This 15th-century island fortress later served as home to the executioners no one wanted to live near.

A gigantic statue of a Russian soldier watches over the ancient city of Plovdiv, a prominent reminder of the Soviet period in Bulgaria.

An incredibly random collection of wax figures is displayed in a shopping center walkway.

This massive glowering Lenin head gazes out over eastern Siberia.

Perhaps the tiniest sculpture in Saint Petersburg is a little bronze finch inspired by a song.

This newly renovated Soviet-era outdoor exhibition center is bigger than the principality of Monaco.

A uniquely authentic display of traditional Russian culture.

Gargantuan home of Russian science.

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

Some of the world's only freshwater seals live in one very special lake in Russia.

The tallest hotel in Europe.

Moscow's imposing monument to the Space Age.

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

Former headquarters of the KGB.

The oldest museum in Russia is home to a fascinating collection of nearly two million anthropological artifacts and anatomical curiosities.

Palace where the nearly un-killable Rasputin was murdered.

Museum celebrating the achievements of the Soviet space program.

The gorgeous entrances into the city's underbelly look more like grand halls than subway stops.

This building holds the embalmed remains of the leader of the Bolshevik Revolution.

The past, present, and future of Russia's signature alcohol is remembered in the world's only museum dedicated to the starchy spirit.

A rare tour of an aristocrat's private home reveals valuable 17th-century paintings from artists like Rembrandt.

Three connected pink triangles memorialize persecuted gays and lesbians throughout history.

The history and future of cannabis.

An ancient passage filled with stalls selling used books, once frequented by Vincent Van Gogh.