TEXT 2. Read and translate the text. Name 7 reasons to visit Russia

Seven Wonders of Russia

As a response to Europe’s «Seven Wonders of the World» list, which didn’t include any Russian sights, Russia organized a national contest to select the seven most beautiful destinations the country has to offer. Almost 26 million people went online and voted for their favorites since the contest started in autumn 2007.

The «Seven Wonders of Russia» contest had several stages, after the first one 49 national locations were chosen and after the second one only 14 remained. Finally the people chose the places they thought best represented their country’s beauty. Officials hoped this event would raise attention to the need of protecting the country’s historical, natural and cultural treasures. Here are the Seven Wonders of Russia:

The Baikal Lake

This lake is situated in Southern Siberia and considered to be the deepest lake in the world as well as the biggest freshwater tank on the Earth. It is also known as the «Blue Eye of Siberia». Research has shown Lake Baikal is more than 25 million years old, which makes it the oldest lake in the world. Baikal is home to more than 1,700 species of plants and animals, two thirds of which can be found nowhere else in the world and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996.

Valley of the Geysers

The landmark is located on the Kamchatka peninsula and comprises about ninety living geysers and many other thermal springs. It was discovered by Tatiana Ustinova, a local scientist, in 1941 but serious exploration of the area began in 1972. In the 1980s The Valley of Geysers was presented as one of the main attractions of the Kamchatka peninsula, in an attempt to raise tourist awareness. The valley is difficult to reach, with helicopters providing the only feasible means of transport. The place is in the list of UNESCO World’s Heritage.

Mamayev Kurgan

Mamayev Kurgan is a place of great significance for the Russian people. This dominant hill, overlooking the city of Volgograd (former Stalingrad) saw some of the fiercest battles of World War II. The huge memorial statue of the Motherland was built on top of Mamayev Kurgan in 1967. The monument is in Guinness Book of World Records as the highest monument at that time. The woman symbolizes Russia and is two times higher than Statue of Liberty with 85 meters high.

Peterhof

The place was built to the order of Peter the First in the beginning of 17-th century and is situated nearby Saint-Petersburg. Often referred to as the Russian Versailles the palace and park of Peterhof are considered to be the top tourist attraction in the whole Russia. Versailles was indeed Peter the Great’s inspiration when he decided to build an imperial palace and many say Peterhof is even more beautiful than the famous French complex. Peterhof is an immense, luxurious estate, known as the capital of Russian fountains; the Grand Cascade, built in front of the Grand Palace, is one of the largest fountain ensembles in the world. The Upper Garden and Lower Park are also cultural masterpieces and the magnificent Grand Palace was remodeled by the famous architect Bartolomeo Rastrelli.

Saint Basil’s Cathedral

Also known as The Cathedral of Intercession of the Virgin on the Moat is considered the most beautiful cathedral in Russia and one of Europe’s most beautiful holy places. It was constructed during the reign of Ivan the Terrible and a legend says the architect was blinded after finishing his creation, so he couldn’t build anything as beautiful again. Built in the middle of the Red Square, in Moscow, St. Basil’s Cathedral commemorated Ivan IV’s victory over the Kazan Khanate.

Poles of the Komi Republic

Set in the Troitsko-Pecherskiy region, in the Komi Republic, the Columns of Erosion, or Manpupuner as they are known in Russia are one of the country’s most mysterious attractions. No one knows how long ago they were created, but for sure scientists know that only nature could create such a thing. Estimated age is 200 million years and their height is 42 meters at most. The 7 Strong Men as the locals call them are 7 massive rock towers bursting out of a flat plateau. Many say that while there you feel no need of water, food or rest, all you want to do is stare at these masterpieces of nature, where locals say spirits used to gather in ancient times.

Elbrus

Standing at 5,642 meters, Mount Elbrus is the highest mountain in the Caucasus and the highest point in Russia. It is a stratovolcano that has lain dormant for the last 2,000 years. Set near the border with Georgia, Mount Elbrus is a popular tourist destination and many attempt to climb it, especially during the summer. A special cable-car system was created during the 70s that takes people up to 3,800m up the mountain. Up to 100 people try to reach Elbrus peak every day. In the winter time, attempts are very scarce and only professionals venture up the mountain. It has harsh winter weather and strong winds are notorious and it claims 15-30 lives every year, mostly poorly equipped dare-devils trying to reach the top.