Now on air
03:30
A View from On High. The Church Architecture of Ancient Rus
A church is like a model of a perfectly harmonious, resplendent world. And those who built them tried to inspire all visitors to sense the presence of God in it. Russia’s earliest stone churches were created by Byzantine architects in the 10th and 11th centuries. They were followed by many more, designed by Russian architects who interpreted the Byzantine canons in their own way. The exterior appearance of churches is strongly influenced by political and economic changes in society. Novgorod offers a good example of this. As soon as Novgorod completed its transition from a principality to a democratically ruled republic, its majestic cathedrals gave way to small single-dome churches built by merchant communities and neighbourhood residents. Studying the story of church architecture is akin to reading the pages of a book on Russian history. During precarious historic events, suc...
Maxim Syrnikov — historian of Russian cuisine
Maksim Syrnikov is used to getting work offers he just can’t refuse from the most popular restaurants in Moscow, St. Petersburg and other large cities. After all, he seems to know all of the tricks and secrets to Russian cuisine and has travelled thousands of kilometres in search of old, forgotten recipes. He has gone smelt fishing near Vologda and conserved apples in the province of Vladimir. Maksim Syrnikov is a man of many trades — he is a historian, a chef, a traveller and a writer. His tasty last name, Syrnikov, is the Russian word for a type of cheese pancake and is really his last name and not a pseudonym. During the reign of Peter the Great, his family founded a cheese factory in Tver, giving them their last name. Syrnikov however inherited a lot from his ancestors, not just their surname. He also shares their love and interest for delicious Russian food.
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04:00
Maxim Syrnikov — historian of Russian cuisine
The Sablinsky caves
Waterfalls, caves, canyons and prehistoric animal remains may seem like foreign and inaccessible things to many city dwellers, but believe it or not, all of them can be found right in Leningrad Oblast! Here there are many incredibly beautiful places and sites of great natural and scientific value that have inspired writers and helped scientists to better understand the Earth and its natural order. Join host Alexander Uvarov on a fascinating journey through the Sablinsk Natural Sanctuary and discover the many wonders it has to offer!
Now on air
03:30