Enduring Russian Glory

Travel to Moscow, is an experience like no other. Since regaining it’s status as the capital of Russia in 1918, the city gradually rose to a whole new level. Moscow, one of the oldest and most beautiful cities of Russia, offers a countless number of possibilities for the art lover. This urban community has an intriguing charm which appeals to many tourists for that timeless story they discover in each building, it’s people and in their art. 

The most valued rewards hiding in a holiday in Moscow are born of spontaneous discoveries. Everything seems chaotic and somewhat out of control, but underneath that widespread madness, there is methodical madness. The essence of Moscow is surprisingly organized, preserved and functional. 

The urban layout actually makes sense, so with the help of a map, to move around the city is starkly simple.

 

 

After one or two days in Moscow one realizes that all major roads start from Red Square and often lead to the suburbs. Downtown is a heavy traffic area that offers countless attractions and fun. During the summer months, the heat can be such that a tour of the city may be overwhelming.

Red Square is a traditional meeting place for people of all ages, especially during these hot months. Watching people may become a very interesting entertainment in the bars, shops and restaurants that line one after another in the colorful streets. Here, more than elsewhere, the contrasts that characterize Moscow are evident. In this Geographical area are three Historical Heritage Sites of Humanity; Lenin’s Tomb, St. Basil’s Cathedral and Red Square, which along with other civic and religious buildings integrate the heart of Moscow.

 

 

 

Christianity is the predominant religion in the city, where the most popular is the Russian Orthodox Church. Moscow is the national capital of Orthodox Christianity, which has been the country’s traditional religion. Since 1997 it is considered Russia’s “historical heritage”. In Moscow, other religions are also practiced, Islam, Protestantism, Catholicism, Buddhism, Judaism, Slavic Neopaganism and the Old Believers religion.

 The Cathedral of St. Basil, which’s real name is Cathedral of the Intercession of the Virgin on the Mount, is best known for it’s amazing and harmonious architecture, as well it’s multicolored domes full of light, and their bulbous shape. They received their colorful coating in the late sixteenth century after the original was destroyed by fire. The interior of the churches that make up the compound is covered with oil paintings representing saints and scenes from their lives. These works were restored in 1845-1848. And once more, at the end  of that century.

The Tretyakov is the national gallery of the fine arts. It is near the Kremlin and Red Square, in one of Moscow’s oldest districts. It keeps Russian works dating from the eleventh to the twentieth century. The museum consists of two buildings from different ages. The modern building exhibits art from the XX Century, works of renowned plastic artists such as Wassily Kandinsky.