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| _____________Moscow Accommodation || Transfers || Excursions Moscow, the capital of the Russian Federation, is a political, economic, cultural and scientific centre. It was founded in 1147 by Prince Yuri Dolgoruki on the outskirts of Suzdar Principality. At the end of the 15th century Moscow became the capital of the first Russian centralized state. At the beginning of the 18th century. Peter the Great moved the capital to St. Petersburg. After the October Revolution it became for the second time the capital of a new state. The Moscow Kremlin: a symbol of Moscow and Russia. It’s the former residence of Russian tzars and patriarchs. It holds a unique collection of historical, architectural and cultural items. The Kremlin contains such unique masterpieces of ancient Russian architecture as the Cathedral of the Assumption — once the main cathedral of Rus, where tzars were crowned and patriachs buried; the Cathedral of Archangel Michael, the burial place of Russian tzars and Grand princes; the Cathedral of the Annunciation, the royal chapel. The Armoury Chamber, established in 1720 by order of Peter I, is the oldest Russian museum and a treasure house of Russian artistic craftsmanship from ancient times till our days. Red Square has had different names over the long years of its existence. Red Square is a unique architectural ensemble. Here is the gem of Russian architecture — the Cathedral of the Intercession (St. Basil’s Cathedral), the State Department Store (GUM), the Lobnoye mesto, the State History Museum. Red Square is famous for the many historic events is has witnessed. The Intercession Cathedral (St. Basil’s) is a unique monument of Russian architecture. It is a living witness of the Russian history. The Cathedral of St. Basil’s was built in honour of the final victory of Russian people over the tatar-mongols and the capture of Kazan (16th cent.). Now it is a branch of the State History Museum. The Tretyakov State Gallery, one of the world’s largest museums, a treasure house of old Russian art from the 11th cent. till our days. The gallery bears the name of its founder, Pavel Tretyakov, a rich Russian manufacturer and patron of art. He presented his collection to the city of Moscow in 1892. Now the Tretyakov Gallery holds more than 50000 works of painting, graphic art and sculpture. The Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts, one of the most famous museums of Western European. It is the second museum after the Hermitage as far as its collection is concerned. It was founded in 1912, as a collection of copies of famous sculptures of antiquity. Now it is one of the largest museums in the world with the unique collection of original works from Ancient Egypt, Fayum portraits, Western European art, a collection of impressionist and postimpressionist painting. Kuskovo. The palace and park of Kuskovo are one of the outstanding monuments of Russian culture. The palace, ponds, canals, pergolas and the park form the ensemble of the 18th cent. The palace of count Sheremetyev was built in the second half of the 18th cent, in the early classical style. The palace and park pavilions contain an exhibition of the State Ceramics Museum. Kolomenskoye. The architectural ensemble of Kolomenskoye, the former summer residence of Russian tzars was built in the 16—17th cent. It is an original example of ancient Russian architecture. The Ensemble includes the famous Church of the Ascension of the 16th cent. built in the old Russian “tent” style. An open-air museum includes examples of Russian wooden architecture of the 17—18th cent. The museum holds the collection of icons, metalwork, tiles, ets. The Moscow metro is considered the best in world. Today they cannot imagine Moscow without the metro. The metro map matches exactly the town map. It repeats Moscow’s traditional radial-circular lay-out. The Novodevichy (New maiden) Convent was founded in 1524 to commemorate the recapture of the old Russian city of Smolensk. The convent was built as a fortriess on the approaches to Moscow. The convent is unique ensemble. One can see the domes of its Cathedral of the Holy Virgin of Smolensk from quite some distance. The collection of the museum includes icons of the 16—17th cent., an exhibition of embroidery and jewellery. It is the residence of the Metropolitan of Moscow at the same time. On the grounds of the Convent there is the necropolis, where famous people are buried. The Holy Danilov Monastery is the oldest in Moscow. It was founded in 1282 by Grand prince Daniil, the youngest son of Alexander Nevskii. The monastery suffered a lot during the course of history, many times repulsing enemy attacks. From ancient times the monastery has been one of the centres of the Orthodox religion, culture and enlightenment. In 1987 the monastery was restored and expanded. The monastery is the venue for international ecumenical and peace conferences and religious assemblies organised by the External Church Relations Department. Nowadays it is the centre of the Moscow Patriarchate, the Moscow residence of the Patriarch of All Russia, an active monastery. Out-of-town excursions Sergiev Posad (the former Zagorsk). The history of the town is closely linked with the name of St. Sergius of Radonezh, who becoming a monk, in 1337 had founded the Monastery of the Holy Trinity. In the 17th cent. the monastery was turned into a strong citadel which repulsed enemy attacks on more than one occasion. Nowadays it is an active monastery with the theological Academy. It is a religious centre of the Russian Orthodox church, one of the residences of the Patriarch of All Russia. Its architectural ensemble of the 15—19th cent. represents all stages in the development of Russian architecture. The museum boasts a rich collection of icons, rare examples of folk art and Russian national dresses. Savvino-Storodgevsky Monastery. Situated in the town of Zvenigorod, 60 km from Moscow, it is one of the gems of Russian architecture of 15–17th centuries, the former summer residence of Tzar Alexei Romanov. Trinity-Sergius Lavra (70 km). It is the religious centre of Russian Orthodox church, the residence of the Patriarch of All Russia, a working monastery, with the Theological Academy. Its architectural ensemble of the 15—19th centuries represents all stages in the development of Russian architecture. The museum boasts a rich collection of icons the 15—17th centuries, rare examples of folk art and Russian national costumes. Klin (90 km) is one of the oldest cities of Central Russia. For the first time it was mentioned in the chronicles in 1234. Due to its advantageous position the town grew rapidly. Klin is famous for P. Tchaikovsky’s house-museum. The great Russian composer lived here for the last 8 years of his life. In Klin he wrote The Nutcracker and Sleeping Beauty, completed the opera The Queen of Spades. The memorial museum attracts not only musicians from all over the world but also lovers of the great Russian composer. Transfers Destination Car (1-3) Minibus (8-10) Minibus (11-14) Coach (50) Airport SVO 1,2, Vnukovo, train st .- Hotel 50 85 105 150 Airport - Airport 65 95 120 150 DME Airport - hotel 55 90 110 150 Prices are net in EURO per car (minibus, bus) Individual fit rates for the excursions with guide services Excursions Working days Duration (hours) 1 pax 2 pax 3 pax 4 pax 1 City tour Daily 3 90 50 40 35 2 City tour with Kremlin territory Daily 5 155 90 75 65 3 Kremlin territory + 1 Cathedral Except Thursday 2 105 65 55 50 4 Kremlin territory + Armoury Chamber The same 3 130 90 80 75 5 Kremlin territory + Diamond Fund The same 2 125 85 75 70 6 Red Square + Mausoleum(walk) Exc. Monday, Friday 1,5 30 20 15 13 7 Moscow Metro (subway) (walk) Daily 1,5 30 20 15 13 8 Stary Arbat street Daily 1 30 20 15 13 9 Tretyakov Gallery Except Monday 3 100 60 50 47 10 Pushkin Fine Arts Museum The same 3 100 60 50 47 11 Borodino Battle Panorama Except Friday 2 95 55 45 40 12 New Maiden Monastery Except Tuesday 2 95 55 45 40 13 Kolomenskoye Museum-preserve Except Monday 4 100 60 55 50 14 Sergiev Posad (Zagorsk) Except Monday 7 220 120 100 78 15 Day trip to the Golden Ring Cites - Vladimir and Suzdal (inc. car) Daily 15 395 210 170 145 16 Monino Aviation museum Daily 8 270 160 140 100 Prices in EURO per person. Guide Services: English, French, German, Italian, Spain |
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| Moscow Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Red Square Red Square Horace Chan Moscow is one of the oldest and most beautiful Russian cities. The emperors, or tsars, made the city their base of rule until 1712, when the capital was moved to Saint Petersburg. Moscow was restored as Russia's capital in 1918, and it served as the capital of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) from 1922 until 1991. Since then Moscow has been the capital of the Russian Federation. Moscow has a long and dramatic history. The city has been completely destroyed and rebuilt again many times throughout the years. Its most ancient wooden buildings disappeared in fires. Each time the city was resurrected from the ashes, it became more and more beautiful. For every rebuilding, the most talented and famous architects were invited from around the world to restore Moscow. This history of reconstruction Moscow has undergone is part of the reason she has absorbed the many different and diverse styles that visitors experience here. Stalin's epic and monumental buildings neighbor with small two-store nineteenth century town houses, while splendid cathedrals peer out from behind modern skyscrapers. Even in the heart of Moscow, in the Kremlin, old churches compete with the immense Congress Palace for space. Despite the size of the city (about 900 square kilometers) and the scale of many of the buildings and avenues there, the general layout is easily grasped - a series of concentric circles and radial lines, emanating from the Kremlin; the center being compact enough to explore on foot. The Kremlin and its surroundings are a great place to spend time. In the summer the temperature can get high. This surprises many people, as they associate Russia with snow. I arrived in June and was met with fantastic 90F heat. I headed straight for the Kremlin and Red Square, and found this is to be real hangout for young and old alike, with street bars everywhere and people jumping in the fountains to keep cool. The Kremlin deserves a full circumnavigation to appreciate the architectural splendour. This area is a very cool place to chill out! For more information on other attractive places that you can see in Moscow, please check the Sights section. _________Sights Edit This Arkhangelsky Cathedral Arkhangelsky Cathedral Svetlana Tikhonova The Red Square and the Kremlin are the historic nucleus of Moscow, a magnificent stage for political drama, signifying a great sweep of history that includes Ivan the Terrible, Peter and Catherine the Great, Romanovs dynasty, Stalin and Gorbachev. Here you'll find Lenin's Mausoleum and St Basil's Cathedral, the famous GUM department store, and the Kremlin itself, whose splendid cathedrals and Armory museum head the list of attractions. The Kremlin is Moscow's heart, symbolically, historically and strategically: Red Square lies along its eastern side and the Moscow River is to the south. From here, Moscow spreads out in four distinctive rings of development, each area having its own collection of monasteries, museums and elegant buildings. Most of the city's sights are within the first circle - an area that can easily be covered on foot. Contributors July 05, 2006 change by svetico (1 point) Display all or display just: Churches and Cathedrals Hotspots Landmarks Monasteries Parks, Gardens and Zoos Squares Streets The Kremlin Show best rated on top | Show in alphabetical order [Add Sight] Cathedral of the Assumption Edit This Cathedral of the Assumption (Uspenskiy sobor)is the oldest and most important of the Kremlin churches, which has symbolized Moscow's claim to be the protector of the seat of Russian Orthodoxy ever since the seat of the Church was transferred here from Vladimir in 1326. The cathedral was rebuilt in 1479 by the Bolognese architect Alberti Fioravanti, and its subsequent history reflects its role as Russia's premier church, used throughout Tsarist times for coronations and solemn acts of state. Given the cathedral's exalted status its exterior is remarkably plain, while the interior more.. type: The Kremlin World66 rating: [rate it] Simonov (St. Simon) Monastery Edit This Tower of Simonov Monastery Tower of Simonov Monastery photo by: Svetlana Tikhonova Simonov monastery was founded by the end of the 14th century. Like the Nowospassky Monastery, it was under the direct control of the Patriarch of All Russia. The territory of St. Simon Monastery preserves the ancient Church of Our Lady (16th century). It was built instead of the old, wooden church, where the heroes of Kulikovskaya battle, monks Peresvet and Oslyabya were buried. There is also a so called "New" chapel built in 1677-1685 and decorated by white-stoned ornamental details, the angular tower more.. type: Monasteries World66 rating: [rate it] address: Vostochanaya St., 4 openings: "Avtozavodskaya" Metro station The Kremlin Edit This Towers of Moscow Kremlin Towers of Moscow Kremlin photo by: Svetlana Tikhonova Moscow Kremlin is the most famous landmark of Russia. What is the meaning od word "kremlin"? In old Russia kremlin was fortress, the most protected part of town, it's heart. If you wish to see and admire the Kremlin as an architectural ensemble go to the opposite bank of the Moskva River and you'll see beautiful panorama of this gem of Russian architecture. Go from Red Square down to the river and then onto the Moskvoretskii bridge over the Moskva River. Don't more.. type: Landmarks World66 rating: [rate it] url: www.kreml.ru address: The Kremlin arbat Edit This In soviet times it was named ulitsa Razina (Razin Street) It is the most ancient street in Moscow and dates back to the 14th century. In old times it was region where artisans and skilled craftsmen lived. After the 15th centurythis region began to transform into a region of the privileged nobility. Here boyars built their estates and foreign embassies took up residence. Varvarka goes from one of exits of "Kitai Gorod" Metro station to the Cathedral of Vasily the Blessed. A walk along Varvarka Street will take a short time. You may do it in any direction - more.. type: Streets World66 rating: [rate it] address: Varvarka Street, Metro station "Kitai Gorod" Cathedral of Vasily the Blessed Edit This Cathedral of Vasily the Blessed in Moscow. View from Moskvoretskii bridge Cathedral of Vasily the Blessed in Moscow. View from Moskvoretskii bridge photo by: Svetlana Tikhonova Cathedral of Vasily the Blessed (the Cathedral of the Intercession, known as St.Basil Cathedral) is a beautiful and unique creation of Russian national art. type: Churches and Cathedrals World66 rating: [rate it] address: Red Square Saviour Cathedral Edit This Christ the Saviour Cathedral Christ the Saviour Cathedral photo by: Jarl Vanden Broeck The Cathedral was built with the money collected by the people all over Russia in the 19th century. It had been under construction for about 40 years! And it was destroyed (exploded) by communists at one day of 1932. Today the reconstructed dome of the Saviour Cathedral is clearly seen from many places of Moscow. Recently the works completed and now the Cathedral receives its second life. Now it has the official status of the main cathedral in Russia. Aleksiy the Second, the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia, performs services in the Cathedral and the sessions of Divine Synod more.. type: Churches and Cathedrals World66 rating: [rate it] Red Square (Krasnaya Ploshchad) Edit This Monument to Minin and Pozharsky on Red Square, Moscow Monument to Minin and Pozharsky on Red Square, Moscow photo by: Svetlana Tikhonova Everyone visiting Moscow has to visit it's heart - Red Square. It is one of most famous places not only in Moscow but in Russia. Red Square stretches broadly along the eastern wall of the Kremlin. It is 695 meters long and has average width 130 meters. The architectural ensemble of Red Square developed gradually over the centures. In 1555-61 the Cathedral of Vasily the Blessed (the Cathedral of the Intercession, known as St.Basil Cathedral) was built on the river side of square. The Cathedral is unique and beautiful creation of Russian more.. type: Squares World66 rating: [rate it] Armoury Palace Edit This Armoury Palace (Oruzheynaya palata)conceals a staggering array of treasures behind its Russo-Byzantine facade, among them the tsars' coronation robes, carriages, jewelry, dinner services and armor - whose splendor and curiosity value outweigh the trouble and expense involved in seeing them. The palace also houses the State Diamond Fund (Almazniy Fond), which contains the most valuable gems in Russia. type: The Kremlin World66 rating: [rate it] Tsar Bell Edit This i Tsar Bell (Tsar-kolokol) is the largest bell in the world, cast in 1655. type: The Kremlin World66 rating: [rate it] Cathedral Square Edit This Sobornaya ploshchad (Cathedral Square)is the historic heart of the Kremlin, surrounded by a superb array of buildings that give the square its name. type: The Kremlin World66 rating: [rate it] Cathedral of the Archangel Michael Edit This Arkhangelsky Cathedral Arkhangelsky Cathedral photo by: Svetlana Tikhonova Cathedral of the Archangel Michael (Arkhangelskiy sobor) was built in 1505-08 as the burial place for the rulers of Muscovii. In the spirit of the Italian Renaissance it has four heavy square pillars take up much of the dimly lit interior, which is covered in frescoes. Around the walls and pillars cluster the tombs of Russia's rulers from Grand Duke Ivan I to Tsar Ivan V. type: Churches and Cathedrals World66 rating: [rate it] address: The Kremlin The Church of Ascension Edit This The Church of Ascension at Kolomenskoye located in the national park "Kolomenskoye" at the high bank of Moskva-River is the best representative of an old architectural style. The Church was built in 1532 in the honour of new-born Crown Prince. type: Churches and Cathedrals World66 rating: [rate it] address: Metro station: "Kolomenskoye" openinghours: 10.00am-6.00am Ivan the Great Bell Tower Edit This Ivan the Great Bell Tower (Kolokolnya Ivana Velikovo is the fourteenth-century the magnificent White Square provides a focal point for the entire Kremlin, being the tallest structure within its walls. type: The Kremlin World66 rating: [rate it] Novospassky (New Saviour) Monastery Edit This Entrance to Novospassky Monastery, Moscow Entrance to Novospassky Monastery, Moscow photo by: Svetlana Tikhonova Monastery was founded in 1462. It was transferred here from the Kremlin and, that is why, received the word New to the old name (Saviour). The Cathedral of Saviour was built there to resemble the Cathedral of Dormition of the Kremlin. This cathedral was the burial place for the family of Romanovs, the family of the last tsars of Russia. The monastery was built as fortress to protect Moscow but it was never tested in this capacity. Novospassky Monastery is very well preserved monument of Russian history. Now it is once again functional monastery so if you wish to more.. type: Monasteries World66 rating: [rate it] address: Krestyanskaya sq., 10 accessibility: "Proletarskaya" Metro station Danilov Monastery Edit This Danilov Monastery is the official residence of the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia, Aleksiy the Second. This is the most ancient monastery of Moscow. It was founded by the sacred honourable Prince Daniil Moskovsky, the son of Alexander Nevsky, in 1282. During the time of Soviet rule the territory of Monastery housed the colony of under-aged criminals. Today there are 5 churches and 2 chapels where the religious ceremonies are regularly held. type: Monasteries World66 rating: [rate it] accessibility: "Tulskaya" Metro station address: Danilovsky Val, 22 Vysokopetrovsky Monastery Edit This (Petrovka, 28, the "Pushkinskaya", "Tverskaya", "Chekhovskaya" Metro stations), which preserved nearly all of its structures. type: Monasteries World66 rating: [rate it] accessibility: "Pushkinskaya", "Tverskaya", "Chekhovskaya" Metro stations address: Petrovka, 28 Patriarch's Palace Edit This Patriarch's Palace is the former residence of the Russian Tzars type: The Kremlin World66 rating: [rate it] Museum of the Seventeenth Century's Life and Appli Edit This Museum of the Seventeenth Century's Life and Applied Arts displays ecclesiastical regalia, period furniture and domestic utensils. type: The Kremlin World66 rating: [rate it] Cathedral of the Twelve Apostles Edit This Cathedral of the Twelve Apostles is painted flesh-pink and demonstrates adventures of the Twelve Apostles. type: The Kremlin World66 rating: [rate it] Tsar Cannon Edit This Tsar Cannon (Tsar-pushka)- cast by Andrei Chokhov in 1586, is one of the largest cannons ever made and was intended to defend the Savior Gate - but it has never been fired. type: The Kremlin World66 rating: [rate it] Church of the Deposition of the Robe Edit This Church of the Deposition of the Robe (Tserkov Rizpolozheniya)is the lowly white church with a splendid design. type: The Kremlin World66 rating: [rate it] Cathedral of the Annunciation Edit This Cathedral of the Annunciation (Blagoveshchenskiy sobor)is the golden-domed cathedral, which served as the private church of the grand dukes and tsars. Restored in 1562-64, the cathedral is lofty and narrow, with an interior that seems far more "Russian" than the other Kremlin cathedrals. It also houses some of the finest icons in Russia, with works by Theophanes the Greek and Andrei Rublev (a famous Russian icon painter). type: The Kremlin World66 rating: [rate it] St. Andronicus Monastery Edit This Walls of Andronikov (St. Andronicus) Monastery Walls of Andronikov (St. Andronicus) Monastery photo by: Svetlana Tikhonova St. Andronicus Monastery is beautifully located on the high bank of Yauza River. The Monastery was founded in 1360. It is known that Andrei Rublev, the famous Russian painter, was a monk at the St. Andronicus Monastery. It is supposed that the main cathedral of the Monastery, the Spassky (Saviour) Cathedral was built in 1425-1427, in compliance with the architectural planning carried out by Andrei Rublev. This white-stoned Cathedral has been recently transferred to the Russian Orthodox Church and is currently used for religious ceremonies. All other structures at the territory of more.. type: Monasteries World66 rating: [rate it] accessibility: "Ploshchad Ilyicha" Metro station address: Andronyevskaya sq., 10 Donskoy Monastery Edit This Donskoy Monastery was founded in 14th century by Tsar Fedor Ioanovich in the honour of majestic deliverance of Moscow from the hordes of Khan Kazy-Girei. The miracle was achieved thanks to the Donskaya icon of Our Lady. The icon received such name because it was with Prince Dmitry Donskoy during the Kulikovo battle at Don River. It is considered that the icon was painted by Feofan Grek, the famous Russian painter. At present the icon is displayed at the State Tretyakovskaya Gallery. type: Monasteries World66 rating: [rate it] accessibility: "Shabolovskaya" Metro station address: Donskaya sq., 1 Novodevichy Convent Edit This This is the only one Nunnery in the southern defense circle. The Convent is located on Novodevichy Proyezd, 1, the "Sportivnaya" Metro station. One of the most beautiful, delicate and sophisticated, if judged by the architectural style, the Convent strongly resisted the hordes of Khan Kazy-Girei in 1591. That was a privilege Convent, its novices were the ladies - representatives of tsar families: Tsarina Irina Godunova; the first wife and the sisters of Peter the Great, other prominent ladies from wealthy families. The Convent was founded by Vasily the Third, the Grand Prince more.. type: Monasteries World66 rating: [rate it] accessibility: "Sportivnaya" Metro station address: Novodevichy Proyezd, 1 Rozhdestvensky Monastery Edit This A new nunnery has been recently established here. A short walk along the same street may take you to one more monastery called Sretensky Monastery (B. Lubyanka St., 19, the "Turgenevskaya" Metro station). The Monastery main cathedral (12th century), and several monk cells dated by the 17th-18th centuries are the only structures remained. One more monastery, Zachatyevsky Convent (2nd Zachatyevsky per., 2, the "Park Kultury" "Kropotkinskaya" Metro stations) displays the only one remaining Church of Our Saviour Over the Gates. The Church was built in the best traditions of more.. type: Monasteries World66 rating: [rate it] accessibility: "Kuznetsky Most", "Tsvetnoy Bulvar", "Chystye Prudy" Metro stations address: Rozhdestvensky Boulvd., 8 Church of St. Trinity at Nikitniki Edit This Church of St. Trinity at Nikitniki was built in 1631-1634. The church represents the Russian structural and decorative details with the up-stretched gables, the white-stoned window surrounds, the tent-roofed chapels and the beautiful porches. type: Churches and Cathedrals World66 rating: [rate it] openinghours: 10.00am-6.00pm Garden named after Bauman Edit This Old trees and buildings of the 18th century are preserved here. An athenaeum, a chess club, a summer cinema (850 seats), a summer theatre, a restaurant, a casino work here. Films are shown on Saturdays and Sundays. To get there: take Bus ? 40 from "Kurskaya" metro station or trolley bus ? 24 from "Krasnye Vorota" metro station. type: Parks, Gardens and Zoos World66 rating: [rate it] address: Staraya Basmannaya ul., 15 MGU botanical gardens Edit This From 1706 it has been known as Chemist's vegetable garden attached to Moscow general hospital. Peter the Great planted some trees here. In 1805 it passed to Moscow university and changed its name to MGU botanical gardens. It's a branch of the main gardens in Vorobyovy hills. A part of an old garden, an exposition of ornamental plants, 3 greenhouses (plants from different climatic zones). type: Parks, Gardens and Zoos World66 rating: [rate it] address: Prospekt Mira, 26 openingHours: Daily, from 10:00 a.m. till 8:00 p.m. Gostiny dvor Edit This Gostiny dvor” complex is an architectural monument of the 18-19th centuries. After the renovation it has such functional elements as: banks, commerce, offices, restaurants, apartments, storehouses, underground parking. The total complex area - 81634 sq.m. Inside yard area - 12000 sq.m. Usable area meant for rent - 47401 sq.m. Exhibitions: every day from 10 a.m. till 6 p.m.; the last day - from 10 a.m. till 4 p.m. type: Hotspots World66 rating: [rate it] address: Ilyinka street., 4 Moscow State Zoo Edit This It's one of the biggest and well-known Russian zoos It'll take some days to walk around the whole park territory. Children's cafes, souvenir shops, children's playgrounds are situated here. Underground cages, aquariums and the whole monkey house will please your children. type: Parks, Gardens and Zoos World66 rating: [rate it] address: Bol. Gruzinskaya st., 1 Kazan Cathedral Edit This Kazan Cathedral is a Russian Orthodox church at the north east corner of Red Square in Moscow. It was erected in the 1630s to mark the city's liberation from the Polish aggressors by the Russian people's volunteer army at the close of the Time of Troubles. Upon clearing Moscow from the Poles in 1612, Prince Dmitry Pozharsky attributed his success to the divine help of the icon Theotokos of Kazan, whom he had prayed on several occasions. He financed from his private funds more.. type: Churches and Cathedrals World66 rating: [rate it] address: Red Square Iberian Gate (Iverskie vorota) Edit This Iberian Gate (Iverskie vorota or ???????? ?????? in Russian) between the ornate building of the Moscow City Hall to the east and the State Historical Museum to the west is the only existing gate of the Kitai-gorod in Moscow. It connects the north end of Red Square with Manege Square. In front of the gate (side opposite to Red more.. type: Hotspots World66 rating: [rate it] address: Red Square ______Moscow is one of the biggest cities in Europe with a relatively short history in 850 years. At the beginning of the 12th century Moscow was only a small provincial wooden town of a powerful and a wealthy state Kievan Rus'. _______Practical Information Edit This In order to be ready for a visit to Moscow or any other city in Russia you definitely should know some of its basic rules and peculiarities. We tried to prepare some information for you that might be very useful to learn before undertaking the trip. This information is divided into sections below. There you'll find out about the type of money the country uses, the entry regulations, visas etc. ________Webcams & 360 degree pics Edit This Please check web-cams of the Russian strip club "Bely Medved" (Polar Bear) They have 3 stages. The two downstairs stages is topless only and the upstairs stage is nude dancing sometimes. The downstairs stages is on their web-cams, so you can watch the action on the internet. Cams working during 20.00 - 5.00 (by Moscow time) Links is as follows: Upper stage 512K - http://www.berloga.ru/on-line_video/1236 Upper stage 256K - http://www.berloga.ru/on-line_video/1237 Lower stage 512K - http://www.berloga.ru/on-line_video/1234 Lower stage 256K - http://www.berloga.ru/on-line_video/1235 Contributors May 14, 2007 new by mastersergeant [Add Webcam] bob Edit This ok World66 rating: [rate it] bob Edit This ok World66 rating: [rate it] _______Getting Around Edit This photo A very developed net of public transportation will help you to get around Moscow. Of course, depending on your taste you can either use public transportation, private taxi or rent a car. From The Airport to Moscow Centre Taxi: Around $50-$75 From The Airport to Nearest Metro Station See in Getting There section for each of three airports. Metro Cheap and reliable. Same price any journey. See more. City Buses & Trolley Buses Cheap, buy ticket from machine before ride. See more. Private Buses Very good, pay the driver/assistant Taxis A rip off avoid them. Do what the locals do, put your arm out and negotiate a fare with any passing car. Contributors July 04, 2006 change by svetico (1 point) [Add Local transport mode] Metro Edit This Metro (underground) is one of the most popular modes of transportation in Moscow. It is inexpensive and usually quickest and most reliable way to go from one point to another. I recommend you to use Metro as often as possible and to use other modes of transportation only to go from the nearest metro station to your destination. Even if you are not going to use Metro as mode of transportation you should go down to look around. Some stations are really beautiful. My personal favorites are Komsomolskaya (Circular line), more.. World66 rating: [rate it] url: www.mosmetro.ru City Buses & Trolley Buses & Trams Edit This City Buses & Trolley Buses & Trams (or over-ground transportation, as opposite to the under-ground, or Metro) is inexpensive mode of transportation in Moscow. Tickets and prices are the same for bus, trolley or tram. The single fare is 13 roubles when you buy a ticket from a ticket booth or a newsstand by the stop and 15 roubles if you buy ticket from the driver. You have to enter bus/trolley/tram through the front door where you have to buy ticket from driver if necessary and then to run your more.. World66 rating: [rate it] _________Getting There Edit This You can get to Moscow by air, rail and by bus. For the best air-ticket deals please check the Priceline.com The link to the site is provided at the Links section. Most visitors from abroad come to Moscow by air. There are three major airports in Moscow area: Sheremetyevo (served by Air France, Aeroflot, Lufthansa, Finnair, etc.), Domodedovo (serverd by Transaero, British Airways etc.) and Vnukovo (served mostly by local carriers.) Don't use taxi to go to/from airport - they are way too expensive (unless you call for a taxi pickup in advance.) All airports are served by buses and minibuses that goes to/from nearest subway (metro) station. Airports Domodedovo and Vnukovo are served by express trains that connect them respectively with Paveletsky Railway Station and Kievsky Railway Station (bot have convenient connections with the subway system's Ring line.) Sheremetyevo constructs its own express train system, but so far you have to go to the Savyolovsky Railway Station, take the express to Lobnya (35 miles north from Moscow) and continue some 4 miles by bus (bus fare included in the express train fare.) Contributors July 04, 2006 change by svetico (3 points) [Add Global transport mode] Domodedovo airport Edit This Go to their site. They have english version and there is very good "Airport Maps & Directions" section there. type: By Air World66 rating: [rate it] url: www.domodedovo.ru Sheremetyevo airport Edit This Sheremetyevo airport is one of three big airports around Moscow. Go to their site to see airport map and Timetable. To go to/from airport. By city bus 851 to/fom Metro Rechnoi Vokzal (5.45-00.30) By city bus 851c (express) to/fom Metro Rechnoi Vokzal (6:30-20:30 to airport; 7:05-21:05 from airport) By city bus 817 to/from Metro Planernaya (5.45-00.30) You may buy ticket from the bus driver. Price is 15 rubles (prices valid for July, 2006). By more.. type: By Air World66 rating: [rate it] url: www.sheremetyevo-airport.ru Vnukovo airport Edit This Go to their site. They have english version and there is very good "Airport Maps & Directions" section there. type: By Air World66 rating: [rate it] url: www.vnukovo.ru ___________Museums Edit This You can add museums here. [Add Museum] Kolomenskoye Museum-Preserve Edit This The Bell-Tower of St.George, Kolomenskoye, Moscow The Bell-Tower of St.George, Kolomenskoye, Moscow photo by: Svetlana Tikhonova The Moscow's suburbs attract by many Museums-Preserves and the Museums-Estates, which are the favourite places of the Muscovites, who like to rest and walk here on weekends. One of the most interesting museum under the open sky is "Kolomenskoye" Museum-Preserve (open from 11.00 to 17.00, except Mondays). This architectural and historical preserve built in the 16th - 17th centuries used to be a village residence of the Russian Tsars (Peter the Great spent his early years here, in Kolomenskoye). The museum is famous with its outstanding example of 16th-century tent-roof more.. type: Museums World66 rating: [rate it] address: Andropov Avenue 39 accessibility: "Kolomenskaya" Metro station The Museums of the Moscow Kremlin Edit This The oldest museums of Moscow are located in the territory of the Moscow Kremlin. One of them is "Oruzheinaya Palata" or "The Armoury" (Armoury Chamber). The Armoury was founded about 500 years ago. In the 15th century it was called "Kazennaya Palata", where the Tsar treasures had been stored. The museum displays the unique specimens of applied art and precious utensils, i.e. collection of jewelry of the 12th-20th centuries; the collection of West-European silver utensils of the 13th-19th centuries (ambassador's gifts); the collection of elite more.. type: Museums World66 rating: [rate it] tel.: 921-4720 email: efragatzi@hotmail.com The State Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts Edit This The biggest Moscow's collection of the Western-European art is on display at the State Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts (Volkhonka Street, 12, "Kropotkinskaya" Metro station, Tel.: 203-9578 or 203-7998, open from 11.00 to 20.00, except Monday). The Museum comprises the collections displayed in the Halls of Egyptian, Assyrian, Babylonian, Antique, Early-Christian Arts. On display are the paintings and sculptures of the 14th - 19th centuries, the works by famous Italian painters (Simone Martini, Sandro Botticelli, Pietro Perugino, Domenico Tresini), Holland painters (Peter Piters, Peter more.. type: Museums World66 rating: [rate it] tel.: 203-9578 address: Volkhonka Street 14 The State Tretyakov Gallery Edit This The State Tretyakov Gallery is the biggest art museum in Russia housing the largest collection of the Russian art. The Gallery was founded by P.M. Tretyakov (1832-1898), a Moscow merchant, who dreamed of a museum accessible for any visitor, with fine collection of objects, which would describe the whole history of the Russian art. On display here are the specimens of early Russian art of the 9th to 17th centuries, including the icons of the 12th to 17th centuries from Kiev, Novgorod, Central Russia painted by Andrei Rublev, Simon Ushakov, Dionysius; pictures; drawings and more.. type: Museums World66 rating: [rate it] tel.: 230-7788, 231-1362 address: Lavrushinsky Per. 12, Metro stations: "Treryakovskaya" or "Polyanka" Museum of Tropinin and Moscow Artists of His Time Edit This Small but interesting art museum with collection of paintings, water-coloursand other items. Main theme is "Russian portraits of the 17-18th centuries". Works by famous russian artists such as V. A. Tropinin, F. S. Rokotov, V. L. Borovikovsky, D. G. Levitsky are represented here. World66 rating: [rate it] accessibility: metro station: "Tretyakovskaya" openingHours: Monday, Thursday, Friday 12:00-18:00; Saturday, Sunday 10:00-16:00 address: Schetininsky per., 10 The Museum of the History of Moscow Edit This Those, who are deeply interested in the history of Moscow, may visit the Museum of the History of Moscow (open: 12.00-18.00; Wednesday, Friday: from 12.00 to 20.00, closed on Mondays). type: Palaces World66 rating: [rate it] tel.: 924-84-90 address: Novaya Ploshchad, 12, "Lubyanka" Metro station The State Museum of Oriental Art Edit This The art of oriental countries (China, Korea, Japan, India, Middle and South-East Asia, Kazakhstan) is presented by collection of the State Museum of Oriental Art (open daily from 10.00 to 20.00, except Mondays). The collection presents the time period from the 4th millennium and up to the present days. The collection of the far east Art is especially interesting, it displays a lot of unique samples. type: Museums World66 rating: [rate it] tel.: 202-4555 address: Nikitsky Bulvar Street, 12a, "Pushkinskaya" or "Arbatskaya" Metro stations The Museum of Applied and Folk Art Edit This The best samples of the true Russian art, ceramics from Gzhel, specimens from Khokhloma, Palekh, Fedoskino, etc. are displayed at the exhibition halls of the Museum of Applied and Folk Art (open from 10.00 to 18.00, and from 12.00-20.00 on Tuesdays and Thursdays, except Fridays and the last Thursday). The Museum exhibits fine collection of furniture, china, glass, clothing of the 18th to 20th centuries, the collection of agitation china specimens of the 20-ies to 30-ies, artistic textile of the 16th to 20th century; samovars from private collections presented to the Museum. type: Museums World66 rating: [rate it] tel.: 291-0139, 923-1741 address: Delegatskaya Street 3, "Tsvetnoy Bulvar" or "Mayakovskaya" Metro stations The Palace-Museum of Serf Art in Ostankino Edit This The Palace-Museum of Serf Art in Ostankino (open May-September from 10.00 to 18.00) is a brilliant monument representing the classic architectural style of the 18th century, the palace-theatre, which once was famous with the theatrical talents of the local serf theatre. type: Museums World66 rating: [rate it] tel.: 283-4645 address: 1st Ostankinskaya Street, 5, "VDNH" Metro station, tram No. 11 The State Historical Museum Edit This Historical museum (right) and Nikolskaya (St.Nicolas) Tower of Moscow Kremlin Historical museum (right) and Nikolskaya (St.Nicolas) Tower of Moscow Kremlin photo by: Svetlana Tikhonova No doubt, the Moscow Kremlin presents a unique collection of rare specimens of the Russian history and culture. However, there is one more museum in Moscow of no less value, this is the State Historical Museum The main building of the Museum was built in 1875-1881 to the design of architect V. Sherwood in a traditional Russian style. The museum displays the most complete collections of coins and medals; the country's largest archaeological collection; the collection of ancient manuscripts and books; the collections of arms, clothing; the collection of precious more.. type: Hotspots World66 rating: [rate it] tel.: 292-8452 address: Red Square, 1/2 accessibility: metro stations: "Okhotny Ryad", "Ploschad Revolutsii", "Teatral'naya" openingHours: Monday, Wednesday-Saturday 10.00 - 18.00; Sunday 11.00 - 20.00. Tuesday closed. First Monday of the month closed url: www.shm.ru The Tsaritsyno Museum Edit This The Museum is open from 11.00 to 18.00; Wednesdays and Sundays - from 10.00 to 17.00, except Mondays, Tuesdays. It displays the ancient furniture and ceramics, and fine collection of the modern paintings. type: Palaces World66 rating: [rate it] address: Dolskaya Street, 1, "Tsaritsyno" or "Orekhovo" Metro stations tel: 321-07-43 The Andrei Rublev Museum of Early Russian Culture and Art Edit This One of the best collections of icons belongs to The Andrei Rublev Museum of Early Russian Culture and Art (Andronyevskaya Square, 10, the "Ploshchad Ilyicha" Metro station, 278-1289, open from 11.00 to 17.00, except Wednesday and last Friday). On display are the icons of Moscow's school of the 15th to 16th centuries, sculptures of the 12th to 17th centuries, the copies of frescoes. The affiliate of the museum located at the Church of the Intercession at Fili (See Chapter "Churches and Monasteries”, open: 11.00-17.30, except weekends) displays the icons of the end of the 17th more.. type: Museums World66 rating: [rate it] tel.: 148-4552 address: Novozavodskaya St., 6, Metro station: "Fili" The Bakhrushin State Central Museum of Theatrical Art Edit This The State Central Museum of Theatrical Art, as the Tretyakov Gallery, bears the name of its founder, A.A. Bakhrushin (open from 12.00-18.00, except Tuesdays, and the last Monday) is a fundamental collection of theatrical sketches, clothing and memorial objects related to the history of the Russian theatre. type: Museums World66 rating: [rate it] tel.: 233-4470 address: Bakhrushin Street, 31/12, "Paveletskaya" Metro station The Ceramics Museum in Kuskovo Edit This Three beautiful Palace-Garden ensembles deserve special attention. Walking along the alleys of ancient parks may bring you a great satisfaction and the exhibits will surely surprise you by their beauty and peculiarity. The Ceramics Museum and the 18th-century palace-garden ensemble of Kuskovo (open from 10.00 to 15.00, except Mondays, Tuesdays, the last Wednesday) displays the finest collection of ceramics and sophisticated interior of the palace. type: Museums World66 rating: [rate it] tel.: 370-01-60 address: Yunost Street, 2, "Ryazansky Prospect" Metro station Chambers of the 16th-17th Centuries in Zaryadye Edit This "Chambers of the 16th-17th Centuries in Zaryadye" is a branch of the State Historical Museum. It is housed in the so-called Chambers of the Romanov Boyars on the Varvarka Street. Here, in small rooms with low, vaulted ceilings is recreated the decor of a boyar house of that period. Assembled here are household articles, needlework, cold steel and firearms, and books from a personal more.. World66 rating: [rate it] address: Varvarka Street, 10; Metro station "Kitai Gorod" ___________Day Trips Edit This Italian gardens in Arkhangelskoye, Moscow Italian gardens in Arkhangelskoye, Moscow Svetlana Tikhonova Usually Day Trip means "go in the morning - come back in the evening". It is not so in Moscow. You may go in the evening (or in the night), sleep quite comfortable aboard a train, spend day in other city some hundreds kilometers from Moscow and come back in the morning after sleeping one more night aboard train. Contributors July 16, 2006 change by svetico (2 points) July 17, 2006 change by giorgio [Add Day Trip] Vologda Edit This This old Russian town located in about 500 km to the north of Moscow well worth visiting. In fact you could spend in this region much more than one day. But even one day here is better then nothing. Best time to go June-Jyly when nights are short (or nonexistent). Winter - to see real "Russian winter". Train from Moscow There are many trains from Moscow going via Vologda but the best choice would be #234 Moscow - Arkhangelsk (via Vologda), (not every day so see timetable) more.. World66 rating: [rate it] Arkhangelskoye Edit This Arkhangelskoye, Moscow Arkhangelskoye, Moscow photo by: Svetlana Tikhonova Arkhangelskoye (?????????????) is one of the great estates that were built by Russian aristocracy in the 17-th - 18-th centuries. Situated 20 km west of Moscow it is very nice place to spend some hours. The best time to visit is summer. What to see. Yusupov Palace, which is set back from the Moscow River in an overgrown grove. (Don't confuse it with Stalin-era Military Convalescent Home overlooking the river). The palace was originally built in the 1670s but it was rebuilt in more.. World66 rating: [rate it] Kazan Edit This You may go to Kazan from Moscow for a day if you are ready to sleep two nights aboard a train. There are some trains going from Moscow (Kazan Railway station/Kazansky Vokzal) to Kazan. The best choise would be #002 Moscow - Kazan, (going every day) departure 19:20, arrival 07:25 (next day). #036? Moscow - Barnaul (via Kazan), (going every odd day) departure 20:16, arrival 09:12 (next day). #050? Moscow - Kazan, (going every day) departure 20:50, arrival more.. World66 rating: [rate it] Borodino Edit This State Borodino War and History Museum and Reserve is located 120 km west of Moscow. It was founded in 1839 at the site of the great Battle of Borodino and it’s the world’s oldest museum established on a battlefield. The main historical element of the museum is the Borodino fields, where the Russian army led by Kutuzov and the French army led by Napoleon fought on the 7th of September 1812. From October 12 to October 18, 1941, this was the firing line of Mozhaisk defense, where Soviet soldiers countered the Nazi army’s assault on Moscow. These more.. World66 rating: [rate it] tel: (49638) 63223 url: www.borodino.ru address: Moscow region email: borodino@borodino.ru Vladimir Edit This Vladimir is very nice one day trip from Moscow. How to go You may go by local train from Kurskiy Vokzal (Kursk Railway station) to Vladimir. The historical part of Vladimir is above the train station so just go up and turn left (in the direction of Moscow) along the main street. It is much more comfortable to go by bus. Buses to Vladimir run from the stop on the square before the Kursk Railway Station (Right side of the square if you face the Station). Buses run every half an hour and more.. World66 rating: [rate it] ___________Nightlife and Entertainment Edit This photo Hi I am gerardo biango a big greet to moskow's friends from italy Display all or display just: Bars & Pubs Clubs Clubs and dancing Erotic clubs and bars Musicals Opera Pool and billiards Theatres general Show best rated on top | Show in alphabetical order [Add Entertainment place] Bolshoi Theatre Edit This photo You will be inevitably attracted by the sight of the legendary columns of Bolshoi Theatre (ul. Petrovka, 1), which has, finally, lived through the long-awaited period of outer and inner changes. Currently, the oldest theatre of Russia is headed by Vladimir Vasilyev, who, together with such ballet stars as Maya Plisetskaya and Gediminas Taranda, was rejected by the former administration of Bolshoi Theatre. The operas "La Boheme" by Puccini and "Khovanshchina" by Musorgsky are now considered the best performances staged in Bolshoi. Some new ballet more.. type: Theatres World66 rating: [rate it] Casino Edit This The first Moscow's Casino "Moskva" welcomes guests in "Leningradskaya" Hotel on Kalanchevskaya Street (tel./fax: 975-1967). The set of entertainments is standard: roulette, Black Jack, poker. Jacko's Bar & Night Club are also located in the hotel building it's a place where most of merry European holidays are celebrated, St.Valentine day, for example. type: Clubs World66 rating: [rate it] A priori Edit This photo Modern nightclub, every 2 weeks have huge tematic parties and have world-famous Dj's. It has 2 floors and 2 dancefloors with different types of music Open: Friday - 02:00 -10:00, Saturday - 02:00- 10:00 Face Control, Dress Code. Entence: 300 rub type: Clubs and dancing World66 rating: [rate it] url: www.apriori-club.ru address: Bolshaya Molchanovka, 12 (metro Arbatskaya) The Opera Club Edit This Newly opened club with House music. Very popular amongst "golden" teens and just rich guys and beauties/ Cool place! very moscow-like type: Clubs and dancing World66 rating: [rate it] ClosingTime: 6 am tel: 2059822 accessibility: facecontrol address: Trehgorny val, 6 Zona Edit This Zona nightclub Zona nightclub Huge club 4 floors, 3500 people capacity, laser shows, dancing all night long in 3 dancing areas, good djs, naked models dance on bar stands, 18+, face control, dress code. type: Clubs and dancing World66 rating: [rate it] ClosingTime: 10pm - 8am tel: +7 495 6756975 url: www.zonaclub.ru address: Avtozavodskaya subway station, ul. Leninskaya sloboda, 19/2 Fabrique Edit This photo Best house-music club in Moscow with comfortable chill out, it also has a restaurant. Club suits 1500 people. type: Clubs and dancing World66 rating: [rate it] ClosingTime: till the last client url: www.fabrique.ru address: St Sadovnicheskaya, 33 (metro Novokyznetskaia) B-club Edit This photo One of the most popular and glamour R&B nightclub in Moscow. Every friday and saturday from 23:00 till the morning. Location: Strastnoy bylvar, 8a. (Pyshkinskaya metro station). Face Control, Dress Code. type: Clubs and dancing World66 rating: [rate it] ClosingTime: 6 in the morning url: www.b-club.biz address: Strastnoy bylvar, 8a tel: +7(095)205-45-56 Crisis of Genre Edit This Similar environment attracts visitors to another club, called "Krizis Zhanra" (Crisis of Genre) (Pereylok Ostrovskogo Street, 22/4). type: Clubs World66 rating: [rate it] Marica Edit This photo Great place to party and one of the best club in Moscow. Music: best RnB. Face Control, Dress Code. type: Clubs and dancing World66 rating: [rate it] ClosingTime: 6 url: www.marica.ru address: st. Petrovka, 21 tel: +7(095) 924-03-58 Ballantine's Bar Edit This ?ne of the friendliest dance club in Moscow. Popular among young people. You can hear house and r'n'b (every tuethday) music here. type: Clubs and dancing World66 rating: [rate it] url: www.ballantines-bar.ru address: Nikolskaya st., 17 (metro Lubyanka) tel: +7(095) 928-4692 Mio Edit This photo A small, but very popular house club and rnb (every tue) type: Clubs and dancing World66 rating: [rate it] address: Kaluzhskaya sq., 1, metro Oktyabrskaya B3 Edit This photo A huge dance club with four floors, several dancefloors, a large chillout room with a restaurant and pool rooms, a cinema room, a cafe, a big scene on the last floor. Features all kinds of music: from Russian rockers to British electronic music. type: Clubs and dancing World66 rating: [rate it] address: Bolshaya Sadovaya (Garden Ring), 8 tel: +7(095) 209-9909 First Edit This i Popular club with House music. One of the coolest and fanciest night clubs in moscow full of beautiful girls and "oligarhs" very rich public. type: Clubs and dancing World66 rating: [rate it] url: www.firstclub.ru address: Sofyiskaya nab., 34 Shangri-La Edit This American roulette (11 tables), Black Jack (9 tables), Oasis Stud Poker (12 tables), Craps (1 table). A separate room with 4 tables for Grand poker. Bets vary from $2 to $25000. More than 70 gambling machines in a separate room. 4 bars and a restaurant with European cuisine. Daily lotteries. Money prizes and cars are ruffled monthly. Jazz and variety shows every day from 9 p.m. till 2 a.m., stars' concerts during super lotteries. (Passport or driving license is a must). type: Erotic clubs and bars World66 rating: [rate it] ClosingTime: 24 hours a day address: Pushkinskaya pl., 2, Pushkinsky cinema Sahar Edit This photo Wednesday: Sweet Life Group presents R'n'B. Free to enter. Thursday: DJ Jastin (disco-house). Free to enter. Friday&saturday: NIGHT at Sahar, Quality promo. electro, progressive, house. Free enter. FC DC. type: Clubs and dancing World66 rating: [rate it] ClosingTime: 6 a.m url: www.saxar-club.ru address: St. Sretenka, 23/25 (metro Syharevskaya) Garag Edit This The most popular club, which is located in center of Moscow. Every Wednesday Famouse Rnb party take place, be sure u'll have a great time! Face Control, Dress Code type: Clubs and dancing World66 rating: [rate it] ClosingTime: 24/7 address: Tverskaya, 16 tel: +70952091848 Hungry Duck Edit This The night bar "Hungry Duck" follows the best traditions of rock-clubs. (The bar is located on the ground floor of The Central House of Artistic World.) You may enjoy rock 'n' roll music from 10 p.m., daily, but try to come at the time of opening, otherwise all night you will have to stand leaning towards the wall or at the bar counter. Admission is free and, most probably, this fact attracts many people. type: Clubs World66 rating: [rate it] Musical Comedy Edit This The Moscow's Theatre of Musical Comedy (Bolshaya Dmitrovka, 6), which is also called "the junior sister of Bolshoi Theatre", presents the undying masterpieces of Johann Strauss and popular musicals with famous Tatyana Shmyga starring on the stage. type: Theatres World66 rating: [rate it] Olympic Edit This Good for cocktails. type: Bars & Pubs World66 rating: [rate it] address: 18/1 Olympiyskiy Prospekt, 931-9000. M. Prospekt Mira. openinghours: 5 p.m.-1 a.m. Music Theatre Edit This Dmitry Bryantsev, the Chief Choreographer of the Music Theatre named after Stanislavsky and Nemirovich-Danchenko ( Bolshaya Dmitrovka, 17), is especially popular with the admirers of modern ballet-dancing. All performances including classical ballets, such as Don Quixote and The Swan Lake, and typical avant-garde ballets, e.g. The Taming of The Shrew (music composed by Bronner), staged by this popular ballet-master, attract a lot of people to the theatre located in the city center, on Bolshaya Dmitrovka street. type: Theatres World66 rating: [rate it] Experimental Theatre Edit This Many new, innovative and modern experimental theatres have appeared during the passed few years in Moscow. No doubt, the leading theatres are: Municipal Theatre "New Opera" directed by Evgeny Kolobov, the star of the world value, and "Helikon-Opera" directed by, Dmitry Bert, man. The young artists of these theatres do not relay on theatrical conservatism and old traditions. Thus, "Helikon-Opera" amazed the audience by the unusual interpretation of Verdi's "Aida". This performance has immediately become a real hit. type: Theatres World66 rating: [rate it] Chamber Music Edit This Moscow's Chamber Musical Theatre headed by Boris Pokrovsky (Leningradsky prospekt, 71) is especially popular with the theatre-goers. The unusual is the repertoire of this theatre, it doesn't include classic performances, instead, it presents the unknown or little-known works of famous authors ("Nose" by Shostakovitch, Salieri's "Word After Music"). type: Theatres World66 rating: [rate it] Kids Theatre Edit This Children's Music Theatre (prospekt Vernadskogo, 5), established by Nataliya Sats, a prominent master and stage manager, is a unique theatre having a repertoire, which offers the best samples of ballet and opera performances for children of different age and tastes, from Snow White and Seven Dwarfs to Mozart's Magic Flute. type: Theatres World66 rating: [rate it] Harlequin Edit This "Harlequin", the Moscow's Theatre of Musical Drama directed by Sergei Melkonyan (Bolshoi Kozlovsky Per., 3/2). The independent Commedia Dell'Arte theatre was founded in Moscow 20 years ago. In 1991, after successful performances in the USA, the theatre has got its international status and is currently staging together with the International Arlekin Theatre Corporation (USA). There are three orchestras in the theatre, string, instrumental and folklore. type: Theatres World66 rating: [rate it] Poor People Edit This The club bearing a specific name "Bednye Lyudi" ("Poor People") welcomes you to Bolshaya Ordynka Street, 11/6 to listen to very interesting rock 'n' roll and jazz programs. The prices in this club are considered rather moderate. type: Clubs World66 rating: [rate it] Armadillo Edit This Tex-Mex bar "Armadillo" (Khrustalny Per., 1) sticks to the music styles of "country" and "reggae". You may also play billiards and darts in the same bar, enjoy Mexican cuisine and fine Mexican beer. type: Clubs World66 rating: [rate it] Karo Edit This Big entertainment centre "Karo" is located on Tverskaya street, in the centre of Moscow (see the first page of our Guide). This place is marked with peculiar respectability. In casino of "Karo" centre they play for high stakes. The door next to casino takes you to "Utopia" disco-club with a nice bar showing the wonders of barman's art of "freestyle". type: general World66 rating: [rate it] Tastes differ Edit This "Tastes differ", - this is what we like to repeat again and again, and your Russian friends will definitely take you to their favourite places. We may only recommend you to visit some places, which are especially popular with the foreign citizens living and working in Moscow. These are the Night Flight Club (Tverskaya Street, 17), Irish Pubs Rosie O'Gradys (Znamenka Street, 9/12) and Shamrock Bar at the Irish House (Novy Arbat, 19 or 21). type: Clubs World66 rating: [rate it] Metropol Edit This Hotel "Metropol" invites to respectable night shows staged in its wonderful variety theatre (tel.: 927-6091). There is also a casino in the hotel. type: Clubs World66 rating: [rate it] Arbat Blues Club Edit This "Arbat Blues Club" is considered a "Citadel" of the Moscow's jazz. The club is open on Fridays and Saturdays. It is located in the building of the theatre-studio called "Na Starom Arbate" (Aksakov Per., 11, tel.: 291-1546). type: Clubs and dancing World66 rating: [rate it] Club M Edit This This is a club for professionals, billiards fanciers and those, who wants to watch others playing and to have a rest in a friendly atmosphere. In the bar there is a wide choice of alcohol drinks, juices and ect Russian billiards - 200 rbl., American pool - 150 rbl. Hourly pay. type: Pool and billiards World66 rating: [rate it] ClosingTime: 24 h a day address: Krivokolenny per., 10/5 Moscow Operetta (Theatre of operetta) Edit This The repertoire has both classic operettas and modern musicals. The building of the theatre was constructed in the 19th century. Tickets - 50-190 rbl. type: Opera World66 rating: [rate it] address: Bol. Dmitrovka ul., 6 "Nord Ost" theater center Edit This The hall of the Center is devoted for 1160 people. As for music, drama and the whole decorating “Nord-Ost” musical is an analogue of the most famous world plays - "The Phantom of the Opera", "Cats", "Miss Saigon". “Link” producer firm works tightly with famous British firm "Cameron Mackintosh Ltd" that is the owner of rights for this musical. “Nord-Ost” is created at motives of Veniamin Kaverin’s novel “Two Captains”, which original plot ideally suits the genre. Love, hate, heroism and treason, tenderness and energy, romanticism and belief in truth are that more.. type: Musicals World66 rating: [rate it] address: Melnikova str., 7 Okno Edit This photo Small, but very nice place. It is a popular place for many students . Every week fantastic rnb paties) type: Clubs and dancing World66 rating: [rate it] ClosingTime: 6 in the morning address: st Ostogenka, 32 (metro Park Kultury) Roxy Edit This Music style: dance music&house type: Clubs and dancing World66 rating: [rate it] url: www.roxy.ru address: st Staraya Basmannaya, 30 (metro Krasnie vorota) Class-club Edit This Billiards, TV's, bar (russian, european, home cuisine) open: daily 11.00-06.00 type: Pool and billiards World66 rating: [rate it] ClosingTime: 6 in the morning address: st. Dolgorykovskaya, 5/2/27 (metro Mayakovskaya) __________Things to do Edit This photo Here are a few suggested activities. Contributors May 05, 2005 change by giorgio May 04, 2005 new by nastya [Add Activity] LUSH SHOP Edit This photo Fresh french handmade cosmetics Daily: 9:00 - 23:00 type: Spa and Sauna World66 rating: [rate it] url: www.lushrussia.ru address: St. Stariy Arbat, 12 (metro Arbatskaya) tel: +7(095) 945-34-96 Guerlain Beauty Studio Edit This photo Offers all kind hair treatment, soliarium, spa&body treatmen Mon-Saturday: 10:00 - 21:00, Sunday: 12:00 -21:00 type: Spa and Sauna World66 rating: [rate it] url: www.beautystudio.ru address: st. Petrovka, 11/20. Hotel Marriot tel: +7(095) 937-10-81 Spa-center Yanus Edit This All kind of spa-treatment + hair treatment, swimming pool and a lot more Open daily from 10:00 t? 22:00 type: Spa and Sauna World66 rating: [rate it] url: www.spacenter.ru address: 1-st Tverskoy-Yamskoy pereylok, 18/3 (metro Mayakovskaya) tel: +7095)251-44-92, 251-21-41 Beauty center Lanna Kamilina Edit This Hair&nail treatment, make up Daily: 10:00 to 22:00 type: Spa and Sauna World66 rating: [rate it] address: Bolshoiy Tolmachevskiy pereylok, 4/1 (metro Tret'yakovskaya) tel: +7(095) 953-63-13 |
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these informations thanks to http://www.cedokitalia.com La vostra agenzia di viaggio per Praga - Budapest - Mosca e L'Europa dell'Est Cedok Italia Via G. Lanza, 105/A - 00184 Roma Email:cedok.it@adv.it |
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http://www.paesionline.it/europa/federazione_russa_mosca/hotel_alberghi_russa_mosca.asp Secondo voi una cucina che ha nutrito Ivan Aleksandrovic Goncarov e Oblomov, Fëdor Michajlovic Dostoevskij e i Karamazov, Lev Nikoalevic Tolstoj e Anna Karenina può forse essere disgustosa? La Grande Madre Russia ha accolto nel suo generoso seno ucraini, bielorussi, estoni, lettoni, lituani, polacchi, tedeschi, ebrei, armeni, georgiani, cosacchi, calmucchi, turcomanni, mongoli, eschimesi, uzbechi, rumeni, circassi, gitani. E questa mescolanza etnica ha portato una gran quantità di piatti che si sono uniti a quelli inventati dagli chef francesi dei nobili. Una cucina che è un mix di povertà e di ricchezza, di continenza e di lussuria. Per scoprire nell'intimità una cucina così peculiare dobbiamo solo provarla. Mangiando russo capiremo la Russia e i russi; i loro difetti, le loro virtù, il loro passare da un estremo all'altro. Tra una portata all'altra assaggeremo la raffinata corte zarista, la placida e pigra borghesia di San Pietroburgo, la rivoluzione di Lenin e Stalin ma soprattutto "gusteremo" tutti i popoli della Grande Madre Russia. Za vashe zdorovye! La colazione a Mosca è molto nutriente. Peccato che in certi alberghi si ostinino ancora a servire il vinogradin sok, uno sciapo succo d'uva, anziché uno di frutta vero e proprio. Ma tutto ciò è perdonabile, perché il caffè è ottimo. Niente paura per la lingua. I russi sono molti ospitali e vi capiterà di trovare nei ristoranti menù redatti in almeno quattro lingue (russo, francese, inglese e tedesco). Occorre scegliere tre o quattro portate per il pasto principale (pranzo) e due o tre per la cena. In Russia il vino è generalmente georgiano, ed è senz'altro meglio della birra. Il tè una volta veniva servito in tazza alle signore e in bicchiere agli uomini. Oggi questa usanza è in disuso. Il tea time russo viene accompagnato dal consumo di biscotti chimati keks. Potrete chiedere di tutto ai camerieri: tutte le marmellate del mondo, purché siano di fragole, tutte le verdure del mondo purché siano carote o piselli (durante l'inverno). Antipasti Tipici Russi Anchoussi s yaitzami
- Acciughe lavorate con uova, servite con lattuga,
pomodoro e prezzemolo. Primi Abrikosovi sup -
Zuppa fredda con albicocche, zucchero e maizena. Servita
con riso e panna acida. Secondi Ararat - Pilaf
con uva sultanina, albicocche, mandorle, mele e mele
cotogne al forno. un piatto armeno. Contorni Iz yablok i seldere
- Insalata di mele e sedano. Dolci Boubliki - Pasta
con burro. Bevande Braga - Sidro.
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| Fuso orario: due ore avanti! Telefono: per l'Italia fare il 0039 o +39, per i cellulari comporre il prefisso 81039 seguito dal prefisso ,icluso lo zero e dal numero dell'abbonato.Viceversa per telefonare dall'Italia in Russia comporre lo 007 seguito dal prefisso 095 per Mosca e 812 per SanPietroburgo e dal numero desiderato. |
| Thanks to www.travelpuppy.com |
| Moscow Travel
Guide Moscow Travel Guide and Moscow Travel Information - TravelPuppy.com City Overview Formerly the centre of one of the world’s two superpowers, Moscow (Moskva) is still reeling from the speedy pace of change that the past decade has wrought. Situated in the centre of the East-European plain, with its major part occupying the valley of the Moskva River, it is a brash city with pockets of ostentatious new-found (and often ill-gotten) wealth surrounded by the vast majority struggling to live on their not enough salaries or pensions. The political, economic and spiritual capital of the world’s largest country, Moscow is somewhat different from the rest of the Russian Federation and the worst ravages of industrial decline have bypassed the city, as it is more focused on the administrative and service sectors. It is a magnet, not only for the entrepreneurs of new Russia but also for some of the most destitute from the far reaches of the country. For most of eight centuries, the Kremlin, at the very heart of Moscow, has been the seat of power for the grand princes, tsars and, most recently, presidents, as well as a significant religious site. For Westerners, the adjacent Red Square, especially the bulbous, multicoloured domes of St Basil’s Cathedral, have been an image synonymous with the Soviet Union and Russian state since the arrival of television. Surrounding this centre, Stalin’s so-called Seven Sisters – Gothic-looking Socialist Realist skyscrapers – humble the individual as they appear large from the outskirts of central Moscow. On the approach to the Kremlin, along Novy Arbat, high-rises are lined up like giant dominoes waiting to stumble. However, tucked away are the bits and pieces of the older city – beautiful neo-classical houses and impressive structures, such as the Bolshoi Theatre. Most surprisingly of all, there are the underground palaces of the Metro system, the biggest and probably the most efficient in the world. Nowadays, the posturing Soviet military driving their tanks through Red Square for the October Revolution Parades have been replaced by the posing of well-off Muscovites with their shiny new Mercedes Benz. The impressive Stalinist buildings along Tverskaya ulitsa, the main drag leading up to Red Square, now houses the extravagant Western franchises, while providing the incompatible backdrop for the babushkas who sell anything from dishcloths to kittens, in order to make ends meet. The well-heeled New Muscovites may have greeted capitalism with open arms but after 74 years of Communist-imposed agnosticism, many in the Russian capital have enthusiastically embraced their once-banned Orthodox faith. This is reflected in renovation of the old churches, the rapid construction of new ones and the decision to give the remains of Russia’s last tsar, Nicholas II, a Christian burial. As the second democratically elected President of Russia, Vladimir Putin is the youngest and perhaps the most energetic leader the Kremlin has seen. At home, Putin has drawn admiration for his management of the economy and criticism for his dawdling response to the Kursk submarine tragedy in 2001. Internationally, Putin has astutely used the ‘war on terrorism’ as a perfect opportunity to melt the last ice of the Cold War once and for all, culminating in the Russian president’s visit to George Bush’s Texas ranch in November 2001. Closer economic ties and political empathy in conflict areas such as Chechnya are likely to result from Russia’s loyalty to the USA and its pivotal role in Afghanistan. One aspect of the city remains invariable and that is the harshness of the Moscow winter. Despite the bitter cold, there is nothing as beautiful as seeing St Basil’s Cathedral in the falling snow. In contrast, summer temperatures over 30°C are not unusual. ___________Moscow Business Profile Moscow Business Overview - TravelPuppy.com Economy The economy so far seems to have benefited from the installation of Vladimir Putin in 2001, buoyed by an 8.9% rise in foreign trade turnover, mainly due to the expansion of energy exports. The country seems to have been relatively unaffected by the global economic slowdown. However, the September 11 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center in New York are likely to impact hard, as Western companies, mainly from the USA, have invested heavily in Russia since 1991. For example, the daily Dollar trade turnovers on the Moscow Interbank Currency Exchange declined piercingly to US$140.5 million in September from US$166.1 million in August 2001. A national GDP growth rate of 6.3% in the year 2000, a decline in unemployment from 12.2% to 10.2% and an increase in consumer spending of 8.1% in 2001, have all contributed to a rare period of economic stability and prosperity in the capital. Moscow is particularly flourishing, with unemployment standing at 2.4%. Meanwhile, 40% of people in the Russian Federation still live below the poverty line, while low birth rates and the increase of HIV infection have resulted in a 2% drop in the population since the year 1992. Moscow is the leading industrial centre in Russia and more than half of the workforce is occupied in heavy manufacturing, such as engineering and metal work, to produce cars, lorries and machine tools. The textile industry is the city’s second biggest employer. The main business areas are along Tverskaya ulitsa and at central business centres in the area, such as World Trade Centre and Riverside Towers. Western manufacturing companies based in the capital, such as General Electric, Hewlett Packard, IBM, Peugeot, Rank Xerox, Sun Microsystems and Siemens continue to develop their brands in Russia but have reported massive decreases in sales since the 1998 crash. Inspite of the huge job losses in the West, following September 11, large corporations have shown no major signs of pulling out of Moscow. One of the main reasons is that due to closer ties between Presidents Bush and Putin, Russia, with a quarter of the world’s oil reserves outside the Middle East, may bring more trade and industry to Moscow. Business Etiquette The business culture in Moscow has changed considerably over the past decade. Investment from major Western corporations has brought wealth for selected few, as well as a more Western approach to business. English is far more prevalent than it used to be but it is worth making sure that there is an interpreter on hand. Offices are usually open Monday to Friday 0900-1800. Although Russians are not always on time, it is important for business visitors to arrive on time. Business cards are readily exchanged – they should have a Russian translation on the reverse. Business lunches are fairly common but evening meetings tend to be more social and occasionally Russians will bring their spouses with them. If invited to a Russian’s home, guests should bring a gift (chocolates, wine or an uneven number of flowers) and something small for the children. Refusing to drink a toast is a major gaffe and once a bottle is opened it will be finished. Business suits should be worn for meetings; otherwise dress is somewhat more casual than elsewhere in Europe. A fair amount of sexism still persists in the Russian society and businesswomen are advised to dress conservatively. __________Moscow Culture Guide Moscow Culture Guide - TravelPuppy.com The city’s cultural history spans all the arts and, having been the capital for a long time, much of the nation’s cultural effort was concentrated here. Noteworthy achievements include the long period of icon painting up to the time of Peter the Great. The most well-known icon painter of the Russian Orthodox Church, Andrey Rublyov, had his workshop and was buried in the Spaso-Andronikovsky Monastyr (Monastery of the Saviour and Andronicus) in the eastern suburbs of the city. The 19th century brought painters such as Ilia Repin whose Realist works portrayed peasants and ordinary people. The excitement of the Constructivists’ avant-garde work, in early 20th century, was dampened by Stalin’s regime and, until recently, Socialist Realism has been the only publicly produced art. The former Soviet Union took great pride in its cultural institutions and these were often of very high calibre. Many are based in Moscow, notably the Bolshoi Ballet and Opera Company and the Moscow Circus. Advance tickets can be quite cheap but those bought from ticket touts on the evening of the performance are usually fairly expensive. Concert and theatre tickets can be bought at the venues, from large hotels or at the IPS Theatre Box Office in the Metropol Hotel, Teatralny proezd 1/4 (tel: (095) 927 6000). Tickets for most performances range between Rb620/US$20 and Rb830/US$27. Moscow Out is an excellent source of listings and information (available in several languages, including English) on cultural events in the capital. Cultural events Great Moscow Circus no longer quite lives up to its reputation but still provides good entertainment. There are performances Tuesdays to Fridays at 1900, as well as multiple performances on weekends. The New Circus is located at Vernadskovo prospekt 7 (tel: (095) 930 2815), and the Old Circus is at Tsvetnoi bulvar 13 (tel: (095) 200 0668). The Muscovites make good use of the white nights, which is during summer, with the annual White Nights Festival – a celebration of music, theatre, street events and fireworks. Winter is also alot of fun, with the Russian Winter Festival from over Christmas and New Year. Moscow comes alive with traditional folk customs and troika rides. More sober annual events include the poetry readings at Pushkin Monument, celebrating his birthday on 6 June. Literary Notes Moscow has been home to several important writers and has often been the setting for their works. The houses where playwright Anton Chekhov and novelists Leo Tolstoy (Leo Tolstoy ulitsa) and Maxim Gorky (Malaya Nikitskaya ulitsa) spent part of their lives, are all open to public. Philosopher, nobleman, moral thinker, writer of realism and intellectual giant, Tolstoy (1828-1910) was born on his family estate, south of Moscow. In many of his works, Tolstoy illustrates life in the capital, particularly in War and Peace (1865-69), considered one of the best novels ever written, in which he describes the burning of Moscow during the Napoleonic wars. Chekhov’s play, The Seagull (1896), premiered at the Moscow Arts Theatre in the year 1898. Chekhov and the novelist/playwright, Nikolai Gogol, both were buried in Novodevichy Cemetery, in the southwest of the city. Fyodor Dostoevsky was born and spent his early years in Moscow, returning to give an inspiring speech (as did Ivan Turgenev) at the unveiling of the monument to Alexander Pushkin in 1880 – it was the first public recognition of Russian national literature. Seen as the father of Russian national literature, the best-know works of Pushkin are Boris Godunov (1824) and Eugene Onegin (1825). Boris Pasternak lived in the outskirts of Moscow (1939-1960), among the writers and artists in Peredelinko. It was over here that he wrote his sweeping romantic novel about the Russian Revolution, Doctor Zhivago (1957). Mikhail Bulgakov set parts of his novel, The Master and Margarita (written in 1930s, first published posthumously in 1967), in the Central House of Writers restaurant, as well as at Patriarshiye Prudy (Patriarch’s Ponds), where the novel begins. Mikhail Lermontov, the novelist and the poet, studied at Moscow University and lived just off present-day Novy Arbat. The house of Ivan Turgenev’s mother, where he stayed when he was in Moscow, can also be visited. More recently, Victor Pelevin, who penned The Clay Machine Gun (1996), has been matched up to Martin Amis. There is no shortage of works by Western novelists set during Cold War – Moscow was a favourite setting for John Le Carré and there is also the eponymous Gorky Park (1981), written by Martin Cruz Smith. __________Moscow Festival - Events Moscow Festivals and Events Guide - TravelPuppy.com Russian Orthodox Christmas, 7 Jan, churches throughout the city Prodexpo, Feb, largest annual food and drink exhibition in Russia, Expocenter Maslenitsa or Blini Day, pancakes are made to celebrate the coming of spring, first week Mar, throughout the city Women’s Day, early Mar, throughout the city May Day, colourful parades, 1 May, Red Square Victory Day, parades at war memorials to celebrate the end of World War II, 9 May, war memorials throughout the city World Water Festival on the Moscow River, Jun, Gorky Park Pushkin’s Birthday, poetry readings, 6 Jun, Pushkin Monument Russian Independence Day, public holiday, 12 Jun, throughout the city White Nights Festival, music, theatre and street events with fireworks, late Jun-mid-Jul, throughout the city Festival of Symphonies and Serenades, open-air events, Jul, around Moscow Park Russian Open, golf tournament, Aug, Le Meridian Moscow Country Club Moscow International Outdoor Jazz Festival, Aug, Hermitage Garden Day of the Failed August 1991 Coup, to mark the turn of Communism and honour the dead, 19 Aug, throughout the city Smirnoff International Fashion Awards, Sep, Andreyev Bridge International Peace Marathon, early Sep, start at Red Square, finish in front of Rossya Hotel near St Basil’s Cathedral Moscow Day, a day of celebration, 19 Sep, throughout the city Kremlin Cup, Oct, Olympiisky Complex Efes Pilsner Blues Festival, Nov, Moscow Palace of Youth Anniversary of the October Revolution, traditional holiday, 7 Nov, throughout the city December Evenings Festival, Dec, Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts Russian Winter Festival, end Dec-early Jan, throughout the city ____________Moscow Getting Around Getting Around Moscow - TravelPuppy.com Public Transport Certainly the easiest and most pleasant way to get around the city is on the Metro system (tel: (095) 943 5001 or 5052). Moscow’s Metro is the biggest in the world and features some stunningly decorated stations that are almost palatial. The entrances are marked by a large ‘M’. The system is very efficient and good value – a single magnet card, which replaced the tokens (talony), costs Rb5. A magnet card that is valid for 5 journeys or more, costs from Rb20. The system is based on the Circle Line, which links all the major rail stations. A further 9 lines connect to this and cross through the city centre. Stations have multiple names – one for each line that intersects there. There is also a broad network of buses, trams and trolleybuses, run by Moscow City Transport, Raushskaya naberezhnaya 22 (tel: (095) 233 3995). These can be crowded and unpleasant during peak times; although at other times can be an interesting way of sightseeing. Tickets (bilyet) should be bought in advance at Metro stations or kiosks (ten for Rb25) but can also be bought directly from the driver (ten for Rb30). Tickets must be punched in the machine on the wall of the bus. Spot fines are levied if travellers don't have a punched ticket. All forms of transport operate 0530-2430hrs, although some bus and tram routes may stop earlier. Passes for the Metro cost approximately Rb200 per month. Unified City Transport Passes cost around Rb320 per month and are valid on buses and trams as well. Taxis Even though there are private and official taxis, it is still a common practice for private cars to stop and offer a ride when flagged down. Fares must be negotiated, and this is best done before entering the car. The official taxis are the yellow cars with a ‘T’, which have chequered emblems on the door, a sealed meter and printed fare table inside – a green light indicates availability. Tipping is not anticipated. It is possible to hire a taxi by the hour, if preferred. Visitors should not share a taxi with a stranger. There is a central number for radio taxis (tel: (095) 927 0000) or visitors can call Moscow Taxi (tel: (095) 238 1001). Average taxi fare in Moscow is Rb10 per kilometre. Drivers may negotiate a flat fare rather than a metered fare; this should be settled before beginning the journey. There are also marshrutki (route-taxis), which are minibuses that follow a fixed route and guarantee riders a seat. They can be caught near the Metro entrances or by flagging one down at a bus stop. They run 0800-2200 and are more costly than standard buses. Limousines There are several limousine services in Moscow, including Limousine-Taxi (tel: (095) 292 2010 or 960 2020, ext. 1202), City Limousine (tel: (095) 248 5233) and Limousine-Service (tel: (095) 257 4000). Hire costs about Rb919/US$30 per hour, with a minimum hire of 4 hours. Driving in the City Moscow’s road system is based on a sequence of concentric rings, connected by arterial roads that radiate from the centre. The innermost, the Garden Ring Road, follows a path very similar to the Metro’s Circle Line. The outermost is Moscow Ring Road motorway. Traffic accidents, many of them caused by drinking and driving, are becoming increasingly common and night driving is not recommended. traffic has increased drastically, while improvements to the infrastructure have lagged behind, making driving difficult, especially in the centre. Rush hours are 0700-0930hrs and 1630-1900hrs. With the added hassle of over-zealous traffic police, difficult-to-find parking and Cyrillic-only road signs, many Western visitors find it easier and very often cheaper, to hire a car with a driver. It is advisable to use a guarded parking lot as theft is common – many of the larger hotels offer this facility to non-guests and other parking lots can be found in the vicinity. The average rate is around Rb31/US$1 per hour. Car Hire Car hire can be costly in Moscow and large fees may be charged for airport transfer. Many independent firms rent out cars but only with a driver. International firms represented in Moscow are National, Bolchaya Kommunistichie ulitsa 1/5 (tel: (095) 298 6146) and Budget, Volgogradsky prospekt 43 (tel: (095) 737 0407). Drivers must be at least 21 years of ageand have 1 year of driving experience. An International Driving Permit or a national driving licence with an authorised translation is obligatory. A small car costs around Rb1991/US$65 per day, including insurance, VAT and unlimited mileage. Visitors planning to rent a car in Moscow should book one in advance. Bicycle Hire Cycling can be difficult in Moscow, as there are no bike paths and bicycles are liable to be stolen if left alone. However, tour operator Way To Russia (tel: (095) 936 0279; e-mail: info@waytorussia.net) hires out bicycles for Rb62/US$2 per hour. ___________ Moscow Nightlife Moscow Nightlife - TravelPuppy.com Discos are popular in Moscow, although there are also a growing number of pub-type bars, many of which serve food. These generally offer a happy hour, with 2-for-1 drink specials. There is no shortage of exotic entertainment and Western men tend to attract young Russian women. Some bars can be quite violent – it is best for visitors to ask for local advice on which ones to stay away from. Moscow has a number of 24-hour bars and ‘night restaurants’ that are often open until 0500hrs or 0600hrs. These combine dining, drinking and entertainment all under one roof. Otherwise, bars tend to stay open until 2400hrs or 0100hrs. The minimum drinking age is 18 years, although the minimum purchasing age is 21 years. Cover charges differ – some places actually offer free drinks for a limited time, while others charge a cover of Rb613-919/US$20-30 (or more). Live music is played all over the city but quality acts are not so easy to come by. Many of the clubs and bars are located in the larger hotels or the immediate vicinity. Because of the rocky economy, clubs and bars tend to close down and open up fairly frequently. EXile, the American expat newspaper, offers an up-to-date, if somewhat rude, guide. Bars The John Bull Pub, Kutuzovsky proezd 4, has decent music and stays open until 0300hrs at the weekend. The Irish pub Rosie O’Grady’s, Znamenka ulitsa 9/12, is a well-liked spot. Homesick Canadians head for the Moosehead Canadian Bar, Bolshaya Polyanka ulitsa 54, where buffalo wings and other bar food keeps the customers happy and beers cost Rb122-184/US$4-6 (daily 1200-0500). Chesterfield’s, Zemlyanoy val 26, has the longest bar in Russia and draws a mixed expat and Russian crowd. For those who enjoy cigar and cognac, The Embassy Club, Bryusov pereulok 8/10, provides an appropriately swanky environment. The News Bar, Petrovka ulitsa, has recently made a stylish entrance into the nightlife of Muscovites, while OGI Project, Potapovsky pereulok, has become extremely popular. Casinos There are numerous casinos in Moscow. Some of the more elegant ones are attached to the 5-star hotels. The 24-hour Casino Metropol, located in the hotel of the same name at Teatralny proezd 1/4, is a classic casino with blackjack, poker and roulette. The minimum wager is Rb166/US$25. For lower stakes, the Olympic Casino Club, aboard the Valery Brusov, Krymskaya naberezhnaya, is open 1900-0600hrs and offers roulette, blackjack and poker. Another alternative is the Casino Moskva, located inside the Leningradskaya Hotel, Kalanchevskaya ulitsa 21/40. There is an age restriction of 18 years for gambling; a passport is not always necessary and the dress code is smart-casual. Clubs Propaganda, Bolshoi Zlatoustinksy pereulok 7, is one of the city’s best dance clubs and plays non-techno tunes. Techno ravers head for Khaos, on Timirgazevskaya ulitsa 17. Brand, Smolensky ploshchad, has a more upmarket feel with bars and a disco. The big-name international DJs who appear from time to time at Club XIII, Myanitskaya ulitsa, attract foreigners and young Russians with pockets full of hard cash. Titanik, inside the Young Pioneers Stadium, Leningradsky prospekt 31, is a famous techno club with a decent but expensive chill-out area (the cover charge is Rb919/US$30). Clubs catering to gay crowd are becoming very popular in Moscow. The most frequented of these is Central Station, Bolshaya Tatarskaya ulitsa, which could almost contend with any Western gay club. Homophobia is still very much in evidence in Moscow, so it is advisable for visitors to avoid going to the gay clubs alone. Dance One of the world’s most well-known ballet and opera companies, the Bolshoi, is based in Moscow, from September to June (performances are daily at 1900 and weekend matinees). The company, formed in the year 1773, began its rise to fame in 1918. Yuri Grigorovich, who directed the company for decades, until 1995, raised the Bolshoi’s status internationally, supported by some formidable dancers. The Bolshoi Theatre, Teatralnaya ploshchad 1 (tel: (095) 299 5325), a grand neo-classical building that was constructed in 1824, is famous for its size and the quality of the acoustics. If, for some reason, tickets for the Bolshoi are not available, visitors should try the Stanislavsky and Nemirovich-Danchenko Music Theatre (known as the Stasic) on Bol Dmitrovka ulitsa 17 (tel: (095) 229 2835) – Moscow’s ‘second Bolshoi’. Founded in 1940, the auditorium is small but the stagings are of very high quality – the Swan Lake is reputed to rival that of the Bolshoi. Film Moscow Film Festival takes place in July. English language films can be seen at the American House of Cinema, located in the Radisson Slavjanskya Hotel (tel: (095) 941 8890), the International Cinema Centre, on Krasnaya Presnaya, Druzhinnikovskaya ulitsa 15 (tel: (095) 205 7306), and the Dome Theatre, located in the Moscow Renaissance Penta Hotel (tel: (095) 931 9000). The International Cinema Centre also screens arthouse movies and houses the Cinema Museum (tel: (095) 255 9057), which screens retrospectives, documentaries and silent movies. Listings for movies can be found in the Friday edition of The Moscow Times. Sergei Eisenstein captured one of Moscow and Russia’s most unkind rulers in the films Ivan the Terrible I and II (1945 and 1958 respectively). The famous director also used the Kolisei cinema (now Sovremennik Theatre) for his Proletcult worker’s theatre. Live music Many of the clubs and bars have live music – usually rock but occasionally country, reggae or folk – for a couple of hours in the evening (generally 2200-2400/0100). For jazz and blues, the Arbat Blues Club, Aksakov pereulok 11, is considered one of the finest spots in Moscow. azz Art Club, Begovaya ulitsa 5, offers what the name suggests for a Rb214/US$7 entry fee. Bunker, Tverskaya ulitsa 12, and Tabula Rasa, Berezhkovskaya naberezhnaya 28, both feature live bands, cover charge depends on the night and who is playing. The Voodoo Lounge, Sredny Tishinsky pereulok 5/7, is a recent arrival, hosting rock and Latin music. Music The Moscow Conservatory, Nikitskaya ulitsa 13 (tel: (095) 229 8183), is an important music school, as well as the venue for the main concerts – premieres of works by Sergei Prokofiev and Dmitry Shoshtakovich took place here. Pyotr Tchaikovsky taught at the Conservatory but died before public concerts started in the year 1898. One of the students who he commended for his thesis project was Sergei Rachmaninoff. Concerts take place in both Great and Small Halls. Tchaikovsky Concert Hall, Triumphalaya ploshchad 4/30 (tel: (095) 299 3957), hosts a full programme of symphony and chamber concerts, as well as special festivals and performances of Russian national dance and organ and choral music. Arbat-Opera, Arbat ulitsa 35 (tel: (095) 248 0987), is one of the new music theatres in Moscow and, although it is small, it is ideal for chamber operas of Pergolezzi, Rimsky Korsakov, Pulenc and the like. Theatre Moscow’s pre-eminent theatre company is the MKHAT imeni Chekhova (Moscow Art Theatre, named after Chekhov), Kamergersky pereulok 3 (tel: (095) 229 8760), founded in the year 1898. It revolutionised drama in Europe, staging plays by Anton Chekhov and providing a place for the method acting techniques of Konstantin Stanislavsky. No longer futuristic, the theatre today continues the tradition of method acting. The Maly Teatr (Small Theatre), Teatralnaya ploshchad 1 (tel: (095) 923 2621), has a history of staging plays of social and political satire, notably during the 19th century. Some of Russia’s most renowned playwrights, including Nikolai Gogol, staged their very first plays here. There are performances daily at 1900hrs, although most of these are in Russian. The Taganka Drama and Comedy Theatre, Zemlyanoy val (tel: (095) 915 1015), has a very good reputation, earned through its staging of modern classics such as Doctor Zhivago and Master and Margarita. ________ Moscow Shopping Moscow Shopping Guide - TravelPuppy.com The attraction of the Soviet economy was the GUM department store, which faces the Kremlin across Red Square. Goods can be found at much cheaper prices in the other parts of the city, so it is a better idea for visitors to see what is on offer at GUM and then buy elsewhere. Popular shopping streets in the area include Novy Arbat – a major through street to the west of the Kremlin – and Arbat ulitsa, which runs parallel to it. Okhoktny ryad, the most recent of the arcades in Moscow, is also worth visiting, if only to see Russian aspirational consumerism gone mad. Built by Moscow’s mayor, Yuri Luzhkov, for a sum of US$350 million, it is as much a tribute to consumerism as his other brainchild, the Christ the Saviour Cathedral, is a symbol of Russia’s religious renaissance. Tverskaya ulitsa, heading north from Red Square, is Moscow’s most stylish shopping street and the address of some pricey boutiques. Classic Russian chic can be found at Valentin Yudashkin, on Kutuzovsky prospekt, one of the most grand shopping streets in Moscow, which is also home to the exclusive Moskva Shopping Centre. For the souvenirs, Palekh and Kholui lacquered boxes make beautiful gifts, as do the traditional Matryoshka dolls (wooden dolls within dolls) and samovars. Other options are saucers and spoons (painted gold, red and black), Khokhloma wooden cups and Dymkovskaya Igrushka pottery figurines based on popular folklore characters. Engraved amber, Gzhel porcelain, Fabergé eggs and Vologda lace and jewellery are highly sought after. Mementoes from Red Army abound. Izmailovskii Park has a nice craft market on weekends and with careful bartering can stretch those Dollars a bit further. Antiques, works of art and manuscripts, valuables, other than those offered for sale in souvenir shops, may not be taken out of the Russian Federation without an export licence. For a genuine taste of Russia, the Cheremushinsky Rynok, on Lomonovksy prospekt, gathers together fresh produce from all corners of the former Soviet Union. The market is open Monday-Saturday 0700-1900hrs and Sunday 0700-1700hrs. Visitors shouldn't expect perfect hygiene, although bargains are bountiful. The Konkovo Fair, open daily 0800-2000hrs and situated on Profsoyuznaya ulitsa, is Moscow’s biggest market and caters to function rather than form, selling clothes, household goods and food. Shopping hours are generally Monday to Saturday 0900hrs to 1800hrs, although some larger stores open from 1000hrs to 2000hrs, while smaller shops take a break from 1300hrs to 1500hrs. VAT stands at 20% (10% for certain foodstuffs and items for children). ___________Moscow Sightseeing Moscow Sightseeing Guide - TravelPuppy.com The foremost stops on any tour of Moscow are Red Square and the Kremlin – the heart, not only of the city but also of the country itself. The history of Russia is writ large here in the historic centre of Moscow and the seat of Tsarist and Soviet power. The Garden Ring Road surrounds the city centre and within its boundaries are many of Moscow’s major attractions. The Moskva River arcs within this ring, aligning with one of the Kremlin’s walls and passing Gorky Park to southwest. Most museums are closed on Monday. Tourist Information Intourist Travel Agency Milyutinsky pereulok 13/1 Telephone: (095) 923 5089 or 956 8844. Fax: (095) 956 4202. E-mail: info@intourist.ru Website: www.intourist.com Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0930-1730. Until recently, the Intourist travel company acted as the state tourist board, however, it is now privatised and divided up into different companies. There is no official city tourist board, although information and advice is available from the tourist office in the Metropol Hotel, Teatralny proezd 1/4 (tel: (095) 927 6000), as well as from the embassies. One of Moscow's ‘official’ websites (www.moscow-guide.ru, www.moscowcity.com and www.museum.ru) may also be of use to visitors. The Travellers’ Yellow Pages has more information, as does Russia Tourism. Passes Currently there are no tourist passes offered in Moscow. Key Attractions Kremlin The heart of Moscow and of the Russian State itself, the Kremlin (meaning ‘fortified town’) is a walled fortress dating back to the city’s founding in 1147 (although the oldest extant walls and churches date from the 15th and 16th centuries). From 1276 to 1712, it was the seat of government for the grand princes and tsars, from 1918 to the present, it is the sest to the Communist government. The red-brick walls and towers enclose several churches and palaces and, once past the soviet-era Palace of Congresses, the visitor will find a lovely ensemble around the main square. The Uspensky Sobor (Assumption Cathedral) is the biggest of all the churches. It was the burial place for Orthodox patriarchs and it was used for the coronations of tsars. The zakomary (arched gables) are a visual extension of the vaulting inside the cathedral. The pretty Blagoveshchensky Sobor (Annunciation Cathedral), with its 9 glittering copper-gilt domes, was the private chapel of the tsars. Ivan the Terrible added the Grosnenskiy Porch, because he was refused entry after contravening church doctrine by marrying for the fourth time. Archangelsky Sobor (Cathedral of the Archangel Michael), although built in 1505, houses the remains of the grand princes and tsars who reigned from the year 1325 to 1696. The Armoury Museum and Diamond Fund are worth a visit for the state and church treasures, including Fabergé eggs (in the former) and the 180-carat diamond given to Catherine the Great (in the latter). Also within the Kremlin are the Tsar Cannon and Tsar Bell, both being the largest of their kind (40 and 200 tonnes, respectively) and neither one used for its planned purpose. English-speaking guides will often approach tourists outside the main gates – there is no set price so bargaining is required. Krasnaya ploshchad (Red Square) Telephone: (095) 203 0349 or 202 4256. Fax: (095) 203 4256. E-mail: press@kremlin.museum.ru Website: www.kremlin.museum.ru Transport: Metro Biblioteka imeni Lenina or Aleksandrovsky Sad. Opening hours: Fri-Wed 1000-1700. Admission: Rb290. Krasnaya Ploshchad and Pokrovsky Sobor (Red Square and St Basil’s Cathedral) The site of large May Day parades during the Soviet era and a market before that, Krasnaya ploshchad (Red Square – although krasnaya means ‘beautiful’ in Old Russian) is a dramatic 700m-long space. It also draws crowds to visit Lenin’s Mausoleum – a cubic, Russian avant-garde structure with a crystal casket containing the preserved body of the Soviet Union’s founder. The square is dominated by walls and towers of the Kremlin on one side and the façade of the GUM department store on the other. Yet these provide a frame for Russia’s most renowned image – the multicoloured onion domes of Pokrovsky Sobor (Cathedral of the Intercession, better known as St Basil’s Cathedral). Each dome has unique patterning and colours and the effect of the ensemble is spectacular. It was built in the 1550s, to commemorate Ivan the Terrible’s triumph over the Mongols at Kazan. Krasnaya ploshchad 4 Telephone: (095) 298 3304. Website: www.shm.ru Transport: Metro Kitay-Gorod. Opening hours: Wed-Mon 1000-1630. Admission: Rb100. Muzey Izobrazitelnykh Iskusstv im A S Pushkina (Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts) Second only in reputation within Russia to the Hermitage in St Petersburg, the Muzey Izobrazitelnykh Iskusstv im A S Pushkina contains a rich collection of artworks, ranging from Egyptian exhibit to Impressionist (notably Claude Monet) and Post-Impressionist paintings. Audio tours are also available but for a fee. Visitors should hold onto their admission tickets – they are also valid for the adjacent Museum of Private Collections, which displays 19th and 20th century foreign and Russian art. Volkhonka ulitsa 12 Telephone: (095) 203 7998 or 6974. Fax: (095) 203 4674. E-mail: finearts@gmii.museum.ru Website: www.museum.ru/gmii Transport: Metro Kropotkinskaya. Opening hours: Tues-Sun 1000-1700. Admission: Rb200 (foreign visitors); Rb25 (Russians). Tretyakov Galereya (Tretyakov Gallery) The most significant collection of traditional Russian painting in the world resides here. The wide collection of icons is well worth seeing, as it covers the development of this art form from early Byzantine times to the more developed Russian schools of the 17th century. The most famous of these icons is the 12th century Vladimir Virgin and there are also works by Theophanes the Greek, Dionysius and Andrey Rublyov – some of Russia’s greatest icon painters. The gallery’s collection of paintings, graphics and sculptures covers Russian art from the 18th to early 20th centuries. Lavrushensky pereulok 10/12 Telephone: (095) 230 7788. Fax: (095) 953 1051. Website: www.tretyakov.ru Transport: Metro Tretyakovskaya. Opening hours: Tues-Sun 1000-1930. Admission: Rb250 (tourists); Rb25 (Russians); Rb120 (foreign students). Novodevichy Monastyr (Novodevichy Monastery) Founded in 1524, by Grand Prince Vassily III (although the present towers and walls date from 1685-87), the Novodevichy Monastery contains the Sobor Smolensk Bogomateri (Cathedral of the Virgin of Smolensk), with its unique bell tower dating from 1690. The cathedral itself was constructed in 1525 and contains 16th century frescoes, as well as a stunning late 17th century iconostasis. The convent was a place of exile for noblewomen in mourning or disfavour, including Sophia, Peter the Great’s sister, who instigated a coup against him from here in the year 1698. The adjacent Novodevichy Cemetery contains the graves of distinguished Muscovites, including Nikita Krushchev (the only Soviet leader buried outside the Kremlin), Sergei Prokofiev , Nikolai Gogol and Anton Chekhov. Novodevichy proezd 1 Telephone: (095) 246 8526. Fax: (095) 246 1327. Transport: Metro Sportivnaya. Opening hours: Wed-Mon 1000-1700; closed first Mon of the month. Admission: Rb30; Rb65 (combined ticket for cathedral and exhibition). Moscow Metro Busier than New York’s subway and London’s underground combined, the Moscow Metro transports 8 million passengers a day, with a astounding degree of efficiency. Up and running just 4 years after building started in 1931, the Metro is one of the Communist regime’s few glories. The stations are an attraction themselves; their exclusive designs are often palatial and provide an introduction to the development of Soviet art and architecture over more than half a century. Mayakovskaya Station (1938) has a central hall with a ceiling of Socialist Realist mosaics supported by red marble columns and stainless steel. In Revolyutsii ploshchad, bronze sculptures of the Red Army soldiers hold up the arches in the passageways. Komsomolskaya (1950s), the busiest station in Moscow, has upper walk-through galleries and offers Russian history lessons in the mosaics near the Circle Line platforms. The Metro Museum displays attention-grabbing exhibits about the system. Metro Museum Sportivnaya Metro station Telephone: (095) 924 8490. Transport: Metro Sportivnaya. Opening hours: Mon-Fri 1000-1700. Admission: Rb25. Further Distractions Musey arkhitecturi imena A V Shusheva (Museum of Architecture) Moscow’s architecture is rich and extremely divergent, reflecting the seismic changes that the city has undergone. The Museum of Architecture is a great place to see how the cultural transitions have been etched onto the urban landscape. Spanning 5 centuries, there are over one million exhibits – including street plans, blueprints, models, draughts, engravings, lithographs and photographs. Telephone: (095) 202 3979 or 291 2109. Fax: (095) 291 2109. Transport: Metro Arbatskaya or Biblioteka Lenina. Opening hours: Tues-Fri 1100-1730, Sat and Sun 1100-1600. Admission: Rb20. Muzey-panorama – ‘Borodinskaya bitva’ (Museum-Panorama –’Borodino Battle’) Visitors can come across the epic battle of the Patriotic War of 1812, when the Russian army met Napoleon’s Grand Army at Borodino, to the west of Moscow. The most important feature is a panoramic painting that shows the decisive battle of 7 September 1812, on a canvas 115m wide and 15m high. English-language audio guides are available as well. Kutuzovsky prospekt 38 Telephone: (095) 148 1967. Fax: (095) 148 9489. Transport: Metro Kotozovskaya. Opening hours: Sat-Thurs 1000-1800; closed last Thurs of month. Admission: Rb20, concessions available; Rb300 for guided tours – groups of 1-14). Memorialny Muzey Kosmonavtiki (Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics) The Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics is very easy to locate, thanks to the gigantic titanium rocket sculpture outside it, which was built to commemorate the launch of Sputnik, the world’s first artificial satellite. The museum is as much a tour of the lengths the Soviets went to in their bid for world supremacy during the Cold War as it is an accolade to the history of Soviet space technology. Most of the dated spacecraft on display now look like technology-turkeys but it is worth visting, if only to see Yuri Gagarin’s original space suit. For a few Roubles, visitors can wiggle into the suit to pose for a photograph. Mira prospekt 111 Telephone: (095) 283 7914 or 282 7398 (information). Fax: (095) 282 8212. E-mail: mcrus@glasnet.ru Website: www.museum.ru/kosmonav Transport: Metro VDNKh. Opening hours: Tues-Sun 1000-1800; closed last Fri of month. Admission: Rb5000. Khram Khrista Spansitelya (Christ the Saviour Cathedral) Christ the Saviour Cathedral is a monument to the struggles of 20th century Moscow. The brainchild of Moscow mayor Yuri Luzkhov, the cathedral was paid for by public donations from babushkas, school children and public officials to rich benefactors alike. Completed in 1997, the building now stands on the site of the original Christ the Saviour Cathedral, which was built to commemorate Moscow’s triumph over Napoleon. In 1930, Stalin ordered the church to be destroyed, to make way for a skyscraper. When it was discovered that the ground was too soft, the area was turned into a very popular outdoor swimming pool instead. Telephone: (095) 203 3823. Transport: Metro Kropotkinskaya. Opening hours: Daily 0630-2200. Admission: Free. __________________Moscow Sports Moscow Sports Guide - TravelPuppy.com Moscow hosted the Olympic Games in the summer of 1980 and as a result has numerous good sporting venues, even though the 100,000-seat Lenin Stadium – former home of the Spartak Moscow (tel: (095) 799 5622; e-mail: info@spartak.dol.ru) football club – at the Luzhiniki stadium complex, is now a giant flea market. Spartak Moscow currently plays at the Lokomotiv Stadium, Bolshaya Cher-kizovskaya ulitsa 125A (tel: (161) 9385 9063), as do Lokomotiv Moscow. The well-known Dinamo Moscow football club plays at the Central Dinamo Stadium, 36 Leningradsky prospekt (tel: (095) 271 8529), while FC Torpedo Moscow plays at the Torpedo Stadium, Vostchnaya ulitsa 4 (tel: (095) 275 0745). The 5th premier division team in the city is the Central Sport Club of the Army – abbreviated TSSKA or CSKA – who play at the CSKA Peschanoe Stadium, Leningradsky prospekt 39A (tel: (095) 213 7992), as does the popular CSKA ice hockey team. As a matter of fact, many of the teams cross sport boundaries – Spartak field an ice hockey team and CSKA also has a basketball team. Tennis is now having the benefit of a great deal of recognition, not least because it was frowned upon as bourgeois in Soviet times and because of the worldwide achievement of Russian stars, such as Yevgeny Kafelnikov, Anna Kournikova and Marat Safin. Moscow hosts the country’s yearly grand slam, the Kremlin Cup, at the Olympiisky Sports Complex, Mira prospekt 16 (telephone: (095) 288 5453). Partner (tel: (095) 363 5555) is a fine ticketing company, covering sport, theatre and music events. The Moscow Head Office of Theatre, Concert and Sport Ticket Bureaus (tel: (095) 249 5792) provides detailed information and tickets. Banya As sure as a Russian likes tea from a samovar, a Russian likes a banya – which generally includes a sauna, massage and sometimes even a light whipping with birch twigs, just to make sure that the circulation is really working. Seleznovskye Bani, Seleznovskaya ulitsa (tel: (095) 978 7521), meets all the essential requirements for a traditional banya. Meanwhile, the Bani na Presne, Stolyarniy pereulok (tel: (095) 253 8690), takes a more contemporary approach. Diving Visitors to Moscow can learn to dive at Sprut (Octopus) diving club (tel: (095) 212 5775). Fitness centres The new up to date sanatorium-style complex Kimberly Land (tel: (095) 310 0401) offers an aqua park with some swimming pools (whirlpool, kids pools and hills), a fully equipped gym and Turkish baths. Bitsa Equestrian Sport Club (tel: (095) 318 5366) offers swimming, shooting, tennis, volleyball, aerobics, horseriding and paintballing, as well as a full fitness centre. The Entertainment Centre na Tulskoi, Kholodilny pereulok 3 (tel: (095) 954 0158), is open 1200-2400hrs for rollerskating (Rb80-150 per hour) and bowling (Rb60-100 per game), as well as 2300-0600hrs on Fridays and Saturdays for a roller disco. Golf There is a fairly central 9-hole course at the Moscow City Golf Club, Dovzhenko ulitsa 1 (tel: (095) 147 1826), where admission costs Rb1661/US$54 for non-members. More exciting 18-hole courses are further out at Le Meridien Moscow Country Club, in Nakhadino (tel: (095) 926 5911). Green fees are Rb3076/US$100 on weekends and membership is required. Tennis The Chaika Tennis Courts, Korobeynikov pereulok 1 (tel: (095) 202 0474), are conveniently located close to Park Kultury Metro station. There is a swimming pool in the complex as well. Petrovsky Park Tennis Club, Leningradsky prospekt 36 (tel: (095) 212 7392), is an additional option. Wintersports There is a downhill ski jump in the Vorobyevi Hills and cross-country skiing opportunities at Izmailovsky Park and in the countryside outside Moscow. There are several places to skate when the water freezes in mid-winter, including Gorky Park. ________________Moscow Tours - Excursions Moscow Tours Guide - TravelPuppy.com Walking Tours Private guides can be hired through major hotels. There are always people in the Red Square/Kremlin area, who are willing to offer to act as a guide for a fee – visitors should bargain this before setting off. As a general rule of thumb, prices are around Rb400/US$13 for 3 hours and Rb738/US$24 for 6 hours. Moscow City Excursion Bureau (tel: (095) 921 1508 or 924 9446) organises diverse walking and bus excursions taking in the Red Square, China Town, Novodevichiy Monastery, Vagankovskiy Necropolis and Novy Arbat. Bus Tours Astravel, Novoslobodskaya ulitsa, dom 31, Stronyeniye 2 (tel: (095) 926 8700; e-mail: income@astravel.ru), offers 4-hour city sightseeing tours, taking in St Basil’s Cathedral, the Vorobyovy Hills and Moscow State University. The cost of the tour differs, depending on the number of people taking part, starting at Rb2122/US$69 for an individual tour to Rb246/US$8 per person for a tour of 40 people. Bus tours can also be easily arranged through hotels and incoming tour operators. Intourist (tel: (095) 923 5089) has an agent in most of the major hotels and at Sheremetyevo airport. It is also possible to rent a car and driver who will give a customised tour of the city. Boat Tours One of the more pleasurable ways to see the city is to take a boat trip on the Moskva River. Cruises leave half hourly from a number of landing points in the city centre and last for about 90 minutes. Good starting points are the Radisson Slavjanskya Hotel, Kievskaya, near the Metro station, and the Borodinsky Bridge (the city’s oldest, built |