Moscow Travel Guide - Attractions
Red Square with the magnificent Kremlin building, Lenin’s Mausoleum and St Basil’s Cathedral, is perhaps the highlight of the sightseeing trail; while for leisure, Gorky Park is definitely the place to be whether it’s the summer or winter season.
Annunciation Cathedral: dating back to the 14th century in its original construction and with additions made later by Ivan the Terrible in the 16th century, this truly stunning religious structure is the epitome of fine Russian architecture of its eras.
Armoury Palace: Russia’s greatest treasures are housed in this magnificent building, which comprises a part of the Kremlin and was originally known as the Imperial Court Museum after its founding in 1806. Within the building are a total of 9 halls across which some 4,000 artefacts are displayed. All of the halls contain notable exhibits; however, especially worthy of mention, are the world famous Faberge Eggs that are on display in Hall II.
Bolshoi Theatre: the magnificent building that features the internationally famous theatre company dates back to 1825 and was the work of Russian architect Osip Bove. A restoration in 1918 brought the building back to its former glory following some decay and basic wear and tear.
Gorky Park: made famous in the ‘80s by a Hollywood movie of the same name, Gorky Park is Moscow’s number one greenbelt spot and location for relaxation and outdoor activities. Winter weather allows for skating on the giant pond; while come summer time, the park is awash with visitors enjoying seasonal amusements, performances at the park’s two outdoor theatres and boat trips along the Moskva river.
Lenin Mausoleum: essential to any trip to or holiday in Moscow, is a visit to the final resting place of famous Russian revolutionary and communist politician, Vladimir Lenin. The body of this greatly respected historic character is preserved inside a glass case for all to see (although there have been some suggestions that the figure is in fact a wax dummy) in a large room in which Russian soldiers keep a watchful eye on all who pass through.
State Historical Museum: Russia’s most significant museum of history dates back to the late 19th century with its construction beginning in 1875 and concluding in 1881, and master architects Shervud and Semenov taking responsibility for its design. Inside the building, visitors can view a huge collection of artefacts, which includes over 500,000 pieces of fine art as well as items that once belonged to Ivan the Terrible and Peter the Great.
St Basil’s Cathedral: one of Moscow’s most famous religious structures, St Basil’s Cathedral was constructed by infamous Russian Tsar Ivan the Terrible, in commemoration of his defeat of the city of Tatar in Kazan in the mid-19th century. Notable features of the cathedral include the central chapel with its eight surrounding towers, each featuring distinctive onion-shaped domes and dedicated to different saints.