The composer did some of his finest work in this country home, including "The Nutcracker."

The largest Buddhist city in Europe is a haven for chess fanatics.

A uniquely authentic display of traditional Russian culture.

300-year-old villagers houses and traditional churches preserve a nearly lost piece of Russian history.

Russia's own leaning tower was built on a tragic historical fable.

Stalin's secret bunker.

Unusual, mushroom-like rock formations caused by weathering and water erosion, set to disappear, according to geologists.

Church built on the site where the last tsar of Russia and his family were killed.

Replica of mosque destroyed by Russia in the 16th century.

No one knows why ancient labyrinths were built on this tiny northern island.

Gigantic natural towers in a Russian plateau.

World's largest bell sits on the grounds of the Kremlin in Moscow.

The coldest city in the world.

A man-made island fort that has housed soldiers, scientists, and ravers.

Moscow's other, lesser known kremlin is a fairytale-like cultural complex modeled after Old Russia.

Back in the tiny USSR.

Abandoned castle was once a grand example of Russian privilege, built exclusively to win a frivolous bet between noblemen.

A 250-year-old timepiece-automaton adorned with golden mechanical birds, which still sing to this day.

A little church on a tiny island looks like something from a fairy tale.

This Russian religious complex is a Frankenstein's chapel that includes influence from almost all the major faiths.

The villagers of the coldest inhabited place on Earth adjust to unique challenges presented by day-to-day living.

Palace where the nearly un-killable Rasputin was murdered.

The world's second-largest excavated hole.

Dr. Strangelove-esque tours reveal the inside a bunker once reserved for Stalin himself.