Russia and the United Kingdom are famous for their rich history. In Russia, there are many places of interest, one of which is the Moscow Kremlin, which is a large fortress and the important political centre of the country. The Moscow Kremlin is the largest active fortress in Europe, home to an impressive five palaces and four cathedrals. It was painted red only in the 19th century. Next to the Kremlin, there is Red Square, where you can see St. Basil's Cathedral with its colourful, onion-shaped domes. The cathedral was built from 1555 to 1561 on orders from Ivan the Terrible. St. Petersburg, in turn, is home to the State Hermitage Museum, which is one of the largest museums in the world, full of art and history. The Hermitage collection was started in the 18th century as a private collection of Empress Catherine II. The United Kingdom is also famous for its ancient castles and other landmarks. Edinburgh Castle in Scotland is one of them. It was built in the 12th century on top of the volcano and has watched over the city for centuries. The Tower of London in England is a strong fortress on the River Thames, which used to be a palace and a prison, and is now home to the Crown Jewels. At least 6 ravens are kept at the Tower of London at all times. It is believed that their presence protects the tower and the crown. Caernarfon Castle in Wales is a medieval castle where Charles, the Prince of Wales (later King Charles III), was crowned. Tintagel Castle, built around 1230 in Cornwall, is one of the country's biggest attractions. It is thought that King Arthur lived at this site in the 5th-6th centuries. Another famous site is Stonehenge, a prehistoric stone circle in England, which is still a mystery to scientists. The biggest stones at Stonehenge are 9 meters long and weigh at least 25 tons. These places tell the stories of kings, queens, battles, and great events. They are visited by millions of tourists every year and are important symbols of their countries.