Answer to last week's "Where in Eastern Europe?"

The series of gold-gilded onion domes set upon colorful columns can be seen by travelers to the capital city of Russia. These domes actually top a structure inside the Kremlin! The Terem Palace Churches and the Upper Savior's Cathedral are attached to the Russian' president's residence, so they can only be viewed from the outside.

• Tour the Kremlin in Photos

Photo credits: iStockphoto/zlatkopet and iStockphoto/marlenka

Russian language is a sophisticated, fascinating language with a reputation for being difficult for English speakers to learn. It's true that Russian language learners must master a new alphabet, completely new sounds, and even a new keyboard! So is attempting to learn Russian worth it? You bet! Russian language is spoken in Russia and other parts of Eastern Europe, and knowing even a few phrases will help you navigate Russian culture. It's also one of the world's great literary languages and has produced masterpieces taught and studied in schools and universities today. Crime and Punishment, Eugene Onegin, and The Overcoat can obviously be read in translation, but their linguistic nuances can be more thoroughly appreciated in the native tongue.

So maybe you're not ready to learn Russian language. That doesn't stop you from learning about it. The following article will give you an overview of Russian language's development, history, and usefulness, and it offers tips and information for language learners:

• Russian Language

More Russian Culture Monday

• Fact Sheet for Russian Culture
• Free Tours of the Real Moscow
• Moscow Kremlin Photo Tour
• Russian Culture Monday Archives

Russian Language Blocks photo credit: iStockphoto/arinahabich

Krakow's historic district is both old and young. Artifacts of medieval and Renaissance Krakow are visible in buildings, streets, and fortifications. But Krakow seethes with modern ideas, from the pulsing light shows that illuminate centuries-old architecture to the lively way the student population takes over Krakow during Juwenalia. Visitors to Old Town Krakow will get a feel for this dichotomy right away.

The combination of aged environment and contemporary attitudes is one reason visiting Old Town Krakow is so satisfying. After a day of seeing sights that are hundreds of years old, travelers can head to the thriving Jewish Kazimierz District, which has been transformed from a dilapidated section of the city to one of its trendiest. Or, take a break from viewing artifacts in one of Krakow's museums to shop at one of its shopping malls carrying the latest fashions.

Year-round, Krakow is full of vitality. Discover its energy when you visit the old town and experience its many sights, sounds, and flavors.

• Old Town Krakow
• Krakow Month By Month

Main Market Square photo credit: CC BY-NC-DN smif

Answer to last week's "Where in Eastern Europe?"

The gorgeous Peles Castle was featured in last week's quiz. Its exterior and interior are both visually stunning. Visitors to the castle can tour some of its rooms and its grounds. The castle is associated with King Carol I and subsequent Romanian monarchs.

• View more of Romania's Castles (the introductory photo to this gallery shows an interior shot of Peles Castle)

Photo credits: iStockphoto/marlenka and iStockphoto/-lvinst-