A regional center of northwestern Russia, Archangel was founded in the 16th century near Archangel Michael Monastery. There are several interesting museums to visit, including the popular Natural History Museum and the Gallery of Arts. Stroll along the banks of the Northern Dvina and see the many monuments to history from the Soviet era to Peter the Great. Admire the Russian North’s unique wooden architecture at Malye Korely, one of Europe’s largest open-air museums.