Russia

Photo: The colorful onion domes of St. Basil’s Cathedral

St. Basil's Cathedral in Moscow's Red Square has nine chapels, each with a unique dome.

Photograph by Izzet Keribar/IML Image Group

Sometime in the 12th century the principality of Muscovy wriggled out from under Mongol rule, and by the early 17th century, a new Russian empire stretched from the Baltic Sea to the Pacific. • Today, post-Soviet Russia spans 11 time zones, is the largest nation on Earth, and bestrides the globe like a political and economic colossus. • Lenin remains in his tomb in Red Square, and the lights of the Kremlin burn brightly late into the night, but Russia has long since shed its Soviet skin. • The economic collapse of a decade ago is a distant memory. • Moscow today cuts its own deals, calls its own shots.

Related Features

  • Photo: Russian Orthodox priest

    Soul of Russia

    Driven underground for 75 years, the faith of the Russian tsars now enjoys favored status.

  • Photo: An explorer walking across ice fields

    Arctic Dreams and Nightmares

    In the dark of winter, two veteran adventurers slog toward the North Pole while a third battles for his life off the coast of Siberia.

  • Photo: Well-dressed women walk in front of ice sculpture

    Frozen Assets

    Awash in oil wealth, Siberia goes upscale.

Russia Map

Enlarge Map »

Map: Russia

Europe Quizzes

Adobe Flash Player This requires the latest version of Flash Player. Click here to download.

Travel With Us

All Upcoming Trips »

Travel Top 10

Travel Blog

More From Travel & Cultures