2. Valley of the Geysers

The landmark is located on the Kamchatka peninsula and comprises about ninety living geysers and many other thermal springs. It was discovered by Tatiana Ustinova, a local scientist, in 1941 but serious exploration of the area began in 1972. In the 1980s The Valley of Geysers was presented as one of the main attractions of the Kamchatka peninsula, in an attempt to raise tourist awareness. The valley is difficult to reach, with helicopters providing the only feasible means of transport. The place is in the list of UNESCO World’s Heritage.

3. Mamayev Kurgan

Mamayev Kurgan is a place of great significance for the Russian people. This dominant hill, overlooking the city of Volgograd (former Stalingrad) saw some of the fiercest battles of World War II. The huge memorial statue of the Motherland was built on top of Mamayev Kurgan in 1967. The monument is in Guinness Book of World Records as the highest monument at that time. The woman symbolizes Russia and is two times higher than Statue of Liberty with 85 meters high.

4. Peterhof

The place was built to the order of Peter the First in the beginning of 17-th century and is situated nearby Saint-Petersburg. Often referred to as the Russian Versailles the palace and park of Peterhof are considered to be the top tourist attraction in the whole Russia. Versailles was indeed Peter the Great’s inspiration when he decided to build an imperial palace and many say Peterhof is even more beautiful than the famous French complex. Peterhof is an immense, luxurious estate, known as the capital of Russian fountains; the Grand Cascade, built in front of the Grand Palace, is one of the largest fountain ensembles in the world. The Upper Garden and Lower Park are also cultural masterpieces and the magnificent Grand Palace was remodeled by the famous architect Bartolomeo Rastrelli.

5. Saint Basil’s Cathedral

Also known as The Cathedral of Intercession of the Virgin on the Moat is considered the most beautiful cathedral in Russia and one of Europe’s most beautiful holy places. It was constructed during the reign of Ivan the Terrible and a legend says the architect was blinded after finishing his creation, so he couldn’t build anything as beautiful again. Built in the middle of the Red Square, in Moscow, St. Basil’s Cathedral commemorated Ivan IV’s victory over the Kazan Khanate.

6. Poles of the Komi Republic

Set in the Troitsko-Pecherskiy region, in the Komi Republic, the Columns of Erosion, or Manpupuner as they are known in Russia are one of the country’s most mysterious attractions. No one knows how long ago they were created, but for sure scientists know that only nature could create such a thing. Estimated age is 200 million years and their height is 42 meters at most. The 7 Strong Men as the locals call them are 7 massive rock towers bursting out of a flat plateau. Many say that while there you feel no need of water, food or rest, all you want to do is stare at these masterpieces of nature, where locals say spirits used to gather in ancient times.