Dec
20
2011
Romantic Places to Visit in Russia
Russia is quickly becoming one of the most exciting destinations in the world. Since the fall of Communism, Russian traditions that were mysterious for decades have returned and are frantically making up for lost time. Though Russia, the most massive country in the world by physical scale, offers countless other options, most Western visitors to Russia start at Moscow and St. Petersburg. Here are four spellbinding places to visit in Russia.
Abramtsevo is an retreat north of Moscow. It was a retreat for artists and writers over 100 years ago. Originally owned by Sergei Aksakov, writers and artists like Nikolai Gogol honed their craft there as guests. They wanted to purge Russian art of European influences to create a more purely Russian ethos. In 1870 it was taken over by Savva Mamontov, and under his influence, Russian art developed there. Abramtsevo contains a charming church, winding paths through wooded areas, and a rather bizarre house straight out of a storybook. The main building may have been the starting point for Chekhov’s concept for The Cherry Orchard.
Gorky Park, Moscow is a thrilling place to visit in cold weather. The footpaths ice over turning much of the setting into a skating rink. Skating along with your love is one of the most romantic ways to experience Moscow. If you go when it’s warm, you can enjoy the dozens of rides, cafes, and vendors where you can shop for souvenirs. Originally opened in 1928, Gorky Park was formerly the gardens of a local palace. Whether you go in the winter or when it’s warm, you will find countless things to thrill you and your partner. Located along the Moskva River, it is an unforgettable setting you shouldn’t miss when visiting Moscow.
The Hermitage Winter Palace is the most famous place in St. Petersburg. With its innumerable architectural touches, this magnificent building has over 1, 000 rooms. Formerly the residence of Russia’s royalty, it also was the place where in 1917 Bolsheviks started their coup d’etat. While that single event of the Revolution was not as bloody as it was later reported, it did lead to civil war and the Bolshevik victory in 1921. Since then, the Winter Palace contains the Hermitage Museum, the biggest art gallery in Russia. Paintings by da Vinci, Andrey Cherny, and Michalangelo are just a fraction of the works in this enormous art collection.
The Grand Hotel Europe is a lavish delight, with delicious food in the many restaurants, and a long and fascinating history. Among the Grand Hotel Europe’s countless historic visitors was Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky From this center of luxury, visitors can easily get to St. Petersburg’s most unforgettable sites. As a setting for romance, Grand Hotel Europe cannot be surpassed. It is like retreating to an earlier era, with opulence and elegance complemented by 21st century conveniences.
While Russia is blessed with many charming sites, these four are great choices for first-time visitors. The spectacular architecture of Eastern Europe combines with a 20th century largely filled with happenings that are unfamiliar to Westerners make Russia a unique, but unforgettable setting for romance.
Nov
21
2011
Things to do in Moscow, Russia
Moscow is the capital city of Russia and has off limit to international tourists in the past. However more and more travelers are now visiting this wonderful Russian city as there are so many beautiful sights, great attractions and a lot of culture and history.
This travel related article offers advice and information for those of you that would like to visit the Russian capital. One thing that I can tell you is that you will certainly not get bored there and that you will most certainly have a wonderful time there.
The Red Square
The Red square is one of the most famous landmarks of the city and every tourist should visit it during their trip. You will also be able to see the well known Kremlin at the Red Square which is home to the Russian government.
Peter the Great Monument
Peter the Great is a very important person in the history of this country which is why a monument was made to honor this man. Be sure to take your camera with you when you visit this 165 feet tall monument.
St. Basil’s Cathedral
Moscow has a number of impressive religious and historic buildings and one of my personal favorites is the St. Basil’s Cathedral. The opening hours of the St. Basil’s Cathedral are daily from 10:00 until 17:30.
Moscow Zoo
If you are visiting town with your children then you should definitely plan a visit to the local zoo. It is nearly one hundred and fifty years old and it is the largest zoo in the entire country. The zoo is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11:00 until 19:00.
