Garibaldi Castle: Oleg Kuzichkin, a well-known entrepreneur from Tolyatti who used to own several meat-processing plants both in Russia's Samara region and abroad was the spearhead of this project unprecedented for Russia's province. What does Giuseppe Garibaldi, this Italian patriot, revolutionary and republican have to do with the castle? Well, the castle was named after Oleg Kuzichkin's father – Garibaldi. One may think he was Italian but this is not true. In fact this name was quite alright in Soviet Russia where people paid tribute to revolutionary heroes of the past through giving their names to their children. So this was the case with Mr. Kuzichkin's dad.

The Garibaldi Castle is located in the village of Khryashevka some 130 kilometers from the regional center of Samara on the shore of the Kuybyshev Reservoir also called the Zhigulyovskoye Sea. The idea was to build a luxury hotel (not sure if one can book a room now), a type of hotels which at the time of construction was almost non-existent in Russia. The construction began in 2007 and lasted for three years. The works inside the Garibaldi Castle lasted for several years more. Boasting soaring spires, elegant towers and roofs made of natural stone, this luxurious castle built in the late 20th century, invokes both the magic and mystery of medieval fortresses through the 13th century Europe and beyond.

Built in the Gothic Revival style, it is not an exact copy of any particular European castle. Rather, it is an architectural fantasy on the theme of European Romanticism and Gothic, which incorporates all the most beautiful and interesting elements of European architecture of the Middle Ages, the Renaissance and the Victorian era.

The owner rarely talks to journalists, but on several occasions he admitted that the castle was part of the project to revive the region and attract tourists to Khryashchevka - a village of outstanding natural beauty and a great surfing spot on the Volga. When asked why he chose to build a European castle, Mr. Kuzichkin said that there's only one reason to embark on a construction project – it should be something unbelievable and extraordinary. The Garibaldi Castle has since become a strong magnet that attracts tourist to the Samara region.

From its English single-lined rose windows to its Gothic arches and magnificent sculptures in the alcoves of the castle wall Garibaldi Castle was meant to awe-inspire historical enthusiasts and travelers alike that wish to immerse themselves in the legend, fantasy and culture of the our Ages.