Western Siberia
An apparently coal-caked Lenin and Maxim Gorky (founder of socialist realism) discuss – or plot? – something or other, next to the main post office at pr…
Must-see attractions in Russia
Golden Ring
This grassy hill just south of the Golden Gate is all that remains of the original city walls that once enclosed medieval Vladimir.
Western Siberia
The elegant Arkhiereysky Mansion was closed for renovations on our last visit and will eventually be reopened as an Orthodox history museum.
Western European Russia
The Korolevsky Bastion overlooks the Spartak Stadium, which is just outside the fortress walls.
Vaganova School of Choreography
St Petersburg
The Mariinsky Ballet’s training school, where Pavlova, Nijinsky, Nureyev and others learned their art. It's not open to the public.
Black Sea Coast
The central market is a hive of activity, packed with shops, kiosks and produce sellers. It's also the site of Adler's main bus stop.
Astrakhan
The Kryusha Quarter is the location of beautifully restored, red-brick St Hripsime Armenian Church, which opened its doors in 1998.
Tomsk
This modest mosque, dating from 1904, was used as a vodka factory by the atheist Soviets, but was reopened to worshippers in 1997.
Yekaterinburg
A private collection offering a stunning introduction to the region’s semiprecious stones, located in the Bolshoy Ural Hotel.
Altai
When the call to prayer sounds from the wooden Khazret Osman Mosque, you'll feel every bit like you're in Central Asia.
Yakutsk
This rather brash gold-plated pillar in the old town honours Cossack explorer and founder of Yakutsk, Pyotr Beketov.
Kaliningrad
This short footbridge connects Kant Island to the Fish Village. It's said to be the oldest bridge in Kaliningrad.
Kaliningrad
This fine Renaissance-style building was built in the 1870s; it now houses a disco and various community clubs.
Sakhalin Island
This looming statue of the revolutionary leader still stands in pride of place in front of the train station.
Northern European Russia
Where pr Pobedy and ul Mira meet is a Lenin statue in an odd ‘Hey buddy, wanna buy a watch?’ pose.
Western European Russia
Situated at the corner of ul Sovetskaya and pr Tverskoy is this pretty church built in 1624.
Memorial to Victims of Political Repression
Sochi
This modest memorial lists the dozens of Sochi residents who perished in Stalin-era purges.
Western Siberia
Saviour’s Church is pretty enough, but unfortunately it's hardly in a peaceful location.
Yakutsk
Vlad Ilych still stands on Yakutsk's main square doing a particularly directional pose.
