Moscow originated as a wooden fort built on a hill at the confluence of the Neglinnaya and Moskva rivers in about 1147. During the Soviet era it was of course the showpiece of Russia which has resulted in a complex city with 15th century churches sitting next to modern office blocks, narrow crooked lanes and long broad avenues, rich museums and modern department stores and a population of 12 million people. It has an indefinable buzz which permeates through the city 24 hours a day making it both fascinating and exciting. There are innumerable restaurants, a wide range of hotels and a wealth of historically important monuments including of course the magnificent Red Square, the glamorous Kremlin, festive St Basils Cathedral, refined New Maiden Convent, variety of art galleries and even the KGB Museum!
Red Square
Red Square is the heart not only of Moscow, but of the whole Russia. Originally a commercial centre, Red Square has been at the very centre of Russian history since the 15th century, from Ivan the Terrible confession of his misdeeds to the people in 1550, to great demonstrations, executions and the great parades of the Soviet Union’s military might. Ironically, krasny originally meant beautiful and only came to mean red in the last century. From the time of Ivan the Great the square was used as a huge gathering place for public events, markets, fairs and festivals. Encompassing an area of over 70,000 sq meters it is bounded by the Kremlin, the Historical museum and GUM department store, the shopping arcade, that was completed in 1893. At the southern end is the almost fairy-tale like building of St Basil’s cathedral which was commissioned in 1552 by Ivan the Terrible to celebrate his conquering of Kazan. In the morning after breakfast, guests will have an opportunity to visit the Kremlin prior to the official opening time.
Red Square
Red Square is the heart not only of Moscow, but of the whole Russia. Originally a commercial centre, Red Square has been at the very centre of Russian history since the 15th century, from Ivan the Terrible confession of his misdeeds to the people in 1550, to great demonstrations, executions and the great parades of the Soviet Union’s military might. Ironically, krasny originally meant beautiful and only came to mean red in the last century. From the time of Ivan the Great the square was used as a huge gathering place for public events, markets, fairs and festivals. Encompassing an area of over 70,000 sq meters it is bounded by the Kremlin, the Historical museum and GUM department store, the shopping arcade, that was completed in 1893. At the southern end is the almost fairy-tale like building of St Basil’s cathedral which was commissioned in 1552 by Ivan the Terrible to celebrate his conquering of Kazan. In the morning after breakfast, guests will have an opportunity to visit the Kremlin prior to the official opening time.