapes and landscapes - the Australian Great Barrier Reef, lakes of the USA, waterfalls of Nigeria, the fantastic nature of the Galapagos. This is all really unusual. Amazing. Almost impossible.

Way of life. Next come countries with an unusual way of life - that is, any place on the planet whose existence differs from our multi-story panel existence. Tunisian Berbers living in caves, Arab countries with their unconditional and fascinating adherence to the laws of the Koran, Japanese culture and the culture of the American Indians. For a civilized person, which, obviously, is the entire excursion-amateur tribe, such differences cause only admiration - at least from the understanding of how diverse the life of people on this planet can be.

Excursion Russia. Well, our native Russia closes the top five leading destinations. The expanses of our country are enormous: 9 climatic zones and the same number of time zones, mountain ranges, hills, deep rivers, dozens and hundreds of natural wonders - Avacha Bay, Kungur Ice Cave, Krasnoyarsk Pillars, Uzon Caldera... it is perhaps impossible to list everything. And then, there is also the magnificent architecture of our cities - Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kazan, the luxury of folk crafts - Suzdal, Semenov, Gus-Khrustalny. Russia is inexhaustible, great and magnificent, and, in addition, compared to all of the above, it is quite inexpensive.