Unusual Russia

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• Ilya 8:13 pm on August 9, 2025 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: shamanism ( 2 ), shamans ( 2 )   

  Russia’s Shamans: The Best Places to Experience Their Ceremonies 

  Khakassia, Altai, Kamchatka — Where to Find Real Shamans in Russia

  

  Photo: Office of the Supreme Shaman

  Shamanism is a unique socio-cultural phenomenon that shapes the worldview of many peoples around the globe — and Russia is no exception. This spiritual tradition remains popular among the peoples of Siberia and the Russian Far East. In fact, it’s often said that the most powerful shamans in the world live here.

  The Origins of Shamanism

  Shamanism is a unique belief system that peacefully coexists with other forms of magic and religion. Shamans do not seek to convert as many people as possible, which gives their practice an air of exclusivity. Archaeologists believe that shamanism originated in Siberia during the Neolithic and Bronze Ages, making it one of the oldest known spiritual traditions on Earth.

  In shamanism, the shaman plays a central role as a mediator between the divine and human worlds. By entering a trance, the shaman conveys divine will through dance, rhythmic drumming, or chanting. To find answers to important questions, shamans perform kamlanie — a state of ecstasy often described as ascending to the heavens or descending to the underworld.

  Passing Down the Gift

  In Russia, shamanic abilities are often inherited. However, an heir must be able to enter trance states and possess extensive knowledge — including the names of spirits, clan mythology, genealogy, and secret languages. Among the Khanty (Ostyaks), the shaman’s gift is believed to be innate but only “activated” after the death of the current shaman. A similar belief exists among Siberian Samoyeds.

  The Yakuts even have “shaman schools,” where experienced mentors train chosen ones who cannot master the craft on their own. In contrast, the South Siberian Buryats believe that a person may become a shaman after being struck by lightning or hit by a falling stone.

  Shamanism is not just mysticism — it is part of Russia’s rich cultural heritage. Many indigenous peoples of Siberia and the Far East, including the Buryats, Yakuts, Evenks, Dolgans, and Nganasans, continue to maintain their traditions, passing them down within families and clans. Shamans interact with spirits, heal the sick, foretell the future, and preserve ancestral wisdom.

  This guide will take you through regions where you can meet shamans, witness their rituals, and learn about their spiritual world.

  ---

  Khakassia

  

  Traditional celebrations in Khakassia are preserved to this day. Photo: Anna Amzarakova / Shutterstock / Fotodom

  In Khakassia, shamanism dates back centuries. People sought shamans to expel illness, heal the soul, and cleanse spaces of negative energy. Shamans here are traditionally divided into three categories:

  • Pugdurs – Great shamans with up to nine drums, special costumes decorated with eagle wings, and an “army” of spirits. They treated infertility, protected livestock, and guided souls to the afterlife.
  • Pulgoses – Mid-level shamans with a single drum, mainly focused on healing illnesses.
  • Chalanchiks – Shamans skilled in hypnosis, performing simple healing rituals without special costumes or drums.

  The main shamanic instrument is the drum (tÿÿr) with a beater (orba), and special attire adorned with bells, ribbons, and feathers.

  

  Sometimes they use a jaw harp — a musical instrument played by pressing it against the teeth or lips. Photo: Ilya Garus / Yandex Maps

  In Khakassia, shamanism was integrated into everyday life, considered a gift that could not be refused.

  ---

  Buryatia

  

  The costume is important: it should be blue or white, usually decorated with silhouettes of snakes, horses, or people. Photo: Alexey Trofimov / Tengeri | Shaman Religious Center

  Buryatia is another stronghold of shamanism. Only an ethnic Buryat with shamanic ancestry can become a shaman. Typically, they work with either benevolent or malevolent spirits — rarely both.

  Instead of full kamlanie rituals, Buryat shamans often use prayers, focusing on worship of the sky and earth. Many ceremonies take place in nature, with Lake Baikal holding special sacred significance.

  Buryat cosmology describes three worlds:

  • The upper world, home to benevolent spirits and 99 supreme gods (tengri).
  • The middle world, where humans live.
  • The lower world, inhabited by evil spirits, served by dark shamans.

  Buryat shamans believe that a nosebleed or mouth bleeding during sleep — or severe fright — may cause the soul to leave the body, requiring a shaman to return it. Visitors can meet shamans at the Tengeri Shamanic Center.

  

  On his head, the shaman wears a hat with ribbons that cover the eyes, and uses stones, prayer beads, various amulets, and other ritual items. Photo: Office of the Supreme Shaman

  ---

  Yakutia (Sakha Republic)

  

  To find a shaman, tourists come to the town of Aldan, which, according to reviews, is home to many practitioners of this craft. Photo: Office of the Supreme Shaman

  Yakut shamans worship Aiyy — deities who protect ancestors, fire, water, earth, home, and hunting. Like Buryats, they believe in three worlds. The highest being, Yurung Aiyy Toyon, sent a man to live on Earth to protect people from evil spirits.

  A key Yakut ritual is the algys — a blessing intended to change a person’s fate, often performed for children. Offerings to benevolent spirits are symbolic, as they do not require material sacrifice. Yakut spirituality emphasizes self-reliance, asking spirits only to avoid hindering one’s growth.

  ---

  Tuva

  

  One cannot simply become a shaman — it is a gift passed down through the family line, known as the “shaman’s illness.” Young shamans learn from experienced ones and perform rituals together. Photo: Office of the Supreme Shaman

  In Tuva, shamans provide guidance, predict the future, and heal illnesses. Divination may involve sheep shoulder blades or stones. The cost is never fixed — clients pay what they feel is right.

  Shamans also craft protective charms, often small dolls or figures wrapped in ribbons. There are 16 registered shamanic organizations in Tuva, which visitors can contact for ceremonies.

  ---

  Altai

  

  Kams can imitate the voices of birds and animals, skillfully play the drum, and address gods and spirits. A shaman’s qualifications are determined by these abilities. Photo: Tuva.Asia

  Among the Altaians, shamans — called kams — mediate between humans and the spirit world. Their abilities are not necessarily hereditary, but often manifest suddenly, sometimes during an uncontrollable trance.

  During rituals, a kam may speak in another voice, believed to be that of a spirit. This altered state ends when the ceremony is over.

  ---

  Kamchatka

  On the Kamchatka Peninsula, shamanism historically focused on healing. The Itelmens, Koryaks, Chukchi, and Evens believed that illness was caused by evil spirits. Shamans expelled these spirits through kamlanie and sometimes physical rituals, including symbolic cuts to release the sickness. If a person was in critical condition, it was believed that a demon of illness had taken their soul, and the shaman could find it and return it to the body.

  

  For this, they used music, dance, drumming, and other means. Photo: Luche / Yandex Maps

  Shamanism here could be a profession or a family tradition, often led by elder women who knew healing spells and charms. You can learn more about shamanic rituals, for example, at the “Eyvet” encampment in Kamchatka.

  ---

  Tips for Visitors

  • Always ask permission before taking photos or videos.
  • Shamans will not perform serious rituals for entertainment, but many will share stories or demonstrate safe, symbolic practices.
  • Some offer souvenirs like jew’s harps or small drums.
  • Never touch shamanic attire or tools without permission.
  • Certain groups, like the Koryaks, may use substances such as fly agaric mushrooms or herbal teas during ceremonies — do not consume these unless specifically guided by the shaman.

  ---

  Sources:
  travel.yandex.ru
  russian7.ru
   

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• Ilya 10:22 am on August 9, 2025 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: Arctic, paintings, shamanism ( 2 ), shamans ( 2 )   

  Azat Minnekaev’s Paintings: Poetic and Authentic Visions of the Arctic 

  

  A. Minnekaev, Island. Canvas, acrylic, 1993. Private collection, Russia.

  Azat Minnekaev has created a large number of paintings dedicated to the Far North. Looking at his canvases feels like standing before an open window into a world both familiar and mysterious. The Arctic landscapes are rendered so faithfully that many who have visited the high latitudes will surely recognize in his works a striking resemblance to what they themselves have seen. While depicting the sea, rocks, snow, ice, tundra, and low taiga, Minnekaev creates a grand, poetic vision of the Arctic that captivates with its beauty and majesty.

  

  A. Minnekaev, First Snow. Canvas, acrylic, 1993. Private collection, USA.

  His works often feature indigenous northerners—primarily Eskimos, Aleuts, and Chukchi—shown as they are rarely seen today: in traditional clothing, in kayaks covered with walrus hides. Minnekaev reminds the viewer not only of the recent past of Arctic peoples but of the essence of the cultural traditions developed over millennia. These traditions reflect the unity of humans with northern nature, the desire not to conquer it but to understand it, adapt to it, and preserve its beauty and richness for future generations.

  The Canvas as a Shaman’s Drum

  Once, Minnekaev compared himself to a shaman: “The canvas for me is a shaman’s drum, and the brush is the beater.” Shamanism in the Arctic was more than a spiritual practice—it was a vital cultural force. Shamans were keepers of folklore, rituals, and survival knowledge. They were also artists, carving bone and wood, painting symbolic images, and decorating clothing with magical ornaments. Artistic creativity helped Arctic peoples adapt to their environment, channel inner strength, and preserve their connection to nature.

  Minnekaev’s paintings, resonant with wind and surf, are unframed—he likens frames to “a drum in a case.” Working in acrylic allows him speed and technical variety, essential for his restless search for new expression. He has earned the name ‘eternal wanderer,’ always willing to take risks and change course in pursuit of deeper truths about the world.

  Life and Journeys in the Far North

  Born in Ufa, Minnekaev studied painting at the Ufa Institute of Arts, worked as a stage designer, and in the late 1980s moved to Magadan. This began his journey into the Far North, followed by time in Chukotka and Alaska—both the mainland and remote islands like St. Paul in the Pribilofs. There, he taught art, painted, and immersed himself in local culture.

  

  A. Minnekaev, *Eyewitness*. Canvas, acrylic, 1993. Private collection, USA.

  The Pribilof Islands became a cultural crossroads for Minnekaev. He saw parallels between the histories and worldviews of peoples on both sides of the Bering Strait. His time there inspired works such as Island, First Snow, and Two Walruses—the latter depicting an elder hunter and a walrus, shown as kin rather than predator and prey.

  

  A. Minnekaev, Two Walruses. Canvas, acrylic, 1996. Private collection, France.

  Shamanic Imagery and Cultural Memory

  Minnekaev often explores shamanic themes. In Shaman Removing the Mask (also called Bear-Man), a figure transforms into the spirit of a bear—an animal revered and hunted by Arctic peoples. Dance Teacher reflects the human longing for flight, while Shaman’s Flight to the Land of the Dead shows a moonlit figure soaring above a silent, frozen landscape.

  

  

  

  A. Minnekaev, Whale Bone Alley. Canvas, acrylic, 1993. Private collection, USA.

  In Whale Bone Alley, based on real ancient whale bone structures on Yttygran Island, Minnekaev turns archaeological reality into symbolic allegory. The painting Nalukataq depicts an old Inuit tradition of tossing someone into the air on a walrus-hide “trampoline”—a ritual, sport, and lookout method for spotting game.

  

  A. Minnekaev, Nalukataq. Canvas, acrylic, 1993. Private collection, USA.

  Legacy and Recognition

  Today, Minnekaev lives in St. Petersburg. His works are in museums and private collections worldwide, with exhibitions in Russia and abroad—including Beijing, London, and Santa Fe. Though he now travels mainly in southern Siberia, the Far North continues to inspire him. Recently, he illustrated a story about a Saami boy named Sampo—another chapter in the artist’s ongoing dialogue with the Arctic.

  

  A. Minnekaev, Shaman’s Flight to the Land of the Dead. Canvas, acrylic, 1996.

  As art historian V. Shurgai-Vereyskaya noted, Minnekaev’s paintings rise in a “magical spiral,” constantly returning to the theme of shamanism, generating new images while preserving deep ethnographic accuracy. Cultural scholar G.I. Dzeniskevich summed it up well: “Azat Minnekaev’s paintings are so ethnographically precise that they could serve as vivid illustrations to many pages of the history and culture of the indigenous peoples of the North.”

  Source: Mikhail Bronshtein, Candidate of Historical Sciences, Chief Researcher at the State Museum of the Orient, goarctic.ru
   

• Ilya 9:40 am on August 9, 2025 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: Aleuts, chukchi ( 3 ), customs ( 4 ), Enets, Eskimos, Evens, koryaks ( 2 ), Nganasans, Nivkhs, traditions ( 5 ), Votes   

  Bald Brides, Wives for Rent, and Dates with the Dead: The Strangest Traditions of Russia’s Peoples 

  Today, Russia is home to 47 indigenous peoples, classified as “autochthonous” or small-numbered. These groups live on the ancestral lands of their forebears, preserving traditional lifestyles, crafts, and customs.

  Below are some of the most fascinating and unusual traditions from these communities. Learn why Ingrian brides shaved their heads, why the Nganasans left their deceased tribespeople in the tundra, how Enets shamans “brought a drum to life,” and why some northern peoples practiced sexual hospitality.

  Chukchi and Koryaks – Ancient Customs Around Death

  

  Photo by Paul Niedieck

  Among the Chukchi, according to travelers’ accounts, dying a natural death was long considered “dishonorable” and “befitting only women.” It was believed that those who ended their own lives would enjoy a more blissful afterlife. Elderly people who no longer wished to live and young people with incurable illnesses could even ask relatives to help them pass away. If refused, they might pay someone else to do it.

  Researcher Zelenin noted: “On the eve of death, the Chukchi is in the best of spirits; he is genuinely cheerful, rejoices, and openly shows his joy to everyone who comes to say goodbye.”

  Nivkhs – Meetings with the Dead

  The Nivkhs of the Amur region and Sakhalin held regular “meetings” with deceased relatives through shamans. These sessions involved conversations, offerings of food and clothing, and other gifts for the afterlife—essentially “second funerals.”

  They also practiced the “raising of the tree” ritual, transferring the soul into a small wooden figurine carved from larch during cremation. The figurine, dressed and equipped with flint, food, and belongings, was placed in a family burial house facing west.

  Evens and Eskimos – Sexual Hospitality

  Among some northern and Far Eastern peoples, it was customary to offer a guest one’s wife or daughter for the night. Acceptance was considered a great honor. If a woman became pregnant from such a union, the whole village celebrated, believing the child would bring fresh genes into the lineage. Among the Eskimos, wives could even be “rented” to another man during a husband’s hunting trip, serving both as partner and cook.

  Nganasans and Tubalars – Mythic Storytelling

  

  Photo by Sergei Ivanovich Borisov (1867–1931)

  The Nganasans told dyryms (narratives) and sitabs (stories about spirits and animals) using expressive gestures, dances, and songs. These solo performances could last several evenings.

  The Tubalars of Altai shared similar storytelling traditions, often performed during hunts and accompanied by sacrifices to appease the spirit of the mountains and ensure good game.

  Ingrians – Tobacco and Bald Brides

  In the Leningrad region, the Ingrians had a unique wedding custom: everyone present during matchmaking smoked tobacco. They said, “If smoke rises over the house, it’s either a fire or an engagement!” The wedding itself was called tupakat—from “tobacco.”

  After the celebration, the bride shaved her head completely and remained bald until the birth of her first child. Later, the custom shifted to simply cutting hair short.

  Votes – Trial Marriages

  

  Votes, a small indigenous Finno-Ugric people living in the Leningrad region of Russia
  Photo by nazaccent.ru

  The Votes practiced trial marriages, allowing a young man to live with a girl for weeks or months before deciding to wed. Relationships allowed considerable freedom: a man could have multiple wives, and women could also live with other partners.

  Aleuts – Sitting Dances

  In totemic ceremonies, Aleuts used dance to communicate with the gods, transforming into sea animals and birds. Ancient sitting dances involved only the upper body—head, arms, and face—while men began with drumming and singing and women joined in.

  Nganasans – Leaving the Dead in the Tundra

  The Nganasans once placed deceased relatives on sleds with belongings and left them in the tundra. Approaching such sleds was considered dangerous due to the sacred items inside.

  They believed the “pure” half of a person went to the land of the dead beneath seven layers of underground ice, while the “impure” half remained at the grave. If a bear disturbed the grave, it was seen as a favorable sign for the deceased’s journey.

  Enets and Selkups – Bringing the Drum to Life

  

  Northern shaman beats tambourine over his head performing a rite calls spring
  Photo by depositphotos.com

  For the Enets and Selkups, a shaman’s drum symbolized a reindeer carrying the shaman to the sky. Before any journey, the drum had to be “brought to life” so spirits could see it. The stronger the shaman, the stronger the spirits the drum could attract.

  The ritual ended with a communal feast and “feeding” wooden ancestor idols.

  Source: mir24.tv

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• Ilya 9:10 pm on August 6, 2025 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: believes, customs ( 4 ), rituals, traditions ( 5 ), villagers   

  6 Strangest Rituals of the Russian People 

  

  Long before modern medicine and science reached rural corners of Russia, people relied on deeply rooted folk customs to explain the unexplainable. Some of these age-old rituals may seem shocking, surreal, or even macabre today—but they were once taken seriously as essential parts of village life. Here are six of the strangest ancient rituals that were once practiced in Old Russia.

  1. Salting and “Re-Baking” Infants

  

  Peasant children in a hut during winter E. A. Pokrovsky, 1884.
  Image: Public Domain.

  In old Russian villages, infant mortality was tragically high. Without antibiotics or modern healthcare, desperate parents resorted to folk rituals to protect their babies.

  If a child was born prematurely or seemed sickly, they would cover the baby in dough, place them on a bread peel, and slide them into a preheated oven—briefly. This bizarre ritual, called “perepekanie” (literally “re-baking”), was believed to help the child “finish cooking,” just like in the womb. The practice lasted in some regions well into the 20th century and was accompanied by prayers, songs, and ceremonial dialogue between parents and the midwife.

  Later, the scraped dough was thrown to a dog to pass on the illness. Another version, called “salting”, involved rubbing the child with salt and soot or stuffing salt into their ears to ward off evil. Similar customs existed in Turkey and Central Asia.

  2. Witch-Hunting Ritual

  

  The Sorcerer’s Visit to a Peasant Wedding, painting by Vasily Maksimov, 1875.
  Image: Wikimedia Commons.

  In Europe, the Inquisition hunted witches. In Russia, villagers handled it themselves. If they suspected a sorcerer, a brave man would mount a horse backward, ride around the village on March 25, and look at chimneys.

  It was believed that witches would fly out of chimneys headfirst on that day, but only those riding backward could spot them. Looking back during the ride could result in death or madness, so the task was later entrusted to experienced folk healers—paid handsomely by the village.

  3. Feeding the Water Spirit

  

  “The Water Spirit (Vodyanoy).” Illustration by Ivan Bilibin, 1934.
  Image: Wikimedia Commons.

  Fishermen believed in appeasing the vodianoy—a water spirit who could cause drowning, break equipment, or even kill bees. On April 1 (Old Style), the spirit was said to awaken—hungry and angry.

  To calm him, villagers bought the worst horse from local gypsies, fattened it, tied its legs, braided its mane with red ribbons, and smeared its head with honey and salt. At midnight, the horse was thrown into a river or lake as a gift. The head fisherman would pour oil into the water, saying: “Here’s a gift for your housewarming. Protect our family.”

  Afterward, men returned home to celebrate the “deal” with heavy drinking.

  4. Fighting the Cow Death

  

  “Plowing Ritual.” Painting by Grigory Myasoedov, 1911.
  Image: Wikimedia Commons.

  When livestock died, peasants blamed not disease, but a supernatural hag called Cow Death—a raked-handed spirit who needed to be given a ride to enter a village, where she’d slaughter all the cattle.

  To stop her, women would gather at night—barefoot, wearing only white shirts, hair loose—and plow a circle around the village using a real plow pulled by nude or pregnant women. A widow guided it from behind.

  The women made noise with pans and whips. They carried icons, incense, straw bundles, animal skulls, or live roosters. Any animal or traveler they encountered could be attacked, believed to be Cow Death in disguise.

  At the end, they burned manure in a pit and led sick cows through the smoke to “heal” them. After the ritual, Cow Death allegedly wandered the village looking frail and exhausted, suffering in misery before finally fleeing into the steppes.

  5. Divination by Butt-Petting

  

  Yuletide Divinations. Painting by Konstantin Makovsky, 1905.
  Image: Wikimedia Commons.

  During the Yuletide season, girls performed love rituals to foresee their future husbands. One bizarre method involved riding a horse backward with a sack on its head. If the horse stopped by a house, the girl would soon marry someone from there.

  Another method involved entering a bathhouse or grain shed and sticking their bare backside through a window or door, saying: “My destined one, come and touch me!”

  If the spirit touched her with a bare hand, it meant she’d marry a poor man. A hairy touch predicted a wealthy husband. If no one touched her — no marriage awaited. But if she was struck with a whip, it foretold a violent marriage with an abusive spouse.

  Sometimes, boys would hide inside to grope the girls. One recorded incident ended in tragedy: a girl in Penza died of fright, thinking she’d been grabbed by a demon.

  6. Funerals for Flies

  

  Image: Juan Pablo Mascanfroni / Unsplash

  In regions like Vladimir and Smolensk, peasants held mock funerals for insects—from September 1 to October 1. They buried flies, cockroaches, fleas, and mosquitoes in coffins carved from turnips or boxes, complete with miniature crosses.

  The ritual included prayers, songs, pan-banging, and funeral feasts with pies, mead, and beer.

  Why?

  • To symbolically kill off pests for the winter (it was seasonal, after all).
  • Some believed dead relatives’ souls returned as insects—so this was a way to honor them.
  • It was fun. Mourning bugs like people helped villagers laugh in the face of mortality.
   

• Ilya 1:24 pm on August 6, 2025 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: chukchi ( 3 ), indigenous peoples, karelians, khanty, love ( 2 ), traditions ( 5 )   

  Unusual Love and Sex Traditions Among the Indigenous Peoples of Northern Russia 

  

  Kira Lisitskaya (Photo: Finnish Heritage Agency; National Library of Norway; Kunstkamera)

  Many of these customs can only be found in ethnographers’ academic research — and some may come as a shock. Much of this stems from the remnants of ancient magical cults that survived among some of Russia’s small ethnic groups well into the 20th century.

  Wife Swapping Among the Chukchi

  The Chukchi had a tradition called “nevtumgyt”, which ethnologists translated as “wife partnership.” Men formed a friendship pact where each had the right to sleep with the other’s wife. These unions could include more than ten couples. A man could take his friend’s wife for a few months, then return her. Sometimes, however, the guest wife stayed permanently. Children from such unions were considered shared, and the men were viewed as brothers.

  

  The Chukchi are sitting at the entrance of their dwelling.
  Photo by Sputnik

  This practice was strictly forbidden between actual relatives, even third cousins. According to a 1924 report in the newspaper Polar Star, women reportedly welcomed the practice. One local woman told an ethnographer, “It’s always more fun to ride fresh reindeer,” prompting laughter from others. In addition to formal “friendship marriages,” a Chukchi man might offer his wife to a guest and temporarily leave the house.

  The harsh conditions of the Far North gave rise to this tradition — group marriage increased genetic diversity and helped ensure children had a support network if a provider died. All children were treated as part of the extended family.

  

  Portrait of a Chukchi woman. Date taken: 1878–1880.
  Photo by Kunstkamera

  Son-in-Law and Mother-in-Law Avoidance Among the Khanty

  This tradition, known as “hiding” or “avoidance,” was observed not only by mothers-in-law toward sons-in-law, but also by brides toward the groom’s senior male relatives. Once betrothed, the bride appeared in public with her face covered by a headscarf. She had to follow strict rules: never appear barefoot in front of the groom’s elder male relatives and speak only in whispers in their presence.

  The mother-in-law’s avoidance could be extreme. Soviet ethnographer Zoya Sokolova recorded a case where a woman, lacking a headscarf, hid her face under her skirt in front of her son-in-law — despite not wearing underwear.

  

  Khanty family, 1916
  Photo by Sputnik

  The head covering related to the Khanty belief that a woman had four souls — one in her head (requiring concealment), and others in her shoulders, abdomen, and legs. Interestingly, breastfeeding in public was not taboo, as the breast was seen simply as a reproductive organ.

  

  Khanty. A woman after her childbirth inside a special chum designated for labor and caring for the newborn. Date taken: 1936.
  Photo by Sputnik

  Lembi Magic Among the Karelians

  The Karelians once followed a pagan cult called lembi, which later came to represent feminine beauty, charm, and honor. It was believed that lembi could be transferred between women. During a bridal sauna, the bride’s sisters and friends bathed with her, used the same water and birch branches, and braided their ribbons into her hair — symbolically sharing her charm.

  

  Karelian women, 1915
  Photo by Finnish Heritage Agency

  This folk magic survived into the early 20th century. To strengthen the couple’s love, the groom was served a pie made with dough mixed from water or milk used to bathe the bride during the wedding sauna.

  Source: ru.gw2ru.com
   

• Ilya 11:12 am on August 6, 2025 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: dating, diet ( 2 ), employment ( 2 ), fads, jobs, tiktok, trends, women ( 2 )   

  From Oil Rigs to Butter Sticks: The Surreal TikTok Trends Taking Over Russian Girl Culture 

  Russian TikTok is currently serving up some of the most unexpected trends among young women—ranging from rugged career moves to eyebrow-raising diet fads. While some are heading to the Arctic for high-paying rotational jobs (and a better dating pool), others are ditching vegetables entirely and eating butter straight from the pack. Here’s a closer look at two viral obsessions taking over Russian girl culture.

  “No Baristas, Only Men in Uniform” — The Rise of Rotational Romance

  The rotational work method—once associated with rough conditions and remote drilling sites—is now trending on TikTok as a dream job setup for young Russian women. Instead of fighting for tech roles in the city, many are heading to far-flung regions like Novy Urengoy, Altai, and Khanty-Mansiysk. Why? The promise of high salaries (from 120,000 rubles/month, around $1,350 USD), no big-city distractions, and a better dating pool.

  As the joke goes, there are “no SMM guys” in rotation—only serious, rugged men like engineers and dispatchers. Some TikTokers even claim they’ve found husbands this way, turning what began as a financial decision into a romantic lifestyle pivot.

  “Butter Girls” and the Carnivore Craze

  Meanwhile, in a completely different corner of TikTok, another trend is going viral—and it’s just as intense. Russian women are taking “clean eating” to the extreme by adopting the carnivore diet, cutting out all plant-based food and consuming mostly animal fats. The star of the show? Butter. Eaten straight out of the wrapper.

  These self-proclaimed “butter girls” believe the diet improves skin, hair, and body shape. However, doctors are urging caution. Experts warn that exceeding 5–10 grams of butter per day could lead to serious health issues like weight gain, digestive problems, and heart disease.
   

• Ilya 11:01 pm on August 5, 2025 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: antidepressants, children, earthquake, Kamchatka, laws ( 7 ), LGTB, Orthodox Church ( 2 ), parenting, religion ( 3 )   

  Weird News Weekly Dispatch – Episode 1: Vanishing Cities, Antidepressants, Earthquakes, and Vodka 

  

  This week brings depressive, sad, and even alarming headlines from across Russia.

  129 Russian Cities May Disappear

  129 Russian cities are on the brink of disappearing due to depopulation, according to RANEPA (Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration). 3.4 million people are affected. Among them: Verkhny Tagil, Inta, Kem, Torzhok, and Okha.
  
  Nothing alarming, just vanishing towns.

  iz.ru

  Record-Breaking Antidepressant Sales

  Russians have spent a record 4.6 billion rubles (approximately $51 million USD) on antidepressants and tranquilizers in just six months. Currently, one in five people in Russia is on antidepressants. The highest concentration is in Moscow, the Moscow region, St. Petersburg, and Krasnodar. Experts blame stress and economic instability.
  
  But hey, nothing to worry about — everything’s totally fine.

  glagol.press

  Nighttime Toilet Use May Get You Evicted

  Lawyers warn that Russians can be evicted for flushing toilets or showering at night. Sounds of water from 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. are considered a noise violation. If noise levels exceed the legal limit, violators can be fined up to 1,000 rubles (about $11 USD). Repeat offenders may face eviction.

  chprussia.ru

  Foul Language from Kids May Cost Parents

  Children’s Rights Ombudsmen propose fining parents for their kids’ use of profanity. They claim swearing feeds “devil energy” and warn that such language could bring greater misfortune to the country.

  rbc.ru

  Orthodox Church Says It’s Okay to Hit Kids—Sometimes

  The Russian Orthodox Church, via Archpriest Andrey Tkachev, has endorsed corporal punishment—but only in two-parent families. A strict upbringing builds character, he said, and “a belt is sometimes appropriate” if there’s both discipline and mercy.

  news.ru

  Father Bites Through Umbilical Cord—Baby Nearly Dies

  In St. Petersburg, a father bit through the umbilical cord during a home birth as part of an online “ritual”. The baby almost died from blood loss, but was saved by doctors. The mother wanted to keep and cook the placenta, believing it could help with postpartum depression.

  rg.ru

  Deputy Says Tinted Windows Are ‘Gay’

  State Duma Deputy Vitaly Milonov claims tinted car windows are a sign of homosexuality. “What does a driver do in a completely blacked-out car? Obviously — sodomitic pleasures,” he stated.

  Whether serious or satirical, it’s a glimpse into the lawmaker’s priorities.

  lenta.ru

  Teen Faces Prison for Drawing Swastika in Sandbox

  A 16-year-old in Tomsk has been detained for drawing a swastika in a sandbox with his foot. He now faces up to three years in a penal colony.

  kommersant.ru

  Vendor Steals Lottery Tickets—Wins Nothing

  In Kuban, a kiosk vendor stole 1,000 lottery tickets worth 200,000 rubles (approx. $2,200 USD). He won nothing and now faces up to two years in prison.

  kubantv.ru

  Finally, Some Good News: Vodka “Labubu” Is Coming

  The vodka brand “Labubu” has officially been registered with Rospatent and will soon be available in stores.

  gazeta.ru

  Earthquake Hits Kamchatka—And Moves It 2 Meters

  

  During a massive earthquake (8.7 magnitude offshore), Kamchatka shifted 2 meters to the southeast. According to the Geophysical Service of RAS, this shift is comparable to the one caused by the 2011 Japan earthquake.

  At least we’re moving somewhere.

  vedomosti.ru

  Moscow State University Shuts Down the Institute of Teleportation

  Moscow State University has quietly taken down the website of the “Institute for the Study of the Nature of Time” — also dubbed the Institute of Teleportation. Yes, it really existed.

  For years, the institute held seminars on time machines, teleportation, and even accessing information from the future. In one bizarre case, a speaker claimed someone allegedly saw a living stegosaurus — a dinosaur that went extinct 150 million years ago.

  The website had been hosted since 1999 at chronos.msu.ru, a subdomain of MSU’s official website. While never formally recognized as part of the university’s academic structure, its presence on MSU’s domain gave it a misleading sense of legitimacy.

  When journalists requested an official comment, the subdomain vanished overnight.

  Time’s up.

  rtvi.com
   

• Ilya 4:24 pm on August 2, 2025 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: cars ( 5 ), electric vehicles, Soviet cars, VAZ   

  Electric Vehicles in the USSR 

  

  The VAZ-2801 (ВАЗ–2801) was a factory-produced electric LADA panel van. Around 40 units were built, and the few that remain have since been converted to run on gasoline.

  The history of Soviet experiments with electric vehicles includes a wide range of passenger cars, trucks, and buses. Particularly notable progress occurred in the 1970s, thanks to advancements in electrical engineering, electronics, and chemical power sources. Institutions such as the Research Institute of Motor Transport (NIIAT), the All-Union Research Institute of Electromechanics (VNIIEM), the All-Union Research Institute of Electric Transport (VNIET), as well as automobile manufacturers like VAZ, ErAZ, RAF, and UAZ, were involved in creating prototypes and experimental models—some of which even earned international recognition and awards. Let’s take a closer look at some of them.

  NAMI-750 and NAMI-751: Early Post-War Electric Vans

  Shortly after World War II, the NAMI institute began developing electric postal vans: the NAMI-750 with a payload capacity of 500 kg, and the NAMI-751 with 1500 kg. Although identical in appearance and construction, the two models were equipped with different electric motors. The NAMI-750 had two 3.2 kW motors, while the NAMI-751 used two 6 kW motors. Each motor powered one of the rear wheels. The body was a space frame clad in aluminum sheets with wooden elements. These electric vehicles could reach speeds of 30–33 km/h and had a range of 70–85 km.

  

  Electric van NAMI-750, 1948

  UAZ U-131: Early Utility EV

  One of the most interesting Soviet electric vehicles was the U-131, built on a UAZ chassis. Developed in 1974 as experimental models for the 34th Motor Depot of Mostorgtrans, five vans were produced with a load capacity of 500 kg. Charging was done using an external device, so the vehicles were recharged overnight in a special garage at the motor depot.

  UAZ-451mi and the Final Version 3801

  

  UAZ-451

  In 1978, an experimental batch of UAZ-451mi electric vehicles arrived. These looked nearly identical to the standard UAZ-451 but featured onboard chargers and AC motors. The batteries were mounted beneath the frame, and the vehicle could be charged from nearly any power source—even during loading operations. The batteries charged up to 70% in just one hour.

  At the 1978 World Electric Vehicle Exhibition in Philadelphia, the UAZ-451mi was the only alternating current (AC) — while all the others used direct current (DC) systems, which were more common at the time for electric vehicles.

  

  The final version, labeled UAZ-3801, could carry 800 kg, had a top speed of 70 km/h, and offered a 75 km range with regenerative braking. It featured three pedals—for acceleration, regenerative braking, and conventional braking.

  RAF-2203: Micro Electric Minibuses

  

  RAF 2203

  In 1976, the Jelgava Auto Plant produced a batch of RAF-2203 electric minibuses. Each had a 23 kW motor, carried up to 9 passengers, and could reach 60 km/h with a range of around 70 km. These RAFs, equipped with solar panels, served as judge transport vehicles during the 1980 Olympics. In 1982, three of them were used as electric taxis in Moscow.

  

  ZAZ-968: Ukraine’s Contribution

  

  zaz-968

  The ZAZ-968 electric vehicle featured a pulsed semiconductor converter—an innovation at the time. This electric “Zaporizhets” received a bronze medal, while its control system was awarded silver at the 1974 USSR Exhibition of Economic Achievements (VDNKh).

  VAZ: Pioneering Soviet EVs

  

  2102E

  In 1976, VAZ created a department to handle all aspects of EV development. That same year, it built the 2102E electric station wagon, which passed government tests and was recommended for production. It was a two-door van with corrugated panels replacing the rear windows.

  Model 2801

  Between 1980 and 1981, 47 units of the 2801 model were produced. These used nickel-zinc batteries mounted on an aluminum frame and featured a charging hatch instead of the rear-right door. Some were used at the Tolyatti plant and for mail delivery. The main batch went to Ukraine, including units used at the “Garant” TV repair facility in Zaporizhzhia.

  

  2801

  The battery pack weighed 380 kg and powered a 25 kW (35 hp) motor. The van could carry 320 kg, had a top speed of 87 km/h, and a range of 130 km. Despite its promise, the model never entered mass production due to practical limitations.

  

  2801

  Tests showed that the body of the VAZ-2801 was too weak for such a load. The VAZ‑2801 version was therefore built on an aluminum frame. It had a range of 110 km, but the batteries lasted only three to four months under intensive use. Between 1981 and 1985, 47 of these electric vehicles were produced and, as part of an experiment, operated in various regions of the country.

  The next step for the Volga plant was the VAZ-2802 “Pony” — a van and flatbed truck built on a unique tubular backbone frame with an original body design. The front suspension was retained from the Zhiguli, while the rear suspension was specially developed. Work began in 1982, and by 1988, a cooperative named “Orion” from the Kemerovo region even planned to purchase the documentation from VAZ and launch mass production. However, the economic turmoil of those years did not favor such an initiative.

  

  The first version of the VAZ-2802 “Pony” electric vehicle.

  Experimental Designs

  

  VAZ-1801

  • In 1979, VAZ created the VAZ-1801—an open, four-seater EV for resort and park use.
  • In 1980, the 2802-02 prototype was developed. This was an electric van with a plastic body, designed by V. Pashko (also known for designing the VAZ-2108).

  

  2802-02

  The Decline of Soviet EV Development

  By the late 1980s, electric vehicle development in the USSR slowed dramatically as state funding dwindled during the perestroika reforms. Demand for this type of vehicle in our country was close to zero. The problem was not only the lack of charging infrastructure (though that was also an issue) but primarily the absence of suitable domestically produced batteries. All of our electric cars were equipped with lead-acid batteries — relatively inexpensive but heavy, bulky, with low lifespan and limited capacity. This solution was only viable within factory premises, where open cargo electric vehicles were successfully used (and continue to be used). But the use of such outdated technology for civilian applications on regular roads was out of the question.

  Sources and further reading:

  • 5koleso.ru — История электромобилей в СССР
  • ElectricMotorsClub.ru — Электромобили СССР
  • Wikipedia — Категория: Электромобили СССР
   

• Ilya 6:32 pm on July 26, 2025 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: Komi republic, places ( 3 ), rock formations, Ural   

  Manpupuner Stone Pillars in Komi Republic: The Ural Stonehenge and Its Mysterious Origins 

  

  Stone pillars of weathering on the Manpupuner mountain plateau in the Komi Republic
  Photo by depositphotos.com

  The Manpupuner Stone Pillars on the plateau in the Komi Republic have long attracted the attention of scientists and tourists from all over the world. Many legends and myths surround these “stone guardians,” which are as tall as a 15-story building.

  One of the Seven Wonders, Manpupuner means “Small Mountain of Idols” in the Mansi language. Since 1930, the plateau has been part of the Pechoro-Ilych Nature Reserve. The pillars, resembling ancient sentinels, are said to hold the wisdom and secrets of the ages. Reaching them is incredibly difficult. There are seven pillars in total, ranging in height from 30 to 43 meters. One, standing slightly apart, is called the Shaman.

  

  The weathering posts on the plateau of Manpupuner, Komi Republic, Russia
  Photo by depositphotos.com

  In 2008, Manpupuner was included in the list of Seven Wonders of Russia.

  The Mystery of Their Origin

  The main puzzle is the origin and anthropomorphic shape of the pillars. According to geologists, millions of years ago, there were high mountains here. Over time, precipitation and wind caused the mountains to erode and weather. The softer rock eventually disappeared entirely, while the harder rock survived. Scientifically speaking, these stone figures are weathering pillars.

  The Ural Stonehenge

  

  Manpupuner rock formations
  Photo by depositphotos.com

  Manpupuner is often called the Ural Stonehenge. Its beauty is mesmerizing. Those who have visited speak of an unprecedented surge of energy they felt in the area. For thousands of years, the Mansi people worshipped these stone idols, believing them to be imbued with divine power. Climbing the plateau was strictly forbidden for ordinary people. Only shamans had the right to do so, as they conducted special rituals there.

  Mansi Legends

  

  One of the wonders Manpupuner light, sunset, very beautiful colors, the Northern Urals
  Photo by depositphotos.com

  Naturally, such a remarkable natural wonder has inspired many legends. One famous story tells of a mighty giant who wanted to conquer the Mansi lands. The elders turned to a shaman, who could communicate with the spirits of nature. He summoned a fierce storm, with lightning flashing and thunder roaring, and the giant and his warriors were turned into stone pillars.

  

  A woman of the Mansi ethnic group
  Photo by ria

  Another legend speaks of seven brothers who lived in harmony with nature and protected the forests. Once, a foreign army came to their lands. The brothers asked the mountain spirit for help, and he turned them into invincible stone giants standing shoulder to shoulder.

  There are also beliefs that the Manpupuner pillars are guardians of ancient treasures and serve as gates to other worlds.

  The Difficult Journey

  

  Manpupuner rock formations. Weathered stone pillars. Famous nature landmark of Ural mountains, Komi Republic
  Photo by depositphotos.com

  Getting to the plateau is very challenging for tourists, but it is possible to fly, sail, or hike there.

  By air is the easiest but most expensive way, usually by helicopter. Pilots often circle above the plateau so passengers can get a good aerial view of the stone giants.

  On foot, it’s about 230 kilometers round trip. Such a journey usually takes about two weeks. Travelers start from Ivdel in the Sverdlovsk region, cross the infamous Dyatlov Pass, visit Mount Otorten, and other interesting places.

  There is also a combined water-and-hiking route from the village of Ust-Unya. From there, tourists are taken upstream on the Pechora River on a hovercraft. Then it’s a 25-kilometer hike to the plateau. The entire trip takes five days.
   

• Ilya 11:46 am on July 26, 2025 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: architecture ( 2 ), places ( 3 ), Saint Petersburg   

  Unveiling the Hidden Gems: Saint Petersburg’s Lesser-Known Marvels 

  Saint Petersburg is not only about palaces, cathedrals, and canals. It has many hidden gems, known only to the locals and definitely worth visiting. Rooftops, communal apartments, cafes and bars, ancient courtyards, and other unusual places help travelers see the city from a new perspective.

  Rooftops of Petersburg

  

  Top view over the roofs of the old center of St. Petersburg during a beautiful sunset.
  Photo by depositphotos.com

  One of the best ways to enjoy the beauty of the Northern Capital is to climb onto one of the buildings and admire the old buildings and streets from a bird’s eye view. This can be done without much trouble: there are dozens of open access points to rooftops in the city. The best and safest options can be shown by guides on themed tours.

  For comfort lovers, panoramic city views accompanied by hot coffee or a cocktail are part of the experience at the open veranda of the Nevsky Bereg Hotel, the Roof Cinema theater, and the HI-HAT summer platform.

  Courtyards and Grand Entrances

  

  Photo by depositphotos.com

  This is a separate must-do for getting acquainted with Petersburg. The grand entrances and courtyards not only offer a glimpse of traditional architecture but also let you feel the atmosphere of the historical districts. All these are also great places for vivid photography.

  The city on the Neva is famous for its luxurious grand entrances from the 18th century — with spiral staircases, traditional stucco, and decorative patterns on the walls. Particularly famous is the mansion of the wealthy Vasiliy Kanshin in heavenly colors, and the most well-kept house of the Kolobkov merchant family on the Petrograd side. Besides visual enjoyment, there’s the opportunity to learn a lot of interesting information, for example, how a grand staircase differs from a service one and why they were present in many rental houses.

  Communal Apartments and Residences

  

  Communal Apartment
  Photo by dzen.ru

  Apart from luxury, there’s also another, more ‘everyday’ side to Saint Petersburg — communal apartments and income houses for the middle and poorer classes of the population. They too are an important part of the city’s pre-revolutionary history, possessing their own unique atmosphere.

  On guided tours, you can visit the apartment of the writer Sergey Dovlatov, where Joseph Brodsky once stayed, and where stains from the port wine he spilled are still preserved. You can visit the income house where Rodion Raskolnikov, the protagonist of Fyodor Dostoevsky’s ‘Crime and Punishment,’ lived under the roof. It’s even possible to visit the landlady of the only pre-revolutionary women’s apartment in Saint Petersburg, which has retained its historical look.

  Annenkirche

  

  Christmas and New Year decoration of the interior of the Church of St. Anne, Annenkirche. The upside-down world and the Christmas tree on the ceiling of the church
  Photo by depositphotos.com

  This building has a very unusual history. In just under two and a half centuries of its existence, the Church of Saint Anne has not only been a Lutheran parish but also a hospital, a cinema, and even a rock club. In 2002, it suffered a severe fire that raged for almost a day.

  The building is now partially restored and functions again as an active church. However, the traces of the fire were intentionally left, adding to the unique atmosphere. In addition to religious services, there are exhibitions, lectures, fairs, and classical music concerts.

  Vasilyevsky Island

  

  Pink winter New Year’s morning on the Strelka of Vasilyevsky Island in St. Petersburg overlooking the Palace Bridge and the Rostral Column
  Photo by depositphotos.com

  This district is often called a separate city within Saint Petersburg. It was from here that the history of the Northern Capital began in the early 18th century. Here you can walk along the narrowest street in Petersburg, Repin Street, only 5.6 meters wide, and visit the city’s first stone building — the Menshikov Palace, built in the 1720s.

  Vasilyevsky Island is also interesting for individual milestones in its history. Great poets Anna Akhmatova and Nikolay Gumilev once lived here; schoolgirl Tanya Savicheva wrote her famous siege diary here. And on one of its streets is a boarding house described in the fairy tale ‘The Little Black Hen’ by Antony Pogorelsky.

  Forts and Lighthouses of Kronstadt

  

  Fort “Alexander I” aka “plague” – one of the many forts of the Gulf of Finland
  Photo by depositphotos.com

  The city in the Gulf of Finland bay is the main naval outpost of Petersburg. The dozens of legendary forts on Kotlin Island have repeatedly helped to fend off enemies during the Northern, First, and Second World Wars. In total, there are more than 20 fortresses in the vicinity of Kronstadt. Many are now abandoned, but some regularly offer guided tours for those interested.

  It’s worth visiting one of the largest local forts – ‘Grand Duke Konstantin’, as well as the unusual ‘Alexander I,’ nicknamed ‘Plague’ (named so because of a laboratory to combat epidemics located there). The numerous lighthouses are also among the significant monuments of Kronstadt. There’s even a Lighthouse Museum on the island, where you can learn about their history and how they work.

  Cemeteries of the Alexander Nevsky Lavra

  

  Dostoevsky’s grave in the cemetery of the Holy Trinity Alexander Nevsky Lavra, St. Petersburg
  Photo by depositphotos.com

  The monastery is considered the main spiritual center of Petersburg. Its construction began in the early 18th century by order of Peter I. Along with the baroque buildings, the temples, and the rich interiors, the lavra’s cemeteries are particularly impressive.

  Here lie many famous personalities: the composer Tchaikovsky, the architect Quarenghi, the poet Zhukovsky, the fabulist Krylov, and Dostoevsky. The Lavra cemeteries are divided into four parts: the Lazarev, Tikhvin, Nikolsky, and Kazansky. Each has its unique appearance and history.

  The House of Julian Buck

  

  The House of Julian Buck
  Photo by Flickr

  The House of Julian Buck is a unique example of Art Nouveau architecture in Saint Petersburg. Built at the beginning of the 20th century by the architect Lidval, it is known for its rich façade decoration and unusual layout. The most famous resident of the house was the artist Zinaida Serebryakova. Today, the house’s preservation is the responsibility of its current residents, who are happy to talk about its history and show tourists around.

  Petersburg Cathedral Mosque

  

  View from above of the Cathedral Mosque (shooting from a quadcopter). Saint-Petersburg, Russia
  Photo by depositphotos.com

  One of the largest Muslim mosques in Europe, the Petersburg Cathedral Mosque is notable for its stunning turquoise-blue dome and minarets. Its construction began in 1910 and took about ten years. Today, it is an active religious building, but it also welcomes tourists interested in its history and architecture.

  Datsan Gunzechoyney

  

  Prayer drums in the Datsan Gunzechoinei, which is a Buddhist temple
  Photo by depositphotos.com

  The Buddhist temple of Datsan Gunzechoinei is the northernmost in the world and the only one in Europe built before the 1917 revolution. Located on Primorsky Prospect, it offers an oasis of tranquility amidst the bustling city. Here you can learn about the traditions and culture of Buddhism, see the golden statue of Buddha, and participate in meditations and lectures.

  ‘Teardrop of Socialism’ House

  

  The house is a commune of engineers and writers
  Photo by wikimedia.org

  The ‘Teardrop of Socialism’ House is an iconic structure in Saint Petersburg, reflecting the artistic and architectural experimentation during the Soviet era. Its unique design and the story behind its construction offer insight into a significant period of the city’s history.

  Apparently, the residents were not supposed to have any secrets from each other, as there was absolutely no sound insulation in the house. Not surprisingly, one could shed a tear from such a life, although initially this house was supposed to be called the House of Joy.

  John Lennon Street

  

  Figure submarine-shirts with drawings on the building of the house of the street of John Lennon
  Photo by depositphotos.com

  This unofficially named street in Saint Petersburg became a place of pilgrimage for fans of the legendary musician. Although not officially recognized, John Lennon Street showcases the city’s love for the Beatles and serves as a cultural landmark, demonstrating the impact of Western music in Russia.

  Major Kovalyov’s Nose

  

  Major Kovalyov’s Nose

  Inspired by Nikolai Gogol’s famous story “The Nose,” Major Kovalyov’s Nose has become an amusing and peculiar attraction in Saint Petersburg. This piece of public art captures the absurd and whimsical spirit of Gogol’s tale, making it a must-visit for literature enthusiasts and those looking for an offbeat experience.

  Chizhik-Pyzhik Monument

  

  Chizhik Pyzhik monument at Fontanka river in Saint Petersburg.
  Photo by depositphotos.com

  Chizhik-Pyzhik is the hero of the well-known teasing song “Chizhik-Pyzhik, where have you been? Drinking vodka on the Fontanka.” A bronze monument to it was erected in 1994 at the suggestion of the writer Andrey Bitov. It stands on the riverside granite wall of the Fontanka River embankment, near the first Engineer Bridge at the Mikhailovsky Castle.

  Chizhik-Pyzhik immediately became surrounded by superstitions and traditions. For example, during a wedding tour of the city, the groom lowers a glass on a string to the monument and clinks with the beak of the bird.

  Saint Petersburg’s hidden gems offer a unique perspective on the city’s diverse history and culture. From quirky public art to tranquil gardens, each spot tells a story and adds depth to the visitor’s experience. Exploring these lesser-known places is a journey into the heart of a city rich in tales, traditions, and architectural wonders.