Moscow is a symbol city that has greatly influenced world history and culture. It has impressive monuments and attractions but also its own special atmosphere. In the Russian capital you will experience its uniqueness from the very beginning.
Let’s see now, some of the “must” choices that you have to make if you are to visit Moscow for the first time- and not only.
The Moscow Kremlin
The Moscow Kremlin is the oldest part of the Russian capital and at the same time its historical centre. It is often referred to as the Kremlin which in Russian means “castle”. The Moscow Kremlin originally consisted of a medieval castle which evolved into an Acropolis in the late 15th century. When it comes to its architectural characteristics, it has an outer wall and a fortification complex with 20 towers which, despite being constructed in the years 1485-1499, is preserved to this day in a very good condition. This kind of fortification became a model for the creation of other Kremlin in Russian cities.
Lenin’s Mausoleum
Lenin’s Mausoleum, also known as Lenin’s Tomb, is a mausoleum situated on the Red Square, in the centre of Moscow. Till today, it is the place where the body of the first soviet leader Vladimir Lenin is preserved and in public display since shortly after his death.
Gorky Park
It was named after the popular writer Maxim Gorky and was of great inspiration for Cruz Smith’s novel “Gorky Park” on which the successful “Gorky Park” movie was based. The Park stretches along the Moskva River and is divided in two parts. The first is ideal for children, as it provides a variety of playground and games. The other half consists of gardens and buildings of limited access. A walk in this park will definitely be enjoyable!
The Bolshoi Theater
The Bolshoi Theater is a historical theater of Moscow dedicated to opera and ballet. The Theater was founded in 1776 but the current neoclassical building is from the 19th century. It is considered a symbol of Russia, due to its contribution to the performing arts. Its troupe consists of ballet dancers, musicians and opera singers and it is one of the oldest and most popular troupes in the world. Many famous plays, such as Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake, premiered on the Bolshoi Theater stage. Its neoclassical facade is depicted on the 100 ruble banknote.
The Red Square
The Red Square is the central square of Moscow and is therefore considered the central square of Russia. It was originally designed to serve as Moscow’s main market, and throughout history it has been used for various official ceremonies and numerous other government events. The name of the square, despite logical presumptions made by most visitors, doesn’t come from the color of the bricks used for its construction or from the relationship between the color red and communism. Instead, it derives from the root of the Russian word “Krasnaya” which means beautiful or red. This designation was applied to the description of the adjacent church of St. Basil and was later transferred to the square. A visit to the Red Square is inevitable, as you simply have to get photographed there having on your background one of the historic buildings that surround the square.
