Magnificent Moscow

This 860-year-old iconic city, formerly known as the Soviet Union, is now one of the world’s sprawling metropolises. Moscow tops one too many lists of “the most” like the most expensive, most expensive coffee and the city boasting most billionaires, just to name a few. Though it might be a city of many superlatives, these lists hardly capture the reality of the capital of Russia.

By Farah Amin

Moscow is a wondrous place full of juxtaposed culture and art from the ancient to the contemporary, from the historic red brick towers of Kremlin, St. Basils Cathedral and Red Square to the world renowned venues like the Pushkin Fine Arts Museum and edgy art galleries that were former factories and deserted warehouses in their pervious lives.

The kremlin was once the center of the Orthodox Church and the apex of political power in Russia. The iconic church is a must see where covers Borovitsky Hill on the North bank of Moscow River, but to get the best view go to Sofiyskaya across the river. You’ll get to see all five church museums and the Patriarch’s Palace. There is also the Armoury and the Diamond Fund Exhibition.
Right outside the Kremlin’s wall sits the much celebrated Red Square; an area of 400m by 150m of cobblestones and its considered to be the very heart of the city. From the southern end is the St Basil’s Cathedral where you can stroll around taking all this Russian history in along with the beautiful panoramic view.

Moscow’s Metro station is unlike any other city. It boasts history and beautiful extravagant architecture that represents the Soviet-era. You can take a 1.5 hour-long tours where you walk around the with an expert guide to visit Moscow’s five must-see stations, which includes the Mayakovskaya where you can hear all about the Metro-2, the secret line that was used by the government and KGB. Each station symbolizes a time that is reflected in its character. The subway was praised as one of Stalin’s finest architectural achievements and symbolizes his rising regime at the time.
When in Moscow, a ballet is not to be missed. The Bolshoi Theatre is one of Moscow’s most romantic and entertaining places that should top your list. It’s a glittering six-tier auditorium with a thrilling atmosphere and 235 years of premier music and dance. Ballet and opera companies perform a collection of the finest Russian and foreign shows.

Another venue of grandeur that is worth your effort is The Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts. Its Moscow’s premier foreign-art museum and for art lovers it will hit the spot with its broad selection of European works that include masterpieces from ancient civilizations and Italian Renaissance and Dutch Golden Age.
Before your departure don’t forget to pass by the Izmaylovsky Market for Russian souvenirs. The area is a sprawling one packed with art, antiques, handmade crafts and Soviet paraphernalia. You’ll also find the largest original range of matryoshki, palekh and khokhloma ware, as well as less traditional woodworking crafts.