The first mention of Moscow in Russian chronicles dates back to 1147, but archaeologists have long established that the first settlements on the territory of the future capital of the Russian state appeared in the Paleolithic era. In modern Moscow there are many beautiful places, as well as historical and architectural monuments. Of course, it is simply impossible to cover all the sights of Moscow in one article, but we will try to talk about the most important and beautiful monuments and sights of the ancient and amazing Russian city.
1
Red Square
Let's start with the most famous and especially revered place - Red Square. In the center of Moscow during the restructuring of the Kremlin during the reign of Ivan III, the outlines of the future main square of the capital were outlined.
Initially, it consisted of three components, and bore the names "Big Square", "Vasilievskaya". Foreigners often called it "Market", but under Alexei Mikhailovich in the XVII century it received its current official name.
In the Soviet period it became the burial place of prominent statesmen and famous people of the Soviet Union. Today, the most visited place in Moscow, where military parades, demonstrations and concerts are held in honor of commemorative state dates.
2
The Moscow Kremlin
In medieval Russia, this was the main fortified part of the city, which was called the Detinets, or city, but in the XIV century it became known as the Kremlin.
Representing the main attractions of Moscow, we note that the Kremlin is the most recognizable and visited part of the city, which has long become its hallmark.
The very beginning of its history was a princely residence, and today the main state bodies of the country are located within its walls, including the official cabinet of the President of the Russian Federation.
3
St. Basil's Cathedral
The Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary on the Moat, which later received the national name St. Basil’s Church, was built in 1555-1561 by personal order of Ivan IV to commemorate the annexation of Kazan.
The cathedral unites 10 churches consecrated in honor of Orthodox saints. A beautiful cathedral was built on the site where wooden churches were previously installed, and the name has a moat, which served as a defensive structure in those days.
Today it is the historical center of Moscow, and in front of the church in 1818, in honor of the second militia of 1612, the first monument to Minin and Pozharsky was erected in Moscow.
4
Cathedral of Christ the Savior
Many historical and cultural sights of Moscow have their own glorious, and sometimes tragic, history. So it happened with the Cathedral of Christ the Savior.
Founded in 1812, it grew up on the banks of the river in 1861, and in 1931, during the period of the struggle against religion, it was blown up. It was restored in the 90s, and today it is one of the main religious buildings of the Orthodox Church.
Divine services are held here on major Orthodox holidays, and the names of officers and soldiers who died in the Patriotic War of 1812 were restored on the walls of the church in memory of glorious Russian soldiers.
5
Moscow City
The project to build a business center in the Russian capital appeared in 1991, and the first skyscrapers began to be built in the mid-90s of the last century.
The unique business center on Presnenskaya embankment consists of skyscrapers, each of which has its own name. For example, the Federation Tower, 374 m high, is the tallest building in Russia.
These monumental buildings in a futuristic style can be seen from different parts of Moscow, but everyone’s attitude to the aesthetic component of “Russian Manhattan” is different.
6
Church of the Ascension in Kolomenskoye
Today it is a unique monument of Russian architecture, and at one time, the church, built in the 20s of the 16th century, became the first stone hipped-roof temple in Russia.
Historians differ in information about the architects of the church, which grew up on the banks of the Moscow River. According to some accounts, the author of the project was Italian Peter Anibale, named in the Russian chronicles by Peter Fryazin.
The unique church was restored and re-consecrated in 2000. Now it is an important component of the national museum-reserve "Kolomenskoye", a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
7
Kremlin in Izmailovo
Naturally, the most interesting and main attractions are located in the center, but the surroundings of Moscow are not without their beauty and splendor.
Tourists are struck by the beauty and unusualness of a modern architectural monument, built in the architectural style of the 17th century. The residence of Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich was erected according to the old drawings and the appearance of the palace, preserved in the pictures.
The territory of the cultural complex has several unique museums, including one as unusual as the Russian Vodka Museum. So, having got here, the unknown sights of Moscow will become closer and more understandable.
8
Kolomna Palace
Another monument of Russian architecture associated with the name of Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich is his suburban residence in Kolomenskoye.
The construction of the wooden palace was supposed to show all the power and grandeur of the Russian state. The interior of the palace was luxurious, and was lavishly decorated with architectural elements of gold and precious stones.
During the reign of Catherine II, the palace was dismantled, but restored in modern times according to the preserved drawings and drawings.
9
Museum-Reserve Tsaritsyno
The magnificent palace and park ensemble, covering an area of 100 hectares, is located in the south of the Russian capital, and all its structures were built in the XVIII century.
Previously, buildings built in the style of pseudo-Gothic, or, as they also called “Russian Gothic,” served as the royal residence, but today it is a wonderful place for walking and exploring the past of the city.
The park was so loved by Muscovites and guests of the city that the whole family comes here. Among the buildings there are playgrounds for children, and the newlyweds after the registry office come here to do wedding photo shoots.
10
Novodevichy Convent
According to legend, the oldest female monastery in the capital was built exactly at the place where, during the time of the Golden Horde yoke, girls were selected for sending to the Horde.
The monastery was founded in 1524 by order of Vasily III. Its walls witnessed the main events of Russian history, and many tsar’s persons, as well as girls of the famous and illustrious noble families of Russia, took tonsure.
More recently, the monastery was completely restored, and in architectural terms it is a real fortress with powerful walls and towers.
11
Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
The list continues with the monumental cathedral, the main shrine of the Catholics of Russia, built in the early 20th century in a neo-Gothic architectural style.
The traditional lancet arches and rosette windows became an example of Catholic architecture. The interior of the temple, where there are neo-Gothic elements with beautiful stained-glass windows and mosaics, is also striking.
Today it is an active Catholic church, and within its walls concerts of organ music, as well as other events and church holidays are held.
12
Manor Kuskovo
Time has preserved for posterity a surprisingly beautiful architectural ensemble of the Sheremetev family in the east of Moscow. It was built in the neoclassical style in the 18th century according to the project of the serf architect Fedor Argunov.
In addition to magnificent palaces, there are many grottoes, greenhouses and a church. The Kuskovo estate was first mentioned at the end of the 16th century, and even then these lands belonged to the Sheremetyevs.
The estate is open for tourists to visit, and the unique monument itself received the status of a specially protected natural area.
13
Krutitsky Compound
In the Tagansky district of the capital there is a unique architectural monument of the 17th century, where the monastery was located earlier, and then the residence of the highest clergy of the church.
In 1991, Krutitsky Compound began to return to its previous functions. At first, a department for working with youth of the Russian Orthodox Church was placed here, but now it is the main patriarchal compound.
It is here that you can see how Moscow looked in the past, because unique buildings have been preserved on the territory of the compound.
14
The Bolshoi Theatre
Continuing our acquaintance with the cultural addresses of the capital, we will also look at the country's main theater and opera stage. The Bolshoi Theater, built in 1825, is today the best and most beautiful theater in the world.
In 1853, during a severe fire, the Bolshoi building completely burned down, but at the cost of incredible efforts it was already rebuilt three years later, and the first performances were given on its stage.
The magnificent architecture and the exterior decoration of the theater are striking, especially the colonnade on the facade and the massive crystal chandelier in the central hall.
15
State Tretyakov Gallery
In 1856, the Russian merchant and philanthropist Tretyakov founded an amazing art gallery, the paintings for which he began to collect in the 1920s.
Over time, the main building was combined with other exhibition halls, thus creating a unique complex, in the halls of which are collected masterpieces of painting, graphics, sculpture and decorative and applied art.
According to the will of Pavel Tretyakov, in 1861 the gallery passed into the city administration, and continues to delight visitors with magnificent works of art.
16
State Historical Museum
A beautiful building stands on Red Square, and within its walls are the expositions of the State Historical Museum. The museum was started by the decree of Alexander II of 1872, and in 1990 the building along with the square was inscribed on the World Heritage List.
Unique collections of artifacts tell the history of Russia from ancient times to the present day. Separate rooms are devoted to the history of other states.
In recent years, expositions are replenished with artifacts discovered during excavations in the urban area of the Russian capital.
17
Museum of Fine Arts named after Pushkin
In 1913, Moscow University handed over the collection of the Cabinet of Fine Arts and Antiquities to the newly opened museum, and a new cultural object appeared on the map of Moscow.
In addition to Russian antiquities, the museum acquired a collection of unique artifacts of Ancient Egypt, and today more than 700 exhibits are exhibited in its halls.
In addition to permanent exhibitions in the museum's halls, exhibitions, galleries of world famous figures of painting, drawing and sculpture are annually held.
18
Ostankino Tower
The magnificent TV tower rises above Moscow and pleases the eye with its perfect forms. And this unique architectural construction appeared on the map of Moscow in 1967, and began relaying the television signal to the whole country.
Offices and studios of popular television channels are located in the building, and the height of the tower reaches 540 meters. in addition to television channels, there is a television museum, a restaurant and viewing platforms.
For those who wish, excursions are organized, and from the observation platforms magnificent views of the residential quarters, squares and squares of Moscow open.
19
Triumphal Gate
On Kutuzovsky Prospekt there are the Triumphal Gates, which were erected in honor of the Victory in the Patriotic War of 1812.
It was erected for 5 years, and in 1834 a unique architectural monument became a beautiful decoration of Moscow. In 1936, according to the reconstruction project, the arch was dismantled, and in 1968 it was rebuilt.
The inscription of the arch of the XIX century glorified the deeds of Alexander I, but on the newly erected gate appeared an inscription glorifying the courage and stamina of a Russian soldier.
20
Sparrow Hills
You can take a bird's eye view of Moscow from the Sparrow Hills, which have long become the main viewing platform of the Russian capital.
Nearby is the monumental building of Moscow State University, and from above you can see the main monuments and cultural objects of Moscow - Luzhniki Stalin skyscrapers, towers of Moscow City.
The Sparrow Hills Park Zone is a great place for walking. Separate areas for jogging, rollerblading and biking are created. Weddings come here to take wonderful photos in a beautiful place to commemorate a significant event.
21
Old Arbat
The most popular and most famous street far beyond the borders of Moscow attracts with its special magnetism and charm. Pedestrian Boulevard surrounded by magnificent buildings has long been a favorite vacation spot.
Artists perform on the street, and artists offer to purchase paintings or to instantly complete your portrait. Here you can buy souvenirs, visit cozy cafes and restaurants, as well as unique bookstores and museums.
Old Arbat has repeatedly sung in poetry and songs, acts as a separate hero of Soviet and Russian feature films.
By the way, on thebiggest.ru there is an interesting article about the oldest buildings in Moscow. We highly recommend reading it.
22
ENEA
We will complete the journey around Moscow in an amazing and unique park complex, originally created in the 30s of the last century for an exhibition of the achievements of the national economy.
The favorite resting place of Muscovites and guests of the capital can offer visitors a walk along the shady alleys, enjoy the splendor of Soviet monumental architecture, feel the freshness of magnificent fountains.
Today, on the territory of VDNH, or as the All-Russian Exhibition Center is now called, there are numerous cafes, an aquarium, playgrounds, museums and exhibition halls.
So we presented interesting sights of Moscow that are of interest to tourists and historians. Surely, everyone who has ever visited the capital has developed their top 10 sights in Moscow that people want to visit.
All points of interest on the map:
We hope that a brief description will help you navigate when you visit the Russian capital, and most importantly, decide among many interesting places, highlight those that are worth a visit and see in Moscow in the first place.
Article author: Valery Skiba