The capital city of Russia, and the nation's largest city as well, is the impressive and historically rich city of Moscow. This city has been the heart and soul of Russia for centuries, including the decades during which Russia was the dominant part of the Soviet Union. The Moskva River winds through the city proper, offering some attractive scenery in the summer and plenty of outdoor enjoyment during the frozen winters as well. |
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Moscow itself is laid out in a series of concentric roads, often referred to as the Ring Roads. These roads roughly duplicate the walls that used to protect the city in centuries past, and they help to mark access to some of the most popular and interesting sites in the city. Moscow is rich with history and resplendent features, all of which add up to make it an outstanding travel destination.
In the central part of Moscow lies perhaps the most famous of all sites - the Kremlin and Red Square. Many visitors are surprised to find that the stones in Red Square are actually black rather than red, but their attention quickly turns to the grandeur of the space and the notable attractions surrounding this most famous of Moscow sights. The State History Museum is adjacent to Red Square, as are Lenin's Mausoleum and the world famous St. Basil's Cathedral. You can easily spend a full day or more exploring the wonderful choices in and around Red Square.
The Kremlin itself is another major tourist favourite, as it is both historically significant and tremendously beautiful. What many people do not realize is just how much ground is occupied by the Kremlin; the area includes a number of outstanding churches which will astound and amaze you, as well as extensive gardens with plenty of walking paths to explore. Inside the Armoury you will find Russia's incredible Diamond Collection, with pieces dating back centuries to many different tsars and leaders from the past. You can even experience a taste of classical Russian ballet at the Conference Centre located in the Kremlin, where some of the best ballet athletes in the country perform on a regular basis.
There is a fine park system in Moscow, including the newer Victory Park and the famous Gorky Park. Victory Park was developed and dedicated in 1995 to commemorate and memorialize the 50th anniversary of V - E Day in World War II. It is intended to honour the service and sacrifice of the millions who lost their lives during this conflict, and also includes an excellent museum of military history unique to Russia. Gorky Park, on the other hand, has been around for a long time and is a central part of the ambiance and experience of visiting Moscow. It features several rides similar to what you would find in a theme park, as well as many pleasant walking paths, cafes, snack carts, and a beautiful pond and garden complex. In the winter time Gorky Park is a popular place to enjoy the brisk temperatures and fresh air, including open air skating on the pond as well as the adjacent Moskva River. For a special treat, plan to visit during the annual ice sculpture competition, which attracts artists from all over Russia and the world.
Travel to and from Moscow is a bit more challenging than some other major cities, but it is certainly not impossible. The most important first step is to apply for and obtain the proper visitor's visa to ensure you will be allowed to enter the country without any difficulty. After that, you can choose from many different flights by major carriers that land at one of the three major international airports close to Moscow. Although these airports are quite old and the facilities have seen a great deal of wear and tear, there is currently a major renovation effort underway to bring them up to modern airport standards. The best way to travel from one of the airports into the city is via taxi, but be sure to only hire a taxi through one of the reputable fixed price agencies located inside the airport terminal.
Wiki:- Moscow
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