As you would expect from a country so rich in history, there are some fascinating monuments to be found right across Russia and each major city is home to some interesting landmarks. Each period in history is covered, right through the country’s more sombre times up until the present day.
The Founder of St Petersburg
Naturally, the capital Moscow is home to many of these structures but perhaps the most recognisable of all the Russian monuments. can be found in St Petersburg. The Bronze Horseman is an homage to the city’s founder Peter the Great and it dominates Senatskaia Square where it was built on the orders of his successor, Catherine the Great.
The imposing bronze figure sits on a vast red granite pedestal which has been moulded into the shape of a cliff. As with most areas of Russian life, many monuments in Russia are the subject of myth and legend and the Bronze Horseman is no exception. The trusted tourist site www.saint-petersburg.com repeats a 19th century legend that the city will never be defeated by enemy forces while the statue remains in the centre of the city.
Treasures of the Capital
Over in Moscow, there are many fine Russian monuments that are well known from the tourist brochures. Here in the capital, old and new mix perfectly as the iconic St Basils Cathedral sits in close proximity to the Kremlin. One of the most striking buildings here isn’t particularly attractive but it is remarkable for its design and execution.
The Ostankino television tower was completed in 1967 and it is one of the tallest buildings in the world at an impressive 1805 feet and there plans to extend it even further until it reaches the point where it becomes the world’s highest structure.
For many visitors to Moscow and indeed Russia as a whole, St Basils has to be the one monument that every visitor simply must see. This beautiful building with its onion shaped domes is also the subject of many legends: Did Ivan the Terrible really have the architect blinded after its construction to ensure he never built anything as magnificent again.
That part of the cathedral’s story is unclear but the respected www.travelallrussia.com states that the building was under threat of demolition when Stalin claimed that it interfered with his military parade. Fortunately for the world, the dictator changed his mind, seemingly on one of his many ‘whims’.
World War II
There have been many turning points in Russian history but World War II had obvious significance and this has been recognised by many monuments and memorials across the country.
Perhaps the most well known of these is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier which stands at Moscow’s Kremlin Wall but there are many others outside of the capital. Khimki and Tolyatti in particular are home to moving memorials that mark this pivotal period in history.
Overall there are some breathtaking monuments in this fascinating country. Although Moscow and St Petersburg have the highest concentration of landmarks, it’s certainly worth travelling away from these two main centres when you have the chance. These two cities should be seen but the visitor will also be well rewarded by looking as some of the less recognised tourist venues during their trip.
