Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
sweeping introduction to Russian history. Exhibits include the Fabergé eggs
exchanged by Russia's last royal couple, czar Nicholas II and empress Alexandra.
Kremlin tickets available at Kutafya Tower in Alexander Gardens (
&
095/203-0349
). Access to the grounds costs
$3 (£2) for adults, $2 (75p) for students with ID and for children 7 and up. Admission to the grounds and the Cathe-
dral Square complex costs $12 (£6) for adults, $69 (£35) for students with ID and for children 7 and up. Admission
to the Armory costs $14 (£7) for adults, $7 (£4) for students and for children 7 and up.
Red Square (Krasnaya Ploshchad)
One of the world's most recognizable
public spaces, Red Square is as impressive in reality as it is on screen. The square was
already famous by 1434, when it was dubbed “Trading Square.” Its current name
appeared in the 1660s, when the word
krasnaya
meant “beautiful” or “important” as
well as “red.” The name took on different connotations in the 20th century, when the
red flag-bearing Communists staged massive parades and demonstrations on the aptly
titled square.
Red Square (Krasnaya Ploshchad). No phone. Free admission. Metro: Ploshchad Revolutsii or Okhotny Ryad.
Lenin's Mausoleum (Mavzolei Lenina)
The embalmed body of the founder of the
Soviet state is still on display in a mausoleum on Red Square. The stark Constructivist
pyramid of red granite and gray and black labradorite was built in 1930, 6 years after
Vladimir Lenin's death. Backpacks are forbidden; they must be left at the bag check by
the Kremlin's Borovitsky. Visit after seeing the Kremlin, and then get your bags.
Red Square. No phone. Free admission. Tues, Thurs, and Sat-Sun 10am-1pm. Metro: Ploshchad Revolutsii, Teatral-
naya, or Okhotny Ryad.
Novodevichy Convent & Cemetery (Novodevichy Monastyr i Kladbishche)
If you visit only one holy site in Moscow, make it this one. The convent, founded in
1524, became over ensuing eras a carefully arranged complex of churches in a variety
of architectural styles. Don't miss the
cemetery
behind the convent, which bears the
unique gravestones of many Russian literary, musical, and scientific heroes.
Novodevichy Proyezd.
&
095/246-8526.
Admission to the grounds $2 (£1); a combined ticket including churches
and exhibits $7 (£4). Cemetery admission $2 (£1). Cathedrals may be closed to tourists on Easter and feast days.
Wed-Sun 10am-5pm. Metro: Sportivnaya.
The Moscow Metro
Most cities' public transit systems are eyesores.
Moscow's is a masterpiece. Today it's the world's busiest subway system. Its oldest sta-
tions, dating from the 1930s and 1940s, are its grandest. Highlights include Ploshchad
Revolutsii, with its bronze sculptures of Soviet swimmers and sailors holding up the
marble columns; Kievskaya, with its mosaics portraying Ukrainian-Russian friendship;
and Novoslobodskaya, with its Art Nouveau stained glass.
Museum of Cosmonautics (Muzei Kosmonavtiki)
Housed beneath
a giant aluminum monument of a rocket soaring into space, this museum is a tribute
to the minds and might that put the Soviet Union head-to-head with the United States
in the Space Race. It's far from the center (but right on top of a metro station).
Prospekt Mira 111.
&
095/283-7914.
Admission $1.50 (75p) adults, 75¢ (40p) children over 7. Audioguide in Eng-
lish $3.50 (£2). Tues-Sun 10am-6pm; closed last Fri of each month. Metro: VDNKh.
Tretyakov Gallery (Tretyakovskaya Galereya)
Newcomers to Russian
art and connoisseurs alike leave awed by this collection of masterpieces. The gallery
was Russia's first public art museum, and remains the premier repository of Russian
art, starting with Orthodox icons dating from Russia's conversion in the 9th century,
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