Russian Culture Monday: Stalinist Architecture

Stalinist architecture marks the skylines of cities like Moscow with buildings that are boldly unbeautiful, which belies the nickname, "wedding cake," given to their tiered design. Stalinist architecture is not only marked by tiered floors, but by sinister spires that grant them extraneous height, and by pale facades - many of which have grown dull with age. As if Stalin's presence was not pervasive enough during his period of rule, buildings in the Stalinist style loom monumentally over neighboring structures, a reminder of how Russia and other countries were darkened under his shadow.

Seeing Stalinist architecture is one free Moscow activity visitors can do while in the Russian capital. Other cities, like Warsaw, have their own examples of Stalinist architecture. The Palace of Science and Culture is one Warsaw must-see (or maybe it's simply a "can't miss" with its central location and moody gray exterior that unhappily conflicts with its surroundings). Riga's Academy of Sciences building is another example of Stalinist architecture outside of Russia.

However Stalin's legacy lives on in Russian culture, Stalinist architecture is characterized by grimness on a grand scale, a reflection of the period in history during which it was built.

• Photos of Stalin's Seven Sisters

More Russian Culture Monday

• The Art of Giving Flowers
• St. Basil's Cathedral
• Russian Vodka