Moscow

Overview

Moscow is the capital of Russia. The Kremlin and Red Square are its defining sights, and the metro stations are palaces in their own right.

History

The Kremlin dates to the 12th century, originally a wooden fortress; in the 15th century Ivan III commissioned Italian architects to build the red brick walls seen today. St Basil's Cathedral was built between 1555 and 1561 by Ivan IV, known as the Terrible, to commemorate the conquest of Kazan; legend says he had the architects blinded so they could never build anything finer. Red Square, whose name means beautiful square, was the stage for Soviet-era parades, and the whole area became a World Heritage Site in 1990.

Highlights

• •The multicoloured onion domes of St Basil's Cathedral
• •The fine Assumption Cathedral inside the Kremlin
• •Imperial crown jewels at the Armoury Chamber
• •The Moscow Metro, the most beautiful underground palaces in the world
• •The hush and historic weight of Red Square at midnight

Practical tips

• •Arrange your visa in advance
• •The metro is convenient and inexpensive

Practical information

Best time

June to August

Tickets

Kremlin about RUB 700; Armoury Chamber about RUB 1,000

Opening hours

Kremlin 10:00 to 17:00, closed Thursdays; Red Square open all day

Local food

Borscht, Russian dumplings and blini

Getting around

The metro network is extensive and beautifully decorated; multi-ride tickets are the best value

Visa

A visa is required; some border crossings accept an e-visa, subject to the latest official Russian announcements.

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