Moscow – the capital of Russia
Red Square – the center of Moscow
The Kremlin from the inside and from the outside
A walk around the center:
- Manege Square and the Alexander Gardens
- Tverskaya street and the Novy Arbat
- Kutuzovsky Prospect
- Theater Square
The MSU New Complex and Vorobiovy Gory
The VVTs
Old Moscow
Moscow holds a particular place in the Russian consciousness. It is not only the capital of Russia (and before that of the entire Soviet Union), but the heart of Russia.
The name ‘Moscow’ was first mentioned in the chronicle of 1147. Prince Yury Dolgoruky is considered the founder of Moscow — a monument to him was erected on Moscow’s Tverskaya street in 1947 to celebrate the city’s 800th anniversary.
Moscow is a wonderful city. It both an old city with unique monuments of old Russian architecture and a young, modern and rapidly developing city with contemporary buildings.
Moscow is a city with big beautiful sguares, large avenues, and small cozy streets and side streets. In Moscow there are a lot of green spaces, parks, public gardens, and tree-lined walks in all the city’s various regions.
The city occupies an enormous territory and keeps expanding every year. Upon first coming to Moscow, all foreigners note that it is a very beautiful and interesting city, and people coming for the second or third time notice that it changes very guickly. Lately, Moscow has become similar to many modern European cities, but for all that it maintains its distinctive Russian guality.
To get to know Moscow one! needs plenty of time, and to gain a true sense of it you need to live in it. There are so many interesting places in Moscow that it is impossible to speak about all of them, so we will focus only on its main sights.
Red Square
Red Square is located in the center of Moscow, and much like the Kremlin, it is famous throughout the world. Judged by its architectural ensemble alone, Red Square may justifiably be called one of! the most beautiful squares in the world, which is fitting since in Russian the word ‘red’ can also mean ‘beautiful’.
Red Square has been an eyewitness to many historical events. In ancient times, people both traded here and gathered round to hear news and ‘ukases’ (decrees). In Soviet times, festive demonstrations were held here every year, most notably on the first of May (the Day of International Solidarity of the Working People of All Countries) and on November 7th (the anniver- j sary of the Great October Socialist Revolution). On the 9th of May (the Day of Victory in the Great Patriotic War), a review of the troops is held here. In 1941, it was from this very spot, directly after the review of the troops, that the Russian army marched to the front. And in 1945, on the very same spot the famous Victory Parade was held, where soldiers threw down fascist
banners and standards next to the ancient walls of the Kremlin.
Everyone who comes to Moscow hurries to Red Square. There are always a lot of people here: Russians and foreigners, tourists and Muscovites.
The walls of the Kremlin adjoin Red Square on one side, and the GUM building (the State Department Store) adjoins Red Square for 250 meters on the other side. The! Historical Museum, built in old Russian style, is located at the entry to Red Square on the side of the man ge. Both the museum building and the museum itself are of interest, since it is Russia’s largest depository of historical and cultural monuments from earlier days. The Chapel of the Iverskaya Icon of the Virgin Mary was recently built nearby. On the other side of Red Square is a unique Russian architectural monument dating back to the 16th century: St. Basil’s Cathedral. Everyone who has seen the cathedral is in ecstasy over it.
There is also a monument to K. Minin and D. Pogharsky on Red Square. Under their leadership-Russia was liberated from Polish invaders in 1612. The monument was erected with money collected from Moscow’s inhabitants and bears an inscription reading, “To citizen Minin and Prince Pogharsky, from a grateful Russia. 1818″. Red Sguare is also home to the Lenin Mausoleum. At the far end of Red Square you will find Vasilievsky Spusk (“Vasilievsky Slope”), where mass meetings and concerts are held on days of importance.
The Kremlin
The Kremlin was built as far back as the 12th century, originally in wood. In the 14th century though, the wooden walls of the Kremlin were replaced with new ones made from a white stone – limestone – which is why Moscow earned the title ‘white-stoned Moscow’. The present walls and towers of the Kremlin were built at the end of the 15th century and are red. The Kremlin has twenty towers, five of which are fit for allowing traffic to pass through them. The height of the walls varies from five to nineteen meters, and their thickness is from 3.5 to 6.5 meters. The total length of the walls including the towers is over two kilometers 2235 meters in total!!!
Spasskaya Tower is the most beautiful and harmonious tower in the Moscow Kremlin, serving as its main gate. It was originally built in 1491, and in the 16th century a clock was first installed on] the tower. The clock we see today though was installed in the middle of the 19th century. The face of this clock is 6.12 meters in diameter. The striking of the clock on Spasskaya Tower used to be reported on the radio every day, but now it is most famous for the role it plays on New Year’s night — all of Russia celebrates New Year’s to the ringing of the Spasskaya chimes. The other Kremlin towers are equally interesting though, and each of them has its own history.
There are a large number of architectural and artistic monuments located within the Kremlin territory. Sobornaya Square lies at the center of the Kremlin, and is surrounded by three magnificent cathedrals – Blagoveshiensky, Arkhangelsky and Uspensky, all built in the 15th to 16th centuries 4, as well as by the Ivan Veliky Bell Tower and the Hall of Facets. A later addition to the Kremlin was the magnificent Big Kremlin Palace. In one of its most beautiful halls — the Georgievsky hall — state receptions are held and state prizes presented. The Armory and the Diamond Fund are also located on the Kremlin territory, and they always captivate everyone who visits them, boasting unique exhibits connected with Russia’s history and culture. Not that far from them, you will see two unique monuments to Russian iron-casting, both dating back to the 16th century: the Tsar-Kolokol (“the Tsar-Bell”) and the Tsar-Pushka (“the Tsar-Gun”). Weighing two hundred tons and forty tons re-j spectively, it is their size alone that earned them the title of Tsar’. In 1961, the Soviet government added a modern building of glass and concrete to the Kremlin territory. Formerly called the Kremlin Palace of Congresses, it is now known as the State Kremlin Palace. There are also beautiful public gardens, tree-lined walks, and a great many flower beds and flowers on thel Kremlin territory.
The President of Russia and his administration work in the Kremlin.
The Center of Moscow
And now, let’s take a walk around the center of Moscow. As stated above, the Historical Museum may be found at the entrance to Red Square. Next to it you will see a monument to the great Soviet military leader G.K. Zhukov. Zhukov was the victory marshal who signed the act of German capitulation in 1945.
To the right of the Historical Museum and in front of the Kremlin Wall are the Alexander Gardens. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier stands at the very beginning of the gardens, and was erected in 1967. This is a place of worship and remembrance for everyone who perished in the Great Patriotic War (1941 – 1945).
The Manege building and Manege Square are located opposite the Alexander Gardens. Beneath Manege Sguare, you will find a modern underground shopping center. Opposite the Manege building stands the old building of the Moscow State University (MSU), with a monument to the great Russian scientist M. V. Lo-monosov who founded the university in 1755. The new MSU complex is on Vorobiovy Gory (“Vorobiovy Hills”), and is located next to the ‘Universitet’ metro station.
Back in the center of Moscow though, you will find the beginnings of a number of large central streets: Tverskaya and the Novy Arbat. At the beginning of Tverskaya street there is a monument to the founder of Moscow, Prince Yury Dolgoruky, whom we mentioned above. There are also a lot of stores, restaurants, cafes, theaters and hotels on Tverskaya street, including a monument to the great Russian poet Alexander Pushkin. Nearby, is the city’s largest bookstore, Moskva, where you can buy books, dictionaries, and various albums, in foreign languages as well as in Russian.
The Russian State Library, one of the world’s largest libraries, is located at the beginning of the Novy Arbat. A unique collection of printed works is gathered here, from priceless books dating back to the 15th century to more modern publications. The Novy Arbat is also home to a wide variety of stores and restaurants, as well as to two movie theaters and a large bookstore that is very popular among buyers: Dom Knigi.
Next to the Novy Arbat, you will find the Stary Arbat, which is a street for pedestrians only. Tourists often visit this street to purchase Russian souvenirs, listen to musicians, and have their portraits done. You will also see many old two-story houses here, built at the beginning of the 1900s.
The New Arbat turns into Ku-tuzovsky Prospect (“Kutuzovsky Avenue”), named in honor of the great Russian military leader M.I. Kutuzov. At the beginning of Kutuzovsky Prospect on the banks of the Moskva River, you will surely notice the 170-metre tall Hotel Ukraina, one of the so-called Stalin high-rises. Further along Kutuzovsky Prospect is a triumphal arch, erected in honor of the Russian victory over Napoleon in the Patriotic War of 1812. Nearby is the very interesting Battle of Borodino Museum-Panorama, where you can see a replica of this decisive battle in the war with Napoleon. Across from the Museum-Panorama stands a monument to M.I. Kutuzov. Names of metro stations in this area are also all connected with events and people associated with this war: Kutuzovskaya, Fili, Fili Park, and Bagrationovskaya (in honor of Bagration, a Russian military leader of the time).
But let’s return to the center of Moscow. Many foreigners that come to Russia are eager to visit the Bolshoi Theater, which is well-known throughout the world for its shows and performers. The Bolshoi Theater is located on Theater Sguare, along with the Russian Youth Academic Theater and the Maly Theater, which are also very j popular among spectators. Next to the Bolshoi Theater is the TsUM building, the Central Department Store, which is a large multi-storied shopping centre where you can buy practically everything.
And now let’s talk about some of Moscow’s other sights.
MSU and Vorobiovy Gory
We have already mentioned that j the old Moscow State University building is located in the center of Moscow, and that the new complex is located on Vorobiovy Gory next to the ‘Universitet’ metro station. Built between 1949 and 1953, the new MSU complex is a city unto itself, covering a territory of more than 320 hectares.
The main building of MSU is 240 meters high and can be seen froml many points all over Moscow. The territory is also home to over thirty different educational buildings, a botanical garden, a forest-park and numerous sports complexes. I All around this area are streets named in honor of great Russian scientists, most particularly Lomonosovsky Prospect, located next to the ‘Universitet’ metro station and named after MSU’s founder.
Not so far from MSU is Vorobiovy Gory – an observation area from which a wonderful view of Moscow opens up. The Moskva River flows just below, while on the far bank stands beautiful Lu-zhniki Stadium, where the ореп-Ш ing and closing ceremonies of the 1980 Moscow Olympics were held, j Beyond, you can see practically all of Moscow. Tourists often visit j this observation area, but it is vere popular among Muscovites too. Beautiful tree-lined walks and the nearby forest-park make this the perfect place for a relaxing stroll
VVTs
At the other end of Moscow, in the north, you will find the All Russian Exhibition Center (VVTs), formerly the Exhibition of the People’s Economic Achievements (VDNKh). Until recently, in front of the main entrance of VDNKh you would find a famous sculpture by V. Mukhina, called the Worker and the Kolkhoznitsa (“the Worker and the Female Collective Farmer”) stood. At present though, this unique monument and symbol of the Mosfilm movie studio is currently being restored.
The VVTs cover an enormous 1 territory: over 300 hectares. VVith so many interesting attractions, such as exhibitions, trade pavilions, shops, kiosks, restaurants, cafe’s, amusement park rides and a summer theater, it is very ease to have a good time here. At the j heart of the VVTs you will find a beautiful fountain, called the Friendship of Peoples, built in honor of the friendship between the diverse peoples of the Soviet Union. Greenery occupies more than half of the territory of the VVTs. Here, you can go boating or fishing, take a walk in the park, or simply relax. An international book fair that is attended by a great many people is regularly held at the VVTs.
Next to the ‘VDNKh’ metro station stands a monument that was erected in 1964 to commemorate the first launching of a satellite (Sputnik) into space, as well as the achievements of the Soviet Union in exploring the cosmos. At theB top of the monument is a model of a rocket, and from its foot extends the Cosmonauts’ Tree-lined Alley, filled with sculptures of cosmonauts by К. Е. Tsiolkovsky.
On Prospect Mira, next to the ‘VDNKh’ metro station, you will see a very interesting building: the Hotel Cosmos, built with the assis- I tance of French specialists.
Old Moscow
If you want to get to know old Moscow, we recommend going to Zamoskvorechiye, a district Moscow located directly opposite the Kremlin on the far bank of the Moskva River. The main streets in this area are Bolshaya and Malaya Ordynka, and Bolshaya Polianka. Walking along them, you will get a good glimpse of the old Moscow. There are no tall buildings here. Rather, everything is small and old, and a good many churches and temples are interspersed frequently between the other buildings.
The most notable building in this district is the Tretyakov Gallery, located just nearby on Lavrushinsky side-street. The Tretyakov Gallery houses the world’s largest collection of Russian art: over 55,000 works of Russian painting, sculpture and graphic art, dating from the 11th century up to the present day. The gallery’s name descends from its founder, P.N. Tretyakov, who was a well-known Russian art collector.
Tretyakov wanted to create a national art museum that would be accessible to everyone. In 1892, he made a gift of his and his brother’s collection of paintings to the city of Moscow. In the very same year, the gallery’s main building was constructed, with its main entrance being designed by the well-known Russian artist V. Vasnetsov in the style of Russian folk tales. Today, a monument to its founder may be found directly next to the gallery itself. Since the’ Tretyakov Gallery is truly a treasure-house of Russian art, it is possible to walk around it for hours. One of the most unique features of the gallery is its collection of Russian icons, in particular ‘The Trinity’ — one of the best works by Russian artistic genius Audrey Rubliov.
If in addition to understanding Russia better, you want to get to know Russian art, we definitely recommend visiting the Tretyakov Gallery.
And if you are interested in art in general, you can also visit the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts lo-j cated on Volkhonka street. The Pushkin Museum houses a very rich collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts, as well as works by western artists from the 17th — 20th centuries, while touring exhibitions of works by famous artists from many museums of the world are also frequently held here. The museum is situated in a very nice part of old Moscow, so when visiting it you should be sure to stroll through its neighboring streets, namely Ostozhenka, Prechistenka and Volkhonka. This region has been preserved in practically its original condition. In addition to the Pushkin Museum itself, you will see mansions dating from the 17th to 19th centuries, as well as a museum dedicated to writer Lev Tolstoy.
Overall, there are a lot of museums in Moscow, so you will always be able to find something that will interest you personally.
The Stalin high-rises are probably yet another one of Moscow major sights. These are seven high-rise buildings that were built throughout different regions of Moscow between 1949 and 1953. Each building is approximately thirty stories tall and is covered with various towers, sculptures and moldings. Taken together, they serve as an architectural monument of that time. The seven buildings are: the MSU main building on Vorobiovy Gory, thej MID building (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) on Smolenskaya Sguare, the Hotel Ukraina on Kutuzovsky Prospect, the Hotel Leningrads-kaya on Kalanchovskaya Square, the apartment blocks in Krasnaya Presnia and on Kotelnicheskaya Naberezhnaya (“Kotelnicheskaya Embankment”), and the administrative building on the Sadovoye Koltso (“the Garden Ring Road”). I
We have now acquainted you with the main sights of Moscow,! but it is worth repeating that Moscow is a very big and wonderful city. In its every nook you will find something connected with its history and culture to interest you.
If you have come to Moscow during the warm season, we reekommend taking a cruise along the Moskva River. This is an inexpensive and pleasant way to sea the city. From the deck of a small and comfortable ship, you will get a panoramic view of the Moscow Kremlin, the new MSU building, and Luzhniki Stadium, as well as the embankments, bridges, parks and general environs of Moscow.
Lately, Moscow has been expanding particularly guickly. A great many new buildings have been constructed, and they don’t always blend in with the old Moscow. Moscow’s inhabitants, as do inhabitants in other big cities around the world, sometimes oppose the construction of such; modern edifices in the historical parts of their city, but life goel ahead as always. Moscow may be getting renewed, but it still hasn’t lost its original beauty
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