Sightseeing

Kremlin

(M:Okhotny Ryad)

Kremlin viewed from the bank of the Moskva River

Seeing the Kremlin is a must for any visitor to Moscow, but you need to set aside several hours to see everything! Sitting on the north bank of the Moscow River, this stronghold of Russian political power it was once the centre of Russia's Church as well, which explains why there are so many Kremlin cathedrals. Ivan the Great Bell Tower is a famous Moscow landmark, with the cracked Tsar Bell at its foot. Visitors have access to all the cathedrals, The Armoury, the Patriarch's Palace and the State Kremlin Palace, which hosts regular concerts.

Red Square

Laid out in the 15th century, Red Square marks the symbolic center of the city and the nation. Its Russian name "krasnaya" originally meant "beautiful" as well as "red". While Moscow has changed dramatically, Red Square remains one of the city's constants. Home to St Basils cathedral, the state department store GUM and the State History Museum.

Lenin Mausoleum

Built in 1924, in the year Lenin died, the mausoleum stands on Red Square before the Kremlin wall. The design of the building follows the architecture of the Kremlin wall, reproducing the profile of the Kremlin towers. Inside is the burial vault of black and red granite, and the glass coffin with the body of Lenin in the center. Opening hours are Tue -Thu 10-1.

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Located in the Alexander Garden near the Kremlin Wall. It is the monument to those who died during the Second World War. The ashes were brought from a mass grave in the Moscow region. On May 8, 1967 the eve of the Victory Day, the eternal flame was lighted on the tomb.

Seven Sisters

The seven buildings, which include 2 hotels, residential buildings, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the imposing Moscow State University, were constructed on Stalin's orders just after World War II, intended as a symbol of Soviet power at the beginning of the Cold War. He took a personal interest in their design, insisting that each building have a central tower and spire.. The new stepsister, Triumph Palace is a modern copy of the original skyscrapers and the tallest residential building in Europe at 866 feet.

2 of the Stalin structures: Moscow State University and the Hotel Ukraine

Moscow State University

Metro: Universitat

Housed in one of the city's seven enormous gothic skyscrapers commissioned by Stalin in the 1950s, the university is the great seat of learning of some of Russia's most famous scholars and political figures, including the former President Mikhail Gorbachev. In front of the university there is a stunning panoramic view over the city on a clear day.

The Arbat

Metro: Arbatskaya

This is one of the oldest streets in Moscow, that existed as early as 1493. Ivan the Terrible's secret police were based here in the 16th century, and by the 17th century it had become the bohemian quarter of the city filled with artists and playwrights.

At the beginning of the 20th century, many of the elegant buildings still standing today were constructed for bourgeois families, but were later converted into communal appartments housing several working class families together.

Today, this is Moscow's first and liveliest pedestrian street with a great choice of cafes, restaurants, bars, souvenir stalls, and street entertainers.