Architectural Oddities in Russia

Some Moscow residents once claimed the bizarre, contorted mass of metal on top of the building was used to manipulate minds.

This late-brutalist masterpiece everyone forgot about was originally created to get the proletariat jazzed about the arts.

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

Stunning examples of Russia's 18th-century wooden architecture.

Moscow's imposing monument to the Space Age.

An 18th century wonder of the world, lost in WWII, re-created at the Catherine Palace.

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

Stalin's march toward a more modern USSR flooded a monastery, leaving a unique and extravagant nautical marker, "The Flooded Belfry."

A self-taught Siberian craftsman creates a fantastical and personal design for his 19th century village house.

Palace where the nearly un-killable Rasputin was murdered.

Monastery complex at the location where bodies of the executed Romanov royal family were discovered.

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

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

A model village fit for an emperor.

The tallest hotel in Europe.

Home of the future Emperors of Russia.