Ryazan in 3 Russian words

This is one of the oldest cities in Russia with a perfectly preserved historical center. Below are three of its main symbols.

1️⃣ ДОБРЫНЯ НИКИТИЧ (Dobrynya Nikitich)

This ‘bogatyr’ (‘hero’) from Russian epic poems was not only incredibly strong, but also extremely smart. He became famous for defeating the fire-breathing three-headed Serpent Gorynych.

2️⃣ ГРИБЫ С ГЛАЗАМИ (Mushrooms with eyes)

There is a saying: “In Ryazan, there are mushrooms with eyes”. During the Mongol invasion, Ryazan warriors determined the movements of enemy troops by cut or trampled mushrooms in the border forests.

3️⃣ РЯЗАНСКИЙ ЛЕДЕНЕЦ (Ryazan lollipop)

This delicacy has been produced in Ryazan since the first half of the 19th century. The famous candies in the shape of cockerels are made exclusively from local honey, sugar and molasses.

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Astrakhan in 3 Russian words

Astrakhan is not only one of the oldest and largest cities in the south of Russia, but also the main southern sea gate of the country. Here are three of its main symbols.

1️⃣ АРБУЗ (Watermelon)

Astrakhan is Russia’s watermelon capital! In addition to the classic ones with red flesh, here you can try watermelons with yellow, orange, white and even green flesh!

2️⃣ СОБОР СВЯТОГО ВЛАДИМИРА (St. Vladimir's Cathedral)

The long-suffering church was almost destroyed during the Civil War and, later, was turned into a bus terminal. Today, the Cathedral is one of the city's calling cards.

3️⃣ ОСЕТР (Sturgeon)

Sturgeon was once found in huge quantities in Astrakhan and, in difficult times, it saved local residents from starvation. The city even erected a monument to the “breadwinner” fish.

📷 Getty Images

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Veliky Novgorod in 3 Russian words

This city was once the capital of Rus' and it was there that the Russian statehood was born. Here are three of its main symbols.

1️⃣ СОФИЙСКИЙ СОБОР (St. Sophia Cathedral)

This is the oldest surviving Orthodox church in Russia! During the Soviet era, it housed a museum of atheism and, in 1991, the cathedral was returned to the Russian Orthodox Church.

2️⃣ НОВГОРОДСКИЙ ДЕТИНЕЦ (Novgorod Detinets)

A ‘detinets’ is a walled central fortified part of an ancient Russian city, close in importance to the Moscow Kremlin. It is on the territory of the Novgorod Detinets that the ancient St. Sophia Cathedral is located.

3️⃣ КУПЕЦ САДКО (Merchant Sadko)

This hero of Novgorod epics, a guslar (who plays a ‘gusli’ - an East Slavic multi-string plucked instrument) and a merchant, ended up in the underwater kingdom to the court of the Sea King, but was able to return home. An opera was written about Sadko and, on Pluto’s moon Charon, there is even a crater named after him.

📷 Public Domain, Getty Images

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Tambov in 3 Russian words

Tambov was once one of the main granaries of the Russian Empire. And, today, the city is one of the most ecologically clean cities in the country. Here are three of its symbols.

1️⃣ ВОЛК (Wolf)

The popular Russian expression "The Tambov wolf is your comrade!" has its roots in the 19th century. ‘Wolves’ was the collective name Moscow workers used to dismissively call Tambov peasants who came to earn money – they took on any job and asked for less money.

2️⃣ УСАДЬБА АСЕЕВЫХ (Aseyev Estate)

Before the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution, the estate of the merchant dynasty Aseyev, built in the Art Nouveau style, was in no way inferior to its metropolitan counterparts. Inside, it is decorated with fine stucco, frescoes, high reliefs and original panels.

3️⃣ ПЧЕЛА (Bee)

The Tambov land has long been famous for its beekeeping traditions and local honey was eaten throughout the country. So, it’s not surprising that a beehive and three golden bees – a symbol of the hard work and diligence of Tambov residents – were placed on the city's coat of arms.

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Kirov in 3 Russian words

Kirov, formerly known as Vyatka, is a major industrial, transport and cultural center in Russia. Here are three of its main symbols.

1️⃣ КВАС (Kvass)

This soft drink became famous in 2014, thanks to a Vladimir Putin press conference. A Kirov journalist told the president about the region’s kvass, which "beats Coca-Cola in taste and price".

2️⃣ СТИРАЛЬНАЯ МАШИНА (Washing machine)

Every Soviet housewife dreamed of owning a 'Vyatka-automatic' washing machine. It provided a fully automatic washing cycle. It’s true, however, that it consumed a colossal amount of water and electricity.

3️⃣ ДЫМКОВСКАЯ ИГРУШКА (Dymkovo toy)

These wonderful toys have been made in Kirov since the 18th century. They are made of special locally sourced red clay and are distinguished by their bright colors and beautiful patterns.

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Yelabuga in 3 Russian words

This small city in the Republic of Tatarstan is known for its well-preserved historical center and is extremely popular among tourists. Here are three of its main symbols.

1⃣ ЕЛАБУЖСКОЕ ГОРОДИЩЕ (Yelabuga hillfort)

The Yelabuga hillfort, the remains of a 10th-century fortress, is located near the city, on a hill on the bank of the Kama River. Today, almost nothing remains of it except for a sole tower.

2⃣ ИВАН ШИШКИН (IVAN SHISHKIN)

One of Russia’s most significant artists was born in Yelabuga in 1832. He spent his childhood and youth there, began painting and would visit it often for inspiration in later years.

3⃣ МАРИНА ЦВЕТАЕВА (MARINA TSVETAEVA)

On August 31, 1941, outstanding Russian poetess Marina Tsvetaeva committed suicide in Yelabuga. She was buried in the local cemetery. Every year on this day, the city celebrates Tsvetaeva's memorial day.

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Tobolsk in 3 Russian words

Today, it is a small city with a population of only 100,000. However, in the 18th century, Tobolsk was the capital of the huge Siberian province, which stretched to the Pacific Ocean.

1⃣ ТОБОЛЬСКИЙ КРЕМЛЬ (Tobolsk Kremlin)

This is the only stone kremlin in Siberia! Although it was founded in 1683, stone buildings kept being erected in it until the end of the 18th century.

2⃣ РЕЗНАЯ КОСТЬ (Carved bone)

Bone carving has been practiced in Tobolsk since the 17th century. The main theme of the local craftsmen's work is the life of the North, its traditions, history and mythology.

3⃣ ДМИТРИЙ МЕНДЕЛЕЕВ (Dmitri Mendeleev)

This world-famous scientist was born in Tobolsk in 1834. Mendeleev is an honorary citizen of the city; a street, avenue, railway station and pedagogical university are all named after him.

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Murmansk in 3 Russian words

This city was founded quite recently – in 1916. It is the largest port in the world located beyond the Arctic Circle. Here are its three main symbols.

1⃣ ТРЕСКА (Cod)

Cod is considered the most important commercial fish in Murmansk. It is even depicted on the city’s coat of arms. A monument to it was also erected there.

2⃣ АТОМНЫЙ ЛЕДОКОЛ «ЛЕНИН» (Nuclear-powered icebreaker “Lenin”)

The world’s first nuclear-powered icebreaker operated on the Northern Sea Route for about 30 years. But, in 1989, it was permanently moored next to the Murmansk sea terminal. Today, “Lenin” functions as a museum ship.

3⃣ ПАМЯТНИК «АЛЕША» (Monument “Alyosha”)

The Arctic became the only section of the Soviet-German front where the enemy was never able to break through deep into the country. In 1974, a memorial to the Red Army soldiers who fought there was opened in Murmansk, widely known as ‘Alyosha’.

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North Ossetia in 3 Russian words

North Ossetia is famous not only for its stunning gorges, waterfalls and lakes, but also for its ancient architecture. Here are three of its main symbols.

1⃣ Пирог (Pie)

Ossetian pies are known throughout the country and they are as popular as Italian pizza. The main thing about them is a thin layer of dough and a lot of filling.

2⃣ Казбек (Kazbek)

The majestic Kazbek is one of the ten highest mountains in the Caucasus, its height is over 5,000 meters. And it is also an ancient dormant volcano!

3⃣ Уастырджи (Uastyrdzhi)

Uastyrdzhi is one of the main celestials in the folk religion of the Ossetians, the patron saint of travelers and warriors, the mediator between God and people.

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Blagoveshchensk in 3 Russian words

This Russian city is the administrative center of Amur Region and is located on the border with China. Here are its three of its main symbols.

1⃣ НАБЕРЕЖНАЯ АМУРА (Amur Embankment)

This embankment is 6.3 kilometers long. There are many interesting things along it, but its main advantage is the stunning view of the Chinese city of Heihe on the opposite bank.

2⃣ ТРИУМФАЛЬНАЯ АРКА (Triumphal Arch)

The arch in Blagoveshchensk was built in honor of the arrival of the heir to the throne, Tsarevich Nikolay Alexandrovich, to the city in 1891. During the Soviet era, it was destroyed and rebuilt only in 2003-2005.

3⃣ НИКОЛАЙ МУРАВЬЕВ-АМУРСКИЙ (Nikolay Muravyov-Amursky)

Thanks to this prominent statesman, the Amur and Primorye regions were annexed to Russia. It was he who founded Blagoveshchensk and several monuments to him were erected there.

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Salekhard in 3 Russian words

Salekhard is the only city in the world located on the Arctic Circle. Here are three of its main symbols.

1⃣ СТЕЛА «66-Я ПАРАЛЛЕЛЬ» (Stela ‘66th parallel’)

This monument was installed in honor of Salekhard’s unique location on the Arctic Circle. In the evening, the stela is illuminated with multi-colored lights, reminiscent of the Northern Lights.

2⃣ ОБДОРСКИЙ ОСТРОГ (Obdorsky Ostrog)

The Obdorsky Ostrog (fortress) was founded in 1595. It was one of the first in Siberia and marked the beginning of Salekhard. In the early 19th century, the fort was deemed unnecessary and demolished, but was rebuilt in 1992.

3⃣ МАМОНТ «МИТЯ» (Mammoth ‘Mitya’)

In prehistoric times, mammoths lived on the site of Salekhard. Nowadays, a sculpture of one of these giants has been installed there. At night, ‘Mitya’ has” glowing tusks and, on New Year’s Eve, he is dressed in a giant Father Frost costume.

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How many Russian words starting with 'Т' do you know?

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Vologda in 3 Russian words

Thanks to its unique lace-making traditions, Volgoda is called the Lace Capital of Russia. It is also consistently included in the list of the best cities in the country for recreation. Here are three of its main symbols.

1⃣ ВОЛОГОДСКОЕ МАСЛО (Vologda butter)

This excellent butter with a nutty flavor is made by one of Russia’s most famous brands. It began to be produced in Vologda Province in the 1870s and was previously called ‘Parisian’ and ‘Petersburgian’.

2⃣ ГОСТИНИЦА «ЗОЛОТОЙ ЯКОРЬ» (‘Golden Anchor’ hotel)

For a long time, the building of this luxurious hotel was the tallest in the city. In terms of comfort, the ‘Golden Anchor’ was in no way inferior to hotels in Moscow and St. Petersburg. Today, stores and the Department of Tourism are located in it.

3⃣ ВОЛОГОДСКОЕ КРУЖЕВО (Vologda lace)

Vologda lace-making has its roots in the 17th century. The lace is woven on wooden sticks – bobbins. It is distinguished by clear and expressive lines of ornament, richness and diversity of patterns.

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Vyborg in 3 Russian words

Vyborg is one of the most colorful cities in Russia. Medieval Swedish buildings stand side by side with houses from the times of the Russian Empire, the Finnish Republic and the Soviet Union. Here are three of its main symbols.

1⃣ ВЫБОРГСКИЙ КРЕНДЕЛЬ (Vyborg krendel)

This popular delicacy has been baked in Vyborg since the 14th century. The local ‘krendel’ (‘pretzel’) has an exquisite taste due to the presence of various spices in it. Russian rulers Peter I and Alexander III were very fond of this delicacy.

2⃣ ВЫБОРГСКИЙ ЗАМОК (Vyborg Castle)

The castle was founded by the Swedes in 1293 and, for a long time, served as their main outpost in the Eastern Baltic. For the Russians, the castle has always been a thorn in the side. Only in 1710, during the Northern War, was it captured by the army of Peter I.

3⃣ ВЫБОРГСКИЕ ДРАККАРЫ (Vyborg Drakkars)

These ships were built specifically for the filming of the Soviet-Norwegian movie ‘Trees Grow on the Stones, Too’, dedicated to the Viking Age. When the movie was completed, the ‘drakkars’ were donated to the city for its active assistance in the filming process.

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Veliky Ustyug in 3 Russian words

Founded in the 12th century, Veliky Ustyug is the same age as Moscow. Today, it is home to 28,000 people and even a real Father Frost. Here are three of its main symbols.

1⃣ ДЕД МОРОЗ (Father Frost)

Veliky Ustyug is the birthplace of the Russian Santa Claus — Father Frost! His residence is located very close to the city. In this fairy-tale place, you can experience a lot of adventures and, of course, meet the main wizard himself!

2⃣ «МОРОЗ ПО ЖЕСТИ» (‘Frost on tin’)

With the help of this decoration method, a pattern was created on chests and boxes that resembled ice patterns on window panes. For this, a mixture of nitric and hydrochloric acid, salt, oil varnish with yellow or green paint was used.

3⃣ УСПЕНСКИЙ СОБОР (Assumption Cathedral)

Built in the 17th century, the Assumption Cathedral is the oldest building in Veliky Ustyug. In 1929, the cathedral was closed and used as a warehouse for a long time. Nowadays, it is gradually being restored.

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Reutov in 3 Russian words

This satellite city of Moscow was once a major center of the textile industry. Nowadays, it is a science city with high scientific and technical potential. Here are three of its main symbols.

1⃣ ЮРИЙ БОРИСОВ (Yuri Borisov)

One of Russia’s most talented actors was born in Reutov on December 8, 1992. At the end of 2024, he was nominated for an American Golden Globe Award for his role in the movie ‘Anora’.

2⃣ НПО МАШИНОСТРОЕНИЯ (NPO Mashinostroyeniya)

The Scientific and Production Association (NPO) of Mechanical Engineering has been operating in Reutov since 1944. Among its developments: cruise and intercontinental ballistic missiles, missile systems, as well as various space systems and devices.

3⃣ КОЛОКОЛ (BELL)

There is a legend that Reutov got its name from the ‘Reut’ bell , whichб with its ringing, warned of the enemy approaching Moscow. The bell was placed on the city’s coat of arms and, in 2005, a monument to it was erected there.

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