Let’s go to Moscow.

There is something powerful about not only Russia’s capital, but what was once the capital of the Soviet Union. Here are a few places to get you going. Let’s go!

The Kremlin

The Kremlin is a simply amazing complex of buildings, some of them dating back historically to the 11th century.  This amazing complex is in the center of Moscow overlooking, the Moskva River. It includes 4 Cathedrals, 5 palaces all enclosed by the Kremlin walls. What was once the Tsars Moscow residence is now the official residence of the President.as well as a museum. Not to be missed is a visit to the Armory and the Diamond fund. Stare enviously at some of the most stunning jewelry you will ever see and take a look back at imperial Russia with its weapons and carriages. For a choice of ticket on sale click here

Lenin’s Mausoleum

Situated in the middle of Red Square (and possibly not for much longer is Lenin’s Mausoleum.  The line to get in here stretches a good city block and I went in October. It took a good 40 minutes. Entrance is free, security is tight, and if they find a cell phone or camera in your bag you will be dispatched across the street to the museum to leave it there. Photography strictly prohibited.

St Basil’s Cathedral

Can there be a more iconic sight in Moscow than this amazing Cathedral which dominates Red Square. Now a museum and to give it its official title Cathedral of the Intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos on the Moat was built between 1551-1561 by Ivan the terrible.

Gorky Park

Gorky Park situated in the center of Moscow by the Moskva river and close to Park Kultury metro station was named after Maxim Gorky the famous Russian writer. The park was opened in 1928 to an avant garde design by Soviet architect Konstantin Melnikov. The park covers an area of 300 acres. and today the locals and tourists alike can enjoy all sorts of activities here including a fun fair

The Pushkin Museum of Fine Art

This is actually three museums, which was a bit confusing so I will try and explain this as easily as I can to avoid confusion. Firstly there is the main building at 12 Volkhonka street Next door and to the left at number 14 is the second Musuem which is dedicated predominantly to 18th and 19th century American and European art. At number 10 you will find a fabulous selection of American and European art from the 19th and 20th century

Great Patriotic War Museum

If there is one theme they absolutely love in Russia, it’s the Second World War known as the The Great Patriotic War. This period refers to the Soviet Union’s participation in the Second World War from the 22nd June 1941 to 9th May 1945 against Nazi Germany and its allies. No where is this better documented that at the War Museum in Moscow.

State Central Museum of Contemporary History of Russia

.This is a town that is quite literally bursting at the seams when it comes to excellent museums. If you interested in Russian History and in particular to its formidable communist past (as I was) then this museum is a must do. Situated at Tverskaya Street, 21, close to the metro stations of Chekhovskaya, “Pushkinskaya, or Tverskaya the museum is open daily except for Monday (which is the day most museums in Moscow are closed) .

The Holocaust Memorial statue

This very poignant statue is situated in Victory Park. The statue depicts naked Jews falling as if into an abyss. Surrounding the monument are various objects depicting the daily lives of the victims.

The Izmailovsky Kremlin

Believe it or not there is a second Kremlin in Moscow. If you consider that the word “Kremlin” actually translates to “fortress” then you may find this a bit less surprising. The Izmailovsky Kremlin is situated just minutes away from the excellent weekend market of the same name. Its colourful facade, which looks like something out out of Hans Christian Anderson. In fact the whole complex like is one huge cultural complex modeled after Old Russia. If you love Vodka then look out for the museum.