Moscow |
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Moscow is the capital and largest city of Russia and indeed the largest city in Europe. Historically it was the capital of the former Soviet Union and the Grand Duchy of Moscow as well as the pre-Imperial Russian State. Moscow is also the location of the Kremlin which serves as the ceremonial residence of the President of Russia.Temperatures in the warmer months of June, July and August are around 22ºC and in the winter temperatures normally drop to around -10ºC. Moscow is renowned for its many magnificent buildings. The first one on your list to visit should be St. Basils Cathedral which can be found on the Red Square in the centre of the city. This fantastic techni-colour building was built between 1555 and 1561. The building comprises of 9 individual chapels, each topped with a unique onion dome. An extensive program of renovation is still being carried out on both the exterior and interior, but will not spoil your essential visit to St. Basil's Cathedral, Moscow's most famous and arguably most beautiful ecclesiastical building.The Kremlin which can be found next to St. Basils Cathedral should be your next point of call. The Kremlin is a historic fortified complex overlooking the Moskva River. The Kremlin offers a collection of magnificent palaces, churches and the ultimate in jewellery collections - including Fabergé eggs. The Church of the Ascension (orthodox) in Kolomenskoye is a former royal estate situated several miles to the south-east of Moscow downtown, on the ancient road leading to the town of Kolomna (hence the name). The scenic area which overlooks the steep banks of the Moskva River became a part of Moscow in the 1960s. The church was placed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. The beautiful white columns of the church are a must see- particularly in the winter months when the landscape is snow-covered. Another place worth visiting is Lenin’s Mausoleum also known as Lenin's Tomb, situated in Red Square in Moscow, is the mausoleum that serves as the current resting place of Vladimir Lenin. His embalmed body has been on public display there since the year he died in 1924. Not for the faint hearted! Not open to the public on Mondays or Fridays. Cameras prohibited. For those of you looking for somewhere to relax visit Moscow’s Gorky Park which was opened in 1928 and is located at Krymsky Val. The park has an amusement centre and in the winter it is possible to ice skate there. Typical for Moscow and Russia in general is vodka! Make sure you try a few of the interesting flavours they have to offer especially if you visit in wintertime. Soups and stews have always played an important role in the Russian meal. Why not try Shchi (cabbage soup) or Pelmeni which are a traditional Eastern European dish usually made with minced meat filling, wrapped in thin dough. Moscow is the place to go! So much to see and even more to discover! What are you waiting for?
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