Moscow is a city unlike any other. With a population of 13 million, it is the largest city in Europe and one of the biggest in the world. In addition to its size, Moscow is a city of great cultural importance. It has long been the political center of Russia and has seen much upheaval in its history: the elegant homes of the tsars’ gave way to the proud, utilitarian buildings of the Soviet Union. In recent decades, Moscow has committed to rebuilding the city’s landmarks that were torn down, and reconstructions of soaring cathedrals and ornate palaces have helped replicate Moscow’s glory days. Read on for a list of Moscow’s 10 most famous buildings and be sure to see them when you visit this great city.
1. Saint Basil's Cathedral (from RUB 3 271) St. Basil Cathedral Source: Wikimedia Commons This former church is a symbol of the city and a stunning sight to behold. The building consists of nine chapels, which are peaked with the onion-shaped, colorfully painted domes on the roof. A smaller, 10th chapel holds the crypt of the church’s namesake, Vasily (Basil) the Blessed. What makes St. Basil so unique is the architecture that looks so unusual that legend has it that the buildings were blindfolded during its construction in the 1550’s so that they couldn’t recreate anything else like it. The interiors of the chapels are covered with colorful paintings and ornate decorations that are a must-see.
1. Saint Basil's Cathedral (from RUB 3 271)
St. Basil Cathedral
Source: Wikimedia Commons
This former church is a symbol of the city and a stunning sight to behold. The building consists of nine chapels, which are peaked with the onion-shaped, colorfully painted domes on the roof. A smaller, 10th chapel holds the crypt of the church’s namesake, Vasily (Basil) the Blessed. What makes St. Basil so unique is the architecture that looks so unusual that legend has it that the buildings were blindfolded during its construction in the 1550’s so that they couldn’t recreate anything else like it. The interiors of the chapels are covered with colorful paintings and ornate decorations that are a must-see.