How many poems and songs have been composed about our beautiful capital, because one cannot remain indifferent at the sight of the golden domes of the Kremlin, architectural masterpieces of the past and modern modernity. Every tourist, leaving Moscow, takes away in his heart a feeling of admiration for its beauty, immense grandeur and grandeur.
Kremlin and Red Square
In the center of the city, on the high bank of the river, the main building of the capital, the Kremlin, has been rising for a long time. The architectural ensemble consists of a fortress, buildings of cathedrals, temples, palaces with royal chambers, squares, streets.
The powerful walls of the fortress are guarded by 20 towers, among which there are no identical ones. For several centuries, the towers have been symbols of the Russian state. The ensemble includes 8 Cathedrals. Among them is one of the main cathedrals of the Russian state – the Assumption.
Solemn coronations of emperors and wedding ceremonies were held here. On the territory of the Kremlin is the oldest square in Moscow Cathedral. Being on it, you can see the Patriarchal Chambers, Assumption, Annunciation, Archangel Cathedrals, the Temple of the Twelve Apostles, the Faceted Chamber, the bell tower of Ivan the Great.
Now the President's residence is located in the Kremlin, museums are open. One of them is the Moscow Kremlin State Historical and Cultural Reserve. The museum hosts interesting excursions telling about the times of the White Stone, Brick Kremlin.
It is proposed to enter it through the Spasskaya Tower and Red Square. The area is often called the heart of the city, its soul. A silent witness to the fateful events of the country, surrounded by majestic architectural monuments. In ancient times, royal decrees sounded on the frontal place of the square.
The rulers went out through the Spassky Gates, the troops went to war. The locals called this place “beautiful or red”. Since 1661, by royal decree, the square received the official name “Red”.
Now it is considered one of the most beautiful squares in the world. The fabulous St. Basil's Cathedral, sparkling with folk patterns, the Kremlin towers, the famous bell ringing preserved the historical atmosphere on it, the spirit of the great Russian power. Attraction address: Aleksandrovsky Sad metro station, Kremlin, Red Square.
Kremlin in Izmailovo
The historical and architectural complex in Izmailovo appeared on the site of the workshops of artisans who lived under Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich of the “pre-Petrine” era of the capital. The original ensemble was built in the image of the ideas of the Izmailovo Vernissage.
Excursions, holidays, a meal in the Russian spirit in restaurants and cafes are held in the center of culture and entertainment. Visitors are offered dishes of ancient Russian cuisine. Of particular interest is the acquaintance with the traditions, culture, crafts of the peoples of Russia.
During a walk through the territory of the ensemble, it is proposed to independently try out the techniques of many folk crafts: felting, pottery, bread baking, blacksmithing.
The architectural style of the complex in Izmailovo is a synthesis of the best versions of the Kremlin that existed on Russian land at different times. The buildings of the royal residence, made according to the drawings, drawings of the 16th and 17th centuries, were a model of buildings (the main ones were the Church of St. Nicholas and the Palace of the Russian Meal).
In the Palace, created by the imagination of architects and decorated with numerous elements of a real royal dwelling, 10 banquet halls are offered. From the balconies, windows, gallery overlooking the square, where the main events of the Kremlin.
There are several interesting museums on the territory (Bread, the Russian Navy, the history of vodka, Russian folk toys, the Museum of Miniatures “World History in Plasticine”, etc.).
Cathedral of Christ the Savior
The architectural monument was created in honor of the victory in the war against Napoleon. Blown up during the Stalinist regime, it received a second life at the end of the last century. The Cathedral is considered the main Temple of Russia.
It hosts divine services with the participation of the Patriarch of All Russia, meetings of Bishops' Councils, church forums. From a historical point of view, the Cathedral of Christ the Savior serves as a unique museum that stores important events of an entire era of Russia, a memorial of Russian military glory.
The original idea of a temple dedicated to the Savior was proposed by the first architect Alexander Vitberg. The grandeur of the building was to surpass the famous Cathedral of Peter and Paul in Rome. The Cathedral is located near the Kremlin.
The restored interior decoration is represented by numerous images of the Lord's graces, figures of saints, Russian princes who did not spare their lives in the fight against the enemy for their homeland. The names of the brave heroes of the battles of 1812 are written on the marble plaque at the bottom of the gallery.
Shishkin porphyry, Italian marble, labrador stone, precious stones, gold leaf were used in the design of the Cathedral. Now in the huge hall of the Cathedral there are Christmas trees for children for the New Year. Along with excursions, it is proposed to visit the observation decks of the Cathedral. One of them has a good view of the Kremlin.
Old Arbat
To plunge into the atmosphere of the old city, to feel the spirit of bygone centuries is offered during a walk along the Old Arbat. Its lanes, small courtyards evoke tenderness to the sounds of the famous songs of Bulat Okudzhava.
Every step along the Arbat is surrounded by buildings, places associated with the life history of many famous personalities. For example, in house number 4 (behind the Prague restaurant) lived relatives of Natalia Goncharova (Pushkin's muse). House number 53 was the headquarters of the poet.
The newlyweds lived in it for the first time. In honor of the 200th anniversary of Pushkin, a monument was erected next to him to a couple who showed the power of great love. Opposite the monument to Gogol is the famous house of Mosselprom. The wall of memory of Viktor Tsoi has become a real place of pilgrimage. The first mention of the street exists since 1493. The road to Smolensk passed along it.
Buildings in the Empire style appeared on it in the 19th century. At the end of the 19th century, it became commercial, many buildings passed into the possession of merchants, and tenement houses appeared. At the beginning of the 20th century, writers, musicians, artists, theater and cinema figures moved here.
The Vakhtangov State Theater is located on this street. Now it is both a museum, a market with fashionable shops and restaurants. The pedestrian section “Old Arbat” starts at the metro station “Arbatskaya” or “Smolenskaya”.
VDNH
In honor of the 20th anniversary of Soviet power in 1939, an unusual exhibition was opened in Moscow, showing the achievements of Soviet industry in various fields. The dream city of a Soviet man among pavilions, fountains, sculptures, park alleys, stadiums, created by the possibilities of the Soviet economy in all regions of the country.
The invariable symbol of the victory of socialism was the famous sculpture by Mukhina “Worker and Collective Farm Girl”. Now VDNKh is considered the largest entertainment and educational ensemble in Russia. Together with the restored old pavilions, modern buildings dedicated to the conquest of space and cybernetics appeared. On the territory of the exhibition there are 49 buildings recognized as masterpieces of architecture and included in the lists of cultural heritage monuments.
Parks, alleys, ponds, beautiful flower beds allow you to spend your holidays here in an unusual relaxing atmosphere. Expositions of the best products of various sectors of the national economy are constantly held.
The music of concerts, works from literary evenings sound. The country's largest oceanarium, a fishermen's village, attractions with a huge Ferris wheel, and a green theater are open to the public. In winter, a large skating rink is poured.
In summer it is offered to ride bicycles, try your hand at the rope park, play table tennis, badminton. Hire of hoverboards, roller skates, bicycles works regularly. The main entrance is located on the side of Prospekt Mira./p>
Hermitage Garden
There are over 100 parks and gardens in Moscow used for walking and entertainment. Among them, the Hermitage recreation area in Karetny Ryad occupies a special place. This year the famous garden turned 125 years old.
The alleys of the monument of gardening art, its theatres, stages, pavilions, filled with Muscovites, heard the voices of Chaliapin, Nezhdanova. The music of Rachmaninov, admired the game of Sarah Bernhardt, Komissarzhevskaya, Yermolova. Here in 1898 the Moscow Art Theater was opened.
His first performances were Tsar Fyodor Ioannovich, premieres of Chekhov's plays. A year after the opening in Shchukinsky Park (named after the creator and main financier at the time of the creation of the park), the first film screening in Moscow was held here on the cinematograph of the Lumiere brothers.
In the “Mirror” theater held the first game “What? Where? When?”. There are many interesting sculptural groups in the garden. Among them is a monument to all lovers “Silver Heart”, installed in 2006.
Now the Hermitage Garden is the center of the city's summer pop and touring life. Three theaters are located on a small square: the Hermitage, the New Opera, and the Sphere.
In summer, there is a silent open-air cinema “SUMMER TIMES” (the sound is broadcast through headphones). On the big lawn there are inflatable bright puffs. In winter, an ice rink is filled in their place.
Patriarch's Ponds
The name of the place evokes in a person memories of ancient times, mysticism, mysteries that lived here before the appearance of Moscow. As if the priests of the ancient cult of the pagans are still hiding in the place of the Goat Swamp and perform their rituals on the shore of one of the preserved ponds.
According to local legends, these are the souls of the drowned (victims of the actions of the priests) that formed a mystical place here. In the middle of the 20th century, a gang of hypnotists operated on the ponds.
Perhaps the presence of evil spirits contributed to the creation of the famous work “The Master and Margarita”. Patriarchal Ponds began to be called after the formation of Patriarchal Sloboda by the efforts of Patriarch Hermogenes. He drained the swamp, built churches, dug three fish ponds in his own residence.
For a long time the ponds were abandoned (after the abolition of the patriarchate), two were filled in, and the third was restored in 2003. An important motive was the construction of the elite house “Patriarch”. Under the My Street program, an excellent green area was created for the recreation of Muscovites, guests of the capital. It deservedly entered the lists of cultural heritage.
Thoughts of a different nature are born when remembering that famous poets, actors, famous party leaders lived in the nearest houses. Alexander Blok lived for some time, Marina Tsvetaeva was born, the creators of rocket technology, air marshals worked.
In 1976, a monument to Krylov was erected in the square on the ponds, surrounded by 12 heroes of famous fables. Now Muscovites come here in the summer to play chess and take a walk along the comfortable alleys. In winter, they are attracted by a skating rink, fun fairs.
MUZEON art park
The events of 1991 changed the history of the country, destroyed its basic ideological principles. The construction of a new life began throughout the territory. There was no place in it for “architectural monuments” in the form of sculptures of leaders, compositions glorifying power. They were taken from all over the city to the wasteland. After the construction of the new building of the Tretyakov Gallery, the House of Artists decided to place a unique open-air sculpture park.
From the monuments of the Soviet era, interesting thematic zones were created, demonstrating a specific historical time. The sculptures of Vuchetin, Merkurov, Mukhina, etc. were restored and presented for viewing (monuments to Stalin, Derzhinsky, Gorky, Mukhina's sculptural ensemble “We Demand Peace”).
Among the elements of the museum there are monuments not related to the political life of the country: “Don Quixote”, “Grandfather Mazai and Hares”, “Shoes”, sculptural works of avant-garde artists, forbidden to be shown and stored in workshops. A composition of sculptures associated with military operations has been created.
In total, there are about 1000 elements in the Museon. To see the unique monuments that have absorbed the spirit of the country's former life, it is proposed to walk along comfortable paths, surrounded by flowers, trees, fountains. Rental services allow you to take a bike and explore the entire park along the equipped paths.
On the Krymskaya embankment, buy a painting, engravings, various works of contemporary masters, visit exhibitions.
Gorky Park
There are many parks with this name in the cities of the former Soviet Union. Their ancestor was the Moscow Gorky Park. It appeared in 1928 at the site of the first All-Russian exhibition of the country on the site of Krymsky Val along the banks of the Moscow River. Sparrow Hills, Neskuchny Garden (they are part of the park) complemented the beautiful green area.
The main entrance is located on the side of the Garden Ring. The center of the park is located next to the huge bowl of the fountain, from which alleys and walking paths diverge.
The childhood of kids, schoolchildren of the last century took place in such parks. Now there are no modern noisy attractions, water parks. After the reconstruction, it became a cozy zone of silence and tranquility. At the same time, sports grounds and attractions for kids in the Miracle City have been preserved in the park. Teenagers are provided with an almost real ship that can be controlled by imagining themselves as a captain (attractions Silver Mine, Serpentine, Dream Ship, Condor, etc.).
On the territory of the recreation area there is a sports center, a summer cinema, a greenhouse, beach places on the river bank with wooden deck chairs (Olive Beach), next to the Galitsinsky pond, a large skating rink in winter. A dance floor where concerts with popular singers often take place.
There is a zone with free internet and computer places. The park is popular with residents of the capital as a place of relaxation and quiet rest.
Zaryadye Park
A small park appeared on the site of the historic district (the Rossiya Hotel used to be here) in 2017 and quickly became popular with Muscovites and guests of the capital. The prestigious district of Moscow of the 12th century (behind the shopping arcade), inhabited by artisans, merchants, has acquired a new life, preserving the ancient atmosphere and artifacts transferred to the Underground Museum. The unsightly wasteland next to the Kremlin walls has turned into a unique recreation area.
Its alleys, green areas are just beginning to develop, but they are already attracting attention with an interesting approach to their formation. The hill “Northern landscapes” is formed from vegetation typical for the northern regions of the country. A beautiful view of the Znamensky Cathedral opens from the hill.
By the way, there are nine temples in the park. About 15,000 artifacts have been found here, including a fragment of the Kitaygorod wall of the 16th century. Soon birch, oak groves, mixed and floodplain forests, created from seedlings of native Russian places, will rustle in the park.
The Zaryadye Concert Hall began to operate in the park. This unique architectural building made of glass and concrete ends with an interesting area of the amphitheater that has grown into the hill. The hall houses the largest organ in Russia and Europe. Its sound can be heard well from any place in the transformer hall.
It is proposed to approach the dome of the concert hall along the famous “floating bridge”, which has become the main attraction of Zaryadye Park.
Victory Park
This is one of the largest memorial complexes in Russia and the world. It is dedicated to the victory in the battles of World War II and is located on Poklonnaya Hill. It is an ancient, historical site of the city and is mentioned in the documents of 1368.
Travelers stopped here, various conquerors dreamed of power over Moscow, soldiers went to the front. For many of them, this was the last battle. It is to them, who defended their native land, that the unique memorial complex in Victory Park is dedicated.
The birth of the park took place in 1958 with the appearance of a granite slab with an inscription that there will be a memorial place in honor of the victory over the Nazis. And it was created. In the park, each section is saturated with the solemn atmosphere of heroism, the memory of the Great Victory. The central place is occupied by the arched building of the Museum of the Great Patriotic War. In front of him rises a bayonet with a height corresponding to the number of war days. Bronze bas-reliefs and the figure of the goddess Nike are fixed on it.
This is the Victory Monument. The attractions of the park include the Church of St. George the Victorious, the Holocaust Museum, the Synagogue, the Memorial Mosque, monuments to the defenders of the Russian land, soldiers-internationalists. The sculptural ensemble “The Tragedy of Peoples”, the complex of fountains “The Years of War”.
Every evening, the original red illumination is turned on on 225 water streams (according to the number of weeks of the war). They are often referred to as Blood Fountains.” Holidays, concerts, festivities are regularly held in the park.
Ostankino TV tower
The modern television center appeared on the site of the Shukhov tower with a transmitting television antenna in 1967. The first signal from the new tower left in November in honor of the 50th anniversary of the October Revolution. The second phase of construction was completed in 1968.
The observation deck (at an altitude of 337 m), the restaurant began work a year later. The Ostankino television tower is located near VDNKh, next to the metro station. Its height is 340 m and is one of the tallest buildings.
It ranks 10th among free-standing buildings in the world and 1st in Europe. As a result of a fire in 2000, three floors of the tower were completely burned down, and high-speed elevators collapsed. The powerful concrete walls of the bathhouse made it possible to carry out repairs and continue broadcasting many programs.
Now television broadcasters with horizontal polarization are installed on the fifth floor. The design of the Nikitin project with a cone-shaped base (“inverted lily”) has proven its reliability.
Three viewing platforms have been opened at an altitude of 337, 340 and 85 m. It hosts conferences, seminars, theatrical performances, concerts.
Moscow cable car
In preparation for the World Cup, the authorities decided to build a new cable car to lift athletes. The previous cable car existed since 1953 and was built according to the design of a gallium engineer to serve a large ski jump.
A new 720 m long route connected Luzhniki with an observation deck on Sparrow Hills with an intermediate stop at Vorobyovskaya Embankment. It became much longer and passed over the Moscow River. On the road, left-hand traffic was created from 8-seater gondolas (there are 35 of them) of different categories of comfort, and 4-seater hanging chairs.
There are even separate VIP versions. The equipment is made by a Swiss company. They have places for fastening skis in winter and bicycles in summer. In 2019, the cable car cabins are equipped with audio guides (in four languages).
It is proposed to start the journey by cable car from the Luzhniki station (not far from the Sportivnaya metro stop). In one of the premises of the station there are platforms for boarding passengers. There is an elevator for the disabled and the elderly. The plans for the future construction of Moscow provide for the emergence of 40 km of new ropeways.
Sparrow Hills
The ancient place of Moscow is a rugged river bank with cliffs, landslides. Once upon a time, sea waves raged here, and then the first settlements of mankind appeared, the settlement of the Dyakovo period.
At one time, Pop Sparrow lived here, and an interesting area began to be called by his last name. Her special property was the keys, springs coming out of the bowels of the earth. The famous Rublevsky water pipeline (built in 1900) ran from the Moscow River through the reservoirs of the area.
Based on the rare quality of the fine-grained sand of the Sparrow Hills, mirror and glass factories were built (in the 17th century). During the period of the 15th-18th centuries, the residences of tsars, Russian emperors, and grand dukes were located in the Vorobyov Palace. At the beginning of the 19th century, it was planned to build the Cathedral of Christ the Savior in its place. In the Middle Ages, there were wooden churches on the site of the Cathedral of the Life-Giving Trinity. The first of them appeared in the XIV century.
The landscape, geological features of the area influenced the decision to create Vorobyevsky Park here. Build architectural structures included in the lists of city sights. Among them are Moscow State University, an observation deck that opens up a beautiful panorama of the city, a ski jump, a sports complex, a new building of the Academy of Sciences, located at the foot of the mountains.
In the landscape of the park (natural reserve Vorobyovy Gory) three ponds (large and small Andreevsky and Lesnoy), a section of an ancient broad-leaved forest, have been preserved. Excursion routes pass along special ecological paths. Andreevsky Monastery was opened in 2013. Sparrow Hills are a popular holiday destination for Muscovites.
Observation deck in Moscow City
Residents, guests of the capital at any time sought to look at the beautiful city from a bird's eye view, to cover the largest possible territory with their eyes. Hundreds of viewing platforms were located inside the city and in its environs.
Therefore, when the “city of skyscrapers” “Moscow-City” grew up, consisting of a complex of high-rise buildings of original architecture, several zones were organized in it for visiting. It is proposed to see the whole complex from the observation deck on the opposite bank of the river.
The highest observation deck is located in the Federation skyscraper on the 89th floor, 360 m high. It is organized in compliance with the requirements of world standards for comfort, safety and is provided for in the initial blueprints of the skyscraper.
PANORAMA 360 provides a 360° view of the city and allows you to take beautiful pictures of the city. On its territory there are ice cream and chocolate factories located at a height (the highest in the world). There are 9 interactive zones on the observation deck.
It is a cultural and educational center. Master classes, exhibitions are held here, schools for studying the history of Moscow work.
Closed panoramic windows allow you to visit it all year round. But on the roof of the OKO tower there is the highest (in Moscow, Europe) open observation deck HIGH PORT 354. Children under 7 years old are not allowed on it. From this site it is proposed to observe the night sky using a three-meter telescope.
St. Basil's Cathedral
During a walk along Red Square, an elegant temple attracts special attention. It looks like a flower with bright buds, which appeared from the bowels of the Russian land in the place where there was once a defensive moat of the old city. 11 amazing domes rise above the buildings of churches, united in a beautiful ensemble. In its center rises the pillar-shaped Church of the Intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos.
The architectural complex was erected by decree of Ivan the Terrible in 1561-1565 in honor of the capture of Kazan. In 1670, a hipped bell tower was built.
On one foundation there are 10 churches with onion domes. None of them are the same. The churches are consecrated with the names of saints whose days of remembrance coincided with the decisive battles for Kazan. The Orthodox church has a chapel in honor of St. Basil the Blessed. There are many legends about his life, and the unique ensemble was named after him.
The external and internal decoration of the cathedral consists of intricate floral patterns, ornaments, murals, frescoes, paintings of monumental painting, works of Russian icon painting. Divine services were resumed in the cathedral, excursion routes were organized. The temple of Russia, unique in its beauty and significance.
Address: Red Square, 2.
Kolomenskoye
In the southern part of Moscow is the ancient village of Kolomenskoye, which later became the residence of the Grand Dukes and Tsars. Residential buildings, a palace, a fortress fence, and churches were erected here. On the high bank, elegant chambers, towers, connected by stairs, passages, and bizarre galleries flaunted.
Among the architectural creations, the building of the Church of the Ascension of the Lord stands out. It was built in 1532 from large bricks on a base in the shape of a cross and ends with a high tent.
Three porches lead to the gallery, where a throne made of carved stone has been preserved. Near the building there is a famous healing spring, which attracted women here for the treatment of infertility. The building is the first hipped temple in Russia, made of stone. In those days, cross-domed churches were built.
It is believed that its author was Pietro Annibale (Petrok the Small). There are legends that the temple was built in honor of the birth of Tsar Ivan the Terrible, and it is associated with his vanished library.
Since 1994, the church has been included in the list of UNESCO heritage sites. The last restoration of the church took place in 2007. Now the basement tier is open to the public, divine services are being held, and a museum exposition of the exhibition “Secrets of the Church of the Ascension” has been organized.
Along with the architectural masterpieces of the village (Churches of the Ascension, St. George the Victorious, the Sovereign's Court, the Towers of the Bratsk Ostrog), it is proposed to see beautiful elements of the natural landscape reserve: springs, groves, ravines.
Tsaritsyno
The new life of the park, created as the summer residence of Catherine II, began in the early 2000s. The unkempt and overgrown complex (after the death of the queen) was betrayed to the capital and completely restored.
Walking along the paths, alleys of the park, it is proposed to walk through the halls of the Big and Small palaces of the capital. View permanent exhibitions dedicated to the reign of Catherine II, learn the history of the Tsaritsyno reserve. Get acquainted with the Opera House, where it was planned to hold court performances.
See the original 8-sided building intended for the second cavalry corps, the temple of the icon of the Mother of God “Life-Giving Spring”. Musical fountains, graceful bridges, well-groomed alleys, luxurious flower beds, Gothic buildings give the reserve a modern flourishing look.
In the greenhouse of the reserve, you can look at plants that were grown in the 18th century.
Moscow Planetarium
The oldest planetarium in Russia turned 90 on November 5 (it was built in 1929). All these years he has been an active popularizer of the development of natural science knowledge. An observatory is equipped here, which allows observing space objects. Since 2010 (after the difficult history of the planetarium), it has been owned by the Moscow Property Department. After reconstruction, the purchase of the latest equipment, the planetarium is a multi-level building.
Each level has its own purpose. In the lower, underground part there is the Small Hall, where children can look at the starry sky, made in a miniature version, go to the 4D cinema, visit the Lunarium interactive museum.
His expositions on astronomy, physics, space exploration, Urania halls (they tell the history of the planetarium).
On the second level, there is the largest telescope in the city (300 mm in diameter) available to visitors. The large star hall is located at the top under the dome of the planetarium. Here you can trace the stellar route of over 9 thousand celestial bodies. The planetarium is located on Sadovo-Kudrinskaya street, 5. You need to go to the metro station “Barrikadnaya”.
Apothecary garden
The history of the pharmacy garden is associated with the appearance of the Botanical Garden of Moscow State University, founded in 1706 under Peter I in the northern part of the city. There is a legend that the larch planted by him next to the spruce, pine with the aim of “instructing citizens in their difference” is still growing. A big surprise is the existence of a rare green area next to the busy Prospekt Mira.
The area, conceived for the cultivation of medicinal herbs, has become an invaluable archive of well-groomed plants that have been living on our earth for millions of years. Since 1805, the Apothecary Garden Botanical Garden has become the base of Moscow State University for studying and creating collections of various plants. For over 300 years, cozy places have been found here for the development of plants, subtropics, tropics, northern regions of the earth, united by 5000 botanical taxa (varieties, forms, varieties, etc.).
Among them, for example, only the collection of orchids consists of thousands of varieties, species, forms. Familiar irises are represented by 700 varieties, and the common lilac has 130 varieties. For some, open space is used, others are developed in modern greenhouses. Several scientific programs have been developed in the Botanical Garden.
Among them, attention is paid to the collection, study, conservation of endangered plant species. There is a separate exposition of plants listed in the Red Book of the country. For Muscovites, the territory of the garden has long been a favorite vacation spot.
Walking among the beautiful flowers (the sea of tulips, daffodils, magnolias, etc.), listening to the birds singing, you can take part in musical concerts held in the tropical pavilion.
Address: Prospekt Mira, 26.
Nikolskaya street
Walking along the pedestrian street that has become today. Nikolskaya, you will be convinced that the whole history of Russia is embodied in it, starting from the 13th century and ending with our time. It is located in the Tverskoy district of the city. An ancient monument of the capital, which can be considered st. Nikolskaya, appeared in the 13th century. It was founded as a transport line connecting the Kremlin with northern cities (Suzdal, Vladimir, Rostov the Great).
The people called it the Vladimir road, and officially it was called Sretenskaya. The country's first printing house, known as the Printing Yard, was built here. In the 19th century, there was an active trade in books, office buildings were located. In all its grandeur, today the temple of the Epiphany (13th century) flaunts on it, where the relics of A. the First-Called are kept. Nearby there is another 14th monastery – Nikola the Old, who gave the new name of the route.
In the Soviet years, st. Renamed to October 25th. You will see the infamous Execution House, where the military board (1935-50s) decided the fate of thousands of innocent people, sending them to their deaths. Of interest is the magnificent building of the Ferrein Pharmacy. The German pharmacist bought it from the merchant Schilbach and placed in it the pharmacy of the owner Gurchin, the organizer of the first private pharmaceutical institution.
Impressive is the luxurious architectural ensemble “Slavianski Bazaar” – a famous hotel with a restaurant, which was visited by no less famous personalities of our history. It is impossible to indifferently pass by the Red Mint, not to admire the old profitable houses (19-20 centuries). An informative walk along the now pedestrian Nikolskaya Street will give you great pleasure.
Krutitsy Patriarchal Compound
An indelible impression on tourists is made by the historical and architectural monument of the 13th century, located in the old center of the capital, in the Tagansky district. Initially, the complex was built as a monastery, which later became the episcopal residence. Its name “Krutitsy” means “hill”, the place where it was built. Krutitsy courtyard is surrounded by picturesque views of nature.
Mighty walls with gate arches, an ancient bell tower, temple domes amaze with their authenticity and beauty of architecture. Living history rises before your eyes when a tour takes place here. The priceless monument of Russian architecture includes more than 5 tourist sites. It is impossible not to admire the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin (15th century).
The wooden temple acquired the importance of a central religious center for Muscovites during the Polish dominance. After the reconstruction of the 17th century, the cathedral became stone, the walls inside were painted with frescoes. Today, restoration work continues.
It is impossible to look away from the building and the gates of the unique Krutitsy Terem – a true pearl of Russian architecture. Frescoes, glazed tiles, created by Osip Startsev, amaze with their ornate beauty. Noteworthy are the Metropolitan's Chambers (17th century), the Cathedral of the Resurrection of the Word and other architectural monuments.
Zoo
It has a rich history that began in 1864, when a zoo was opened on Presnensky Ponds. Previously, in this place, popular among Muscovites, there was a royal menagerie, so the zoo became its continuation. It was created collectively: zoologists and just animal lovers among the inhabitants.
At the time of the opening of the establishment, there were already 300 domestic and wild representatives of the Russian fauna. The expenses for the care and feeding of the inhabitants of the zoo fell on the shoulders of patrons, among whom were Emperor Alexander II, Prince Konstantin and other famous personalities. Indian elephant, rhinoceros, zebra, kangaroo – their gifts to the institution.
Today, the zoo, which occupies a huge area, strikes the imagination with the diversity of fauna and picturesque landscape design. At the main entrance is the Big Pond – a habitat for various waterfowl. There are pavilions on the territory of the zoo with predators of the cat family, which are inhabited by lynxes, jaguars, white tigers, puma, etc.
Everyone's favorite giraffe Samson attracts the constant interest of visitors. Here you can see representatives of the African savanna – tapir, wildebeest. The zoo is deservedly proud of its unique collection of cranes (8 out of 14 species). In a word, almost the entire geography of the world's fauna is represented in the Moscow Zoo. His visit makes a lasting impression.
Manor Kuskovo
The splendor of palace architecture, landscape and park art, the beauty of the interior decoration of the premises delight everyone who finds himself in the Kuskovo estate. This historical place in the south-east of the capital is associated with the famous surname of the Sheremetevs. B.P. Sheremetyev initially owned a piece of land, and after that he took possession of his wife's hereditary land and became the owner of a huge plot. Here he created a beautiful architectural and landscape complex – a summer residence.
It is impossible to resist the beauty of the grandiose palace, with numerous luxurious halls. Praskovya Zhemchugova, a serf actress who became the wife of Sheremetyev's son, Nikolai Petrovich, once lived in them. A feature film was shot about this forbidden love between a count and a serf, which was filmed in Kuskovo.
The appearance of the main palace, the halls of which are arranged in an enfilade in a circle, admires. Almost each of them has its own name: Mirror Hall, Picture Hall, Billiard Room, Dining Room, etc. Dance evenings were held in the Mirror Hall, with large mirrors on the walls. The owner's state awards are depicted in the corners of the hall, and the count's coat of arms is placed in the center.
Paintings are hung in all rooms, luxurious candlesticks are installed, the walls are decorated with ornate moldings. In the spacious dining room you will see huge portraits of the owner of the palace. A large table, covered with a canopy and lined with old dishes, seems ready to receive guests. On the territory of the park, in addition to the main palace, there are Dutch and Italian houses, the Grotto building in the original design, and elegant sculptures.
Alexander Garden
Alexander Garden today is the object of attention of all guests of the capital. The territory is the embodiment of Russian history, connected with its tragic and victorious events of the past. Broken at the beginning of the 20th century according to the project of Beauvais, the garden included the former Kremlin gardens, the bed of the river. Neglinnaya. The entrance to it is crowned with massive cast-iron gates, the design of which symbolizes statehood and unity.
The territory is decorated with a kaleidoscope of bright flower beds and lawns. The Romanovsky obelisk is installed here – a stele with a pedestal, where the names of royal persons are immortalized. The Armory and Kutafya towers are also interesting for visitors. At any time of the year, Muscovites and tourists come to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to lay flowers as a symbol of eternal memory of those who died in the war.
A reminder of the war of 1812 is the ruins grotto. It is characteristic that the walls of the object are lined with fragments of buildings destroyed by Napoleon. The grotto is “mounted” in the elevation, which in the era of Peter the Great was a defensive redoubt made of cannonballs.
A beautiful lawn enlivens the picture of a commemorative memorial. When in 1872 the 200th anniversary of the reformer tsar was celebrated, a Polytechnical exhibition was held in the garden. It presented the results of the cultural and technical achievements of Russia. At the end of the Alexander Garden is the Vodovzvodnaya Tower, an architectural monument of the 18th century.
Novodevichy Convent
In the district of Khamovniki there is a magnificent religious and architectural complex of the Novodevichy Convent. It is located on the Maiden's Field, the name of which was given in the era of the Mongol-Tatar yoke. According to legend, girls for the Golden Horde were chosen here. The monastery was founded by Grand Duke Vasily III in 1524 in honor of the liberation of Smolensk in 1514.
Until the 18th century, royal women were exiled here. Princess Sophia, the sister of Peter I, languished here. Today, the architectural complex of the monastery, which has practically not changed its appearance, serves as an object of world importance and is included in the UNESCO list as a protected object.
Today, the functioning Novodevichy Convent, an amazing monument of Moscow baroque architecture, continues to captivate the guests of Moscow with its beauty. The greatest sacred relic is kept here – the Icon of the Mother of God Hodegetria. The remains of many representatives of the royal family are buried here. On its territory there are 10 chapels and churches, each of which is a wonderful example of Russian architecture: the Smolensk Church, the Assumption of the Virgin, the Transfiguration of the Lord, etc.
The beauty and grandeur of the fence made of white stone walls, almost 11 m high and about 5 m thick, admire the beauty and grandeur of the fence. There are 12 fortification towers along the almost kilometer-long perimeter of the fence. Objects of visit, except churches, the Necropolis and the cemetery of the monastery.
Sokolniki Park”
One of the most popular vacation spots for citizens and tourists. The status of a public park was assigned to this place in 1931. Active improvement and cultivation of the territory began here. Beautiful alleys were created, various objects were organized: a dance veranda, concert halls and venues, various attractions – cultural life was in full swing.
During the hard times in the war Sokolniki operated factories for the manufacture of military equipment and ammunition. Immediately after the end of the war, the factories were dismantled, and the former cultural and entertainment facilities were restored again. Today, there is a huge exhibition center, opened in 1959, where various exhibitions of all-Russian and international scale are held.
Sokolniki is very popular with people of all ages, from toddlers to senior citizens. Enormous funds have been invested in the arrangement of the famous park, so it meets the highest standards of establishments of this kind. Excellent conditions for sports have been created here: bicycle and roller tracks, jogging tracks, ski slopes have been laid.
In winter, the skating rink is flooded – skates can be rented. In the warm season, various concerts, poetry evenings, and competitions are constantly held on the open stage. In recent years, a climbing wall, a karting arena, a shooting range for archery and crossbow have appeared in the park. Equipped with a beautiful tennis court, a large room for billiards. Surrounded by roses, there is an open-air playground with stationary simulators available to everyone free of charge.
Moose Island
Photo: Natalia and Alexander Fedosov
The world's only largest piece of natural forest within the city is Losiny Ostrov. Occupies an area of 116 sq. km. A smaller part of it is separated by a ring road, and the main array is remote from city buildings. In ancient times, the forest jungle served as a hunting ground for courtiers.
Now Elk Island is a National Park, a protected site. The clean air, the beauty of the flora, the richness of the animal world make the protected area an attractive place for walking and exploring wildlife. Families come here at any time of the year to wander along the droshky among the trees, go in for sports, and listen to the birds. For this, a special zone with free access is allocated here.
There is also a public recreation area where you can ride horses and bikes. Children's favorite pastime is hand-feeding the squirrels that live here in large numbers. In different places, playgrounds are equipped, decorated with carved wooden figures of fairy-tale characters. You can visit the Museum of Russian Life, a bird sanctuary, horse yards “Losinka”, “Nightingale Grove”, “Forest”. Experienced instructors teach riding skills.
Riding on carriages is a pleasure not only for children, but also for adults. The opportunity to see with your own eyes the moose, after which the park is named, is provided at the biological station, where excursions are organized. 5 km from the Moscow Ring Road there is an arboretum, where they get acquainted with various plants, visit a model of a badger's hole. No less interesting is visiting the historical centers “Abramtsevo”, “Red Pine”. There are also environmental centers (Yauza, Russian Life), organized in ancient estates.
Catherine Park
Photo: Igor German (http://fotokto.ru/id90930 )
A beautiful monument of gardening art, named after Catherine II, is located in the Meshchansky district. In the Soviet years, it was known as the CDSA park, after perestroika it was returned to its former name. The improvement of this territory began in the 16th century, the monastery of the Ascension of the Cross was transferred here, the church of John the Warrior appeared. Later (2nd half of the 18th century), Count Saltykov founded the estate here, who laid out a park next to it, with a large pond.
Then (1807) the estate was transformed into the Catherine's Institute for Girls, which gave the park the name of Catherine. Near the park there is a magnificent building of the Red Army Theater, which is worthy of attention. The entrance to the park itself is rather inconspicuous, but the general view of the territory is very impressive.
Well-groomed trees, shrubs, clean paths, beautiful alleys immediately arouse admiration. Along the paths there are many benches for rest, there are stalls with ice cream and pastries. For lovers of good food open cafe.
In the center of the park there is a large old pond, which is regularly cleaned. It has rowing boats for rent, where you can ride on the water surface. Nearby is a small pond where parents with children come. To the delight of the children, instead of boats they are offered figures of swans made of wood or plastic.
A lot of pigeons walk around the whole territory – they are willingly fed by children. Active guests can play football in the mini-stadium or play tennis on the court. There is also a playground for rugby and badminton. Various concerts are held in the open area. The landscape beauty of the park cannot but delight.
Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
One of the most beautiful churches in the capital, a true masterpiece of neo-Gothic architecture is located on Malaya Gruzinskaya Street. It is impossible to pass by the largest Catholic building indifferently, even from a distance it amazes with its graceful beauty.
The opening of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception took place in 1911, but the interior decoration continued until 1917. The new life of the cathedral began in 1990, on the day of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary. The service was held on the steps of the temple, because the inside required restoration, which lasted 3 years (1996-99).
As a result of painstaking work, the cathedral was returned to the authentic appearance of the neo-Gothic building, the magnificent facade of which became a model of Westminster Abbey. The slender spiers of the towers crowning the temple are reminiscent of the Milan Cathedral. Today, there is an organ of a famous Swiss company, donated to Moscow Catholics in 2002.
Outstanding performers from Russia and abroad give concerts of organ music on a magnificent sounding instrument. They give listeners not only classical music, but also modern rock, where the organ melody is combined with the sounds of various instruments. A visit to the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception leaves a deep impression.