A guide to the best day trips to do from Kyiv (Kiev) in Ukraine including how to get there and how much time it will take.
former USSR Blog Posts
In photos: twenty-five examples of Soviet modernism in the former USSR
Photographs of some of the best examples of Soviet modernism in the former USSR, plus a brief explanation of this genre of architecture.
Lesser-visited places in the Baltic States
A guide to lesser-visit places in the Baltic States for independent travellers. Suggestions of Off the Beaten Track places in Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia.
Abandoned Georgia – the Composers’ House in Borjomi
Visiting the now abandoned Composers’ House in Borjomi, Georgia. The kind of artistic and intellectual retreat was typical in the former Soviet Union.
The Best Things to do in Kyiv, Ukraine
A guide to the best places to visit in Kyiv (Kiev). There is so much to see and do in Ukraine’s capital, but is an underrated European city.
Soviet-era sanatoriums in Jūrmala, Latvia
A guide to Soviet-era sanatoriums in Jūrmala. A popular spa town since the late 18th century, we focus on the architecture when Latvia was part of the USSR.
In photos: Abandoned swimming pools
Of all the derelict places we find, abandoned swimming pools are some of the most alluring. Urban exploration at some of the world’s forsaken swimming pools
The Chronicles of Georgia
The Chronicles of Georgia in Tbilisi. Constructed started in 1985 and is ongoing. The sculptor is Zurab Tsereteli. Soviet monument in the former USSR.
Abandoned Abkhazia: The Sanatorium of the Ministry of Defence of the USSR
Our exploration of Abkhazia’s neglected and plundered structures continued with a visit to the nearby Sanatorium of the Ministry of Defence of the USSR.
Off-the-beaten-track Estonia: Visiting the former mining town of Viivikonna
Viivikonna is a quasi-abandoned former mining town up in the far northeast of Estonia. Our post includes what to expect, how to get there and where to stay.
Off-the-Beaten-Track Lithuania: Antakalnis Cemetery in Vilnius
Visiting Antakalnis Cemetery in Vilnius, one of the most interesting graveyards we have visited. Part of our Lithuania off-the-beaten-track places series.
‘Valour’ Brest Hero-Fortress Memorial Complex
‘Valour’ part of Brest Hero-Fortress Memorial Complex in Brest, Belarus. Completed in 1971. Soviet-era memorial in the former USSR.