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CAT | Cities

Apr/22

13

Norilsk – the view from above

Norilsk is a city with a population of about 182 thousand people located in the north of Krasnoyarsk Krai, about 300 km north of the Arctic Circle. A major center of non-ferrous metallurgy, it is the northernmost city in the world with a population of over 150 thousand people.

Climatic winter in this city lasts from the beginning of October to the end of May. The average January temperature is about minus 27 degrees Celsius. The polar day in Norilsk lasts from May 20 to July 24, the polar night – from November 30 to January 13. Free entry of foreigners to Norilsk is closed. Photos by: Slava Stepanov.

Norilsk, Russia from above, photo 1

fly over Norilsk

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Feb/22

24

How to Spend a Weekend Break in Kaliningrad

Kalinigrad has been gaining significant popularity as a tourist destination because it is steeped in history. Kaliningrad is extremely close to Europe, making it the ideal destination for backpackers. The city itself has an eclectic range of skyscrapers, historical landmarks, and enormous residential zones.

As well as being stacked full of culture, Kaliningrad is known for its rich export of amber, which is how it became dubbed “The City of Amber”. If you are visiting Kaliningrad for a weekend and want to get the most out of your time there, we recommend paying a visit to the following attractions.

Kaliningrad, Russia, photo 1

welcome to Kaliningrad

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Dec/21

18

Maykop – the view from above

Maykop (“the valley of apple trees” from the Adyghe language) is a city with a population of about 139 thousand people located in the south of European Russia, the capital of the Republic of Adygea.

The main urban development of Maykop was carried out in Soviet times and it was done quite systematically. The streets of the city for the most part are strictly perpendicular to each other, its entire center consists of identical city blocks. Photos by: Slava Stepanov.

Maykop, Adygea, Russia - the view from above, photo 1

fly over Maykop

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Nov/21

20

Saint Sophia Cathedral in Vologda

Saint Sophia Cathedral is the oldest preserved stone structure on the territory of Vologda, a Russian city known for its particularly valuable historical heritage. It is one of the largest buildings of the era of Ivan the Terrible, constructed in 1568-1570s.

The Assumption Cathedral in Moscow was chosen as an architectural model. In the Saint Sophia Cathedral in Vologda, you can see preserved frescoes of the 17th century and the iconostasis of the first half of the 18th century. Photos by: Alexandr Lipilin.

Saint Sophia Cathedral in Vologda, Russia, photo 1

beautiful old cathedral

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Nov/21

9

Pevek – the northernmost town in Russia

Pevek is an Arctic port town with a population of about 4.5 thousand people located on the shores of the Arctic Ocean in the Chukotka Autonomous Okrug. It is the northernmost town in Russia.

The name of the town comes from the Chukchi word “peekinei”, which means “thick, swollen mountain” – the name of the hill (sopka) at the foot of which Pevek stands. Pevek on Google Maps. Photos by: Slava Stepanov.

Pevek - the northernmost town in Russia, photo 1

fly over Pevek

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Oct/21

23

Suzdal – a unique old Russian town

Suzdal is a town-reserve with a population of about 9,600 people located in Vladimir Oblast, about 37 km north of Vladimir.

By the abundance of monuments and the preservation of its original appearance, Suzdal is unique for Russia. You can see a large number of monuments of cult and civil architecture of the 13th – 19th centuries here. Photos by: Vladimir Lipetskikh.

Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (1222-1225) and the Suzdal Kremlin.

Suzdal - a unique old Russian town, photo 1

amazing old Russian provincial town

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Zelenogradsk (until 1946 – Cranz) is a resort town with a population of about 17 thousand people located in Kaliningrad Oblast of Russia.

The town stands on the coast of the Baltic Sea, about 25 kilometers north of Kaliningrad. Zelenogradsk on Google Maps. Photos by: Slava Stepanov.

Zelenogradsk - a resort town by the Baltic Sea, Russia, photo 1

picturesque resort town

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Park “Krasnodar” (unofficially “Galitsky Park”) is a city park with an area of about 23 hectares located next to the stadium of the football club “Krasnodar”, northeast of the center of Krasnodar, one of the fastest developing cities in Russia.

The park was created with funds from businessman Sergei Galitsky and opened on September 28, 2017. More than 2.5 thousand trees are planted in this park: oak, hornbeam, alder, bonsai, poplar, pine, tulip tree, maple, thuja, decorative plum, and one baobab. Park “Krasnodar” on Google Maps. Photos by: Slava Stepanov.

Park Krasnodar - one of the best parks in Russia, photo 1

beautiful modern park

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Aug/21

30

Tula – the view from above

Tula, first mentioned in 1146, is a city in Russia located about 180 km south of Moscow, the administrative center of Tula Oblast. On the territory of this city there are more than 300 objects of cultural heritage: monuments of architecture and urban planning, history, archeology, works of monumental art.

It is widely known for three “crafts” of its residents – the production of weapons, samovars and gingerbread. Photos by: Slava Stepanov.

Tula city, Russia from above, photo 1

fly over Tula

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Aug/21

21

How to Spend a Weekend in Sochi

Perhaps best known for hosting the 2014 Winter Olympics, Sochi has a lot more to it than meets the eye. This city is perfectly geographically located for anyone looking for an activity holiday. It sits right on the edge of the Black Sea, with thick forests inland and the mountains of the Krasnya Polyana ski resort mere miles away.

Swimmers, skiers and hikers will be spoilt for choice when they visit this Russian gem. So, if you’re looking for an idyllic setting where you can sneak in some serious relaxation alongside your exercise, then you’ve come to the right place.

Sochi, Russia, photo 1

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