In the 19th century, among the common folk, there was a legend that Petersburg wasn't built, it was lowered down to Earth from the Heavens – such was the tsarist awe the city inspired. Now it almost seems as if the city was entirely planned out from the very beginning. But did Peter the Great have a detailed plan for the construction? From a bird's eye view, the magnificent harmony of the buildings, squares, prospects and canals is particularly evident. This wasn't easy to achieve. The most famous palaces, churches and cathedrals were reconstructed on several occasions in order to fit in with new ears and in order that they occupy their dominant positions. Each dominant feature bears a sacral meaning. More often than not, they are signs of triumph. For example, the Alexander Column on Palace Square was put up in honor of victory in the War of 1812. Learn how the main architectural feat...
The Baltic Sea and its rivers, which were part of the legendary trade route «from the Varangians to the Greeks», also serve as the North-Western border of Russian land. It is no coincidence that here, starting in the 9th century, several powerful citadels were constructed: Staraya Ladoga, Koporye, Ivangorod and Vyborg Castle. Medieval architects tried their best to design defensive structures that blended in well with the local landscape. This served as a type of camouflage, with nature and its cliffs, steep riverbanks and the Finnish Gulf adding another element of defense. These historic fortresses, located on important and strategic grounds, were passed back and forth between countries and were improved along with the development of wartime tactics and strategy. How did Ivan III trick the Livonian Order? Where is was the Swedish king’s treasure hidden and why is Russian chainmail bette...
Some people believe that the best way to learn about a culture is through its food. Traditional dishes have a way of teaching a nation’s history – how people used to live and how they live today – better than any book. Suzdal is no exception to this rule. RTG TV host Olga Degtyareva visited this old city where she familiarised herself with its culinary traditions and learned some interesting recipes from long ago.