This gigantic Neoclassical cathedral was built 1818-58 under the direction of Tsar Alexander I. In Soviet times, it was turned into a museum of atheism and a Foucault pendulum was installed in place of the dove.

Founded in 1710 by Peter the Great to house the relics of the military hero-saint Prince Alexander of Novgorod, this is one of only four Russian monasteries to be given the highest rank of lavra.

Built in 1886, this Orthodox synagogue represents the turbulent status of Moscow's Jewish community over the years. The interior is a fine example of Moorish synagogue architecture.

Blagoveschensky Sobor was built 1484-1489 by Russian architects and was the personal church of the royal family until the 20th century.

The small town of Ivolginsk in East Siberia is home to Russia's most important Buddhist monastery and a miracle - the body of the last Khambo Lama, who died in 1927, remains upright and undecayed today.

Founded in 1345 by St. Sergius and containing his relics, this is the most important monastery in Russia and the spiritual center of Russian Orthodox Christianity.

New Jerusalem Monastery is located on the river Istra outside Moscow. It was founded in 1656 by Patriarch Nikon, who patterned it after Jerusalem's Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

Built 1712-33 in the heart of the Peter and Paul Fortress, this yellow cathedral is characterized by unique Protestant-influenced Baroque architecture. It is the oldest and second-tallest building in St. Petersburg.