In the 11th-12th centuries, Egikal was one of the largest settlements of medieval Ingushetia located on the northern slopes of the foothills of the Greater Caucasus Mountain Range.

Today, on this territory there is a picturesque architectural complex “Egikal”, which includes, in addition to military and watchtowers, residential towers that belonged to old clans, as well as structures of a religious cult. Egikal on Google Maps. Photos by: Alexandr Lipilin.

beautiful old towers

Tags: Ingushetia Republic

As appetites for casino gaming grow across the planet, players everywhere are heading to websites and brick and mortar casinos for a taste of the action. In Russia, players are also heading to casinos for fun with poker, roulette, slots and much more! In the world’s largest country however, gambling is only legal in several selected regions.

With that said, the nation remains home to some huge casinos, with players flocking there from across the globe to enjoy gaming of a variety of styles. In this article, we will take a look at the biggest casinos in Russia. From Kaliningrad to Sochi, we will consider the finest gambling establishments in the Russian Federation.

So, without further ado, let’s take a look at the biggest casinos in Russia, starting with what has to be the biggest, most popular of them all!

(more…)

Tags: No tags

Russia is a beautiful country, stretching over a massive length of northern Asia and Eastern Europe. It became an independent state on the 12th of June, 1990. Natural beauty and glamour in Russia are unmatched. Russia has various gorgeous cities, towns and villages. Here are a few of Russia’s most beautiful towns.

beautiful old towns of Russia

Tags: No tags

Ivangorod is a town with a population of about 9.5 thousand people located in the very west of Leningrad Oblast in the northwest of Russia. It stands on the right (eastern) bank of the Narva River opposite the Estonian city of Narva and is part of the Russian state border area (entry only with passes, foreign passports, or with local registration).

The Ivangorod fortress was built on the right bank of the Narva in the summer of 1492. It was named after Ivan III Vasilievich, who reigned at that time. The purpose of the construction of the fortress was to protect the Novgorod land of the Tsardom of Russia from its western neighbors.

picturesque old castle

Tags: Leningrad oblast

Russia’s star athletes have won major accolades around the world of sports for decades, with the nation being noted as one of the best in many competitions. Ice hockey and boxing are among the most notable at present, with the likes of Alex Ovechkin, Evgeny Kuznetsov, Nikita Kucherov among hockey’s finest, and Artur Beterbiev, Dmitry Bivol, Sergey Kovalev, and Alexander Povetkin being dominant forces in boxing.

However, much like most other European nations, Russia is also a huge fan of soccer, with football being among the most popular sports in the nation. The sport has always been popular, but in 2018, the level of fandom stepped up another notch, or ten, with the country hosting the FIFA World Cup.

As a result, many people now see Russia’s soccer stadiums as must-view attractions, with several of the best featuring prominently in the massively televised event. If you’re one such soccer enthusiast, these are the most exquisite and historic soccer stadiums in Russia for you to visit.

(more…)

Tags: No tags

The Ferapontov Belozersky Nativity Monastery is a monastery of the Vologda diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church located in the village of Ferapontovo, Vologda Oblast, about 119 km north-west of Vologda.

This is one of the oldest monasteries in the Russian North founded in the late 14th century. The monastery has survived to our time in the buildings of the 14th-17th centuries and in the wall paintings of the famous icon painter Dionysius. In 2000, this monastery was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Ferapontov Monastery on Google Maps. Photos by: Alexandr Lipilin.

beautiful old Russian monastery

Tags: churches · Vologda oblast

Veliky Ustyug is a town with a population of about 31 thousand people located in the north-east of Vologda Oblast in the north of the European part of Russia, about 446 km from Vologda.

First mentioned in 1212, it is one of the oldest Russian towns with a rich cultural heritage. There are 28 preserved churches of the 17th-18th centuries in Veliky Ustyug. Photos by: Alexandr Lipilin.

picturesque old Russian town

Tags: Vologda oblast

Even though Russia is no longer led by kings and queens, its royal sites can give other European monarchies a run for their money. The country has its fair share of royal cultural sites.

Are you wondering where to start? Here are several royal places that you can tour.

magnificent royal palaces

Tags: Saint Petersburg city

The Galsky Estate is a picturesque noble estate built in the provincial classicism style on the bank of the Sheksna River in the early 19th century. This monument of history and culture of federal significance is located in the city of Cherepovets, Vologda Oblast.

In addition to the main sky-blue house, all the household buildings have also been preserved here. The museum offers interactive excursions, classes on painting, clay modeling, and making folk dolls. The equestrian section is open to children and adults. The Galsky Estate on Google Maps. Photos by: Alexandr Lipilin.

magnificent noble estate

Tags: Cherepovets city · museum · Vologda oblast

Happy New Year! Best wishes for peace and prosperity in 2021!
“Winter Evening” by Gavriil Kondratenko.

Tags: No tags