Naturally Moscow is one of the most well-known cities in the world, and due to its great diversity and historical significance is visited by millions each year. From the world famous Kremlin and the equally recognisable Red Square affront it, to the Bolshoi Theater and the many, many museums, the city offers an abundance of excitement and variety. The parks and grand streets are an experience in themselves.
The Kremlin is perhaps the best-known of Moscow’s sights. Built in the late 15th century, originally as a residence for the Tsar, today it houses no lesser important a personage, being the rooms of the Russian President. The complex is enclosed by a red wall, 2444 yards in length, and punctuated with around twenty different towers. The wall resembles a triangle, whose corner towers are round, while the other seventeen are square, the most famous and highest of which is the Spasskaya Tower at 233 ft. To fully sample the heady atmosphere of history surrounding the Kremlin, set aside a good portion of time.
In front of the Kremlin is the roughly 546 yards long by 165 yards wide Red Square, whose original name could be roughly translated as square of beauty. Just like its neighbouring Kremlin, Red Square’s history makes it one of the most important points of interest in the city, and should under no circumstances be missed. Sights within the square itself include the Lenin Mausoleum at the base of the Kremlin walls, and Saint Basil’s Cathedral at the south-eastern end. The cathedral is topped by nine typically Russian onion-domed cupolas in a variety of colors. This beautiful yet asymmetrical building was begun at the order of Ivan the Terrible in the 16th Century.
When in Moscow do as the locals, and take your car for a spin down Tverskaya Street, one of the most famous streets in the city, as well as one of the major traffic arteries and the luxurious shopping mile. The street is lined by rows of exclusive boutiques and some of the most lavish accommodation available, housed in ornate 18th and 19th century architecture that is worth a look on its own. The street begins only a few hundred yards from Red Square and leads in the direction of Saint Petersburg.
The list of sights is already extensive, but would not be complete without the Bolshoi Theater. Again an architecturally magnificent product of the 19th century, replacing the two previous buildings that burnt down on this site. The magical interior makes this one of the finest theaters in the world, and his home to the Bolshoi Ballet Company. Yet another not to be missed event on your Moscow calendar.
Should your desire for culture not be sated, more can be offered in the form of the Pushkin Museum, a museum for painted art that contains a considerable collection of works by mostly western-European artist dating as far back as the 13th century. If there is any chance of converting an art opponent, if there is such a thing, it is here, so set aside enough time to explore the museum to its fullest.
Anyone interested in seeing the modern side of Moscow can visit what is currently the largest building site in the world, beginning just 3 miles to the west of the Kremlin; the area is being transformed by modern office and business complexes into what is to become the so called Moscow City. To be found here is the Federaziya, which, when finished, at 1180 ft will be the highest office building in Europe.
