In 2007 a national contest was organized to select the seven most beautiful and important Russian sights. Over 25 mln people voted for their favourites online since the beginning of the contest in autumn 2007. The results were announced in summer 2008 ( 12 June).
After the first stage of the contest 49 places were chosen. The second one remained only 14. Finally, the Russian people chose seven places that best represented the beauty of our country. This event is considered to draw attention to protecting natural and cultural treasures.