To Russia with Love

Location:
Russia

Artistic Metro Stations

By Peter Anderson

The city of Moscow began from the small watchtower of the fortress, which was erected on the outskirts of the Vladmir-Suzdal Principality by Prince Yuri Dolgoruki at the first half of the 12th century.

The Moscow Kremlin is the central architectural ensemble of the city created in the 14th century. It is regarded as a ‘fairy tale in stone’. The original Kremlin, a wooden construction, was extensively renovated and expanded in the first half of the 14th century. It was destroyed by fire 30 years after it was completed. In 1367 a white stonewall was built and between 1485 and 1495 the current brick wall was erected. The Moscow Kremlin is not only known as a monument to Russian history, national architecture and culture but as the centre of state and government.

Krasnaya Square, or as it is commonly known to most of us as Red Square (krasnaya is usually translated as red but the correct translation is beautiful or main) is regarded as the main square of Russia and draws tourists from all over the world. The present site of the square was determined late in the 15th century when it was known as the ‘Torg’, meaning market place. In the 16th century the name was changed to Troitskaya (Trinity), as the Church of Trinity was located there. In the 17th century the square was renamed Krasnaya.

The Pokrovsky Cathedral, better known as the Cathedral of St. Basil the Blessed, is perhaps one of the most photographed buildings in Russia. This temple was built in 1561 by Ivan the Terrible’s order as a ceremonial monument to celebrate the victory over the Kazan Khanate. Its ornate and colourful cupolas topped with gold crosses glistening in the sun makes a picture postcard scene.

In the north of the square is the red History Museum built in 1874 in a style reminiscent of the Kremlin Towers. Next to the museum is the Resurrection Gate, the Chapel of the Icon of Our Lady in Iberia and the small Cathedral of Our Lady of Kazan. The original buildings were built in the 16th century but were demolished by the communists in the 1930’s and reproduced in 1993 to 1995. The reconstruction is so good that it is difficult to believe that they are only a few years old, as they appear to be a few centuries old.

Walking the streets locals and tourists would stand and listen to the young musicians wonderful renditions of famous classical pieces and throw a few roubles into the kitty. They, four, five or six musicians, would set up their instruments, cellos, violins and wind instruments and enthral the passer-bys.

A visit to Moscow would not be complete without a city tour. Arranged by Intourist this three-hour tour, 500 roubles, covers the inner and outer city with a trip up to the highest point in Moscow the panorama hill. The State University is situated on top of the hill. This magnificent structure, one of seven in Moscow – the others being a hotel, office blocks and apartments, is set amongst 80 hectares of forest. The students planted many of the trees. The University has 55,000 students in 18 faculties. Three of the professors are Nobel Prize winners. This is only one of 200 universities in Moscow. The lookout with the city of Moscow in the background and the Olympic Stadium in the foreground is a favourite photographic place for newly weds.

Whoever heard of Railway stations winning Grand-Prix awards at Paris? The Moscow Metro has that claim to fame. Some of their underground stations are artistic masterpieces and should not be missed. For only eight roubles (RM1.25) you can go from station to station. The most famous of the stations are Krasniye Vorota, Kropotkinskaya, Mayakovskaya and Sokolniki, which are the award, winning stations. Also not be passed by are the so-called “International” stations; Prazhskaya (Prague) designed and decorated by Czech masters, Rimskaya (Rome) by Italians and Rizhskaya (Riga) by Latvian artists.

This is only the tip of the iceberg as far as architectural marvels in Moscow. Close to Red Square are the Bolshoi Ballet Theatre, the Metropole Hotel, and The National Hotel, in fact in every direction there is a wonderful manifestation that will appear before you.

Moscow is a city of history, architecture, the arts and entertainment; it is a city that has witnessed a new lease of life since my previous visit 14 years ago. This is evident amongst its inhabitants. It is vibrant, little cafes, restaurants, bars and bistros have appeared and here there is something for everyone.

Moscow offers the night owls a variety of entertainment. From the Bolshoi Ballet and music at the Tchaikovsky Concert Hall to the many varied restaurants, bars, glitzy nightclubs and casinos – Moscow has it all!

Nightclubs offer so many entertainment possibilities that it is difficult to choose where to spend an evening out. From cultural performances to the erotic shows, jazz or country music in friendly bars or a quiet evening at a restaurant. There is a choice of theme bars such as Mexican, English, Irish and local Russian bars that also sell a wide range of food. Beer is now becoming more popular and in some bars during happy hours each beer is served with free vodka. While imported beers, Guinness and Corona are available the local beers such as Baltika are very good. Closing hours vary from midnight; 5:00am and some bars are open 24 hours.

The Russian cuisine is based on its variety of grains (rye, wheat, barley and buckwheat) so bread, gruel, porridges, pies and pastries are common. Pies with all kinds of fillings such as meat, fish, mushrooms and fruits are considered traditional recipes. Because of its cold winter climate soups such as borsch (beetroot soup), okroshka (meat soup) and shchi (cabbage soup) are popular. Other popular dishes are pelmeni (meat dumplings), bliny (leavened pancakes) and kvass – a drink prepared from rye bread with various additives. The choice of restaurants is overwhelming and there is sure to be something to please everyone’s palate, be forewarned the Russian tend to serve large helpings. For the culinary unadventurous, Moscow has the biggest Mac Donald's in the world.

Classical music lovers will have the opportunity to listen to world-class musicians and theatregoers have the choice of more than 60 theatres to choose from. For those visiting in the summer months sightseeing and photography can continue until after 10 o’clock at night and begin at 5 o’clock in the morning. So be prepared for some long days and short nights.

Further Information

Other helpful information: Ensure that all hotel & tour bookings are confirmed

Must see/do at this place: Walk around the city in the early morning and evening