If you’re planning a trip to Moscow, then you can be sure you’ll have plenty to do and see while you’re there. One of the world’s great cities, it truly is worth a visit. One fantastic site that’s an absolute must is the famous Kremlin. This is the center of Russian government and the word ‘Kremlin’ roughly translates as ‘fortress’ in English. It contains government buildings, cathedrals, an armory, museums and a palace. Get yourself on a guided tour to make sure you see all the hot spots.
Close to the Kremlin is world famous Red Square, named in the seventeenth century after a Russian word for ‘beautiful’. It’s a great historical location with interest spanning hundreds of years. It features the colorful St Basil’s Cathedral, which is a Russian masterpiece built on the orders of Ivan the Terrible. Also a must-see is the recently rebuilt Resurrection Gate, which has stood at the entrance to the square for hundreds of years before Stalin demolished it in the Cold War.
If you’re after a bit of culture, then somewhere you really have to go is the Bolshoi Theater. Home to the world-famous ballet, this is Russia’s largest and most famous theater. The five-tiered auditorium is decorated in the nineteenth century neoclassic Russian style and has been recently renovated, so it’s well worth a visit. Try and find time to squeeze in a show, but be careful buying tickets as foreigners are often charged more than locals if you purchase from a kiosk so it’s advisable to book online beforehand.
For those of you that love to visit tourist attractions while still getting a feel for the local charm, look no further than the Old Arbat. This street has become more touristy over the years but is still a great cultural center of Russia, maintaining its rustic charm. It’s a great place to go souvenir shopping, buy art or visit a café. It was once home to many writers, painters, composers and artists, and the celebrated writer Pushkin’s old house is now a museum that’s worth a visit.
Novodevichy Convent – ‘New Maidens Convent’ in English – is another top cultural location in Moscow. Surrounded by beautiful park land and boasting a convent, cathedral and cemetery that are all open to visitors, this is a wonderful place to visit. It was established in 1524 and is the final resting place of many famous Russians, including the sister of Peter the Great, the composer Shostakovich and the writer, Chekhov. All of this adds up to a great visitor attraction in Moscow, where you’re guaranteed to find something you love.
