"The Gentlemen's Set" of Moscow sights: Kremlin, Red Square, St. Basil's Temple, Eternal Flame, …
Description
This route is ideal for the first familiarization with Moscow. The main part of it runs through the Red Square. You will get to know the most prestigious cemetery, see the Mausoleum, the magic St. Basil's Cathedral and the "walking monument" to Minin and Pozharsky. After leaving the main square of Russia, you will have to make a thrilling tour along a bed of filled up Neglinka River. The centuries-old history of Russia will look at you from every quarter, since it is a center of Moscow, where the whole Earth's fortune was settled not once.
The Red Square is one of the central and most respected sights in Russia that makes a symbol of the State. It is located at the northeast wall of the Kremlin and borders with the Saint Basil's Cathedral and the buildings of the GUM (Main Department Store) and the Historical Museum. In the immediate, the Lobnoe Mesto (Place of Execution), the monument to Minin and Pozharsky and the Lenin's Mausoleum are located. The scientists have surmised that the square was originated by a decree of Tsar Ivan III issued in 1493 to demolish the wooden buildings that used adjoin the Kremlin. In the end of the 15th century, a market square appeared at the place. The first name of the square was Torgovaya (Market) and that reflected its purpose in the historical period. In 1555-61, the Intersession Cathedral (St. Basils's) was built in the square, and in the 1530-s, the Lobnoe Mesto was erected. Starting from this time, the Red Square's purpose started to change. It stopped to be a market square and became a center of political struggles and a place, where the principal decrees were announced and the victorious troops were honored. In the end of the 17th century, the stone buildings of a mint and a Ministry of Elective District Councils were built in the square. In 1786, architect G. Quarenghi erected the New Shopping Mall in front of the Kremlin, which was rebuilt in the 19th century (the contemporary GUM – Main Department Store); in 1818, a monument to Minin and Pozharsky was erected in the square. In the 19th century, the building of Historical Museum replaced the building of former Ministry of Elective District Councils. Thus, a uniquely beautiful and architecturally saturated ensemble of the Moscow downtown has been formed. During the Soviet time, the Red Square became one of the symbols of state power. Its historical name just at the right time matched perfectly the country's state symbolic. On November 7, 1941, when the German troops were quite at the entrance to the city, a military parade took place at the Kremlin's walls, whose participants marched straight to the battlefront. The victory parade took place at the Red Square on June 24, 1945, when the nazi's banners were solemnly thrown down on the Red Square cobblestone. (less) The Red Square is one of the central and most respected sights in Russia that makes a...(more)
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Lat: 55.754046 Lon: 37.620364
Lobnoe Mesto
The Lobnoe Mesto (Place of Execution) makes a monument of ancient Russian architecture that appeared as long ago as in the 16th century. Its appearance was related to the escape of Moscow of the Tatars' invasion in 1621. Originally, the Lobnoe Mesto used to be a scaffold made of brick with a timber trellis and a timber tent on the columns. It was used for proclaiming the most important decrees of Russian Tsars, announcements of the names of patriarchs and crown princes, and to declare war and peace; here, the meetings and the sending-offs of troops were celebrated, the relics of saints used to be presented and the people demanded convocation of councils; i.e., it used to be a particular Forum of the Moscow State. The Lobnoe Mest was a place, where Ivan the Terrible negotiated with the rebelling boyars appealing to the townsmen; here the relics of Prince Dmitry were presented and the religious processions used to take place. In 1612, Prince Pozharsky proclaimed liberation of Moscow from the Polish invaders at the place. During the clerical ceremony of "The entrance to Jerusalem", patriarchs used to hand out the willow branches (that replace palms in Russia) to tsar, clergy and boyars and used to start from here riding a donkey lead by tsar. Despite of the legend that appeared later, the Lobnoe Mesto was never used as a place of punishment. Capital punishment of the streletses by Peter I, as well as quartering of the leader of peasants uprising Stepan Razin were executed nearby to the Lobnoe Mesto, but not directly on it. Starting from Peter the First, Lobnoe Mesto lost its political importance and turned to be one of the historical monuments of Moscow. In 1786, architect M. Kozakov rebuilt it but remained the original shape and dimensions. The Lobnoe Mesto was moved a little bit east, coated with white stone and a parapet was added. 11 steps lead to the upper ground, and the entrance with iron grating used to be in the western part. Today, the stone elevation is 13 m in diameter. (less) The Lobnoe Mesto (Place of Execution) makes a monument of ancient Russian architectur...(more)
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Lat: 55.7533 Lon: 37.6225
Spasskaya (Savior's) Tower
The Spasskaya Tower is one of the main entrance towers of the Kremlin. It was erected in 1491 as designed by Italian architect Peitro Antonio Solary at the place of the old Frolov's Shooting Tower of the Dmitry Donskoy's Kremlin. It used to have an additional outward shooting tower with a drawing down iron grating to protect the main gate. In case of enemy entrance, the grating should be drawn down, and the enemy shot from the gallery of the shooting tower. The tower has a rectangular shape. The statements in Latin and Russian languages that remind about the date of the tower construction are engraved on the white stone boards placed above the gate. In 1624 – 1625, the tower was crowned with a many-tier top and a stone hipped roof. Russian architect Bazhen Ogurtsov and English master Christopher Galoway headed the job. It is known that construction of hipped roofs of the Kremlin towers was started from the Spasskaya Tower. The walls of the tower were decorated with the carved white stone decore, the pyramids and small towers, and the fabulous figures. That made it especially well-dressed and solemn and changed into the most beautiful tower of the Kremlin. In the 17th century, the State Emblem of Russian Empire - double eagle was erected on top of the hipped roof. The first chime on the Savior's Tower was installed as far back ago as in the 16th century. In 1707, the Dutch music chime replaced it. The chime was replaced for the last time in 1763. In 1851, it was repaired by brothers Butenops, and in 1920, the melody was changed to the International. In 1935, a ruby star was placed on top of the Savior's Tower, but already in 1937 it was replaced by a new one with a permanently illuminating powerful lamp inside. The star turns effected by wind being a kind of weather vane. The tower is 71 m tall with the star and 67.3 m - without the star. (less) The Spasskaya Tower is one of the main entrance towers of the Kremlin. It was erected...(more)
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Lat: 55.7525 Lon: 37.6215
Mausoleum of V.I. Lenin
The building of the Mausoleum of Vladimir I. Lenin organically completes the architectural ensemble of the Red Square. A decision to erect a mausoleum was made just a few hours after the head of the October Revolution passed away. Originally, the building was made of timber. It is remarkable that it was erected in a record term - just within three mourning days after Lenin's death in the January colds of 1924. Russian architect A. Schusev headed the project. In spring 1924, the first mausoleum was replaced by a more monumental building also made of oak timber. The shape of the first mausoleum practically did not differ from the contemporary granite one; it was peculiar for sternness of the lines. This mausoleum existed till 1929, when the Government of the USSR issued a decree to replace it by a stone building and launched a tender for the best project. There were many different drafts presented by both, the venerable masters and the people of different professions. However, non of them could compete with the initial project by A. Schusev. The main feature of the Lenin mausoleum's architecture is its epic simplicity and monumentalness. It is faced with red granite and black and grey labradorite, and that emphasis the feeling of solemnity and tragic character. The building makes a monument to the leader of proletariat, a burial-vault and a tribune. During the national holidays and military parades, the leaders of the country used to stand on the mausoleum tribune. And the guest stands on both sides of the mausoleum used to be filled with the foreign guests and prominent citizens of the Soviet Union. Up to now, many tourists try to take a look at the V. Lenin's body that lies inside. In the end of the 20th century, there were the ideas to demolish the mausoleum and to bury the Lenin's body in the ground. However, it was decided that the mausoleum is one of the outstanding sights of Moscow and a monument of the historical epoch that should be conserved for descendants. (less) The building of the Mausoleum of Vladimir I. Lenin organically completes the architec...(more)
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Lat: 55.7537 Lon: 37.6199
Monument to Minin and Pozharsky
The monument to Minin and Pozhazrsky was the first monument in Moscow erected not in the honor of a ruler, but the heroes of liberation war. Kuzma Minin and Dmitry Pozharsky headed the people's irregulars in the epoch of disturbances in Russia and drove away the Polish invaders from Moscow in 1612. A proposal to erect a monument to the people's heroes came from the Free Society for Literature, Science and Arts in 1803. Sculptor Ivan Martos won the tender to build the monument. Its construction lasted from 1804 to 1817. In 1808, a decree was issued that permitted to collect the funds, and in 1817, the necessary sum was collected. The monument to Minin and Pozharsky was cast in St. Petersburg and delivered to Moscow by water through Nizhny Novgorod to show gratitude to this city for its active participation in the monument construction. In 1818, the monument was solemnly opened, at that the oratorio by Stepan Dyagilev "Minin and Pozharsky" was performed. The sculpture of Minin and Pozharsky is by right considered to be the best creative work by I. Martos. In the composition, the Minin's figure dominates, who hands over to Pozharsky a sword and calls to the people for liberation struggle. The sculpture is made in allegoric classicism, but the antique dresses of the heroes and other things can be associated with Russian shirts. A sward connects both figures and makes the composition a single whole. The women on bended knees symbolize gratitude of the motherland. The monument by Martos is diverse – you can examine the bas-reliefs for a long time admiring the sculptor's mastery and profound essence of the author's work. Originally, the monument was placed in the middle of the Red Square at the entrance to the Upper Shopping Passages (GUM). In 1931, it was moved to the Lobnoye Mesto (Place of Execution) and the Saint Basil's Cathedral. (less) The monument to Minin and Pozhazrsky was the first monument in Moscow erected not in ...(more)
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Lat: 55.7528 Lon: 37.6226
Historical Museum
The Historical Museum built in 1875–83 as designed by architect V.O. Sherwood continues the traditions of the Russian national heritage in architecture. The composition of the façade of the building fronts the Red square strictly. The elements of the side segmentation are mirror reflections of each other. Fractional tower-building tops of the structure produce complicated and broken rhythm. The walls' surface is decorated with numerous elements made of hewn brick. The main entrance to the museum was anticipated from the side that looks on the Red Square. The staircase from the gala hallway led into the museum's first floor. The stairs between floors were located in separate rooms. There were totally 25 rooms at the first floor – of the heathen, Kiev's, Suzdal's and Moscow periods. The last room – of the Smuta (Disturbance) Time – was located at the left side tower that exits to the Red square. The tower itself was intended for arrangement of the museum's director office room. The structure of the museum's internal rooms gives an idea of complexity and intricacy of the building's layout, and that was reasoned by the traditions of timber architecture. The first exposition was opened in the museum in 1883 and occupied 11 rooms. (less) The Historical Museum built in 1875–83 as designed by architect V.O. Sherwood continu...(more)
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Lat: 55.7553 Lon: 37.6178
Saint Basil's Temple
The Intercession Temple (St. Basil's Cathedral) was built by the order of Ivan the Terrible in 1555-1561 in the memory of Kazan conquest. The disputes about its construction continue till now. According to a widespread version, it was built by architects Postnik and Barma. The other version tells that Postnik and Barma are one and the same person: architect from Pskov Postnik Yakovlev nicknamed Barma. The third version contends that the cathedral was erected by an Italian master, who remained unknown, and that is why the cathedral is peculiar for a mixture of Russian and West European styles. The last version has no documental proves. The Intercession Cathedral makes a unique sample of Russian hip architecture. It has 10 domes. The temple itself consists of 8 churches-towers. These churches are placed on high basements and are crowned with the fretted colored domes that surround the central tower. The lightness, solemnity and airiness of the cathedral were achieved thanks to abundance of architectural decor - corbel arches, cornices and bays. The church's altars were consecrated in the honor of holidays that took place in the days of the battles for Kazan. All nine towers are combined by a single basement and a gallery with passages. Earlier, the temple was much more beautiful and well-dressed, since the hipped roof was encircled by a belt of small onions. The central dome was of a relief shape, and the wall painting was more sophisticated. However, even the contemporary shape of the temple impresses with beauty and complexity of shapes. Today, an affiliate of the Historical Museum is arranged in the cathedral. The museum's exposition familiarizes the visitors with the samples of cold steel and fire-arms, ancient armors of Russian warriors of the 16th - 17th centuries: you can find here the chain armors, the helmets, the Damascus swards, the darts and the ancient hand cannons. A richest collection of ancient Russian paintings of the Novgorod and the Moscow icon painting schools is arranged in the towers-churches. Besides, you can be familiarized with the Russian arts and crafts of the 16th - 17th centuries. The tem[ple owns a rich collection of bells: there are 19 bells casted in the period from 1547 to 1996. (less) The Intercession Temple (St. Basil's Cathedral) was built by the order of Ivan the Te...(more)
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Lat: 55.7525 Lon: 37.6232
Voskresenskie (Ressurection) Gate
The Voskresenskie (Resurrection) Gate was one of the seven entrance gates of the Kitay-Gorod's Wall. The name changed many times: during the long life, it used to be called Kuretnye, Neglimenskie, L'vinye, Triumphalnye and Iverskie. The final name appeared in 1689 after the icon of the Resurrection of Christ was placed on the tower. The Voskresenskie Gate, as well as the whole Kitay-Gorod Fortress, was erected in 1535-38. It was a short time period, when Elena Glinskaya ruled Russia being a regent of her minor son future Ivan the Terrible. Architect Petrok Maly (Minor) used to work at the project, though, some scientists mention Frances Annibal. The Voskresenskie Gate used to be one of the most beautiful entrance gates. In one's time, they were also used for defense purpose as a place for military shooting. Originally, there were no special embellishments on the Voskresenskie Gate; it used to have low passage arches and wide battlements on top. In 1636, a room was added on the top, and in 1680, the gate was completely rebuilt and embellished with additional architectural elements – two hipped roofs that decorated the gate. In the 18th century, an assay office of the mint and a civil printing plant used to be here. In 1931, the gate was demolished by order of Stalin, since, according to his opinion, it made an obstacle for the military machines to enter the Red Square. In 1995, the Voskresenskie Gate was reconstructed in the original shape and currently makes one of the Moscow downtown embellishments. (less) The Voskresenskie (Resurrection) Gate was one of the seven entrance gates of the Kita...(more)
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Lat: 55.7557 Lon: 37.6181
GUM
Architect A.N. Pomerantsev, who built in 1889–93 the building of the Upper Shopping Rows (that we know now as the GUM), was also the one, who used to promote the traditions of the ancient Russian architecture of the 17th century. In his project, he turned to the type of shopping building popular in the second half of the 19th century a passage that did not get the usual character of an open passageway, yet. Three shopping galleries roofed with the glass vaults with a metal framework designed by engineer V.G. Shukhov produced a gigantic building that occupied a whole block. The structure is rational and modern for the end of the 19th century. The décor that abundantly covers the facades and the galleries' walls reproduces the prototypes of the 17th century. The external and internal decoration of the building was made of granite, marble and Radom's sandstone. The building by Pomerantsev surprises by its duality: the rational and technically modern structure was dressed in the decorative romantic cover that was reproducing the national motives. Archeological exactness increases objectiveness of the decoration. Thus, archeologism became a formal indicator of a new direction in the architectural eclecticism. (less) Architect A.N. Pomerantsev, who built in 1889–93 the building of the Upper Shopping R...(more)
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Lat: 55.7547 Lon: 37.6215
Cathedral of the Kazan Icon of the Holy Virgin
The Cathedral of the Kazan Icon of the Holy Virgin and the Kazansky Cathedral are situated on the red Square. The first trustworthy mention of the cathedral dates back to 1625, when on the money of Dmitriy Pozharskiy was built a wooden church. Ten years later the church was burnt and it was taken decision to erect a stone cathedral. The tsar Mikhail Fyodorovish contributed his own money to the construction of the temple. In 1636 the cathedral was solemnly consecrated by all-Russian patriarch Iosif. From this moment the cathedral turned to be one of the most revered one in Russian and had a leading position in the church hierarchy. The Father Superior of the cathedral was always a man of mark among the Moscow religious leaders. The building of the temple was often reconstructed. In the beginning of the XIX century the old pavilion was demounted, and by 1805 a new two-storied bell tower was built. 60 years later the third storey was added to the church. In the middle of the twenties the cathedral was restored under the direction of an eminent architect Petr Baranovskiy. However, the temple was soon closed under the authorities' order, and in 1936 it was pulled down. In 1990 the Moscow department of the All-Russian Society for Protection of Monuments suggested restoring the cathedral in the framework of the programme on recovery of the former image of historical centre of Moscow. The author of the project was a disciple of P. Baranovskiy – the architect O.Zhurin. By 1993 the restoration works were finished and from then on the cathedral receives the parishioners. The architectural style of the building is represented in ancient Russian traditions of XVII century. Smartness and festivity of the church complete the general architectural ensemble of the Red Square. The main altar of the cathedral was consecrated in honor of the famous Kazan icon of the Holy Virgin, which gave to the temple the similar name. (less) The Cathedral of the Kazan Icon of the Holy Virgin and the Kazansky Cathedral are sit...(more)
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