One of the most popular destinations in Russia is The Golden Ring – a few ancient cities and towns to the north-east of Moscow which form a circle. They are often referred to as “open air museums” and boast unique Russian architecture of the XII-XVII centuries: old churches made of white stone, ancient fortifications, mysterious monasteries. These towns are among the most picturesque in Russia and are definitely of great interest to anybody looking to explore the Russian history and culture. If you are staying in Moscow for a couple of weeks, the towns of the Golden ring, situated relatively near (about 3-5 hours by car, coach or train), can be a nice change from the hectic big city. In the smallest towns of the ‘Golden Ring’ you will to see quieter, more peaceful life, experience provincial way of Russian life with some artefacts of the Soviet era. There is no exact list of the Golden Ring towns, sometimes you can see a list of 12, sometimes of 11 or 13. So if you are planning a trip along the route of the Golden Ring, you can either choose what you want to see yourself – if you are travelling on your own, or rely on your guide. In any case, you will surely see the main attractions. The ‘classical’ route begins in Moscow and goes through Vladimir, Suzdal, Kostroma, Yaroslavl, Rostov Velikiy, Pereslavl-Zalesskiy and Sergiev Posad. I have been to a few Golden Ring towns and cities but happened to have spent more time in Suzdal (about 226 km/ 140 m north-east of Moscow). Suzdal is a small ancient town first mentioned in the chronicles in 1024. During the Tatar Yoke in 1236-1259, Suzdal was partly destroyed and raided by the Tatars. Due to the vulnerable location, close to the enemy’s settlements, Suzdal was losing its strong position to Moscow. Nowadays, it is a quiet little town with a 19th century provincial feel – wooden houses, sleepy streets, geese and goats strolling freely near ancient walls of monasteries and churches.

To me the highlight of my visit to Suzdal was the open air Museum Of Wooden Architecture where one can see sample of traditional Russian wooden buildings – houses, churches, windmills, – most of which are built without a single nail! Also, I was thrilled to walk the streets that I saw so many times in Russian films – Suzdal’s sights are very popular with filmmakers when they need to portray the old Russia. So, if you plan to visit Suzdal too, keep in mind that it is quite a popular town, so it’s better to book a hotel there as early as possible in advance, but don’t worry much as it’s not a big problem to find a place to stay in Suzdal. Also, if you need a visa to Russia, you should obtain it before you travel.

Russia is one of the largest countries in the world. With its strategic location on the upper parts of Europe and Asia and its natural reserves of oil and gas, Russian economy has soared since the middle 1990′s and stayed strong over the years. Like the Russian economy, the property prices have also ascended. Property market has increased annually by three percent until the first quarter of 2009, and rising up to twenty percent for economy-class housing and thirty percent for business-class housing for the next quarters.

Ownership of Russian assets has not been made possible until the legislation of the Land Code of 2001, which gives the local Russian residents and foreign investors the right to own and use the properties they bought. Why is there a great interest in investing on properties in Russia? It is because despite the high prices of property purchase, you can be assured of attractive gross income on selling property in Russia or renting the property.

What property to buy and where is the place to buy a property for an assured good return of investment? Apartments in Russia are probably some of the best property investments you can get, especially if you can find a property for sale. The best place to buy a property is in Moscow, which is the center of business and trade of Russia, though prices are more expensive in Moscow than other Russian cities.

You can also choose to buy a property in equally commercially-active but less expensive cities, such as St. Petersburg. However, despite assets investment in Russia may sound good, it is not easy to make the necessary procedures in buying and selling a property in Russia. Both the buyer and the seller have to present the required documents, such as apartment titles and floor plans among others, and make a preliminary agreement that characterizes the conditions of all the future transactions of the buyer and the seller. Then, they can sign a contract for sale with notary after the payment has been made.

You may even sell or lease their assets in Russia without really living or being there, but by just looking trusted Irish agents in Russia. You can sell your property through the real estate websites, for instance, ExtraSales, which caters mostly to Russian buyers. ExtraSales has established direct links all throughout Russia, as well as allowing to promote on Russian real estate websites. However, you cannot fully entrust your property in the real estate websites and property agents, and expect that your property will be seen and bought by prospective buyers. Although this may also be helpful, you should also find a real estate agent who has the expertise especially on the Russian property market to be able to sell your property in Russia.