The birthplace of Lenin, Simbirsk was renamed in 1924 in honor of its native son, and as Ulyanovsk used to be a much more popular destination than it is now. However, the city is a fascinating glimpse into the cult of Lenin: The entire city center is a memorial to the man.
There's a large museum complex devoted to Lenin's life and the Russian Revolution. The seven houses his family lived in have been preserved as museums, as has the neighborhood where they're located. A visit is worthwhile to see how much the communists truly glorified Lenin. Another local landmark is Ulyanovsk Automobile Plant, one of the most important car-making factories in Russia—a famous producer of Russian Jeeps.
445 mi/715 km east of Moscow.