Travel to Russia

Central Museum of the Great Patriotic War

When Hitler moved the German forces into Russia in the summer of 1941, the Great Patriotic War began for the Russian people. The part of the country invaded by the Germans was devastated and millions of people killed. This museum is dedicated to keeping the memory of the war alive so nothing like it will ever happen again. The museum organizes thematic tours through the galleries of honour, remembrance and military traditions. The museum owns two lecture halls of 200 and 500 seats with synchronized interpreting, a scientific library, plus an archive and a database of all of the soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the war. Entry is free.

Armenian Apostolic Church of the Resurrection

This church was closed down by Stalin in 1937 but re-opened later during his rule in 1951, at the insistence of the then Armenian Patriarch Vazgen I. The distinct golden dome-and-white walls combination are striking, and the fact that the church central place of worship for Russia's Armenian community gives the interior a distinct air. The famous Lazarev's Chapel (which was constructed in 1815 by the wealthy Moscow Armenian Lazarev family) forms part of the church's buildings. Services are held on Sundays at noon.

Church of the Nativity of Our Lady in Putinki

At the very beginning of Malaia Dmitrovka street, stands this magnificent church. It was constructed in 1649-1652 and looks almost as if it were twisted together out of lace. A long time ago, this area was called Putinki (from the word 'put', meaning 'way'). This was because it stands at the juntion of two major roads, one going to Dmitrov and the other to Tver' (Tverskaia ulitsa). This church was the last building in Moscow to employ the tent-roofed architectural style

Church of the Archangel Michael in Troparevo

This church was built in 1693. It was closed in 1937 and reopened at the beginning of 1989, making it one of the first Moscow churches to be returned to believers in Gorbachev's time. The church is home to the Donskaia icon of the Virgin and fragments of the remains of St. Nicolas. Boris Yeltsin and his wife Naina regularly attended the Easter Day services here. Services are held daily at 8a and 5p. Liturgies on Sundays are at 7a and 10a.

Kuz'minki Park

Many of the large estates in Moscow's suburbs and beyond were once owned by the country's wealthy pre-revolutionary aristocracy. This one was the property of the Golitsyn family. Despite such lofty origins, the park itself suffers from the effects of a major fire in 1915 and decades of Soviet neglect. This does not exactly make it pretty, but the eerie solitude (particularly in winter months) make it a worthwhile escape destination from the city proper. Incidentally, the estate's Egyptian Pavilion now hosts a biological research center.

Hunting and Fishing Museum

The first and only musuem of outdoor sports in Russia was opened in 1988. The museum is located in the Central House of Hunters and Fishers. The main exhibition is called 'Biological Diversity' and consists of stuffed wild animals and birds, such as foxes, beavers, raccoons, pheasants, ducks and other animals. The gallery of hunting arms and equipment illustrates the development of hunting weapons in Russia. There are rifles and other hunting arms from the 19th and 20th centuries on display. Entry is 30RUR ($1) per person. Tours in English are also available.

Church of the Intercession in Fili

Commissioned by one Prince Naryshkin, this two-storied stone cathedral is a unique example of Moscow baroque - red-bricked and golden-domed- the structure is a geometric feast amid drab surroundings. Many of the icons inside were painted in 1693-1694 by the master of the Armoury Museum, K. Zolotarev. The furniture in the lower church was made in the early 19th century. The church was shut down in 1930 and, since 1980, has been a branch of the Andrei Rublev Museum of Early Russian Culture and Art. Services are not held.

Letniy Sad

The most amazing thing about the Letniy Sad are the beautiful statues. It is great in the summer time, when the swans are in the lake, and it is quite great to eat ice cream, as someone said it in the earlier review. However, the history goes beyond ice-cream. You have to be able to feel the atmosphere, and realize that you are walking in the footsteps of such great people as Pushkin, Tchakovsky, and the carzs. Or maybe remember the WWII, when Letniy Sad saved lives, by being the only place where people could grow vegetables, during the 900 days of hunger. It is more than a pice of history and great architecture. It is the heart of St. Petersburg. This amazing city has its own soul, that you can feel through its buildings. I strongly suggest that every one go to St. Petersburg. You'll never forget the unbaelivalbe journey, that will capure your soul.

New Jerusalem Museum

Situated in a 17th-century monastery that was created as a representation of the Holy Land in Russia, the New Jerusalem Museum complex also contains a garden and several other historical buildings. The museum itself was founded in 1920. The museum's fund of exhibits numbers up to 170 000 - Western and Russian paintings, icons, rare and handwritten books, embroidery, and historical documents. The most interesting thing about the place will always be the long history of the monastery complex.

The Kremlin

The Kremlin is one of those stops in Moscow that is non-negotiable. Certainly, you won't regret it. The gold-domes are more beautiful in reality than any photograph can portray. Each church in the walls is unique and fascinating. There are usually exhibits on Russian history, showing paintings, artifacts. There is an extra fee for cameras so, make sure not to miss this step the guards will demand to see the photo ticket so don't get in any troubles for such a small thing. The Armory inside is also not to be missed. The exhibition on women's dresses is particularly attractive and make every woman imagine how to will be to wear one of those. Kids will love the horses in suits of armor so it is a great place for them too.