Grand Tour of Moscow: Red Square, Metro, Kremlin, Armoury, Arbat

Itinerary
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Stop At: Red Square, Krasnaya Sq., Moscow 109012 Russia

Your day begins at Red Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Red Square - the most famous square in Moscow, architectural and historical monument, which, together with the Kremlin is a symbol of the Russian capital. In 1990, the complex of the Moscow Kremlin and Red Square were included in the list of world cultural composition Heritage by UNESCO.

Red Square originated in the late 15th century. In 1493, to stop the constant fires, Ivan III ordered to clean the walls of the Kremlin from the propped up their wooden buildings, and on the east side to arrange a big market.

In Soviet times, the Red Square gained new, sacred to the state values. It began to carry out major country parades and demonstrations, including the Victory Parade June 24, 1945 Mr .. In 1930, the square was designed by architect Shchusev was built of granite Mausoleum of VI Lenin.

Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: St. Basil's Cathedral, Red Square 2, Moscow 109012 Russia

St. Basil's Cathedral is not only the main temple of the Red Square, but also a symbol of all Russia. It was built in 1555–1561 by order of Ivan the Terrible in honor of the capture of the Kazan Khanate. The storming of Kazan began on October 1, 1552, on the Feast of the Protection of the Mother of God, therefore the “official” name of the temple is the Church of the Protection of the Mother of God.

The cathedral is a symmetrical ensemble of eight churches surrounding the central church, topped with a tent. Each of the eight churches is named after the saint, on whose day this or that significant event of the Kazan campaigns of Ivan the Terrible took place. There are nine iconostases in the cathedral, in which there are about 400 icons of the XVI – XIX centuries.

The architects who built the cathedral, the chronicle indicates some Barma and Postnik Yakovlev. However, there is a theory that in fact there was one master, Ivan Yakovlevich Barma, nicknamed Postnik for adherence to a strict post. There is a famous legend that, having seen a wonderful temple, Ivan the Terrible ordered to blind the masters so that they would not repeat their masterpiece anywhere else. But this is rather a myth, as Postnik’s name is later found in the annals in connection with the creation of other remarkable architectural monuments.

Duration: 10 minutes

Stop At: Lenin's Mausoleum, Red Square, Moscow 613310 Russia

Lenin's Mausoleum - one of the greatest symbols of Russia for many years.

The idea of ​​creating the mausoleum was based on the ideology of socialism: the party leaders wanted to create a new religion for the Soviet people, which would be closely linked to the party, so the dead body of Vladimir Ilyich Lenin was decided embalmed and placed in a mausoleum.

At first, the building was wooden and is a cube with a pyramid on top, then it was attached to the platform of the need speeches on Red Square. And in 1945 he acquired a modern look. Some time in the mausoleum was also the body of the great leader Stalin, but was later buried.

Duration: 10 minutes

Stop At: Bolshoi Theatre, Teatralny dr., 1, Moscow 109012 Russia

The Bolshoi Theatre is a symbol of Russia for all time. It is one of the leading ballet and opera companies in the world. It was awarded this honor due to the major contribution it made to the history of the Russian performing arts. This history is on-going and today Bolshoi Theatre artists continue to contribute to it many bright pages. The Bolshoi building, which for many years now has been regarded as one of Moscow's main sights, was opened on 20 October 1856, on Tsar Alexander II's coronation day. An evening at the Bolshoi is still one of Moscow's most romantic and entertaining options for a night on the town. The glittering six-tier auditorium has an electric atmosphere, evoking over 235 years of premier music and dance. Both the ballet and opera companies perform a range of Russian and foreign works here.

Duration: 10 minutes

Stop At: Moscow Kremlin (Moskovsky Kreml), Red Square, Moscow 103073 Russia

Next, visit the Moscow Kremlin, the official residence of the Russian president.

The Moscow Kremlin - Moscow's main attractions and one of the most famous architectural ensembles in the world.

The Kremlin has a rich history that reflects the formation and development of Russia. Throughout its history it has repeatedly changed its appearance. In 1156 came the first additional strengthening - shaft. In 1367 the Kremlin became white stone - walls and towers are made of white stone. Brick walls familiar to us the color appeared in 1485-1495, respectively. Modern look Kremlin towers have already received in the XVII century.

In addition to the famous Kremlin towers and walls of the Kremlin are magnificent monuments of Russian architecture of pre-Petrine era. First of all, it is worth mentioning churches that form the Kremlin's Cathedral Square Assumption, Annunciation and Archangel. Belfry "Ivan the Great", the Faceted Chamber and Ceram · Palace is also a symbol of the Kremlin. In the XVIII century in its territory erected building of the Senate, in the XIX century the Grand Kremlin Palace and the Armory. In Soviet times, in the years 1959-1961 was built by the State Kremlin Palace. In 1991 he received the status of the Moscow Kremlin Museum.

Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Armoury Chamber, Dvortsovaya St., 1R, Moscow 103073 Russia

Explore the Armory, the official museum of the Kremlin. Built by the imperial architect Konstantin Ton, the museum has a collection that has been growing since 1508, including the imperial crown of Russia, the throne of Ivan the Terrible, and one of the world's largest collections of Fabergé eggs.

Armoury building built in 1851 by architect Konstantin Ton. The basis of the museum treasure-up values, made in the Kremlin workshops and received a gift from the heads of foreign states.

The museum features about four thousand monuments of arts and crafts of Russia, Europe and the East IV-XX centuries. Among the exhibits - the largest collection of gold and silverware by Russian craftsmen, West European artistic silver, ancient state regalia, ceremonial tsar's coronation dress clothes and costumes ieparhov Russian Orthodox Church, the historical patterns of weapon skill, a collection of carriages.

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Stop At: Moskovskiy Metropoliten, Moscow 119048 Russia

After lunch (optional), descend underground to see Moscow's elaborately designed metro system. Carrying 7 million passengers a day, the Moscow Metro is one of the most extensive in the world; it is famous for the social-realist art that decorates many of its stations.

Moscow's Metro stations together amount to the most beautiful public transport facility in the world. Visitors to Moscow should not miss taking a ride on this glorious underground rail system, and exploring the stations. Each one has its own distinct aesthetic identity, variously adorned with Realist artworks, chandeliers, ornate pillars and marble floors. The stations are more akin to palaces or 5-star hotel lobbies rather than functional spaces. The depth of the elevators is also astounding.

Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Old Arbat (Stary Arbat), Arbat Ulitsa Arbatskaya Metro, Moscow Russia

After the metro tour is finished, the guide will bring you to famous Arbat street to enjoy walking there at your leisure. Stroll down the famous Arbat with hundreds of authentic restaurants, stalls and bohemian cafes and buy your tradition Russian gifts and artwork.

This place is exciting in many ways. It is not a fixed monument to history, but a living, ever-changing space. Since 1986 Arbat Street is fully pedestrian and attracts artists and performers of different kinds, tourists and locals – everyone can find something interesting there.

It is not only the place where you can enjoy the beautiful artworks and hand made items, but also meet people who represent a variety of cultures of the ex USSR republics. In addition to different characters you may get acquainted with the true Russians, who are open minded and friendly, so that you have a unique opportunity to feel yourself Russian.

Duration: 1 hour