From Russia with Love

Perfect Russia vacations start in Moscow. Moscow has many cathedrals, which date back to the past centuries. The Cathedrals are open to the visitors on any of the Moscow tours.

The Kremlin is not only the seat of Russian government, but also the place where many cathedrals are situated. The Cathedral Square is its main square, where many historical events took place. All major events in the country were marked there, including Russian Tsar’s weddings, crowning and funeral ceremonies. Foreign ambassadors were also received there. Many historical monuments are located there: the Uspensky Cathedral, the Archangelskiy Cathedral and the Blagoveshenskiy Cathedral and others. Most of the cathedrals located there serve not only for religious purposes, but also as museums of masterpieces of Russian art.

Khamovniki is one of the oldest districts in Moscow famous for its architectural monuments. The church of St.Nicholas located there was erected in the 17th century. The bell-tower of the church is particularly beautiful. It has a number of openings called hearings, which increase the bell jingling.

The Stretenskiy Cathedral is also one of the most marvelous cathedrals in Moscow. The Stretenskiy Cathedral is the only building left from the Stretenskiy monastery. The Cathedral was built in the 17th century, but unfortunately was damaged during the war of 1812. During Soviet period different institutions occupied the territory of the cathedral. The restoration of the cathedral began in the second half of the 20th century. Nowadays divine services take place in the cathedral. More interesting facts about Russia

The Cathedral of Christ the Savior is the most beautiful cathedrals in Moscow. The construction of the cathedral took 40 years. Russian Emperor Nicolas I  chose the site of the cathedral. He convened a Special Commission for the construction of the cathedral. The Alekseyevsky Convent and the Church of all Saints, situated in the site, chosen by Russian emperor, were dismantled and moved to another place. During the Soviet period, the cathedral was nearly destroyed. Only in the last decade of the 20th century, the cathedral was fully rebuilt and now is one the best and most beautiful ones in the city.

One of the best part of St Petersburg travel is that you get to some many great cathedrals. St. Petersburg is one of the beautiful cities of Russia. There you can find many wonderful cathedrals dating back to the 18th century.

The Smolny Cathedral is one of the attractions in St. Petersburg that is popular among tourists. The cathedral was built in 1748 by the most famous architect Rastelli. The Smolny Cathedral is one of the most fabulous his works along with the Winter Palace, the residence of Russian tsars. The construction of the Cathedral was finished in 1764. The interior of the cathedral differs a lot from that of the façade: the interior was done in neo-classical style, while he façade is  blue and white. The Cathedral was built as a main church in the convent, where future Russian Empress Elisabeth wanted to live and become a nun. But she changed her decision and accepted the offer of Russian throne.

Nowadays the Cathedral is used as a concert hall and different local government institutions occupy some chambers of the convent.

Kazan Cathedral was one of the best cathedrals in St. Petersburg. Even today the building of this marvelous cathedral attracts the attention and interest of the tourists making tours in Russia. Kazan Cathedral was built at the beginning of 19th century during the period from 1801 to 1811. after the war in 1812 the cathedral became the monument to the Russian victory over Napoleon. Kazan Cathedral was named after a “miracle-making” icon of Our Lady of Kazan.

In 1929 the Cathedral was closed by local government for services. Already from 1932 the Cathedral housed the collections of the Museum of History of Religion and Atheism.

Only in the end of the 20th century, the services in the cathedral were restored. This wonderful cathedral is again open for all the believers. You can visit on most of St Petersburg tours when you travel to Russia.

Music is one of the aspects of Russian culture that plays a very important role in the life of the country. Russian music includes various genres: music, opera, folk music, classical, contemporary, as well as rock and pop music.

Classical genre is usually used in opera and ballet. Many classic music composers are known all over the world. One of the most famous classical music composers was Mikhail Glinka. He managed to combine the elements of classic and folk music. Another famous Russian classical music composer is Tchaikovsky, who had a worldwide fame.

Russian folk music has an old history. During the time Russian folk music developed and changed, but preserved national peculiarities. Even today many people are still fond of folk music, which is sometimes combined with modern music. Russian folk has different genres each of which has its own peculiarities. There are some singers that perform only folk music and gain big popularity.

During your visit Russia you will surely go to one of Russian churches and there you will have an opportunity to listen to Russian church music, which is unforgettable. So you will not only admire the beauty of the church, but also the sounds of Russian church music. More travel information about Petersburg travel and Moscow tours.

To perform Russian folk music different musical instruments are used, among them the Balalaika, which is famous all over the world.