Russia has long been the status quo of history and culture. Spanning from the Baltic Sea to the Pacific Ocean and from China to as far north as the Arctic Ocean, Russia formed in 1991 during the breakup of the Soviet Union and is one of the largest countries in the world. Although some have deemed certain parts of the country unsafe due to current unrest, there are still many intriguing destinations for a traveler to visit.
What are some of the favorite tourist stops in Russia?
Moscow. No trip to Russia is complete without first seeing the sights of this capital city. Located in western Russia, Moscow was founded over ten centuries ago by Prince Yuri Volodimirovich. Today Moscow is home to over eight million citizens.
One of the most infamous sites to visit in Moscow is the Kremlin. The red walls of the Kremlin encompass some of the most historical buildings in the country. The Grand Kremlin Palace, for example, was constructed in 1838 and is the largest structure in the Kremlin. This imperial palace links the Terem Palace and Palace of Facets. Each palace served as home and ceremonial location for many of the czars of Russia.
Cathedral Square is the oldest part of the Kremlin. Out of the many cathedrals located in the vicinity, the Assumption Cathedral is the oldest and largest. Starting with Ivan the Great in the 1500s until the end of the Romanov dynasty in 1917, each Russian czar was crowned in the cathedral. A number of depictions of saints and martyrs adorn its walls. The Archangel Cathedral was first constructed in the 16th century during the reign of Ivan the Terrible. Located in the southeastern corner, the cathedral is the second largest in the Kremlin. The coffins of many of Russia’s rulers, including Ivan the Terrible, are on display along the walls of the Archangel Cathedral.
The Tsar Bell and Canon is located just beyond Cathedral Square. The canon, built in 1586, is sixteen feet in length, weighs over 40 tons and is one of the largest canons in the world. It is made of bronze and was used primarily to defend the Kremlin against attack. The bell is also made of bronze and was commissioned by Anna the First in 1734. Considered to be one of the world’s largest and clearly ringing bells, the Tsar Bell was damaged by fire in 1737 and has remained silent since.
Outside of the Kremlin’s eastern wall, a person can visit Red Square. The square, named for its red brick color, is over 500,000 square feet and has been used for military parades and as a marketplace. In the 16th century, the vicinity was known as Trinity Square and was the main entrance to the Kremlin. A person traveling to Moscow should visit another national landmark; Lenin’s Mausoleum. Vladimir Lenin, founder of the Soviet Union, was embalmed and placed inside of a wooden mausoleum when he died in 1924. A granite mausoleum was constructed in 1929 against the Kremlin wall. A visitor to the mausoleum can view Lenin’s remains in a glass enclosure and witness the hourly changing of the guard.
Novgorod. The country’s third largest city is located on the Volga and Oka Rivers. Founded in 1221 by Grand Prince Yuri, Novgorod was once the capital and cultural center of Russia. A person traveling to Novgorod should visit the Novgorod Kremlin, also known as Detinets. This fortress was built in 1221. The original structure was wooden and over one mile long. The brick walls surrounding the Kremlin were constructed in the 14th century.
The Detinets has a number of cathedrals located in it perimeter. Archangel Michael’s Cathedral is located in the center of the main square. The cathedral was constructed in 1631 and is one of the oldest churches in the region. The Cathedral of Sofia is also located inside the Detinets. Constructed in 1050, the cathedral was once the main church of northern Russia. The building is over 35 meters high and is one of the oldest stone buildings in the country.
In nearby Torgova, a traveler should visit Yaroslav’s Court. This was one the political center of the region. Today, a person can visit the Cathedral of St. Nikola, the oldest building inside the court. The cathedral was built in 1113 and is renowned for the five domes atop of the building. Altay Mountains. A person looking to experience the nature and incredible scenery offered by Russia should visit the Altay Mountains. Located in the infamous Siberian region, the Altays Mountains offer a traveler breathtaking natural beauty.
The Chuysky Trakt is the main roadway that winds through the mountain range. The roadway connects Russia with Mongolia and offers a traveler a number of scenic views. Along this route, a person can also view a variety of ancient carvings and tombstones near the road. The Katun River is the largest river in the Altay Mountains. At over 680 kilometers long, the river is a favorite spot for rafting. The Katun starts in the Beluha Mountain, the highest point in Siberia at over 4,500 meters. The Katun, with its 170 glaciers, offers a visitor awe-inspiring views.
The Altay Mountains are also well known for its beautiful lakes. The Telefskoye Lake is the largest lake in this region. Located near the Chusky Trakt, Telefskoye Lake is a popular tourist destination.St. Petersburg. A visit to Russia is not complete without a trip to St. Petersburg. The city is the second largest in Russia and its history dates back to Peter the Great. While a person may opt to visit some of the city’s mainstays, such as the Winter Palace and the St. Peter and Paul Fortress, there are a number of places of interest off of the beaten path.
The St. Isaac Cathedral was constructed in St. Petersburg during the 1800s. At the time, St. Isaac was the main cathedral in St. Petersburg. Today, a visitor will be able to appreciate the awe inspiring views of St. Petersburg offered by the cathedral. The Peter’s House is located near the St. Peter and Paul Fortress. Built in 1703, the wooden building was the first structure in St. Petersburg and was used by Peter the Great to oversee the construction of the fortress. Today, a visitor to Peter’s House will be able to see a variety of displays featuring the belongings of the emperor.
The first museum in St. Petersburg was Kunstkamera. The museum was founded in 1718 by Peter the Great and housed a number of items collected by Russia’s emperor during his travels. A person can view many of these artifacts as well as a collection of art and other items of interest. Russia is a country rich in culture and history. A visitor to this part of the world will be able to partake in a magnificent journey.
