10 most beautiful towns in Russia

1. Sviyazhsk

This charming little town lies on the historic axis between the Volga and Silk rivers. Its strategic location was so important that Tsar Ivan the Terrible in the 16th century had a fortress built here. Today, this fortress is the main tourist attraction of Sviyazhsk.

2. Uglich

This ancient town is famous for a 16th-century story: the town's church bell tower was cut off and "exiled" to Siberia because it dared to "ring" to announce the assassination of Ivan the Terrible.

3. Kirillov

Kirillov has been a tourist attraction since the days of Soviet Russia. The town is built around a large, magnificent monastery dating back to 1397. Within this small area, more than 12 other churches were built subsequently.

4. Shlisselburg

The mighty Oreshek Fortress, built in 1323, attracts a large number of tourists. A vast amount of timber was used in its construction, but it was eventually destroyed by the Swedish king Magnus IV. Peter the Great had the fortress rebuilt in 1352 using stone. The town of Shlisselburg was founded 350 years later.

5. Rostov

In Russia, the term "Kremlin" describes a large central fortress. The well-known Kremlin is located in Red Square in Moscow, but the Kremlin in Rostov is Russia's second most beautiful fortress, attracting many tourists because of the stunning scenery surrounding it.

6. Ostashkov

Some people consider Ostashkov to be the most beautiful town in Russia. Its narrow streets lead to beautiful churches, blending seamlessly with the neoclassical architecture of 17th-century architect Ivan Starov.

7. Plyos

The timeless tranquility of Plyos is preserved forever by the painter Yitzhak Levitan in his world-famous, moody landscape painting. The town, situated on the banks of the Volga River, was founded in 1238, yet retains its original beauty to this day.

8. Kargopol

Kargopol was once one of the wealthiest cities in Russia. By the 16th century, it had grown rapidly due to its location on the trade route connecting Moscow and the port city of Arkhangelsk. Today, Kargopol is a small, peaceful town with more churches than inhabitants.

9. Svetlogorsk

Before World War II, Svetlogorsk was a German-owned resort town called Rausch. During the war, the town fell to the Soviet army, but it was largely destroyed. You can easily find a few houses in the German style here.

10. Stary Izborsk

This ancient village is located near the border with Estonia. Its name means "Old Izborsk" – as it was founded around 862 AD. The combination of the ruins of an ancient fortress and the Nicholas Church – dating back to the 14th century – makes Stary Izborsk a fascinating stop for visitors wanting to learn about the history and heritage of the region.

Huu Nguyen