The earth is the most beautiful planet The solar system, and maybe the entire Universe. The nature of our planet surprises with its beauty, bright colors, unique views and diverse landscape.

Beautiful caves and golden beaches, beautiful forests and majestic mountains make up the beauty of the Earth. Some of the corners of our planet never leave the pages of fashion guidebooks. But there are places that can rarely be found in such literature.

We open our review with the symbol of the mysterious Myanmar - the ancient city of Bagan. It is called the city of thousands of pagodas. This place was the capital of the Bagan kingdom. His greatness was so strong that the best minds and masters of antiquity flocked to Bagan. Thanks to them, Buddhist temples and other beautiful buildings were built.

Only a few of them have survived to this day. The most significant structure of these is the Shwezigon Golden Pagoda. It was built in 1057 on the site indicated by a white elephant carrying a bandage, a tooth and a rib of Buddha. These same relics are still kept in the temple.

Other attractions of Bagan must also be included in the photos of the most beautiful and amazing places in the world: the temples of Ananda, Htilo-Minlo, Shweleikto and the Bu-paya pagoda.

Colored rocks of Zhangye Danxia (China)

The most amazing places on the planet can be built by man or nature. Colored rocks that are in Chinese province Gansu is a natural formation of multi-colored sandstones. Recent studies show that more than 100 million years ago there was an ocean here. The silt colored the sandstone and made the rock formations look so original.

Today, the Danxia mountain peaks near the town of Zhangye are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. So that tourists can admire the views of these mountains, local residents have built many boardwalks and paths with which you can walk between these amazing mountain peaks.

Yusupov Palace (Russia)

But, let's return to man-made miracles. In any almanac of the most beautiful places in the world you will find such an architectural monument as the Yusupov Palace. It is located in the very heart of St. Petersburg on the Moika River. Built in the 18th century for the niece of Peter the Great, Princess Praskovye, it only came into the possession of the Yusupovs in 1830. But, since then, he has been associated only with this legendary surname. This palace is the site of the murder of Grigory Rasputin.

Li River (China)

Another beautiful place in China is the Li River. This is one of the most picturesque water bodies on our planet. Starting as a small stream in the Mao'er Mountains, it runs like a "silk ribbon" through the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of China. Locals This river is called Lijiang. It is recognized as the cleanest river in the Middle Kingdom. Its main attribute is the majestic karst giants. They were formed with the help of water and wind over many centuries. These mountain formations have poetic names and attract tourists from many countries of the world with their beauty.

You can enjoy the beauty of the Lijiang River by taking a cruise ship or using the service of local gondoliers.

Monastic complex of Meteora (Greece)

There are many amazing places in our world. If we talk about architectural monuments, then most of them are in Greece. This country, which became the founder of modern Europe, is proud of its legendary “ruins”. But the monasteries of Meteora are no less popular. Their main feature is their amazing location: they crown high peaks mountains of Thessaly.

Christian hermits hid in the mountains from Albanians, Turks and ordinary robbers. Over time, students gathered around them, who built monasteries for themselves and their teachers, amazingly beautiful and reminiscent of the nests of huge birds. The word "Meteora" is translated as "floating in the air."

Volcano Erebus (Antarctica)

One of the most interesting places The world's largest volcano is Erebus. It is famous for the fact that on its territory you can see a lake made of real lava. This natural phenomenon is unique. The volcano was named after the ship of the James Clark Ross expedition, which discovered this natural phenomenon. The glow of this volcano attracts everyone who travels to Ross Lake. It is a kind of calling card of Antarctica.

Rice Terraces (Philippines)

The list of the most interesting places in the world must be continued with the rice terraces of the Philippines. They are even called the eighth miracle of counting. And this is not surprising. These man-made gardens were built by the ancestors of modern local residents more than 2000 years ago. The plowed, multi-level fields not only fed the Ifuago people, but were also an excellent defensive structure.

Union of Fire and Ice (Kamchatka - Russia)

When talking about interesting places on Earth, one cannot ignore Kamchatka. On the territory of this peninsula you can find 28 active and 160 extinct volcanoes. If you want to climb fire-breathing mountains, watch salmon spawn and see the largest bears in the world, then be sure to go and temper your spirit with the help of Kamchatka. Amazing places The nature of this place is conducive to hiking, extreme and sea tourism.

Death Valley (USA)

One more natural monument is Death Valley. It must be included in all lists of interesting places in the world. Let's not get around this unique place And we. Formed many thousands of years ago at the bottom of the sea, this valley amazes with its natural phenomena. There are literally stones walking here. Leaving bizarre traces on the petrified silt. But, if you decide to come here, then you need to prepare for extreme heat. During the day, the thermometer here rarely drops below 50 degrees.

Guam Gorge (Russia)

The gorge is located in the upper reaches of the Kurdzhips River in Krasnodar region. The natural beauty of this gorge attracts tourists here all year round. But here you can not only contemplate the magnificent flora and fauna, but also extreme tourism. Rock climbing is especially well developed in the Gumsky Gorge.

Beach with caves near Algarve (Portugal)

One of the most amazing places in the world, undoubtedly, are the Portuguese caves, which are located in the very southern province the country of port and the birthplace of Cristiano Ronaldo. The most famous of them is the Algarve de Benagil cave. It is called the most beautiful cave in the world. Wind and sea ​​water– these two creators created a magnificent example of one of best places for traveling the world.

Sagano Bamboo Grove (Japan)

Many of us associate the beauty of the Land of the Rising Sun with cherry blossoms. In this country, special tours are even created with the help of which you can observe the alternate flowering of this plant in all provinces of Japan. But another, no less popular symbol of Japan is the Sagano Bamboo Forest. Looking through photos of the most beautiful and amazing places in the world, you will definitely find several images of a picturesque grove of evergreen bamboos.

These majestic plants make sounds when the wind blows, reminiscent of the popular wind chimes. This beautiful park was created in the 14th century at the behest of the monk Muso Soseki.

The nature of Sokotora seems like a setting for science fiction films. Charming vegetation, many examples of which are found only on this island, divine beaches and silence. This is exactly what you need for happiness and a serene paradise holiday.

Lake Baskunchak (Russia)

It is called the saltiest lake in the world. In terms of salinity, Baskunchak exceeds the famous Dead Sea. This reservoir is located in the Akhtubinsky district Astrakhan region. Not far from this lake is the Baskunchak Cave. Its one and a half kilometer length attracts speleologists.

There are many places in the world that captivate with their beauty. We suggest you take a look 10 most beautiful places in the world, which, in our opinion, can be classified as outstanding and interesting places on the planet, where you should definitely visit at least once.

10 most beautiful places in the world #10: Meteora Monasteries

Meteora is located in Greece, in the mountains of Thessaly. On high cliffs, which are millions of years old, there are 6 active Orthodox monasteries. They seem to float in the air.


Once upon a time, hermits lived in small caves, or even just in rock crevices. From time to time they went down into the valley to visit the nearby church. But during numerous wars, churches were destroyed and people died. In the 14th century, monk Athanasius and his assistants began building the first monastery on a rock whose height exceeded 600 m.


During the heyday dating back to XVI century, there were 24 monasteries here. For a long time, it was possible to inspect the amazing buildings only by climbing the hanging stairs. The monks also lifted the guests in a special basket.
During the Second World War, the monasteries were significantly damaged, but were subsequently restored and today are again a popular tourist attraction.

10 Most Beautiful Places in the World #9: Sequoia National Park

Sequoia Park is located in the USA, in the state of California. It was founded in 1890. Nowadays its area exceeds 1600 square meters. km. Truly huge trees grow here. Including the largest tree on the planet in terms of wood volume - “General Sherman”. Its age is estimated at 2000 years, and the volume of wood is approximately 1500 cubic meters. The giant is protected from tourists by a special fence.

It is impossible to take a photo with a giant tree so that it is completely captured by the camera.
Overall, the park makes an indelible impression, reminding people that they are just a blade of grass in the kingdom of nature.
The wood of each sequoia is silky and pleasant to the touch.

These trees do not burn in fire. Fallen giants are not removed, but signs are placed nearby indicating when the tree collapsed.
In addition, in the park you can meet various animals: deer, badgers and even bears.

10 most beautiful places in the world No. 8: Danxia Park in China

Zhangye Danxia National Park is located in China. Its area is over 500 square meters. km. The attention of tourists is attracted by the rocks, cast in all the colors of the rainbow.


The rocks themselves are sharp and smooth, their height is several hundred meters. Their unusual shapes are the result of natural processes. Strong winds and rains gave some rocks a resemblance to medieval castles, others - with pagodas.
To make it more convenient for tourists to explore this natural attraction, special roads equipped with observation platforms have been laid throughout the park.

10 most beautiful places in the world #7: Waitomo Glowing Caves

To visit here you need to go to New Zealand. But the goal is worth it. Waitomo Caves are one of the most amazing places on Earth. Here, under the stone arches, a huge number of fireflies live. At first glance, the uninitiated may think that he sees a sky strewn with stars above his head.


The caves were discovered at the end of the 19th century by the ruler of the Maori Indians, Tan Tinoro, and his companion, the English scientist Mace. They got here by water. The bizarre vaults, decorated with countless blue lights, made a stunning impression on the discoverers. A little later, another – land – entrance to the dungeon was opened.
Nowadays the caves are a place of real pilgrimage for tourists.

10 most beautiful places in the world #6: Santorini Island

Santorini is an archipelago belonging to Greece and includes 5 islands, one of which is called Fira (Santorini). This is a place of amazing beauty: a sea as clear as a tear, beaches with sand of different colors and amazing towns that grew up on the shores by the will of man. Over 13 thousand people live on the islands.


Tourists admire the sand lying on the local shores. On some beaches it is a delicate milky white, on others it is red, on others it is black. There are ancient Orthodox churches on Santorini. Many houses and entire streets here also date back to a bygone era.

10 most beautiful places in the world No. 5: Geysers of Iceland

The Valley of Geysers, located in Iceland, is known throughout the world. Nevertheless, it is quite young if one is guided by geological standards. At the end of the 13th century, an earthquake occurred in this area, and another 4 centuries later, thousands of geysers burst simultaneously.


The road leading to the valley is constantly shrouded in fog, consisting of tiny sprays of water. Geysers have different shapes, forming cones, domes, bowls. Hot water gushing from the depths smells of hydrogen sulfide. Many thermal springs have a healing effect. But most often tourists come here simply to admire the unforgettable spectacle.

10 most beautiful places in the world No. 4: Machu Picchu (Peru)

Machu Picchu is ancient city, located on the territory of the modern state of Peru. To explore it, you will have to climb to an altitude of about 2500 m above sea level. Scientists date the birth of the city to the 15th century and suggest that its creators were the Incas. There were about 200 stone buildings in Machu Picchu, and over 1000 people lived in it. The city was the imperial residence, a real sanctuary.


After the Spanish conquistadors conquered the indigenous lands of the Incas, Machu Picchu was abandoned for many years. Only peasants lived here who wanted to avoid extortion from officials. In the early years of the 20th century, Machu Picchu was “discovered” again by American explorers.

Since then, tourists have admired the ancient altar for making sacrifices, the semicircular tower, narrow streets ancient town.

10 Most Beautiful Places in the World #3: Antelope Canyon

Antelope Canyon is located in the United States on lands owned by the Navajo Indians. The tribe gave it its name - according to ancient legend, the canyon was discovered by an Indian girl. The motley walls, predominantly red and tan, reminded the Indians of the skin of an antelope.


The canyon is a narrow chasm. Wind and rainwater, which have been affecting the rocks for centuries, have created real labyrinths here, which are illuminated by the rays of the sun breaking through from above. Actually, there are two canyons – Upper and Lower. The length of each is tens of meters. Periodically, during heavy rains, the canyons are flooded.

10 Most Beautiful Places in the World #2: Bryce Canyon

Bryce-Canon is national park in the USA, in the state of Utah. Nature itself has created a museum here. open air. From the ancient rocks that were once located here, there are picturesque remains of different colors. These geological columns are called hoodoos, their fantastic shapes amaze the imagination.


Chemical elements as a result of oxidation give over 60 color shades. Among them are white and yellow, red and purple. Every year, exposed to erosion, the rocks look more and more bizarre. In general, they resemble an ancient amphitheater.
The park was named after Ebenezer Bryce, who did a lot for its development at the end of the 19th century. In particular, he paved the road here.

10 most beautiful places in the world No. 1: Salar de Uyuni Salt Lake

The dry lake Salar de Uyuni is located in South America, in Bolivia. This is the largest salt marsh on Earth. Its area is over 10,500 square meters. km, and the layer of salt reaches 8 m. Once upon a time, a huge lake splashed in this place. Over the course of tens of thousands of years, it gradually dried up, and as a result left behind 2 salt marshes. And even they now make a stunning impression.

From the outside, it may seem to tourists that they are on another planet and that a white ocean stretches ahead, glistening slightly under the rays of the sun. Flamingos have long chosen this place. Huge flocks of birds with pink plumage made the Salar de Uyuni salt lake even more beautiful.

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Places where every cultured person dreams of visiting.

Experts from the world's largest travel site TripAdvisor have compiled a ranking of 25 cultural sites that were most highly rated by tourists from around the globe.

In general, if you have not yet decided on your vacation plans, in this review website you can find some great ideas. For the next 25 holidays.

1. Machu Picchu, Peru

Machu Picchu, recognized as one of the New Wonders of the World, is located in modern Peru, on the top of a mountain range at an altitude of 2450 meters above sea level. It is called the “city in the sky” or “city among the clouds”, sometimes called the “lost city of the Incas”. Some archaeologists believe that the city was created as a sacred mountain retreat by the great Inca ruler Pachacutec around 1440, and functioned until 1532, when the Spanish invaded the Inca Empire. In 1532, all its inhabitants mysteriously disappeared.

2. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one of the six most large mosques in the world. Named after Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al-Nahyan, the founder and first president of the United Nations United Arab Emirates. Unlike many other Muslim temples, everyone is allowed into it, regardless of faith.

3. Taj Mahal, Agra, India

The Taj Mahal Mausoleum is one of the most recognizable landmarks not only in India but throughout the world. The structure was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died during childbirth. The Taj Mahal is considered one of the most beautiful buildings in the world, as well as a symbol of eternal love.

4. Mezquita, Cordoba, Spain

Walls decorated with intricate patterns, mosaic ornaments, hundreds of thin openwork columns - this is how the Cathedral Mosque of Cordoba appears today. Many centuries ago, there was an ancient Roman temple on this site, then it was replaced by a Visigothic church, and in 785 the Mezquita appeared. It became the second most important mosque on the planet, and the pilgrimage to Cordoba was even equated to the obligatory hajj to Mecca for every Muslim. But then the Catholics replaced the Moors, and Mezquita was turned into a Christian temple.

5. St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican, Italy

The heart of the Vatican and the entire Catholic world, St. Peter's Basilica is one of the main attractions of Rome. Here you can view ancient Rome from a bird's eye view, admire the interior of the cathedral from the top of the dome, celebrate Mass and even receive the blessing of the pontiff.

6. Angkor Wat, Siem Reap, Cambodia

The Cambodian temple Angkor Wat is the largest religious building ever created, the history of which goes back almost 9 centuries. Even its name speaks about the monumentality of the temple complex, because Angkor Wat literally translates as Temple City. It covers an area of ​​200 hectares and is surrounded by a moat 190 meters wide. This colossal structure is dedicated to the god Vishnu, revered in this area.

7. Bayon Temple Complex, Siem Reap, Cambodia

Bayon is one of the most amazing temples located on the territory of Angkor Thom and was its religious center. The “highlight” of Bayon are the towers with many faces carved from stone, silently looking from above over the vast territory of Angkor Thom, and during the heyday of the state, over the entire Khmer Empire. Initially, there were 54 towers, which symbolized the 54 provinces under the rule of the king. Today, only about 37 towers remain.

8. Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ on the Blood, St. Petersburg, Russia

The Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ, better known as the Church of the Savior on Blood, became the only Russian attraction on Trip Advisor's list. The Savior on Spilled Blood attracts tourists from all over the world not only with the splendor of its domes and interiors, but also with its unusual history, which has given rise to many legends and speculations. Many of them are related to the fact that the temple was erected on the spot where on March 1, 1881, the People’s Volunteer I. Grinevitsky mortally wounded Alexander II, who was popularly called the Tsar Liberator for the abolition of serfdom.

9. Gettysburg National Military Park, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

10. Walls of the old city, Dubrovnik, Croatia

In 1979, UNESCO introduced Old city Dubrovnik to the list World Heritage, including a significant part of the ancient walls of the city. They surround the city on all four sides and house a venerable collection historical monuments, including towers, fortresses, churches, monasteries, squares and streets, schools, museums and galleries. Built for defensive purposes, these stone walls have protected its citizens since the founding of Dubrovnik in the 6th century.

11. Shwedagon Pagoda, Yangon, Myanmar

Shwedagon Pagoda is the tallest spiritual building in Myanmar, or, as it is also called, the Land of Pagodas. The entire complex of the giant pagoda occupies more than five hectares of land, on which, in addition to the main structure, there are many smaller spiers and countless sculptures of mythical and real animals : golden griffins and elephants, dragons and lions. The Shwedagon Pagoda became what it is today in the 15th century, during the reign of Queen Shinsobu. It was then that the gigantic temple was finally given the shape of an inverted begging bowl and sheathed in gold from top to bottom.

12. Lincoln Memorial and Reflecting Pool, Washington, DC

The Lincoln Memorial is a majestic temple made in the ancient Greek style and somewhat reminiscent of the Parthenon. It is supported by 36 white marble columns, representing the number of states that belonged to the United States at the time of President Lincoln's death. In the center of the temple is a statue of the world's most respected American president sitting in a chair. Its height is 5.79 meters.

13. Ancient City of Petra, Petra/Wadi Musa, Jordan

In the heart of Jordan, in the Wadi Musa valley, deep in the sandy mountains is located amazing city antiquity of Peter. Petra was originally a temporary refuge for the nomadic Nabatean tribes. From several fortified rock caves, it gradually grew into a large fortified city. There is only one way to get to the city - through the narrow Siq gorge, which was once the bed of a mountain stream. Petra still belongs to the Bedouins, who warmly welcome guests to their land.

14. Section of the Great Wall of China Mutianyu, Beijing, China

On no other section of the Great Chinese wall restoration work was not carried out as well as at the Mutianyu site. This site, with 22 watchtowers that have retained their original appearance, is a true architectural masterpiece. The phrase Mutianyu from Chinese is translated as “a valley in which you can admire the views of the fields.” Among all the sections of the Great Wall of China, Mutianyu is the longest fully restored section open to tourists.

15. Ancient city of Ephesus, Selcuk, Türkiye

The largest and best preserved ancient city on the coast Aegean Sea and second in importance after Pompeii in the Mediterranean, ancient Ephesus is the most visited attraction in Turkey. Legends connect the appearance of the city with the name of Androcles, the son of the ruler of Athens, Codra, who, on the advice of an oracle, arrived in these places to found the temple of Artemis. The city got its name from the Amazon Ephesia, Androcles' lover.

16. Alhambra, Spain

The Alhambra (Arabic: Al Hamra - literally "Red Castle") is an ancient palace and fortress of the Moorish rulers of the province of Granada in southern Spain. The castle occupies the top of a rocky plateau on the southeastern border of Granada. The name Alhambra probably comes from the color of the sun-dried clay or bricks from which the castle walls are made. However, some historians suggest that the name came from the “red flame of torches” that illuminated the many years of construction of the castle, which went on around the clock.

17. Australian War Memorial, Canberra, Australia

The Australian War Memorial is the main memorial dedicated to the memory of soldiers killed during the First and Second World Wars. Today it is considered one of the most significant monuments of its kind in the world. The memorial is located near the Parliament building, from the balcony of which a 360-degree panorama of the monument opens.

18. Siena Cathedral, Siena, Italy

According to the chronicles, at the beginning of the 13th century, the inhabitants of the city-state of Siena, which acted as the main competitor and adversary of Florence, “called upon their leaders to build a temple more magnificent than that of their neighbors.” So, between 1215 and 1263, on the site of the old temple, the Duomo of Siena was founded according to the plan of the Gothic master Niccolò Pisano. Today this majestic temple is the main attraction of the city.

19. Milan Cathedral (Duomo), Milan, Italy

The most important place in Milan is the Cathedral of Santa Maria Nascente (Duomo), a pearl of Italian Gothic architecture, which was built from 1386 to the beginning of the 19th century. The third largest Catholic church on the planet can easily be considered one of the wonders of the world. Its hundred-meter spiers tower over the center of Milan, and the golden statue of the Madonna on the longest spire (four meters high) is visible from many parts of the city.

20. Sagrada Familia, Barcelona, ​​Spain

The Basilica of the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona is one of the most famous long-term construction projects in the world: its construction began almost 150 years ago and continues to this day. Although Antonio Gaudi initially had nothing to do with the construction of this temple, a year after the start of work he headed this project. Gaudi built the temple for 30 years until he died. The reason for such a long construction period is that the Sagrada Familia is built solely on donations from parishioners.

25. Sydney Opera House, Sydney, Australia

The Sydney Opera House is one of the most recognizable buildings in the world. Its architect was the Dane Jorn Utzon. Having designed the original roofs, somewhat reminiscent of shells, he gave Sydney a magnificent gift - a symbol of the city. Today, every tourist planning to visit Australia definitely includes an excursion to the majestic opera house in his travel itinerary.

Sea of ​​Stars in the Maldives, Colored Rocks in China and Grand Canyon in the USA - everyone should see these unique and beautiful places in the world.

flickr.com/Eric Pheterson

The unique colored rocks of Zhangye Danxia are located in China, in the Gansu province. The Colored Cliffs are composed of red sandstones and conglomerates of mostly Cretaceous age. Such formations are a unique type of petrographic geomorphology that exists only here. The Colored Rocks are included in the World Heritage List.

End of the World swing, Ecuador


Swing "End of the World", Ecuador flickr.com/Rinaldo Wurglitsch

This extreme attraction located in the mountains of Ecuador (city of Banos). The unique swing over the abyss is located at an altitude of 2660 meters above sea level, offering breathtaking views of the Andes.

Great Blue Hole, Belize (Central America)


wikipedia.org

Another amazing place on the planet is the Great Blue Hole, located in the center of Lighthouse Reef, near the Yucatan Peninsula (territory of the state of Belize in Central America). The hole, which became famous thanks to the French explorer Jacques-Yves Cousteau, is a round funnel with a diameter of 305 m and 120 m in depth. Today it is one of the best diving spots in the world.

Tulip fields in the Netherlands


The real tulip season in the Netherlands begins in the second half of April and lasts until about the tenth of May.

The most numerous fields with tulips are located along the shore North Sea behind a strip of dunes, also on the road to the cities of Leiden, The Hague and Delft, and near the city of Enkhuizen. Not far from Amsterdam, tulip fields can be seen in the once drained lake, now the most fertile land of Beimster, which is under the protection of UNESCO.

Cave mountain river in Quang Binh Province, Vietnam


CARSTEN PETER/National Geographic Creative

The Mountain River Cave (Son Doong), with a length of almost 6 km, is the largest in the world. The largest part of it reaches 200 meters in height and 150 meters in width, and some parts of the space are so massive that a city with all its streets can fit in them. Due to constant erosion, part of the cave collapsed, forming passages and so-called cave halls.


flickr.com/shin--k

Hitachi Park is located in Japanese city Hitachinaka (Ibaraki Prefecture). The park was founded in 1991 on the site of a former American military base and this moment occupies 120 hectares.

In a certain season, a certain type of flowers blooms in the park - tulips, poppies, daffodils, lilies, sakura. The plantations are located on the slope of Miharashi, offering picturesque views of the coast Pacific Ocean.

Ice cave under a glacier in Juneau, Alaska (USA)


flickr.com/AER Wilmington DE

The cave in the 12-kilometer Mendenhall Glacier is located near the city of Juneau in Alaska. It is unique in that it changes its appearance every year - the ice in the cave melts, creating springs.

Mount Roraima (junction of Venezuela, Guyana and Brazil)


flickr.com/Gunther Wegner

The unique Mount Roraima is located in the north South America, at the junction of Brazil, Venezuela and Guyana.

The highest point of the mountain is 2723 m above sea level, and the flat top is a plateau with an area of ​​about 34 km². It is considered a sacred place, and local Indians call it the navel of the earth.

The mountain offers a fantastic view: it was Roraima that inspired Arthur Conan Doyle to write the novel lost World.

Cappadocia, Türkiye


flickr.com/Benh LIEU SONG

Cappadocia is one of the tourist centers Turkey with unique volcanic landscapes, canyons, cave and underground cities.

The history of Cappadocia dates back to 5 thousand BC. e. All this time, the region was at the crossroads of civilizations, being alternately part of the Hittite, Persian, Roman and Ottoman empires.


blog.djapoc.com

The unique luminous waves in the Maldives are explained by bioluminescence - chemical processes in the body of animals in which the released energy is released in the form of light. It seems that the stars from the sky are reflected in the Sea of ​​Stars.


flickr.com/i_pinz

Victoria Falls is the only waterfall in the world that is over 100 meters high and over a kilometer wide. Tourists can walk along the very edge of the waterfall in Devil's Pool, which is located on the Zambian side.

The waterfall is one of the main attractions South Africa, belongs to the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

We present the most Beautiful places of our country, which should be seen not only by every photographer and traveler, but also by every resident of our vast Russia. Read our material and you will see: we all have something to be proud of!

Natural parks, reserves

Lena Pillars, Yakutia

Lena Pillars is a natural park in Russia, located on the banks of the Lena River in the Khangalassky ulus of Yakutia, 104 km from the city of Pokrovsk. Stretching for many kilometers, the complex of vertically elongated rocks, intricately piled up along the banks of the Lena, cutting through the Prilenskoye Plateau with a deep valley, never ceases to attract photographers and travelers. The pillars reach their greatest density between the villages of Petrovskoye and Tit-Ary.

The height of the rock formations reaches 100 meters. Scientists believe that the formation of rocks began 560–540 million years ago, and the formation of the Lena Pillars as a landform began about 400 thousand years ago.

Natural Park“Lena Pillars” was organized on the basis of the decree of the President of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) dated August 16, 1994 No. 837 and the government decree of February 10, 1995 and is subordinate to the regional Ministry of Nature Protection. The area of ​​the park is 485 thousand hectares, the park consists of two branches - “Stolby” and “Sinsky”.

Valley of Geysers, Kamchatka

The Valley of Geysers, one of the largest geyser fields in the world and the only one in Eurasia, is located in Kamchatka in the Kronotsky State Biosphere Reserve, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List as part of the Volcanoes of Kamchatka natural complex.

The valley represents deep canyon of the Geysernaya River, on the sides of which an area of ​​about 6 square meters. km there are numerous outlets of geysers, hot springs, mud pots, thermal areas, waterfalls and lakes. In this territory there is an abnormally high biodiversity and a high contrast of natural conditions and microclimate. The ecosystem of the Valley of Geysers is unique throughout the country. The territory of the valley is protected by a reserve regime.

Since 1992, under an agreement with the reserve, helicopter excursions have been organized here, and there is a strict system of rules for organizing excursions in order to maintain the balance of the ecosystem. In 2008, based on voting results, the Valley of Geysers was included in the list of seven wonders of Russia.

Weathering pillars, Komi Republic

Weathering pillars (Mansi logs) are a geological monument located in the Troitsko-Pechora region of the Komi Republic on the territory of the Pechora-Ilychsky Nature Reserve on Mount Man-Pupu-ner (“ Malaya Gora idols" translated from the Mansi language), in the interfluve of the Ichotlyag and Pechora rivers. Many legends are associated with this extraordinary place. The pillars are considered one of the seven wonders of Russia.

The weathering pillars are located quite far from inhabited places. Reaching them is in some sense a feat. To do this, by the way, you need to obtain a pass from the administration of the reserve. From the Sverdlovsk Region and Perm Territory there is a walking route, from the Komi Republic there are road, water and walking routes.

About 200 million years ago, in place of the stone pillars there were high mountains. Rain, snow, wind, frost and heat gradually destroyed the mountains, and especially weak rocks. Hard sericite-quartzite shales were less destroyed and have survived to this day, while soft rocks were destroyed by weathering and carried by water and wind into relief depressions.

One pillar, 34 m high, stands somewhat apart from the others. Six others lined up at the edge of the cliff. The pillars have bizarre outlines and, depending on the place of inspection, resemble either the figure of a huge man, or the head of a horse or ram. It’s true: this place is ideal for a photographer’s imagination! In past times, the Mansi deified grandiose stone sculptures and worshiped them, but climbing Manpupuner was considered the greatest sin.

Curonian Spit, Kaliningrad region

Curonian Spit- sand spit located on the coast Baltic Sea and the Curonian Lagoon. It is a narrow and long saber-shaped strip of land separating the Curonian Lagoon from the Baltic Sea and extending from the city of Zelenogradsk Kaliningrad region to the city of Klaipeda (Smiltyne) (Lithuania). The name of the spit comes from the name of the ancient Curonian tribes who lived here before the colonization of Prussia by the Germans.

The length is 98 kilometers, the width ranges from 400 meters (in the area of ​​​​the village of Lesnoy) to 3.8 kilometers (in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bCape Bulviko, just north of Nida).

The Curonian Spit is a unique natural-anthropogenic landscape and a territory of exceptional aesthetic value: the Curonian Spit is the largest sand body, included, along with the Hel and Vistula, in the Baltic complex sand spits, which has no analogues in the world. The high level of biological diversity due to the combination of different landscapes - from desert (dunes) to tundra (raised bog) - provides insight into important and long-term ecological and biological processes in evolution.

The most significant element of the spit's relief is a continuous strip of white sand dunes 0.3 - 1 km wide, some of them approaching the highest in the world (up to 68 m). Thanks to his geographical location and oriented from northeast to southwest, it serves as a corridor for migratory birds of many species flying from the northwestern regions of Russia, Finland and the Baltic countries to the countries of Central and Southern Europe. Every year in spring and autumn, from 10 to 20 million birds fly over the spit, a significant part of which stop here to rest and feed.

Favorable climatic conditions allow you to relax on the Curonian Spit from May to November. In 2000, the Curonian Spit was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Nature reserve "Stolby". Krasnoyarsk region

The reserve is located on the northwestern spurs of the Eastern Sayan Mountains, bordering the Central Siberian Plateau. The natural boundaries of the protected area are the right tributaries of the river. Yenisei: in the northeast - the Bazaikha river, in the south and southwest - the Mana and Bolshaya Slizneva rivers. From the northeast, the territory borders the city of Krasnoyarsk; the border of the reserve can be reached by bus. The reserve was founded in 1925 on the initiative of city residents to preserve natural complexes around the picturesque syenite outcrops - “pillars”. Currently, its area is 47,219 hectares. Submitted to the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Lakes

Lake Baikal, Eastern Siberia

It is unlikely that Baikal needs any descriptions, but still... Baikal is the most deep lake on the planet, the largest natural reservoir of fresh water. The lake and coastal areas are distinguished by a unique diversity of flora and fauna. Local residents and many in Russia traditionally call Baikal the sea.

Meaning maximum depth lake - 1642 m - was established in 1983 by L. G. Kolotilo and A. I. Sulimov during hydrographic work. Average depth The lake is also very large - 744.4 m. Besides Baikal, only two lakes on Earth have a depth of more than 1000 meters: Tanganyika (1470 m) and the Caspian Sea (1025 m). One of business cards Russia, a place that you need to see with your own eyes at least once in your life!

Lake Seliger, Tver and Novgorod regions

Another place that needs no introduction. By the way, Seliger has another name - Ostashkovskoye Lake, after the name of the city of Ostashkov, located on the lake shore. The area of ​​the lake is 260 sq. km, including about 38 sq. km. km there are islands (there are more than 160 of them on Seliger). The largest among them is Khachin Island. The area of ​​the entire pool is 2275 sq. km.

Seliger receives 110 tributaries. The largest are the Krapivenka, Soroga and Seremukha rivers. Only one river, Selizharovka, flows out of it. The lake lies at an altitude of 205 meters above sea level and is of glacial origin. This explains its peculiar shape - it is not a lake in the usual concept, but rather a chain of lakes stretching from north to south for 100 km and connected by short narrow channels. The coastline, more than 500 km long, is rugged - forested headlands, deep picturesque bays jutting into the land, and islands of various shapes.

The water in Seliger is clear, transparency reaches 5 meters. On the shore of the southern part of Lake Seliger are the city of Ostashkov and the New Yeltsy estate.

Lake Kezenoy-am, Chechen Republic

Kezenoy-am - lake on the border of the Vedeno district Chechen Republic and Botlikhsky district of Dagestan. This is the largest and deepest lake North Caucasus, located at an altitude of more than 1800 meters above sea level. The surface of the lake is 2.4 sq. km.

The depth of the lake reaches 74 m. The length of the lake from north to south is 2 kilometers, and from west to east - 2.7 kilometers. The maximum width is 735 meters. Length coastline- 10 kilometers.

Lake Baskunchak

Akhtubinsky district, Astrakhan region

Baskunchak - salt Lake, having an area of ​​about 115 sq. km in the Akhtubinsky district of the Astrakhan region, approximately 270 km north of the Caspian Sea, and 53 km east of the Volga. Lake Baskunchak is part of a unique natural complex that includes Mount Big Bogdo. In 1997 Bogdinsko-Baskunchaksky natural complex was declared a reserve (Bogdinsko-Baskunchaksky Reserve), where a special environmental regime was established on an area of ​​53.7 thousand hectares.

On the coast of the lake there are deposits of medicinal clays. In June-August, tourists come to the lake to bathe in brine and take mud baths. There is no need to talk about the beauty of these places. There are no fewer photographers here than people who want to improve their health.

Jack London Lake, Magadan Region

Located in the upper reaches of the Kolyma River in the Yagodninsky district Magadan region, lies among the mountains, at an altitude of 803 meters, the length of the lake in the northwest direction is 10 kilometers, depth is 50 meters.

There are many small lakes around Jack London Lake. The most prominent lakes in size are lakes Mechta, Anemone, Gray Chaika, Nevidimka, Neighboring, and Kudinovskie lakes. One of the most beautiful and exotic lakes Far East. Old-timers say that the lake got its name thanks to an unusual find made by the “discoverers”. When the lake was discovered, researchers found Jack London's book "Martin Eden" on the shore.

Lake Elton, Volgograd region

Elton is a salty, endorheic self-sedating lake in the Pallasovsky district Volgograd region, located near the border with Kazakhstan. It is considered the largest mineral lake in Europe and one of the most mineralized in the world. They say that the name of the lake comes from the Mongolian word “Altyn-Nor” - “golden bottom”.

Lake area - 152 sq. km. Until 1882, salt was mined on Elton; in 1910, the Elton medical sanatorium was founded on its shores (moved to a new location in 1945). In 2001, the lake and the adjacent territories of virgin steppes (106 thousand hectares) became part of the State Institution “Eltonsky Natural Park”.

Blue Lakes. Cherek-Balkarian Gorge, Kabardino-Balkaria

A group of five karst lakes in the Cherek region of Kabardino-Balkaria is located at the foot of the rocky ridge from where the Cherek-Balkarian gorge begins. Located at the entrance to the gorge, Blue Lake is a unique natural phenomenon, interesting not only for Kabardino-Balkaria, but also on a national scale. The Lower Blue Lake has several names: Chirik-kel (bulk) - rotten (smelly) lake; Sherej-ana (kab.) - Cherek’s mother; Psykhurey (kab.) - round water (lake), natural artesian well.

The uniqueness of Nizhny blue lake is that with a relatively small surface (only 235×130 m), its depth reaches 258 meters. The surface water temperature in winter and summer is about +9 degrees. Not a single stream or river flows into the lake, but about 70 million liters flow out every day. The lake level remains unchanged, which is explained by powerful underwater sources. The blue color of the water is due to the presence of hydrogen sulfide and the refraction of light rays in the deep pool.

The nature here is quite picturesque: green hills, dense beech forests on steep slopes, and in the distance, in the blue haze, peaks sparkling in the sun. Closer to Babugent the greenery becomes brighter and juicier. Near the village of Babugent there is a fork in the road. At the beginning of the road to the lake in the rock there is a cave in which traces of an ancient parking lots V-X centuries AD. Now many bats live there, and sometimes, in bad weather, shepherds with flocks of sheep take shelter.

Seydozero, Kola Peninsula, Murmansk region

Lake in the Lovozero tundra on Kola Peninsula. "Seid" translated from the Sami language means "sacred". The lake is located at an altitude of 189 m above sea level. The length of Seydozero is 8 km, width is from 1.5 to 2.5 km.

According to a number of science fiction writers and ufologists, it is one of the supposed places of existence of the Hyperborean civilization. Seekers of the unknown have been exploring these places since 1922.

Lake (reservoir) Zyuratkul. Chelyabinsk region

Zyuratkul is located in Satka district Chelyabinsk region on the territory of the same name national park. One of the highest (724 m above sea level) reservoirs in the Southern Urals. The reservoir is surrounded by mountain ranges covered with dark coniferous forests. To the southwest is the Nurgush ridge - the highest ridge in the Chelyabinsk region. The main river feeding the reservoir is the Bolshoi Kyl. Near the source of the Satka River and the dam there is the small village of Zyuratkul, connected by bus to the city of Satka.

Previously, Zyuratkul was a natural lake. Now it is a reservoir formed by a dam built on Bolshaya Satka. A giant geoglyph was found in the lake area. About forty stone tools made of quartzite were also discovered. The technique of stone chipping makes it possible to date the tools to the Neolithic and Chalcolithic (VI-III millennium BC). Researchers are still inclined to the Copper-Stone Age (IV-III millennium BC). It is noted that at that time Southern Urals there were practically no forests (they appeared only 2,500 years ago), so the figure was easy to construct and then view from the neighboring ridge until it was covered with a layer of soil.

Until the winter of 2012, another popular attraction was located on the shore of Lake Zyuratkul - Whale Pier, which was also called the “Ural Disneyland”. But in the fall of 2012, by court order, it was demolished.

Mountains and volcanoes

Elbrus, Kabardino-Balkaria

Elbrus is a stratovolcano located on the border of the republics of Kabardino-Balkaria and Karachay-Cherkessia. Elbrus is located north of Bolshoy Caucasian ridge and is the highest peak in Russia. Considering that the border between Europe and Asia is ambiguous, Elbrus is often called the highest European mountain peak, thereby including it in the list of “Seven Summits”.

The height of the western peak is 5642 m, the eastern one is 5621 m. The Adylsu, Shkheldy, Adyrsu gorges, the Donguz-Oruna and Ushba massifs are very popular among climbers and mountain tourists. The Elbrus region is the most popular ski resort Russia. The total area of ​​Elbrus glaciers is 134.5 square meters. km. The most famous of them: Big and Small Azau, Terskol.

Altai Mountains

The Altai Mountains represent a complex system of the highest ridges in Siberia, separated by deep river valleys and vast intramountain and intermountain basins. A mountain system at the junction of the borders of Russia, Mongolia, China and Kazakhstan. It is divided into Southern Altai (Southwestern), Southeastern Altai and Eastern Altai, Central Altai, Northern and Northeastern Altai, Northwestern Altai.

The Altai, Katunsky reserves and the Ukok plateau together form the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Altai - Golden Mountains”. Thousands of tourists come to Altai. This is a favorite place for photo tours and independent trips.

Divnogorye plateau, Liskinsky district, Voronezh region

“Divnogorye” - a hill and a museum-reserve in the Liskinsky district Voronezh region Russia. It is located 10 km west of the center of the region on the right bank of the Don River and 80 km south of Voronezh. The museum here was founded in 1988, and in 1991 it received the status of a museum-reserve. Currently, the museum-reserve is one of the most popular and most recognizable attractions in the Voronezh region. Every season, from May to October, it is visited by more than 60 thousand tourists.

The area of ​​the museum-reserve is more than 11 sq. km. Maximum height the plateau above sea level reaches 181 meters, relative - 103 meters (the mouth of the Tikhaya Sosna River at the confluence with the Don, which flows at the foot of the plateau, is located at an altitude of 78 m above sea level).

Dombay-Ulgen, Karachay-Cherkess Republic

Dombay-Ulgen is the top of the western part of the Watershed Range of the Greater Caucasus (on the border of Abkhazia and the Karachay-Cherkess Republic). Dombay-Ulgen is the highest peak in Abkhazia, located east of the village of Dombay, has three peaks: western (4036 m), main (4046 m) and eastern (3950 m).

A steep ridge extends from the main peak to the north, ending in a depression - the “Dombay saddle”. From the Dombay saddle there is a classic route (category 3B), which can be climbed in one day with a descent to the camp.

Putorana Plateau, Krasnoyarsk Territory

Putorana Plateau - mountain range, located in the north-west of the Central Siberian Plateau. In the north and west, the plateau ends with a steep ledge (800 m or more), while the southern and eastern parts are characterized by gentle slopes. The maximum height of the plateau is 1701 m, among the highest peaks are Mount Kamen (1701 m), Kholokit (1542 m), Kotuyskaya (1510 m). In the north, the Putorana Plateau borders the Taimyr Peninsula. The name Putorana translated from Evenki means “lakes with steep banks.”

The area of ​​the plateau is 250 thousand sq. km, which is comparable to the territory of Great Britain. On the territory of the plateau there is the Putorana State Nature Reserve, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

Marble Canyon Ruskeala, Republic of Karelia, Ruskeala village

Mountain Park "Ruskeala" - tourist complex, located in the Sortavala region of the Republic of Karelia near the village of Ruskeala. The main object of the complex is a former marble quarry filled with groundwater.

The quarries discovered by Pastor Alopeus began to be developed at the beginning of the reign of Catherine II. The first developments were led by Captain Kozhin, who was advised by Italian specialists. Today, the length of the quarry from north to south is 460 meters, the width is up to 100 meters. The distance from the highest point of the quarry side to its bottom is over 50 meters. Water transparency reaches 15-18 meters.

Ruskeala marble was used in the construction of the most beautiful and significant buildings of St. Petersburg and its palace suburbs. It covered St. Isaac's Cathedral, laid out the floors of the Kazan Cathedral, made the window sills of the Hermitage, framed the windows of the Marble Palace and the facade of the Mikhailovsky Castle, as well as the underground halls of the Primorskaya and Ladozhskaya metro stations of the St. Petersburg metro. In 2010, a significant part of the filming of the film “The Dark World” took place in Ruskeala.

Eastern and Western Sayans. Eastern Siberia

Eastern and Western Sayans - common name for two mountain systems in southern Siberia. There are Western Sayan (length 650 km, height up to 3971 m - Mount Mongun-Taiga, which is the top of the ridge of the same name - highest peak Eastern Siberia, however, more often this ridge is not classified as the Sayan Mountains, but is classified as a separate mountain system- Tuva Mountains), consisting of leveled and pointed ridges, on which there is no glaciation, separated by intermountain basins, and the Eastern Sayan (length about 1000 km, height up to 3491 m - Mount Munku-Sardyk) with typical mid-mountain ridges bearing glaciers. The rivers belong to the Yenisei basin. The slopes are dominated by mountain taiga, turning into mountain tundra.

The Western Sayan borders Altai in its southwestern part. Main Ridge its - the Watershed Sayan Range with its highest point - Mount Kyzyl-Taiga (3121 m). The Western Sayan ridges are characterized by steep slopes, rugged terrain, and vast areas of stone placers. The height of the ridges in the west does not exceed 2500-3000 m, to the east it decreases to 2000 m.

The Eastern Sayan stretches almost at right angles to the Western Sayan. Its ridges form a system of “Belogory” (Manskoye, Kanskoye) and “belkov”, which got their name because of the snow on the peaks that does not melt all year round. In the central part, in the upper reaches of the Kazyr and Kizir rivers, several ridges form a “knot” with the highest point - the Grandiozny peak (2982 m). In the southeast are the highest and most inaccessible ranges - the Bolshoy Sayan, Tunkinskie Goltsy, Kitoiskie Goltsy, Kropotkin. The highest point of the Eastern Sayan - Munku-Sardyk (3491 m) is located in the ridge of the same name. Between the Sayan ridges there are more than a dozen basins of various sizes and depths, the most famous of which is the Abakan-Minusinsk basin, famous for its archaeological sites. It is worth noting the large number of waterfalls.

Almost everywhere in the Sayan Mountains, dark coniferous taiga spruce-cedar-fir forests predominate, rising in the western and central parts to heights of 1500–1800 m or more; light deciduous cedar forests form the upper border of the forest at altitudes of 2000–2500 m. Animal world as rich as vegetable. The largest city, located in Sayany - Krasnoyarsk.

Shikhany Mountains. Republic of Bashkortostan

Shikhany are isolated hills in the Bashkir Cis-Urals, consisting of four single mountains: Tratau, Shakhtau, Yuraktau and Kushtau, which form a narrow chain stretched along the Belaya River for 20 km. Shihans are located near the cities of Sterlitamak and Ishimbay. They are unique natural monuments - remnants barrier reef, formed in the warm sea of ​​the early Permian period. The stones from which these shikhans are made contain imprints of ancient plants and animals.

The highest shihan is Tratau (or Toratau). Its height is 402 meters above sea level, and its relative height is 280 meters. At its foot are the ruins of a women's prison - one of the islands of the Gulag archipelago. Shikhan Tratau flaunts on the coat of arms of the city of Ishimbay, is a symbol of the Ishimbay region of Bashkiria. In the past, this mountain was considered sacred.

Volcano Krenitsyn. Sakhalin region, Onekotan island

An active volcano on the Onekotan Island of the Great Kuril Ridge. The largest two-tiered “volcano within a volcano” in the world is located in the southern part of Onekotan Island. The height of the volcano is 1324 m.

The volcanic cone rises in the form of an island inside Lake Koltsevoye, which lies at an altitude of 400 m (diameter about 7 km). The lake is surrounded by a somma - the walls of the more ancient Tao-Rusyr caldera (heights 540–920 m with a base diameter of 16–17 km).

There is only one known historical eruption, which occurred in 1952.

Volcano Tyatya, Kuril Islands

An active volcano on the Kunashir Island of the Great Kuril Ridge, on the territory of the Kuril Nature Reserve. In geographical terms, Tyatya is a stratovolcano of the somma-vesuvius type (“volcano within a volcano”). The height reaches 1819 m ( highest point Kunashir; in 1977 and subsequent years, the southeastern part of the summit crater rim collapsed and most of the material fell into the northeastern crater. As a result overall height the volcano has decreased by about 30-50 meters and is currently probably less than 1800 meters above sea level)..

The height of the somma is 1485 m, it has a regular truncated cone with a diameter of 15–18 km at the base and up to 2.5 km at the annular ridge. The foothills of the volcano are decorated with coniferous-deciduous forests with bamboo and thickets of stone birch and dwarf cedar. In the forests at the foot you can often find a bear. The path to the volcano is difficult, but most tourists get to the volcano from Yuzhno-Kurilsk.

Caves

Orda Cave, Perm region

The Orda Cave is located on the southwestern outskirts of the village of Orda, Perm Territory, on the left bank of the Kungur River. Consists of a “dry” and underwater part. The length of the dry part is 300 meters, the underwater part is 4600 meters. Today, Orda Cave is the longest flooded cave in Russia. In addition, part of the cave is the longest siphon in the CIS - 935 meters.

The cave ranks 21st among the longest gypsum caves in the world. Famous photographer Viktor Lyagushkin dedicated an entire photo project to the Orda Cave.

Kungur Cave, Perm region

This is one of the most popular attractions in Siberia and the Urals, a natural monument of all-Russian significance. The cave is located in Perm region, on the right bank of the Sylva River on the outskirts of the city of Kungur in the village of Filippovka, 100 km from Perm.

A unique geological monument - one of the largest karst caves in the European part of Russia, the seventh longest gypsum cave in the world. The length of the cave is about 5700 m, of which 1.5 km is equipped for visits by tourists. The average air temperature in the center of the cave is +5 °C, the relative humidity in the center of the cave is 100%. Kungur cave contains 58 grottoes, 70 lakes, 146 so-called. “organ pipes” (the highest is in the Ethereal Grotto, 22 m) - high shafts reaching almost to the surface.

Architecture

Nevyansk Leaning Tower. Sverdlovsk region, Nevyansk city

Not everyone knows that in Russia we have our own version of the Leaning Tower of Pisa - a leaning tower in the center of Nevyansk, built in the first half of the 18th century by order of Akinfiy Demidov.

The height of the tower is 57.5 meters, the base is a square with a side of 9.5 m. The deviation of the tower from the vertical is about 1.85 m, with the greatest inclination observed at the lower tier (3 ° 16"). The exact date of construction of the tower is unknown, different sources give dates ranging from 1721 to 1745.

The tower is a massive quadrangle, with 3 octagonal tiers built on top. Inside, the tower is divided into several levels - floors.

The purpose of the first floor is not precisely established. Demidov's office was located on the second floor, and during Soviet times it was a prison. On the third floor there was a laboratory: traces of silver and gold were found in the soot taken from the chimneys of the furnaces. According to one version, Demidov minted counterfeit money here. According to another, here Demidov, secretly from the state treasury, smelted silver and gold, which was mined at his mines in Altai.

Even higher is the so-called “auditory room”. Its peculiarity is that standing in one corner of the room, you can clearly hear what is being said in the opposite corner. The effect observed in the room is associated with the special shape of the ceiling - it is vaulted and at the same time slightly flattened.

On the seventh and eighth floors there are chimes with musical chimes, created by the English watchmaker Richard Phelps in 1730. The tower is completed by a roof and a metal spire with a weather vane mounted on it, made of milled iron, in which the noble coat of arms of the Demidovs is embossed.

There is a legend that the tower tilted because the basements were flooded with all the workers minting counterfeit money. By Resolution of the Council of Ministers of the RSFSR No. 1327 of August 30, 1960, the tower was included in the list of historical monuments subject to protection as monuments of national significance.

Ivolginsky datsan. Republic of Buryatia, village of Verkhnyaya Ivolga

Ivolginsky datsan is a large Buddhist monastery complex, the center of the Buddhist traditional Sangha of Russia, which is the largest Buddhist community in Buryatia. One of the most striking monuments of Russian history and architecture. Located in the village of Verkhnyaya Ivolga, 36 km from the center of Ulan-Ude.

Bird home. Republic of Crimea

Among all the attractions of Crimea, it is not easy to choose just one. But we decided to stop at one of the most inspiring places. bird home- an architectural and historical monument located on the steep 40-meter Aurora rock of Cape Ai-Todor in the village of Gaspra (Yalta City Council).

The structure resembles a medieval one knight's castle like the Belem Tower or Villa Miramare near Trieste. The first wooden structure on this site was erected for a retired Russian general after the Russian-Turkish War of 1877–1878; it can be seen on the canvases of famous marine painters: I.K. Aivazovsky, L.F. Lagorio, A.P. Bogolyubov, and also in photographs from that time.

The second owner of this amazing dacha was the court physician A.K. Tobin. There is also very little information left about him. After his death, the house was owned for some time by a widow, who sold the plot to the Moscow merchant Rakhmanina. She demolished the old building, and soon a wooden castle appeared, which she called “Swallow’s Nest.”

“Swallow’s Nest” received its current appearance thanks to the oil industrialist Baron Steingel, who loved to vacation in Crimea. Steingel purchased a summer cottage on Aurora Rock and decided to build a romantic castle there, which is reminiscent of medieval buildings on the banks of the Rhine. The design of the new house was commissioned from engineer and sculptor Leonid Sherwood, the son of architect Vladimir Sherwood, author of the Historical Museum on Red Square in Moscow.

At the beginning of the First World War, the estate was bought by the Moscow merchant P. Shelaputin, who opened a restaurant in the castle. In the 1930s, there was a reading room here at the local holiday home, but the premises were considered unsafe and closed.

In 1927, Swallow's Nest was damaged during a strong earthquake. Only in 1967–1968 were repairs carried out. In addition to the monolithic slab, the entire structure was surrounded by anti-seismic belts. The tower, increased in height, became more decorative thanks to its four spiers. In 2013, cracks were discovered in the foundation slab, and in the fall the visit was suspended for design work to carry out reconstruction - strengthening the rock.

And 6 more amazing places:

Chara Sands, Trans-Baikal Territory

Chara Sands is a tract in the Kalarsky district of the Trans-Baikal Territory, which is a sandy massif measuring approximately 10 km by 5 km. Chara sands are located in the basin of the same name, in the foothills of the Kodar ridge, 9 kilometers from the village of Chara, between the valleys of the Chara, Middle Sakukan and Upper Sakukan rivers. The massif is a geological natural monument of geomorphological type of federal rank.

BAM station Novaya Chara is 10 kilometers away. The massif stretches from southwest to northeast and covers an area of ​​about 50 sq. km. In no other basin of Transbaikalia are there such large massifs of loose moving sands. Chara sands are similar in appearance to the deserts of Central Asia. The vegetation is slightly different from the taiga: there are areas with larches, dwarf birches and moisture-loving dwarf cedar. In the northeastern part of the tract there are two small lakes- Alyonushka and Tayozhnoe.

Avachinskaya Bay, Kamchatka Territory

Avachinskaya Bay is a large ice-free bay of the Pacific Ocean off the south-eastern coast of the Kamchatka Peninsula, and is the main transport “gate” of the Kamchatka Territory. The main advantage of the bay is that it is one of the largest bays in the world: it can accommodate any ship in the world!

The length of the bay is 24 kilometers, the width at the entrance is 3 kilometers, the total area of ​​the water surface is 215 sq. km. Depth up to 26 meters. The Avacha and Paratunka rivers flow into the bay. The cities of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky and Vilyuchinsk are located along the shores of the bay. The bay is the main location Pacific Fleet Russia in Kamchatka.

A unique symbol of the bay and its landmark are the Three Brothers rocks, located at the exit to the open Avacha Bay.

Commander Islands. Aleutsky district, Kamchatka region

The Commander Islands are an archipelago of four islands in the southwestern part of the Bering Sea of ​​the Pacific Ocean, administratively part of the Aleutian region of the Kamchatka Territory of Russia. The islands are named after the navigator Commander Vitus Bering who discovered them in 1741. On the largest of them, Bering Island, there is the navigator’s grave. The Commander Islands are a place of mixture of Russian and Aleutian cultures. They have huge potential for the development of northern tourism.

Patomsky crater. Irkutsk region

The Patomsky crater is a cone of crushed limestone blocks on the slope of a mountain in the Patom Highlands in the Irkutsk region. Discovered in 1949 by geologist Vadim Viktorovich Kolpakov. Among local population is called the “Nest of the Fire Eagle”, also known as the “Kolpakov Cone”, “Dzhebuldinsky Crater”, “Yavaldinsky Crater”.

This is a unique geological object in its characteristics, which is a ring structure of a central type with a bulk cone composed of limestone and other rocks. The Patomsky crater was formed over a long period of time, about 500 years ago.

The diameter of the crater along the ridge is 76 m. The cone is crowned with a flat top, which is a ring shaft. In the center of the funnel there is a slide up to 12 m high. The total volume of the cone is estimated at 230–250 thousand cubic meters, weight - about a million tons.

Agur waterfalls. Sochi city, Krasnodar region

A cascade of waterfalls located on the Agura River in the Khostinsky district of Sochi. Distance from the Black Sea coast - 4 km. Further up the river - the Middle Falls, then the Upper.

Lower Agur waterfall - the first and most interesting of all three big waterfalls on the Agura River. It consists of two cascades: the lower one is 18 m high and the upper one is 12 m high. Below it is a wide and deep pool of blue water. From the Devil's Hole canyon to the Lower Waterfall it is approximately 1.5 km. Behind the first waterfall, a series of stairs and climbs go up, leading through 500 m to the Middle Agur waterfall - 23 meters, and then to the Upper - 21-meter waterfall. Up close Upper Falls To the left of the path there are rocks called Eagle Rocks.

Vasyugan swamps. Tomsk, Novosibirsk and Omsk regions

Some of the largest swamps in the world are located in Western Siberia, in the interfluve of the Ob and Irtysh, on the territory of the Vasyugan Plain, located mostly within the Tomsk region, and in small parts - Novosibirsk and Omsk regions and Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug.

The area of ​​the swamps is 53 thousand square meters. km (for comparison: the area of ​​Switzerland is 41 thousand sq. km), the length from west to east is 573 km, from north to south - 320 km.

The Vasyugan swamps arose about 10 thousand years ago and have been constantly increasing since then - 75% of their current area was swamped less than 500 years ago. Swamps are the main source of fresh water in the region (water reserves are 400 cubic km), there are about 800 thousand small lakes, many rivers originate from swamps, in particular: Ava, Bakchar, Bolshoy Yugan, Vasyugan, Demyanka, etc. d.

The Vasyugan swamps are home to numerous local fauna, including rare ones. Rare species of animals in the swamps include, in particular, reindeer, golden eagles, white-tailed eagle, osprey, gray shrike, and peregrine falcon. There are significant quantities of squirrels, moose, sable, wood grouse, partridges, hazel grouse, black grouse, and in smaller quantities mink, otter, and wolverine. Flora also includes rare and endangered plant species and plant communities. Among wild plants, cranberries, blueberries, and cloudberries are widespread.

Now the animal and vegetable world swamps are under threat due to the development of the territory during the exploration and exploitation of oil and gas fields.

Wikipedia materials were used in preparing the article.

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