Moscow – 3 Popular Tourist Attractions

Moscow is one of the most mysterious cities you’ll find in Europe, with a rich history and vibrant, awe-inspiring architecture that can’t be found anywhere else. It’s difficult to determine what century you’re in if you walk the cobblestone walkways of Red Square or the banks of the Moskva River early in the morning.

Tsarist architecture, must-see churches, and opulent shopping choices combine for an unforgettable visual experience. Here’s a list of popular tourist attractions in Moscow to give you some ideas on what to see and do while in Russia.

Bolshoi Theatre

One of the largest and oldest ballet and opera companies in the world calls the Bolshoi Theatre its home. The theatre has undergone numerous major restorations over the last 100 years, the most recent of which took place in 2011 to recover some of the imperial architectural elements, although it still retains its Neoclassical grandeur.

The Bolshoi Theatre that stands today was built in 1824 after previous iterations had been destroyed in fires. The three-tiered crystal chandelier, known as Red Velvet, and gold mouldings inside give the venue the air of Byzantine-Renaissance grandeur like no other.

Seeing a performance by the local ballet and opera companies is a delight, as the theatre frequently plays classics like Tchaikovsky’s Mazeppa and Rachmaninoff’s Francesca da Rimini, both of which had their world premieres here.

Red Square 

Red Square is the starting point for all of the main streets in Moscow, so it’s easy to see why it’s considered the city’s heart. Built in 1555, St. Basil’s Cathedral is one of the most well-known structures in the square. Architectural features inspired by Byzantine and Asian styles, as well as details similar to those seen in notable mosques, may be found in this one-of-a-kind church. Inside the church, there are nine separate chapels, each with vivid fresco paintings.

UNESCO has designated both the square and the Kremlin as World Heritage Sites. On weekends, stalls selling souvenirs and traditional products, such as matryoshka can be found at the square’s entrance.

Tretyakov Gallery

With over 180,000 paintings, sculptures, and religious art dating back millennia, this museum houses the world’s largest collection of Russian art. The gallery, which was erected in the early twentieth century and uses gorgeous red and white colours from ancient Russian architecture, is located near the Kremlin. You’ll find a beautiful sight awaiting you, wether inisde or out. 

The Vladimir Mother of God, a Byzantine icon of the Virgin and Child from the 1100s, Andrei Rublev’s The Trinity image from the 15th century, and many works by Ilya Repin, Russia’s most famous realist painter, are among the prestigious works on display. There is also an 86-meter-tall statue of Peter the Great on the museum grounds, as well as a number of Socialist Realism sculptures.