Chronicle of the Valaam monastery

Over the centuries, the Valaam islands have been abandoned, they have been the setting for bloody wars, they have flourished in peace time, they have seen incredible spiritual feats, and they have seen betrayal. Their calling — to be a bulwark of the Russian Orthodox faith — remains unchanged, however. Host Alexander Uvarov learns about the troubled history of one of the oldest monasteries in Russia. This cloister has repeatedly come back from the brink to be reborn with evermore strength.

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16:30
Chronicle of the Valaam monastery
THE VLADIMIR HEAVY DRAFT. A HORSE HISTORY

In the 19th century, breeding stallions from abroad were brought to Russia’s Vladimir Governorate to breed with the best, largest, and strongest local mares. By the mid-1930s, breeders had managed to create an almost ideal horse. The new Vladimir breed was registered in 1946. This horse is known for its power, hardiness, and friendly nature, and these gentle giants are said to have a particularly Russian character. Its ancestors carried knights and heavy cannons, but the new breed was originally intended to be used for agricultural tasks. And today? What has become of them? Learn about the Vladimir Heavy Draft and its history, on Russian Travel Guide.

Now on air
16:30
THE VLADIMIR HEAVY DRAFT. A HORSE HISTORY
Baltic eel with vegetables

Kaliningrad is the heart of the western most region of Russia and one of the best places to try the legendary Baltic eel. This snake-like fish lives and fattens up in rivers, then setting off on a long sea journey to lay its eggs. These eels head towards the tropical waters of the Atlantic Ocean – the Sargasso Sea – a distance of almost 8,000 kilometres each way. Join a head chef from Kaliningrad and learn a tasty eel recipe on the Russian Travel Guide.

Now on air
16:30
Baltic eel with vegetables