Architectural Wonders in Moscow, Russia

Red Square, Moscow, Russia (1)

The city of Moscow in Russia is a thrilling and enchanting city. It became a global icon and symbol for Russia. The buildings, architecture, art, monuments, and parks are truly one of a kind. The current city is a reflection of its rich historical pass.

It is a city filled with flair, timeless beauty, and unique culture. Because of this uniqueness the city had been dubbed with several names like: The Third Rome, The Whitestone One, The First Throne, The Forty Forties, and The Hero City.

BASIC INFORMATION

Moscow is the capital city of Russia. It is known for its political influence, economical contribution, cultural importance, and scientific impact. It is also the most populous city in Russia; in 2014 there were more than 12 million residing in the city.

View of Moscow from Sparrow Hills (2)

LOCATION

With a total land area of 2,511 square kilometers, Moscow ranks as the 83rd largest city in the world. It could be found along Moskva River. The highest elevation is at 255 meters.

CLIMATE

The climate in Moscow is humid continental. From November to March the city experiences long and cold winters with temperatures ranging from -25 degree Celsius to a little above 0 degrees Celsius. During summer, from June to August, temperature ranges from 20 to 26 degrees Celsius.

DEMOGRAPHICS

Moscow is composed mostly of Russians (91.65%), followed by Ukrainian, Tatar, Armenian, Azeri, Belarusian, Georgian, Uzbek, Tajik, Moldovan, Mordvin, Chechen, Chuvash, and Ossetian.

Majority of these people are Christians particularly Russian Orthodox Church. There are also those who follow Armenian Apostolicism, Buddhism, Catholicism, Islam, Judais, Old Believers, Protestantism, and Rodnovery.

There are a number of churches here, some with very impressive architecture.

TRANSPORTATION

The transportation system in Moscow is admirable. There are five airports in the city alone namely: Sheremetyevo International Airport, Domodedovo International Airport, Bykovo Airport, Ostafyevo International Airport, and Vnukovo International Airport.

Out of the five airports, Sheremetyevo International Airport is the most popular way to get to the city. Approximately sixty percent of the whole flights are catered at this airport. The other airports also serve domestic and international flights.

Other ways to enter the city include ferries; there are a total of two passenger terminals along the river.

Railroads and train stations are conveniently located throughout the city. These also connect the city to neighboring cities. Travelling by train is an affordable way to get in and around the city.
Aside from trains, the metro system is highly developed and organized.

Standout features of the metro system are the art works, murals, mosaics and chandeliers that could be seen in each station. Currently there twelve lines with 188 stations, majority of which are located underground.

Monorails and trams are also available. The monorail runs through a short distance in the city. The tram on the other hand is mostly used in outer districts and as a connecting ride between metro lines.

And of course there are buses, trolleybuses, and taxis.

WHAT TO SEE

There are so many things to see and do at Moscow. For this particular article we would discuss some of the famous buildings with architectural, historical, and cultural significance.

MOSCOW KREMLIN

Panorama of Moscow Kremlin from Bolshoi Kamenny Bridge (3)

Perhaps the most famous tourist destination in Moscow is the Kremlin or “fortress inside a city.” It is a historic fortified complex. The fortified wall with towers encloses five palace and four cathedrals. Within the complex is the official home of the president of Russia.

RED SQUARE

Red Square in Moscow, from Saint Basil’s Cathedral (4)

Just adjacent to the Kremlin is the famed Red Square. This place is known to be the central square of the city wherein public events occur. It also connects national highways to each other.

SAINT BASIL’S CATHEDRAL

Saint Basil’s Cathedral (5)

An architectural wonder of Moscow is the Cathedral of Saint Basil. It is famous for its flame shape roof painted with vibrant colors. Dmitry Schvidkovsky described the building as “like no other Russian building.” The building was designed as eight churches encircling a central church. A tenth church was built on top of the burial site of Saint Basil.

In 1990, the Kremlin, Red Square, and Saint Basil’s Cathedral were collectively known as a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its contribution in Russian history.

CATHEDRAL OF CHRIST THE SAVIOUR

Cathedral of Christ the Saviour (6)

As mentioned, Moscow is home to several orthodox churches including the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour. With a height of 103 meters it is considered to be the tallest orthodox Christian church in the world.

CATHEDRAL OF THE DORMITION

Cathedral of Dormition (7)

Another orthodox church in Moscow is the Cathedral of the Dormition. It served as the coronation place for Russian monarchs from the years 1547 to 1896 and a final resting place for Moscow Metropolitans and Patriarchs of the Russian Orthodox Church.

KOLOMENSKOYE

Kolomenskoye (8)

Kolomenskoye is a 390 hectare scenic area which was once a royal estate. Included in the estate are several churches including the famous Church of the Ascension, bell towers, a wooden palace, and pavilion. In 1994 the place was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

OSTANKINO PALACE

Ostankino Palace

Ostankino Palace is known to the world’s third largest wooden building. It was once the summer home and private opera of the Sheremetev family. Some original parts of the theater including machinery are still functional. However, the palace itself was unmaintained and closed to public access. The surrounding park is used as a picnic destination.

STATE HISTORICAL MUSEUM

State Historical Museum (9)

Aside from orthodox churches, one could also visit the State Historical Museum. It is an astonishing museum that showcases Russian history including prehistoric tribes and various artworks.

Ecstatic Globetrotter

References:
“Moscow.” Travel Guide. Web. 31 Jan. 2015. <http://wikitravel.org/en/Moscow>.
“Moscow.” Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation. Web. 31 Jan. 2015. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moscow>.
“Moscow.Info.” – Complete Travel Guide Featuring Tourist and Business Information for Moscow, Russia. Web. 31 Jan. 2015. <http://www.moscow.info/>.
“Moscow – Lonely Planet.” Lonely Planet. Web. 31 Jan. 2015. <http://www.lonelyplanet.com/russia/moscow>.

Images:
1. Baker, Adam. Red Square, Moscow, Russia. January 2006. Commons.wikimedia.org. Photograph. January 31, 2015.
2. A Savin. Viewof Moscow from the Sparrow Hills. July 2009. Commons.wikimedia.org. Photograph. January 31, 2015.
3. Julmin. Panorama of Moscow Kremlin from Bolshoi Kamenny bridge. May 2007. Commons.wikimedia.org. Photograph. January 31, 2015.
4. Meneboeuf, Christophe. Red Square in Moscow, from the Saint Basil’s Cathedral. 2008. Commons.wikimedia.org. Photograph. January 31, 2015.
5. Alvesgaspar. Saint Basil’s Cathedral. July 2011. Commons.wikimedia.org. Photograph. January 31, 2015.
6. Alvesgaspar. Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, Moscow. July 2011. Commons.wikimedia.org. Photograph. January 31, 2015.
7. Kruczynski, Daniel. Dormaition Cathedral, Moscow. May 2009. Commons.wikimedia.org. Photograph. January 31, 2015.
8. Lystseva, Marina. Kolomenskoye. June 2008. Commons.wikimedia.org. Photograph. January 31, 2015.
9. Hons084. State Historical Museum. June 2010. Commons.wikimedia.org. Photograph. January 31, 2015.

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