A fortress town built half a millennium ago by Ivan the Terrible (to conquer Kazan) is enjoying a new life as a cultural tourism destination.

Authorities in Krasnoyarsk want to put the Siberian city's best face forward for March's Universiade sporting event, while covering up local pollution and snow-deficit issues. Residents are having none of it.

The story of a real-life military factory told through monologues collected from anonymized workers, managers, and engineers. (novel excerpt)

Of late, more and more Russians are getting involved in historic reenactments, attempting to recreate battles on the land in Russia where they originally occurred.

This ancient river town long stood at the crossroads of Russian commerce and travel. It may even have once saved Rus' from the Horde. Today, it has a more modest goal: reclaiming its heritage and becoming a thriving tourist destination.

Torzhok - GETTING THERE