решебник.рф ГДЗ по английскому языку 10 класс упражнение - 1 р. 6
Thousands of tourists travel up and down the Volga every year. It’s Europe’s longest river and many consider it to be the national river of Russia, but what exactly can one see there?
Spotlight on Russia goes on …
A Voyage UP the Volga
We began our journey in the historic city of Volgograd with an inspirational trip to Mamayev Kurgan to see the enormous statue, The Motherland Calls. This city witnessed the full horror and heroism of World War II and the statue celebrates the enduring spirit of the Russian people. Then, we headed back to the centre, which has risen from the ashes to become a major crossroads of transportation, and strolled along the promenade by the river before boarding our boat to begin the adventure of a lifetime.
Over the next few days the boat stopped at many small villages, and we sailed past Saratov, Samara and Ulyanovsk. In every village there were small shops and street vendors selling clothes, matryoshka dolls and amber jewellery. It was a great chance to see rural life in Russia, and the people we met were incredibly hospitable. Back on the boat, we loved chatting with our new-found friends from all around the world.
The third day of our trip brought us to Kazan, where the Volga meets the Kazanka River. Kazanis half-Russian, half-Tatar and completely charming. In the upper part of the city, we visited the Kazan Kremlin, where we saw the amazing Annunciation Cathedral and the mysterious leaning Suyumbike Tower. Then, in the lower part of the city, we visited some magnificent Muslim mosques.
As the river carried us further, Nizhny Novgorod came into view, standing on a high hill where the Volga meets the Oka River. The red brick towers of the grand Kremlin dominate the skyline and the Archangel Cathedral lies within its historic walls. From there we visited many of the city’s famous abbeys, such as the Monastery of the Caves and the Annunciation Monastery.
We sailed onwards to Kostroma – a city that’s almost as old as Moscow. The streets fan out from the central square, and we marvelled at the medieval peasant homes and the golden domes of the Ipatiev Monastery. The Epiphany Cathedral, with the 10th century Byzantine icon, Our Lady of St Theodore, was also truly remarkable.
Finally, our voyage brought us to Yaroslavl. The 17th century red brick churches were delightful with their brightly tiled exteriors and fantastic frescos. At the Spaso-Preobrazhensky Monastery we saw many wonderful religious icons as well as the original manuscript of the Russian literary treasure, The Lay of Igor’s Host. All too soon it was time to leave, but as we caught the train back to Moscow we knew that we had taken a journey that would live in our hearts forever.
What’s your favourite place in the area where you live? Which places would you advise a tourist to see? Send in photographs or drawings of your favourite places with a short explanation of why you like them so much. We’ll put the best on our website for the whole world to see!
- Which cities on the Volga have you visited?
- Tell your partner which cities you would like to visit.
- What do you think makes a city a great place to visit?
What exactly can one see along the Volga river?
- You can visit ancient cities like Yaroslavl, known for the beautiful Transfiguration Monastery and the Cathedral of the Assumption with its golden onion domes. Uglich offers a walk back in time with its Kremlin, the Dmitri Church on the Blood, and unique museums like the Museum of Evil Spirit. The city of Kazan features the impressive Kazan Kremlin and the Kul Sharif Mosque, blending Russian and Tatar cultures. The island-city of Sviyazhsk near Kazan is a fortress built by Ivan the Terrible, featuring ancient churches and monasteries.
- The Volga embankments, such as the one in Volgograd, offer scenic promenades with views of the river, monuments, and peaceful spots for picnics or fishing. You can also take boat cruises to admire the river’s vast landscapes.
What’s your favourite place in the area where you live?
My favourite place in Kazan is definitely the Kazan Kremlin. It is a stunning hilltop fortress complex that combines rich history, beautiful architecture, and cultural significance. The Kremlin is a UNESCO World Heritage site and includes remarkable buildings like the Kul Sharif Mosque, the Annunciation Cathedral, and the leaning Söyembikä Tower. I love how the Kremlin reflects Kazan’s unique blend of Russian and Tatar cultures, making it a symbol of the city’s diversity and history.
For tourists visiting Kazan, I would highly recommend these places:
- Bauman Street – a lively pedestrian street full of shops, cafes, and street performers. It’s perfect for a leisurely walk and to experience local life.
- Kazan Embankment – a great place to relax, enjoy river views, and visit cafes or parks along the water.
- Annunciation Cathedral – one of the oldest churches in Kazan with beautiful architecture and art.
Which cities on the Volga have you visited?
I have visited several cities on the Volga River, including Yaroslavl and Kazan. Both have amazing historic sites and unique cultures that make them special. Yaroslavl’s old churches and Kazan’s mix of Russian and Tatar traditions impressed me a lot.
Tell your partner which cities you would like to visit.
I would like to visit cities like Nizhny Novgorod and Volgograd on the Volga because of their rich history and beautiful river views.
What do you think makes a city a great place to visit?
To me, a great city to visit is one that has a combination of interesting history, beautiful architecture, friendly people, and places where you can enjoy nature or cultural activities. A city that tells stories through its streets and offers both excitement and relaxation is the best.