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The capital was founded in 1147, but there
is evidence that there has been a settlement here since Neolithic times. The focal point
of the city is Red Square, on one side of which is the Kremlin surrounded by
a thick red fortress wall containing 20 towers in all, at intervals. The Sobakina
Tower, designed to withstand sieges, contains a secret escape passage. The Tainitskaya
Tower translates as the 'Tower of Secrets', because it also had a secret subterranean
passage leading to the river. The Trinity Gate is the tallest of the towers. The Water-Hoist
Tower conveyed water to the Kremlin. The Nabatnaya Tower contained an alarm
bell that was rung in times of danger. In the Kremlin grounds, the Uspensky Cathedral
(1475-79), designed by the Italian architect Aristotle Fioravanti, contains three of the
oldest Russian icons. The tsars were crowned here; Ivan the Terrible's throne is situated
near the entrance. Also within the Kremlin stand the 14th-century Grand Kremlin Palace
and the golden-domed Belfry of Ivan the Great. St Basil's Cathedral (built
1555-60), at another end of the square, is famous for its brightly-coloured domes. As the
story goes, Ivan the Terrible was so overwhelmed by its beauty that he blinded the
architect so that he could never create another building as impressive as this. Opposite
St Basil's, the Spassky (Redeemer's) Gate is the main entrance to the Kremlin,
built in 1491 by Pietro Antonio Solario. The Blagoveshchensky (Annunciation) Cathedral
was built for Ivan III. It is extravagantly decorated, from its copper domes to its agate-
and jasper-tiled floors. It contains 16th-century frescoes and a precious collection of
icons. Our Lady of Kazan Cathedral has recently been reconstructed and rededicated.
The superb murals in the Faceted Chamber date from the late 15th century. Sadly the
Chamber is notto the public. The State Historical Museum is also located in
Red Square. Although there is talk of finally burying Lenin's embalmed body, Lenin's
Mausoleum is stillto the public on certain days. However, the changing of the
guards in front of the Mausoleum, a ritual which used to attract many sightseers, was
discontinued in 1993.
Tverskaya Street near Red Square is one of the main shopping streets. Arbat Street is
the main thoroughfare of a traditionally bohemian quarter. Today it is a pedestrian zone
with crafts and artists' stalls and street performers. The area known as Kitai-Gorod
lies east of the Kremlin, and is notable for its 16th- and 17th-century churches,
especially the 5-domed Cathedral of the Sign, with its amazing acoustic properties.
The splendid English Estate dates from the same period, a remnant of the area's
former importance as a diplomatic and commercial centre. The nearby Romanov Apartments
are now a museum. Zayauzie is a quiet, attractive district, with its handsome
merchants' mansions. The world-famous Bolshoi Opera and Ballet Theatre at
Teatralnaya Square dates from 1824 and has an interior colour scheme of red and gold. Moscow
University is situated on the southwestern periphery of the city in the Vorobyevi
Hills. The lookout tower in the park in front of the University complex offers
excellent views over the city and the vast Luzhniki Stadium. Novodevichy Convent
near Sportivnaya metro station houses a museum of rare and ancient Russian art, and is one
of the finest examples of 16th- and 17th-century architecture in the city. The
neighbouring Ostozhenka and Prechistenka Streets feature urban mansions and
estates associated with many classic Russian authors including Tolstoy. The dancer Isadora
Duncan shared her studio with her husband, the poet Sergei Yesenin, in the
classically-designed estate of the millionaire Ushkov in Prechistenka Street. Herzen
Street is one of the oldest in Moscow. It contains the Moscow State University,
the grand Tchaikovsky Conservatoire and the ornate Mayakovsky Academic Theatre.
The area around Kuznetzky Most and Petrovka Street is a hub of social and
cultural activity, with its popular theatres, fashion shops and business community. One of
the most popular new, but macabre attractions is the KGB Museum housed in the
sinister Lubyanka building. The well-preserved Zamoskvorechye district was
originally a mercantile and artisans' quarter. Many of its churches, warehouses, shops and
houses survive. The area is home to the Tretyakov Gallery, containing the work of
Russian artists and an extensive collection of icons, among them the 'Trinity' by Andrei
Rublyov. Other places of interest are: the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts with its
cosmopolitan collection; the Moscow Circus, the old with animal acts and clowns and
the new with more technical wonders; Izmailovo Park, formerly the Tsar's estate and
the elegant Tsaritsino landscaped park; the Exhibition of Economic Achievements,
where on a large site in the northwest of the city all aspects of Russian life are
displayed - agriculture, industry, culture and science. The site also contains a zoo and a
circus and there is skating and skiing. The nearby Ostankino TV Tower is the
tallest in Europe, with a revolving restaurant at the top. The Space Conquerors'
Monument, representing the trajectory of a rocket launch, also dominates the area. The
local Museum of Serf Art is a reminder of the past. The Metro system is a
tourist attraction in itself, as well as a cheap and convenient means of travelling around
the city. Many stations are sumptously decorated with marble, glittering chandeliers and
works of art. A boat tour on the Moskva River is a pleasant way of discovering the
city. Excursions start at the Kutuzovskaya Pier, accessible from Kutuzovskaya
Metro. The river is a superb vantage point to view the White House (the Parliament
Building), scene of the dramatic siege of 1993, as well as many of the sights listed
above.
Excursions: The State Museum of Ceramics in Kuskovo, 10km (6
miles) from the centre of Moscow, has a fascinating collection of Russian china, porcelain
and glass. Arkhangelskoye Estate, a museum housed in a palace 16km (10 miles) from
Moscow, exhibits European paintings and sculptures, but the main attraction is the grounds
which are laid out in the French style. Zhostovo, 30km (19 miles) from
Moscow, is a centre renowned for its lacquered trays, and Fedoskino, 35km
(22 miles) from Moscow, produces lacquer miniatures, brooches and other handicrafts. Yasnaya
Polyana is historically significant as the author Leo Tolstoy's estate. It is
located near the town of Tula, which is over 160km (100 miles) from the
capital. The author of War and Peace and Anna Karenina is buried here. His
house, surrounded by landscaped parkland, is now a museumto the public.
Tchaikovsky's home at Klin, 90km (56 miles) from Moscow, and Boris Pasternak's home
at Peredelkino (30 minutes' drive from the capital), are also museums.
Tver, situated 160km (100 miles) from Moscow on the upper Volga, is where
Catherine II built a palace in order to take a rest en route from Moscow to St Petersburg.
The Putyevoi Dvorets (Route Palace) was built by Kazakov in 1763-75. The palace
overlooks the river, a convenient location for the tsarina to disembark. The town is also
notable for its star-shaped square.
The Golden Ring
Several ancient towns of great historical, architectural and spiritual significance
make up the 'Golden Ring', extending northeast from Moscow. They are a rich collection of
kremlins (citadels), monasteries, cathedrals and fortresses. All are within easy reach of
the capital. Since many were founded on river banks, a cruise is a pleasant way of
discovering the region. Modern boats plying the Volga afford comfortable accommodation. As
some major sites such as Vladimir and Suzdal are not located near the Volga, a minibus
tour with hotel accommodation is a better option for visitors whose primary interest is
the region's architectural heritage.
Sergiyev Posad (former Zagorsk)
A small town situated on two rivers, is the
centre of the handmade toy industry; the Toy Museum has a collection beginning in
the Bronze Age. The Trinity Monastery of St Sergius dates from the Middle Ages and
is a major pilgrimage centre. Its Cathedral of the Dormition has wonderful blue
domes decorated with gold stars. The museum contains examples of Russian ecclesiastical
art and crafts. In nearby Sofrin, the Icon Workshops produce ecclesiastical ware.
Also near Sergiyev Posad, the literary and artistic museum of Abramtsevo houses
paintings by Repin, Serov and Vrubel. The museum is surrounded by parkland and birch
woods. Ornate traditional Russian huts are dotted around the estate. Rostov Veliky,
founded in the 9th century, has a beautiful Kremlin and the Cathedral of the
Dormition. The town overlooks the shores of the Nero lake, and is surrounded by
ancient monasteries. Neighbouring Yaroslavl lies on the banks of the Volga, and contains a
host of ancient churches, most notably the Transfiguration of the Saviour Cathedral,
built in the early 16th century. Kostroma stands at the confluence of the Volga and the
River Kostroma. It is a renowned cheese-making centre. Its most outstanding building is
the Ipatievski Monastery-Fortress. Built during the first half of the 14th century,
it became the Romanov's residence three centuries later. Theair museum features a
collection of traditional Russian buildings, including wooden churches, log cabins and
windmills brought from all over Russia. East of Moscow is Suzdal, perhaps the most
important town in the Golden Ring. It boasts 50 well-preserved examples of ancient
architecture contained within a relatively small area, providing a wonderfully coherent
vision of its past. Historically it was a political and religious centre, and is now a
major tourist attraction. The wives of tsars and boyars were exiled to the Blessed
Virgin Convent. Less than 32km (20 miles) away is Vladimir, which played a prominent
part in the rise of the Russian state. The city's two magnificent cathedrals date from the
12th century. Another notable monument is the Golden Gate, a unique example of old
Russian engineering skills. The nearby village of Bogolyubovo features a 12th-century
fortress and Church of the Protecting Veil. Uglich, another beautiful town on the
banks of the Volga, is notable for its Kremlin and the Chambers of Prince Dmitry.
Ivan the Terrible's son and heir died here.
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Questions or problems regarding this web site and our tours
should be directed to incoming
1998 Pilgrim Tours.
Last modified: 30.05.98.
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