Moscow
Tourism information and links.
The capital may seem overwhelming at first with its imposing "Soviet Empire" architecture - immense official buildings, huge apartment blocks and wide roads - in addition to its ten million inhabitants. But this makes it all the more worthy of a long visit. The Arbat, the main street in the very heart of Moscow - actually two streets, comprising the Old Arbat (a cobbled laneway) and the New Arbat (a main road) - team with shops and restaurants. Red Square, with St Basil's cathedral and GUM department store, and the Kremlin are must sees. The former homes of writers such as Pushkin, Gorky and Mayakovski are now museums in Moscow. Nowhere else in Russia can you learn so much about the Soviet period, with the Revolution Museum, the Museum of War and Space (Kosmos) Museum. As the capital, Moscow is the political centre of Russia and is home to Beliy Dom - the White House and Ostankino - the television tower, both of which were captured by communists in the uprising of 1993. For something different to escape city sightseeing for a while, Gorky Park offers amusements and ice skating in winter.
When Prince Yuri Dolgoruky ordered a wooden fort built on a steep, wooden hill at the confluence of the Neglinnaya and Moskva rivers in 1156, he could hardly imagine it would grow into what was to become afterwards the heart of Russia.
Having recovered from the attacks of the Mongol-Tartar hordes, the town became, by the second half of the 13th century, the center of an independent principality. The strengthening rise of Moscow was encouraged by the fact that it was the hub of an enormous territory around which the Russian Nation was being formed. In the 15th century the unification of the surrounding lands under the Moscow principality was complete. There was a great growth of trade from which the city became the focal point of the Russian cultural scene and one of the largest cities of Europe, reaching a population of 100,000. More than once Moscow was fated to play a decisive role in the country’s struggle against foreign aggression, but always managed to maintain its status as capital of the great power of old Russia.
As the scientific center of Russia, Moscow boasts specialised academies and a large number of research institutes. The city has over 20 higher educational establishments with an enrollment of over 600,000 students from all over the world. The creative work of many great Russian architects contributed a wealth of splendid ensembles and cultural monuments. The Kremlin, at the core of the city, originated in the 12th century, during the reign of Prince Yuri Dolgoruky, to become the epitome of the old Russian architectural tradition. Aside from its beautiful cathedrals and churches, you can visit the Armory - a museum which contains one of the finest collection of ancient arms, the Tsar’s crown jewels, unique examples of Russian and foreign craftsmanship, and other royal regalia.
Close to the Kremlin is the historical Red Square, a witness to popular uprisings, foreign invasions, and marches. This is also where the Cathedral of Vasily the Blessed (the Cathedral of the Intercession - known as St Basils) is located, a unique creation of Russian national art which was built by Ivan the Terrible in 1561. An outstanding example of 16th-17th century architecture is the Kolomenskoye, a museum area greatly favoured by Grand Russian princes. Its original layout still remains intact. Among the monasteries designed to defend Moscow you will find St Andronicus and St.Daniil. In addition the Novodevichy (New Maidens) Convent - are all witnesses to the turbulent history of the Russian state.
A short journey out of Moscow and you can visit the town of Sergiyev-Posad (one of the Golden Ring Cities) with it’s magnificent Trinity Monastery of St.Sergius, which can be considered the Mecca of the Orthodox Church. this city is a ‘classic’ in the eyes of most visitors and is not easily forgotten. For the art lovers you may wish to familiarise yourself with some of the classic Russian paintings. The Tretyakov Gallery is where you will find the works of Andrei Rublev, Dionisii and Ushakov.