Thursday, May 06, 2010

Travel in Russia - Moscow and St. Petersburg

Following we will discuss the two main cities for travel in Russia: Moscow and St. Petersburg. If you are planning to visit Russia, a few Russian lessons may come in handy. You can find an array of Russian lessons free if you perform a search for Russian lessons free online.

Following we will discuss the two main cities for travel in Russia: Moscow and St. Petersburg. If you are planning to visit Russia, a few Russian lessons may come in handy. You can find an array of Russian lessons free if you perform a search for Russian lessons free online.

Moscow

Moscow is the capital of Russia. The first mention of this city refers to 1147. The founder of Moscow was Prince Yuri Dolgorukiy (“Long-armed Yuri”). Moscow is the economic, political and scientific center of Russia. This city has a stunning architecture, numerous theaters, cinemas, concert halls, museums and exhibitions. This city holds major festivals, international competitions and sporting events.

Moscow Museums

Moscow has numerous museums for every taste; these maintain a centuries-old history of the Russian capital. The Moscow Kremlin is the most famous museum. Second is the Pushkin Museum – a striking museum of fine arts that exhibit European and world art. The third spot is taken by the Tretyakov Gallery, which holds the largest collection of fine Russian art.

Moscow Attractions

Red Square: This is the central square in Moscow, the history of which began in the 15th century. It is located at the east wall of the Moscow Kremlin. Red in Russian is “krasnyi” – this is one of the first words that you may learn at Russian lessons.

St. Basil’s Cathedral: This cathedral dates to the times of Ivan the Terrible. It is located on Red Square.

The Church of the Ascension: This tent-type temple was erected in the Kolomna village in the 15th century.

Novodevichy Convent: This monastery was founded by Grand Prince Vasili III in 1524.

The Cathedral of Christ the Savior: This large temple was built to thank God for saving Russia from the Napoleon invasion.

Bolshoi Theatre: One of the most significant opera and ballet theaters in the world. It dates to 1776. It is located in the center of Moscow, on the Theater Square. In Russian, Bolshoi means big – this is a common word that people learn with Russian lessons online.

Seven Sisters: These are seven skyscrapers built by Stalin in the late 1940’s-early 1950’s as a symbol of the Soviet people’s power.

Moscow Zoo: This zoo was founded in 1864. It is the largest zoo in Russia, with several thousand varied unique animals.

Donskoy Monastery: This monastery was founded in 1591 by Tsar Feodor I to honor the victory in the Battle of Kulikovo. This victory saved Moscow from the Golden Horde.

St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, which was founded in 1703 by the first Russian emperor Peter I. This city is often called the “northern capital” and “cultural capital” of Russia. It is a major destination for travel in Russia. St. Petersburg is a “city of water” – it has about 100 rivers, 20 canals and 800 bridges.

St. Petersburg Museums

The northern capital has over 200 museums, the most famous being Hermitage – one of the largest museums in the world.

The State Hermitage Museum: The largest art museum in the world. Hermitage holds numerous masterpieces of world art.

Russian Museum: the first state museum of Russian art; it was founded in 1895.

Kunstkamera (Kunstkammer): The first museum in Russia, which was established in 1719 by the Emperor - Peter I. This museum stores various wonders.

Saint Petersburg Sights

Peter and Paul Fortress: The oldest landmark in St. Petersburg. The city’s history began with the erection of this fortress on the banks of the Neva River.

St. Isaac's Cathedral: This Orthodox Church is one of the main attractions in Russia. It is a prominent example of Russian religious art.

The Cruiser “Aurora”: This is a legendary symbol of the Soviet era. The cruiser is open to visitors; it is moored at the Petrograd embankment.

The Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood: This temple was built where the Emperor Alexander II was assassinated. The temple has a unique mosaic interior and exterior.

The Smolny Cathedral: One of the most beautiful temples in the city built in the style of lush Elizabethan Baroque in 1748-1764.

The Summer Garden (Letniy Sad): This stunning garden was founded in 1704 by the order of Peter I, who took part in the garden’s design. “Letniy sad” (summer garden) is yet another nice phrase to master at Russian lessons free online.

The Bronze Horseman: The first statue of Peter I, mounted on the Decembrists Square (formerly the Senate Square). It is one of the city’s symbols.

The Russian Admiralty: Admiralty was built in 1704 by the Emperor - Peter I, as the main shipyard in Russia. Admiralty is a masterpiece of Russian Classicism, and one of the city’s symbols.

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