Moscow is a city that is known for its opulence and beauty. It’s a place where you will see grand buildings, luscious parks and even subway stations.
When in Moscow, you should take time to visit the Red Square and the Kremlin. You can also explore the many churches and cathedrals.
Red Square
A landmark of the city, Red Square is a popular destination for tourists. It is a great place to see Moscow’s architecture, learn about its history and soak in the atmosphere.
The square is also a center of celebrations, such as military parades. There are many important monuments and buildings on the square, including St. Basil’s Cathedral, the State Historical Museum and Lenin’s Mausoleum.
The Kremlin
In the heart of Russia’s capital lies a complex of palaces and churches that form the Kremlin. It is one of the world’s most striking architectural ensembles.
The walls and towers that surround the Kremlin were built on the order of Grand Prince Ivan III, also known as Ivan the Great, from 1485 to 1495. The fortress was designed by Italian architects, including Aristotle Fioravanti and Pietro Antonio Solari.
After the Russian Revolution, many of the buildings within the Kremlin were demolished to make way for new construction. Despite this, several of the Kremlin’s magnificent cathedrals and monasteries are still open to the public today.
The Bolshoi Theater
The Bolshoi Theater is Moscow’s premier performing arts venue and has a rich history. Originally designed by architect Joseph Bove, it’s now home to world-famous ballet and opera companies.
The theatre’s facade features the renowned bronze quadriga of Apollo by Peter Klodt, who also designed the gypsum two-headed eagle adorning the city’s Anichkov Bridge. Even the 100 ruble banknote features the sculpture, which was created in 1853 after a fire destroyed the original chariot that adorned the building’s facade.
GUM Shopping Center
The GUM Shopping Center is a must-see on any visit to Moscow. It’s the perfect place to pick up souvenirs or shop for clothes and shoes from renowned international brands.
The GUM Shopping Center is Russia’s most iconic department store and has more than 200 boutiques. It also hosts a variety of cafes and restaurants.
St. Basil’s Cathedral
Built during the sixteenth century, Saint Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow is a church, museum, and architectural icon. It’s an UNESCO World Heritage Site and is located in Red Square.
The cathedral’s onion domes feature swirling patterns and contrasting shapes that are both striking and whimsical. The church’s vivid colors are inspired by the Heavenly City in the Book of Revelation.
Despite being destroyed twice, the cathedral is still a popular tourist attraction in Moscow. It was saved from Napoleon Bonaparte’s troops in 1812, and Joseph Stalin attempted to destroy it later on, but architects like Pyotr Baranovsky fought back against the regime and spared the cathedral.
Arbat Street
Arbat Street is one of the most famous and popular streets in Moscow. It’s a long walking street to the west of the Kremlin that is filled with historical buildings in different architectural styles.
It’s a great place to find restaurants, souvenir shops, museums and street artists. You can also stop at a few of the historic houses that once housed famous Russian writers and families.
In the early 1980s, Arbat Street was closed off and made into Moscow’s first pedestrian zone. This allowed the street to become a lively gathering place during Perestroika.
The Tretyakov Gallery
The Tretyakov Gallery is one of the most famous art galleries in Russia. It is home to over 150,000 works of art spanning the entire history of Russian art.
It was founded in the 19th century by a private collector, Pavel Tretyakov. His collection was donated to the city of Moscow in 1892.
The Tretyakov Gallery is a must-visit on any Moscow tour. It’s a great place to learn about the history of art in Russia and see some of its most impressive paintings.
Moscow Metro
The Moscow Metro is a modern and impressive way to get around the city. It moves more than nine million people every day.
The system is divided into zones. It’s important to know which zone you’re in when travelling between stations so that you don’t get lost.
In addition to a metro map in Russian and English, you can also download an app to help you find your way. These apps are easy to use and can calculate the best route between two stations and how long it takes.