Russia’s capital city is a blend of new and old architecture and styles. From medieval churches and palaces to modern communist era buildings Moscow is a unique city worth exploring. So when you are in Moscow why don’t you:
1. Ride the subway and visit the subway stations.
No really, the subway stations in Moscow are like mini art galleries. Called the “peoples palaces” they feature ornate columns, statues, chandeliers, vaulted ceilings and other art work. Each station has a different theme so you may want to hop on and off frequently. The beautifully decorated subway stations must make the morning commute on the subway an artistically enjoyable experience for the locals.
No really, the subway stations in Moscow are like mini art galleries. Called the “peoples palaces” they feature ornate columns, statues, chandeliers, vaulted ceilings and other art work. Each station has a different theme so you may want to hop on and off frequently. The beautifully decorated subway stations must make the morning commute on the subway an artistically enjoyable experience for the locals.
2. Go see St. Basil’s Cathedral
One of Moscow’s most famous landmarks and probably the most photographed Byzantine church in Russia, the churches brightly colored onion domes dominate the skyline. St. Basil’s was built between 1555 and 1561 by Ivan the Terrible and survived several plots to demolish it. It is a must see, even if you are not religious. The Cathedral is located on Red Square adjacent to the Kremlin and Lenin’s tomb.
One of Moscow’s most famous landmarks and probably the most photographed Byzantine church in Russia, the churches brightly colored onion domes dominate the skyline. St. Basil’s was built between 1555 and 1561 by Ivan the Terrible and survived several plots to demolish it. It is a must see, even if you are not religious. The Cathedral is located on Red Square adjacent to the Kremlin and Lenin’s tomb.
For information on other churches in Moscow:
http://www.moscow-taxi.com/churches/index.ASP
http://www.moscow-taxi.com/churches/index.ASP
3. Shop at the GUM Department Store
Located on Red Square and once the only department store in Moscow, now it is a high end shopping mall that has designer goods from all over the world. Much improved from the time before the iron curtain fell, when it was the only game in town, now it caters to the new rich Muscovites who like to spend their money on flashy western goods. The good news, you don’t have line up any more.
Located on Red Square and once the only department store in Moscow, now it is a high end shopping mall that has designer goods from all over the world. Much improved from the time before the iron curtain fell, when it was the only game in town, now it caters to the new rich Muscovites who like to spend their money on flashy western goods. The good news, you don’t have line up any more.
4. Visit the The Puskin Museum of Fine Arts
The Puskin Museum, on Arbat Street, is located in a house formally occupied by Russia’s favorite poet, Alexander Puskin. Puskin and his wife spent part of their honeymoon staying in the house that is now a fine arts museum filled with one of the best collections of international art in Russia next to the Hermitage museum in St. Petersburg. Visit the museum and then shop your way down Arbat Street, the best souvenir shopping street in Moscow.
5. Take a stroll through the Novodevichy Convent and Cemetery
Once a convent cemetery for exiled Russian royal wives, ladies of noble birth and artistic, literary, musical and political figures, it is now the final resting place of the godless communist party members. See the magnificent monuments constructed for important and loyal party members. Visit the graves of some of communist Russia’s most infamous figures including Khrushchev, Russia’s leader during the Cuban missile crisis. The lovely park like setting of the cemetery and the impressive monuments make a walk through the Novodevichy cemetery a relaxing experience.
A visit to Moscow will take you to a city in transition. Still evolving from the days of communism, Moscow is fast becoming one of Europe’s most expensive cities to visit. Filled with five star hotels and high end designer stores, its old world charm still lurks beneath the surface. So when visiting Moscow, take in a little of the city’s fascinating history which is a blend of new and old dating from medieval times to the recent communist era.
For other interesting things to do in Moscow:
http://www.moscow-taxi.com/sightseeing/index.ASP
http://www.moscow-taxi.com/sightseeing/index.ASP
