Moscow Free Tours is a Moscow-based tour guide company which offers daily free walking tours of Moscow's main attractions, led by their friendly and knowledgeable guides. This is one of the very few tour guide companies in Moscow which provides 5 tours at 4 different time slots (10:45a, 2p, 4p, 6:30p) in a day regardless of group size and weather conditions. If none of the free tour timings fit into your schedule, you can always book a paid private tour.
This world-famous fortress was the political and religious focal point for much of Russia's history and remains at the heart of the nation's government as the official residence of the president. The walls of the Kremlin were originally constructed out of white stone and were later rebuilt in the 15th Century with the now distinctive red brick. An amalgamation of architectural styles, around every corner of the Kremlin, await domes and generously ornamented turrets. The fort comprises historic religious sites like the Cathedral of the Assumption (Uspenskii Sobor), Archangel's Cathedral (Arkhangelskii Sobor), and Patriarch's Palace (Patriarshii Dvorets). Also onsite are other palaces, museums, towers and monuments, each a defining piece of Russia's rich architectural heritage and cultural legacy. Entry to all attractions is gained via the Kutafia Tower (Kutaf'ia Bashnia).
A mesmerizing collection of vivid hues and domes, St. Basil's Cathedral looms at the southern end of the Red Square, one of Russia's most widely-recognized architectural monuments. Originally built between 1555 and 1561 to commemorate the victory of Ivan IV in Kazan, the cathedral was a vision in white stone with gilded domes. The colors and patterns were not added until the 17th Century. Little is known about the architects of this majestic edifice and for a time legend had it that Ivan IV had the duo blinded to prevent them from replicating the design. Originally composed of nine chapels, a tenth was added a few years later where the tomb of Saint Basil lies. Although officially named the Cathedral of the Intercession, this historic jewel's more popular moniker derives from this. Today, St. Basil's Cathedral is a museum attracting droves of visitors each year, inspiring awe in all those who lay their eyes upon it.
The largest, oldest and the most important cathedral in the Moscow Kremlin is the Dormition Cathedral. An Italian architect named Aristotle Fioravanti (who was commissioned by Ivan III) designed and built the cathedral between 1474 and 1478. After its construction, the cathedral became the primary church of the Russian State and as a result, the site of coronations, victory services, weddings and funerals of Russian monarchs. The cathedral's frescoes and icons are of particular interest.
At the Fallen Monument Park, lush and manicured lawns are punctuated with stunning sculptures, some of which can be traced back to the Soviet Union period. The permanent collection is a contribution of 900 artists as well as emerging exhibitionists. The impressive pieces are in various styles and mediums like stone, metal and wood, and include the works of Russian stalwarts like Chubarov and Chaikoff. The eclectic selection of European art surrounded by verdant greenery at this open-air gallery of sorts, attracts curators and art aficionados aplenty.
The Moscow Circus on Tsvetnoy Boulevard is one of the oldest in Russia. The circus building was built in 1880, and later underwent numerous upgradings and reconstructions until finally in 1985 the old building was destroyed and replaced by a new one in 1987. During its long history, the circus became home to many great Russian performers who created many innovative routines. One of them was famous clown Yuri Nikulin, who later became circus director before dying in 1987. The circus is a great place to visit with kids. Here they can see all the usual circus fare - acrobats and jugglers, camel and horse shows, smart monkeys and funny clowns. During the summer holidays, the circus stages special plays for children.
Moscow Free Tours is a Moscow-based tour guide company which offers daily free walking tours of Moscow's main attractions, led by their friendly and knowledgeable guides. This is one of the very few tour guide companies in Moscow which provides 5 tours at 4 different time slots (10:45a, 2p, 4p, 6:30p) in a day regardless of group size and weather conditions. If none of the free tour timings fit into your schedule, you can always book a paid private tour.
Mosstreets are guided tours within the city. These tours can either be taken in a bus or on foot. You get to visit everything, from small alleyways to historical spots, that crowd the city. Those who love to dig a little deeper into a place's history and culture, will love the tours, as you get to interact with locals and also get a glimpse of the culture prevalent in the city. The best part about these tours is that they are free of cost, encouraging room for intellectual interactions.
Moscow Through The Eyes Of An Engineer is known for intellectual tours to the ancient house of Narkomfin. Here, those who have a keen eye for architecture, will see an architectural beauty from the times when Soviet Union existed. This house depicts the transformation of the living styles of the people, from a large area to sprawl, to a minimal living area. One gets to see the neatness of the structure and the mind set of builders. The place has a gym, a mess and a club, built for the inmates. To get a glimpse of the utopic living styles of the Soviet Union, do take the tour by Moscow Through The Eyes Of An Engineer.
Tsaritsyno Park, located on the outskirts of Moscow, is one of the most popular tourist attractions of Moscow. Built for Queen Catherine in the 18th Century, the stunning palace features fine Neo-Gothic architectural style and covers several acres of land along with its adjoining parks. It has multiple entertainment options available for visitors who can either take a stroll in the beautiful nature reserve parks with its extensive animal and plant life and breathtaking flower gardens or have a look inside the magnificent building and check out the various museums, concert halls and fine art exhibitions on display. Two exquisite banquet halls are given for private events like conferences, meetings, weddings and dinner parties along with many additional services by musicians, sound and light engineers and tour guides available for guests. It is truly one of a kind park in the city if not the entire country and definitely deserves a visit if you are in Moscow.
The largest, oldest and the most important cathedral in the Moscow Kremlin is the Dormition Cathedral. An Italian architect named Aristotle Fioravanti (who was commissioned by Ivan III) designed and built the cathedral between 1474 and 1478. After its construction, the cathedral became the primary church of the Russian State and as a result, the site of coronations, victory services, weddings and funerals of Russian monarchs. The cathedral's frescoes and icons are of particular interest.
Commissioned by one Prince Naryshkin, the two-storied stone cathedral, Church of the Intercession at Fili is a unique architectural marvel. Moscow's baroque-red-bricked and golden-domed 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. Zolotaryov. 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.