04 July 2008   English | На русском языке

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Yasnaya Polyana - A Glimpse into the Life of Tolstoy

Russia is a country that has a rich and turbulent history, but has also been blessed with a magnificent cultural and traditional heritage. One of the most celebrated authors to come out of Russia is Leo Tolstoy. Both of his legendary books, namely “Anna Karenina” and “War and Peace”, were international sensations and cemented Tolstoy’s legacy into the fabric of Russia and in many hearts around the world. It was at Yasnaya Polyana that the life of Leo Tolstoy came full circle.

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Edmond J Safra Grand Choral Synagogue

St Petersburg, in Russia, is known as a city that is alive with arts, culture, history and noteworthy sites. And none are more significant than the breathtaking churches, synagogues and chapels that have survived wars, persecution and many turbulent times throughout the history of Russia. They are a connection to the past, a reminder of what has been achieved, and a witness to the country’s growth. One of these magnificent buildings is the Edmond J Safra Grand Choral Synagogue.

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The Luxury Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express

The Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express is a joint Russian-British project and is the first private tourist train in Russia. Despite the price of approximately $19,000 for a Gold Class ticket and $16,000 for Silver Class, the Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express has been sold out since its inaugural trip in May 2007.

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Russian Orthodox Christmas – 7 January

In accordance with the old Julian calendar, the Russian Orthodox Christmas is celebrated on 7 January, thirteen days after the Western Christmas on 25 December. Christmas, along with other religious celebrations, was banned throughout Russia after the 1917 Revolution. It was only in 1992, some 75 years later, that Christmas was once again openly observed. Today, the Russian Orthodox Christmas is celebrated in splendid style, with faithful adherents of the Russian Orthodox Church often attending all night Mass at ornately decorated cathedrals filled with the aroma of incense.

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Discover the Beauty of Palekh Art

The small village of Palekh was known throughout Russia to be the artistic centre of some of the best icon-paintings ever produced in Russia. It is also home to one of the leading Palekh art schools, even though there are a few schools scattered across the country. Becoming a certified Palekh artist is not as easy as it might look. The course takes four years to complete and, even though hundreds of artists send in applications to attend; only five artists graduate each year. The standard for Palekh art is very high, as it is a tradition that has become more popular over the years, and opens a world of opportunity to artists.

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