Moscow Highlights

Kremlin - the former residence of Russian Tsars. For centuries of its existence Moscow Kremlin was a witness many famous and tragic events of Russian history. Enemy guns rattled at its walls, celebrations and revolts took place. Cathedral Square - the center of the Kremlin with the 15th century Assumption Cathedral, the main church of Russia, the 15th century Annunciation Cathedral, the private church of Russian Tsars and the 16th century Cathedral of the Archangel - Tsars burial place. State regalia of Russia, invaluable icons, treasure of Tsars are stored in the Kremlin chambers and cathedrals. Tsar Bell - a unique monument Of Russian art moulding dated back to the 18th century and the Tsar canon - the largest cannon, Armory Chamber and diamond found, magnificence of Kremlin cathedrals and elegance of Grand Kremlin Palace, all pomp and glory of Russian Empire were carefully kept here through the centuries. Nowdays the Kremlin is a residence of Russian president, the centre of political life and one of the biggest museums of the world.

Grand Kremlin Palace - the present day residence of the President of Russia. This ensemble includes Granovitaya Palace of the 15th century, the Terem Palace of the 17th century, and the residence of Tsars, St. George's Hall and the Vladimir Hall, which today are the sites of the ceremonial singing of important international documents.

Diamon Fund - a unique collection of gold and platinum nuggets, diamonds from Siberia, as well as Crown Jewels of the 18th-19th centuries.

Novodevichy Convent - one of the finest examples of the 16 - 19th century architecture, is located on the territory of a former convent for ladies of noble birth. The convent is connected with the major events in Russian history, such as coronation of Boris Godunov, the fight over the Russian throne between Peter the Great and his troublesome sister princess Sophia and the events of the War of 1812. There is a history and arts museum on the grounds. It is the residence of the Moscow Metropolit, and a home for nuns who are restoring the tradition of nunnery.

Cathedral of the intercession, or St. Basils' Cathedral is the gem of Russian architecture. It was built in the 16th century by order by Ivan the Terrible to commemorate the liberation from the Tatar - Mongol domination. Its composition, 9 chapels placed on a single foundation, symbolizes Russia's victory in the struggle against Tatar-Mongols. Its 10th chapel was added at the end of the 16th century and built over the grave of the well-known holy man named St. Basil, which was the name finally given to the cathedral complex.

The Cathedral of Christ the Saviour. The temple was constricted on a vow given by sovereign Alexander I in gratitude for saving fatherland "From the Goal invasion". The banners and keys from the conquered cities were brought to the temple. The height of the temple was 103 meters. In December of 19311 the temple was blown up. Subsequently the foundation ditch was used for the construction of a swimming pool. In 1994 was closed. In January of 1995, the solemn of the revived temple took place. Now the construction is completed. The temple features a working museum, where excursions are regularly held.

Chambers of the 16-17th centuries in Zaryadye - a unique monument of civil architecture of Moscow, one of the city's oldest museums, opened in the 19th century. It is located on the territory of the former estate of the Boyars Romanovs - the ancestors of the royal dynasty. The museum's internal furnishing give a fairly accurate idea of a 17th century Russian dwelling and the mode of life in old times.

Church of the Trinity in Nikitniki - a unique 17th century church built by a rich merchant. It is a splendid example of the Moscow baroque style. Its interior was painted by the famous masters of the 17th century. The architecture and murals of the church make it a monument remarkable for its harmony and beauty.

Yuri Gagarin Cosmonauts Training Center - in the town of Zvezdny founded in 1960. The center boasts a unique collection of training equipment. In a huge swimming pool (diameter 23m, depth 19m) there is a model of the space station Mir. Water weightlessness helps cosmonauts practice their skills necessary for traveling into outer space. Another model of the space station Mir, totally identical to the orbited one, is set up in a hall to teach cosmonauts to quickly react in "non-ordinary" situations. Mir has three modules: the astrological laboratory Kvant, the living block Kvant - 2 and the scientific laboratory Priroda which conducts research into the development of natural cataclysms. A unique 7 m-long centrifuge rotating with a speed of 50 km per hour trains cosmonauts to withstand various gravitational stresses.

Space Mission Control Center - was set up in the 1970s. The center controls space crafts' navigation, conducts scientific research, developing original controlling methods and procedures. Up-to-date electronic equipment and potent domestic computers installed in two large and one smaller rooms of the center, provide the maximum supervision for effective mission control.

Trinity Sergius Lavra - (70 km) is the religious center of the Russian Orthodox Church, the residence of the Patriarch of All Russia, a working monastery, with the Theological Academy. Its architectural ensemble of the 15-19th centuries represents all stages in the development of Russian architecture. The museum boasts a rich collection of icons of the 15-17th centuries, rare examples of folk art and Russian national costumes.

Sandunovs baths. "Sanduny" existed as long ago as the XVIII century and named in honour of Sila Sandunov, the actor at court of Catherine the Great in 1790ies. It's example of of typical Russian baths, still one of the most popular and prestigious baths revives its best traditions - cleanest, comfort and kind treatment of the client. In 2004 was reconstructed the reastaurant at ground floor of the baths serving dishes of traditional Russian cousine.