Yekaterinburg and the Ural Mountains
Founded by Peter the Great, Yekaterinburg is known as the Great Divide of
the Urals.
The Ural Mountains form a natural border between Europe and Asia, so
the cultural and architectural influences of European and Asian civilizations
have merged together in this fascinating and cosmopolitan landscape. Until the
collapse of the USSR in 1991, Yekaterinburg was a secret and closed city to
foreigners, due to the presence of the USSR’s defense industry.
Now
Yekaterinburg is totally different in its vibe, bustle and residents from
cosmopolitan giants like Moscow and St Petersburg, and here you will be able to
experience a more genuine Russia, with the city’s many pre-Soviet buildings
being of great interest.
Valeria Nikonova
(to be continued)
