RUSSIA - The St. Basil's Cathedral in Moscow

MOSCOW, RUSSIA - The St. Basil's Cathedral also known as the "The Cathedral of the Protecting Veil of the Mother of God" standing in the middle of the Red Square is an iconic landmark of Moscow. The interiors of the Cathedral were beautifully decorated with gold relics and other treasures related to the history of this building. The building consists of 9 chapels built on a single foundation.

Right at the entrance of the Cathedral, there is the famous Statue of Minin and Pozharsky. This statue commemorates Prince Dmitry Pozharsky and the butcher Kuzma Minin, the leaders of the militia which repelled the Polish invasion of 1612 during the peak of the Time of Troubles. They were the unlikely heroes that saved Russia from Polish invasion. The statue is Russia's first monumental sculpture. It is designed by architect I. Martos and erected in 1818.

The cathedral was built in the 16th Century was in fulfillment of a vow by Czar Ivan the Terrible as a monument to his victory over the Kzan Khanate. Popular legend was that Ivan the Terrible made the architect blind after the construction of this building so that he would not build an equally beautiful architecture elsewhere. Until today, there is much controversy about the history of this monumental building as historians argue that much of its history are purely urban folklore.

The St. Basil's Cathedral - official website at http://www.saintbasil.ru/en/index.html
It is located in the RED SQUARE and is open daily from 11am-5:30pm except on Tuesdays.

Inside The St Basil's Cathedral, I found a miniature of the much celebrated architectural building. The lovely interiors of the building were decorated with many floral and geometric patterns as well. I saw many golden treasures and ancient historical paintings depicted from the bible. I love how the domes look like colorful onions which makes the building appear vibrant and brought to life! It really stands out in the middle of the Red Square in Moscow city. The riot swirls of colors and shapes create an artistic and fantasy feel of this iconic landmark. This is a must visit attraction in Moscow, Russia!

♥ Lora Christelle Lim ♥
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RUSSIA - The Moscow Kremlin

RUSSIA - Moscow is home to the most billionaires compared to any other place in the World according to a recently published rich list. According to Forbes, Moscow is ranked number 1 as the top Billionaires city with 84 billionaires in 2013 worth a total of over $366 billions up from 74 billionaires in 2012. Moscow beats New York, followed by London and Hong Kong which tie at the third place. More info at  http://www.forbes.com/sites/ricardogeromel/2013/03/14/forbes-top-10-billionaire-cities-moscow-beats-new-york-again/

Source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2286529/Rich-list-reveals-Moscow-home-billionaires-world.html

I visited Moscow recently and was totally in awe of how beautiful the country was with their unique architecture and ancient historical sites. It striking beauty and diversity creates a magnificent capital filled with affluent Russian culture and history. Depending on the dates you travel, I traveled by Singapore Airlines where an Economy return ticket costs approximately around SGD2700 and the total travelling time is only about 10.5 hours. A Business Class return ticket costs around SGD7500 if you prefer to travel in greater comfort.

The Moscow Kremlin - One of the main tourist attraction is the Moscow Kremlin which sits in the heart of Moscow and is one of the most important and most famous historical and political landmark. Behind the high concrete walls are cathedrals, palaces, government offices and museums where some of them are open to the public for visit. As the entire land area is huge, it is highly recommended that you are familiar with the map before visiting as many tourists tend to get lost and confused. Furthermore, most Russians do not speak or understand English and it was rather difficult traveling around on my own. More info at their official website http://kreml.ru/en/.

Since 1991, the Kremlin is the official home to the President of the Russian Federation and the place is highly guarded with strict levels of security. Be prepared to allow guards to search your bags before entering this place and photos are strictly not allowed inside some of the museums.

The Tsar Cannon - This is the World's largest cannon which has never been fired before. It is more than 5 metres long, has a calibre of 890 mm and weighs more than 40 tons. The bronze cannon was created in 1586 by eminent Russian cannon-caster Andrei Chokhov. The Tsar Cannon is a unique item in the Kremlin's Artillery Collection.

The Armoury Chamber - This world wide known museum is a treasure house filled with precious Russian artefacts, largest collection of gold and silver ware by Russian craftsman, ceremonial tsar's vestments and coronation dress, vestments of the Russian Orthodox churches hierarchs, Russian ceremonial weapons and arms, royal state treasures. No photos are strictly inside and it is highly recommended to get an English speaking guide for the tour inside to learn more about each historical item.

Inside the Armoury Chamber Museum 

The State Diamond Fund - Situated in the same building as the Armoury, this Diamond Chamber is run by the Ministry of Finance. Inside this exclusive place house Russia's most expensive state jewels and largest diamonds in the World. Originated from Peter the great, all these jewels are strictly not allowed to be sold, altered and given away. Highlights of the collection include Catherine the Great's coronation crown, World's largest Sapphire, The famous Orlov Diamond and several exquisite Faberge eggs.

An interesting note is that The Moscow Kremlin was made famous by the movie Mission Impossible 4 - The Ghost Protocol where a bomb blew up the Kremlin and Tom Cruise was knocked unconscious.

Source: http://www.empireonline.com/images/uploaded/Kremlin-Gets-Kreamed.jpg

♥ Lora Christelle Lim ♥
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RUSSIA - The Red Square

RUSSIA - The Red Square located in the heart of Moscow City is famously known in the 20th Century as the site for official military parades demonstrating to the World the might of Soviet armed forces. The Red Square also has a brutal and bloody history as on 24 June 1945, 200 Nazi standards were thrown in front of the Lenin Mausoleum and trampled by Soviet Commanders mounted on horses in celebration of their victory over Nazi Germany. It is a fascinating place full of history and interesting buildings to visit.

The Moscow State Historical Museum - An imposing building opened in 1894 in an attempt to mark the coronation of Aleksander III. It is also the fruitful result of a 20 years long project to consolidate various archaeological and anthropological collections into a single museum to tell the rich history of Russia. The building architecture is impressive and was built by famous architect Vladimir Sherwood. The museum houses a rich collection of ancient Russian historical artifacts, paintings, court costumes, Scythian gold figures and others amazing art pieces. Official website at http://www.shm.ru/en/

The Kazan Cathedral - This small and intimate cathedral was built in the 17th Century to commemorate the repulsion of Polish invaders and in honor of the Virgin of Kazan. It famously house the holy Kazanskaya  icon which is a symbolic protector of Russia. Many Russians and visitors visit this place to light a candle as a sign of respect and tribute to the Virgin of Kazan.

The Resurrection Gate and the Iberian Chapel - You will enter the Red Square through these 2 huge arches and the steel gates. On the gates there are many sacred portraits and icons that are believed to have powerful and miraculous healing powers. This is Moscow's most sacred site where many people and even the Royal family bow down and pray. Icons of the Iberian Virgin have been reported to have cured the sick with its miraculous powers and even tourists and visitors travel from afar to come here to pray.

The GUM Department Store - The most famous shopping mall in Russia due to its large land area and being situated in The Red Square. Rows of exclusive boutiques and international retailers will keep you busy the entire day if you are keen for some shopping. I bought a few dresses from ZARA as they had a major sale and some Russian gifts to bring back home to Singapore for my family and friends. Official website at http://www.gum.ru/en/

♥ Lora Christelle Lim ♥
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RUSSIA - The State Tretyakov Gallery & The Russian National Dance Show

RUSSIA - The State Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow possesses a unique collection of Russian art which includes masterpieces. The gallery was founded by a Russian merchant and maecenas Pavel Tretyakov. He donated his art collection to Moscow city in 1892 and since, the gallery has become world famous. The gallery has 62 rooms and more than 170,000 different art pieces for visitors' fine appreciation. Paintings from different time periods, religious paintings and Russian artists' masterpieces are displayed. Entry tickets cost 450 RUB which is approximately SGD18 for an adult. Official website at http://www.tretyakovgallery.ru/en/

The Russian National Dance Show "KOSTROMA" - This impressive dance performance is performed by the national ballet company 'Kostroma' and has won the hearts of many audience around the globe. It is Russian's traditional performance at its most refined form. The troupe consists of 50 atists and 300 unique costumes exquisitely decorated with pearls, silver and gold. The costumes are specially custom-made and hand embroidered. This spectacular dance show offers great insights into Russia's traditions, culture and history in a magical way. I was in awe during the performance as each dancer was so precise in their dance movements with such grace and ease. Each ticket costs 1600 RUB which is approximately SGD64.  Official website at http://www.nationalrussianshow.ru/en/rnds/

Bolshoi Theatre - A symbol of Russia, famously known for its great contribution to world class performances in Russia. It was closed for renovation during my time of visit. Official website at http://www.bolshoi.ru/en/

♥ Lora Christelle Lim ♥
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