Monday, December 22, 2008

Art galleries in Moscow


People who visit Russia must come to see it's capital. Moscow is one of the Russian cities, which is famous for its unique art galleries. The galleries in the city exhibit old Russian icons, modern canvasses as well as sculptures of different historical periods. The works of the most prominent painters and sculptors are represented in the best galleries in Moscow visited by thouthands of tourist spending their Moscow vacation. Tretyakov Gallery is one of the biggest and the most famous of all the art galleries in the city. The most often visited art galleries in Moscow are the Tretaykov Gallery, Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts, Museum of private collections, Moscow Art Center and the Roerich Museum.

The Tretyakov Gallery is one of the best ones in the whole world. The gallery was named after financier and entrepreneur Pavel Tretyakov. Various collections of works of art are presented therefor people who travel to Moscow. The gallery exhibits wonderful Russian icons of different times, 19th century realists works, avant-garde and symbolic canvases. The collections of works presented in this gallery are unique.

Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts and the Museum of Private Collections


The Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts is the best museum in the city. The Museum has a large collection of works of art. It was founded in the beginning of the twentieth century. The museum has a very large collection of ancient art and artifacts, including Egyptian, Assyrian, Ancient Greek and Roman pieces. The works of Western European art are also presented there. Tourist from all over the world flights to Russia to see the pieces of art. The museum has also vast collections of Italian, German and other works of art, which date back to the past centuries, as well as modern works.

Museum of Private Collections is among the best art museums in Moscow. Many Russian travel distanation often comes through that museum. The museum displays private collections of works of art, representing different styles. There are works of Russian and European famous artists. The works of Salvador Dali and Henri Matisse can be also found in this museum. The museum has rare works of Russian art, representing the 20th century. Every tourist guide that shows facts about Russia talks about that museum. There are also woks of art, which have been preserved for many centuries and now are kept in this wonderful museum.

More art galleries in Moscow


Roerich Museum is a small museum in Moscow representing the works of Nicholas Roerich and his family, who was a famous artist and scholar of the 19th and 20th centuries. He traveled in many countries of the world, where he created most of his canvasses. Nowadays it is not well known among tourists, however this is a must see place for those who spending Moscow vacation. The museum offers rare and exquisite paintings and drawings of Nicholas Roerich, which can be of great interest for the people fond of 20th century art. The museum is closed on Monday and works from Tuesday to Sunday from 11 am.

The Museum of Modern Art is also very popular among tourists who visit Russia and locals interested in art. The museum has a vast collection of works of art, the number of which exceeds thousand works.The museum has wonderful works of 20th century, which represent European art with all major schools.

Another place in Moscow tours that should be visited is the Moscow Arts Center, where works of modern artists are exhibited. The center has vast collections of works of art and often organizes various exhibitions and presentations of new works.

Churches and monasteries of Moscow


Moscow is on of the most important religious centers of Russia. The religious history of Russia is closely connected with Moscow. There are numerous famous churches and monasteries in the city. Majority of Moscow tours would intruduse tourist to this beautiful sights. Each of the famous churches in the city represent various epochs and different architectural styles. Here are some of the most churches in the city: St. Basil’s Cathedral, the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, Kazan Cathedral, Novodevichy Convent and Monastery, Andronikov and Danilov’s monasteries, as well as many others.

St. Basil’s Cathedral represents the architectural marvel of the 16th century. It is one of the most popular sights of the city and Russian travel destinations. The Cathedral was built on the edge of the Red Square. Nine individual chapels commemorate the victorious assault on the city of Kazan. The church escaped destruction several times and remained one of the most beautiful cathedrals in Moscow.

Kazan Cathedral is one of the newly rebuilt churches in the city. It was destructed drung the time of Bolsheviks, but fully reconstructed in 1993. The cathedral has an old history, as it was built in the 17th century in honor of Kazanskaya Icon. Most of the Russian cruises that starts from Moscow offer a beautiful view at cathedrals.

The Cathedral of Christ the Savior and Novodevichy Convent


The Cathedral of Christ the Savior is the most famous church in Russia. It symbolizes the spiritual revival of Russian people. The Cathedral of Christ the Savior was built in the end of the 19th century in 1881 to commemorate the victory of Russia over Napoleon’s army. In 1930-es the cathedral was partially destructed, but fully rebuilt in the last decade of the 20th century. The Cathedral is constructed of marble and granite; the bronze doors of the cathedral are covered with relief depictions of the saints. It is a great place to visit during the Moscow tours. Though none of the original decor survived, the Cathedral is really magnificent and beautiful, having perfectly designed domes.

Novodevichy Convent is one of the most popular sights of Moscow. A visit to this wonderful and beautiful place is a must for anyone who travel to Moscow. The convent was founded in the 16th century to commemorate the capture of Smolensk from the Lithuanians in 1514.The main cathedral of the convent was built in honor of the Smolenskaya Icon of Mother of God Hodigitria. Novodevichy has always been one of the richest monasteries in Moscow.

Thursday, September 18, 2008

Russian bania- center of Russian culture

If you ever travel to Russia you must visit Russian bania (sauna). Bania is a perfect way to increase you energy and improve mood. To send away “pain and sadness”- that what “bania” mean in Latin. You will not find any other place that gives you such a pleasant rest as bania. Almost every Moscow and St. Petersburg hotels has a traditional Russian bania.

From back in centuries, Russian bania was famous for its healing effects. There is not even a single city or a town in Russia where you wouldn’t find bania. The temperature inside of it usually varies from just 50 to 65 degrees Celsius. However humidity is close to 100%. Often bania procedures affect you in a good way, your body became more resistible to viruses and become stronger all around. Also, it is a perfect place to be for those who want to lose some extra weight.

For people who came for a first time facts about Russia like Russians jumping in a snow or icy-cold water right after they get out of bania might be a little bit shocking . This is actually good for your immune system and helps your body. Usually bania is a social place where you go with your friends to relax, tell stories, and sometimes have a couple drinks. So if you are not brave enough to jump into snow yourself, just take a couple shots of Russian vodka, and everything would seem much easier for you.

Friday, September 12, 2008

Matreshka- symbol of Russia and Moscow


Russian people love myths. They love to tell centuries old myths to their children and to create a new ones. All myths are truth of past that has been retold and transformed by many generations. It was common that historical fact has become a fantastic myth, with exciting detailes like in a thrilling detective. The same have happened with famous Russian toy- matreshka.

Matreshka is the famous and most popular Russian suveniour, this is one of the facts about Russia. Tourist from all over the world love this big eyes beauties in colorful dresses. Matreshka and its big family- is a symbol of a wide Russian soul, bright symbol of national culture. It is not only a nice toy but also a storeroom of memories about country and your visit Russia.

The name of matreshka is coming from Matrena, which from Latin means grand lady. There is a myth that if you put a note with a wish inside of it, wish will of course come true. And the more skillfull, with higher quolity it is crafted, the faster a dream will come true. Taking into concideration that there are usually 10 more matreshka inside the first one, you can wish all you can, and just wait till it will come true.