Wooden houses of Siberian town Tomsk
The administrative center of Tomsk region, Russia, located on the river Tom’, Tomsk was established under a decree from Tsar Boris Godunov in 1604. However, Tomsk has none of the historical pomp and circumstance of the two major tourist destinations, Moscow and St. Petersburg. For the traveler who hankers for something besides glittering churches and postcard-familiar scenery, Tomsk offers something more subdued. In particular, beautiful Lace wooden decoration of its houses, like those out of a favorite Russian fairy tale, line the streets in various stages of repair or renovation. Besides, the many universities give the town a learned, serious atmosphere. And the museums are heavy with the gravity of Siberian history. Set in the midst of miles of taiga, Tomsk has a quiet dignity.