Moscow
«Moscow – how much this word tells a Russian heart». The capital of the huge Russian empire which ceded this status in favor of Saint Petersburg only for 200 years and regained it after the revolution of 1917.
It will amaze you with the richness and luxury of its historic center, with the splendor of the white-stone walls of the Kremlin, with the vastness and greenery of its squares, the queen among which is righteously considered the inimitable Red Square, with the fantastic avenues with their monumental architecture, triumphal arches and monuments indicative of the victories of the Russian army.
Situated on seven hills and having a concentric structure this city will struck your imagination with the unembraceable field of view and variety of forms. The cathedrals, monasteries and churches of Moscow are a special issue which is not taken indifferently both by true Christians and those professing other religions.
RED SQUARE
Red Square is the central square of Moscow. It is situated in front of the Eastern wall of the Kremlin and limited on three sides by the buildings of State Historic Museum, GUM department store and Saint Basil’s Cathedral. Red Square for many years was a site of important events of Russian history.
Res Square has become like Kremlin the symbol of new state power and even its name was reconsidered from the revolution’s standpoint. Since 1918 here on holidays were regularly held the parades and demonstrations of the working people.
It was here that the parade of 7 November 1941 took place, when the parade participants went away from the square straight to the front line. The victory parade also took place here on 24 June 1945.
In 1924 the wooden Mausoleum was constructed in the Red Square in front of the Kremlin wall by the plan of A. Shchusev.
Lenin was buried there. In 1929-1930 Mausoleum was reconstructed in stone, and in 1930-1931 above Mausoleum there were created tribunes by the plan of the architect V. Frantsuz.
It was also then that along the Kremlin Wall there planted fir trees and Red Square formerly cobbled was paved with stone blocks.
Moscow Kremlin
There is a place in Moscow where an indelible mark has been left by each period of its centuries-old history, each turn of its difficult fate. This place is the Moscow Kremlin.
It stretches out in the center of the huge city on the high hill above the Moskva River. From the opposite bank the walls and towers of Kremlin give an impression of an enclosure of a magnificent architectural ensemble.
On the area of Kremlin are situated vast squares and secluded public gardens, gala palaces and gold-domed churches. Today here everything breathes History indeed – the age-old canons and bells, the antique cathedrals which have preserved the memory of so many events, so many names… Here everything is situated close – the tsars’ chambers and palaces of the New times, the residence of the president of Russia and world-famous museums.
The Kremlin which has taken in the history of the country and has become the witness and the participant of its most important events has turned into the all-Russian national shrine and has become the symbol of Moscow and all Russia.
ARBAT
The Arbat Street is one of the most well-known Russian streets running from Arbat Square to Smolenskaya Square. The Arbat which long ago became the symbol of the old Moscow is perpetuated in poetry, prose, songs and cinema.
Nowadays by this name we imply a small street which has become a pedestrian zone but in reality the Arbat is a historic district of Moscow which celebrated in 1993 its 500-th anniversary.
The Arbat Street is one of the most ancient streets of the Russian capital. Its exotic name originates from the Arabic word “Arbad” (“Rabad”) which means «environs», «suburbs ». Probably this word has been brought to Moscow by the Crimean Tatars and Arabic merchants in the 15 century.
In 1974-1986 in the Arbat was created a pedestrian area with plenty of small shops and cafes and brisk street trade. Artists paint and street singers perform there and the souvenirs are sold there.
The Old Arbat has gained a new popularity though mostly among visitors because many native Muscovites have taken critically such a transformation of the famous corner of Moscow.
CATHEDRAL OF CHRIST THE SAVIOR
On 25 December 1812 Tsar Alexander I signed a manifesto declaring his intention to build a Cathedral in honor of the victory of Russia over Napoleon.
The new church had to become an embodiment of the deed of the Russian people and signify «Our gratitude to Divine Providence for saving Russia from the doom that overshadowed Her». The first project was by Alexander Vitberg. The Cathedral had taken many years to build and did not emerge from its scaffolding until 1860.
After the Revolution and, more specifically, the death of Lenin, the prominent site of the cathedral was chosen by the Soviets as the site for a monument to socialism known as the Palace of Soviets – a giant tower crowned by a monument to Lenin.
In 1931 the Cathedral of Christ the Savior was dynamited and reduced to rubble. However, the plans of construction were interrupted due to the outbreak of war.
The flooded foundation hole remained on the site until, under in 1958-1960 it was transformed into a huge public swimming pool Moscow the largest the world had ever seen.
The swimming pool Moscow lasted for 30 years. In the end of the 1980-s there emerged a public movement in support of rebuilding the Cathedral of Christ the Savior. The president Boris Yeltsin issued a decree on establishment of the Fund of Moscow revival.
In the list of objects which required restoring the Cathedral of Christ the Savior took the first place.
Due to the incredible speed of the construction works the complete church was consecrated in 2000.
KITAI-GOROD
Kitai-gorod is one of the oldest historic districts of Moscow. It sides with the Kremlin in the east and with the Moskva River in the south, it is bordered by the Okhotny Ryad (Hunting Row) in the north and by the Old and New Squares in the north-east.
The settlement of the most ancient southern part of Kitai-gorod started in the 11-th century. In 14-th century this area was already occupied by the trading quarter which had grown near the city walls.
Inicially Kitai-gorod was enclosed with the earth rammed-earth bulwarks and log reinforcements and in 1535-1538 a Kitai-gorod wall was built in their place. In those times Kitai-gorod just like the Red Square was an important trade center of Moscow.
In the end of 19-th-beginning of the 20-th century Kitai-gorod became a business center of Moscow, a sort of the “city”. Here were located banks, exchange, trade agencies. For many establishments multistoried buildings in modern style were constructed. All the book trade was traditionally concentrated in Nikolskaya Street.
Nowadays Kitai-gorod in accordance with the decision of the Moscow government is one of the nine protected areas created. No new construction works are going in this historic district of Moscow and the restored old houses, chambers and churches are now given over to museums, concert halls and other cultural institutions.
Poklonnaya Hill, the Victory Park
Poklonnaya Hill is a sloping hill in the west of Moscow, between the rivers Setun and Filka. Poklonnaya Hill used to be situated far beyond Moscow and the panorama of the city opened from its peak. Its name is derived from the Russian for »take a bow", as everyone approaching the capital from the west was expected to do homage here.
The commemorative decoration with the legend «Here will be constructed the Victory monument in honor of the Victory of Soviet people in the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945» was placed on Poklonnaya Hill on 23 February 1958. Around this decoration the Victory Park was laid out.
The planning and construction of the memorial complex on Pokolonnaya Hill dragged on for many years. Its inauguration timed to 50-th anniversary of victory over fascism took place on 9 May, 1995.
In the middle of the Square of Victors there is an obelisk of 141,8 m height. It symbolizes 1418 days and nights of the Great Patriotic War.
The bronze figure of the goddess of victory Nika is fixed at the 100 m height mark. And at the pedestal of obelisk, on granite podium was erected monument of St. George slaying the dragon — symbol of evil.
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