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Culture 10 masterpieces of Russian painting, which were worked on for up to… 40 years!

“Haste makes waste” – perhaps this is the Russian proverb that the authors of the paintings remembered, working on them year after year.

Culture What’s going on in the painting ‘Jesters at the Court of Anna Ioannovna’ by Valery Jacobi?

Every morning at the court of the Empress began the same way. Jesters and close nobles would go to her bedroom to give an account of affairs and entertain her. If she felt unwell, she would spend the whole day in bed, simply watching the jesters' antics.

Culture How the French perfumed all of Tsarist Russia

Alphonse Rallet’s perfume factory was founded back in the mid-19th century. Its founder and his successors not only supplied fragrances to the imperial court, but also created the largest production facility, which is still in operation today. They also gave the world the legendary Chanel No. 5 perfume.

Culture How did St. Isaac's Cathedral in St. Petersburg get a mini copy?

Did you know there are actually two St. Isaac's Cathedrals? No kidding. On one of the high reliefs decorating the porticoes of the cathedral, you can see a small model of it held in the hands of a man in a toga.

History Why was Kirill Meretskov nicknamed ‘Marshal of the Northern Directions’?

The military leader’s combat path could have ended on the second day of the war against Nazi Germany. He was arrested on suspicion of participating in a conspiracy. However, he managed to fight with dignity.

Culture Cheburashka: 10 fun facts about Russia's iconic furry character (PICS)

The shaggy little animal with giant ears is a famous character in Soviet animation and modern Russian movies. But, what is it, exactly?

History How the USSR built a dacha village for academicians (PHOTOS)

In the settlement of Mozzhinka near Moscow, the best minds of the country would work in offices overlooking the forest, developing nuclear and space programs, researching radio waves, synthesizing amino acids and conducting genetic experiments.

History How a blind & deaf girl became a great Soviet scientist

For Olga Skorokhodova, the world around her was complete darkness and silence. But, the persistent and hardworking woman used all the methods available to her to understand it as best she could.

History What Soviet Russia was like in 1945 (PHOTOS)

This year is known as the year that brought victory to the Soviet Union and the Allies in World War II. And, while the whole country was looking at footage of liberated Berlin and other European cities, let's take a look at what the USSR itself looked like exactly 80 years ago.

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How to travel across Russia: A guide for foreign tourists

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This Soviet signalman brilliantly destroyed German tanks! (VIDEO)

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10 masterpieces of Russian painting, which were worked on for up to… 40 years!

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Tretyakov gallery

What’s going on in the painting ‘Jesters at the Court of Anna Ioannovna’ by Valery Jacobi?

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How the French perfumed all of Tsarist Russia

Tsyganov Sergey (CC BY-SA 4.0); Public domain

How did St. Isaac's Cathedral in St. Petersburg get a mini copy?

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Is that true that Maradona wanted to play for FC Spartak Moscow? (VIDEO)

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Bashkortostan in 3 Russian words

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