The Inevitable of Moscow

Located between the first boulevard ring road and the Moskova River, the Kremlin district, which means "fortress" in Russian, is the historic seat of political power. Founded in the 15th century, it is the emblem of the city and the entire country. Inside the enclosure, visitors can discover four cathedrals, the senate, four palaces, the bell tower of Ivan the Great and many other buildings. The Kremlin is composed of 20 towers and represents for many the heart of the country. It is a real city within the city that can be visited like a great museum. Once the residence of the tsars, it is still the place where the President of the Russian Federation was inaugurated

Built between 1555 and 1561, the Cathedral of St Basil the Blessed is one of the most exuberant monuments of Russian art. Called Pokrovsky Sobor in its original language, legend has it that the architect Potsnik Lakovlev had his eyes gouged out on Ivan the Terrible's order so that such a masterpiece would never be repeated. The 10th chapel was not built until 1588 on the tomb of the simple-minded Basil, who gave his name to the cathedral. The highest chapel is 47 metres high, and the interior frescos, dating from the 16th century, are unique in each chapel. The place is just as splendid on the outside as it is on the inside

Founded in 1776, the Bolshoi has never ceased to achieve unparalleled success. Much more than a simple theatre or opera, it was the only art form to exist during the difficult Soviet years. Despite the terrible shortages, the theatre has never been empty. With iconic pieces such as Boris Godunov by Mussorgsky, and contemporary works, the Bolshoi has always symbolized the prestige of Russian opera. After 5 years of restoration, the hall is now more majestic than ever and its spectators are always perfectly prepared. Famous throughout the world, the Bolshoi ballet remains a model for both dance and opera

Russian gastronomy may not have the reputation it deserves in the rest of the world. Many say it is inspired by flavours from all over the world but has no real specialities. A remark that tends to annoy Muscovites! However, some dishes are not to be missed in the capital. First of all, among the appetizers called zazouski, we find caviar and pancakes, or blinis. Among the dishes, we are enthusiastic about pelmeni (Russian ravioli) and hot soups such as borscht and fish soups. And to accompany this hearty meal, a small glass of vodka is essential, fans will not be disappointed! If you prefer soft drinks, Russian teas are of very high quality

The metro in Moscow is much more than just a means of transport. It is a real museum, luxuriously decorated with marble and mosaics. Each station is decorated with its own style and universe. By contemplating the gigantic escalators and magnificent chandeliers and frescos, traveling by metro takes a completely different direction in the Russian capital. While the users usually run to arrive as soon as possible and get out of the subway, here the tourists are strolling through the corridors taking advantage of this convenient and aesthetic place! Conceived in 1930 under Stalin, millions of euros were spent, and in addition to its palate, the Moscow metro is a technological feat.

The Treyakov Gallery houses absolutely unique masterpieces that trace the history of Moscow. Founded in 1892, it is one of the largest museums in the world. It owes its name to Pavel Tretyakov, art collector at the origin of the project and legatee of its formidable private collection. The permanent exhibition presents the works of the greatest Russian artists, including 18th century portraitists, 19th century romantic portraits, landscapes, portraits of academic painters and historical paintings. These works, most of which were confiscated from the churches under Stalin, now raise the question of a possible restitution, which has not yet been decided

Founded by Basil III in 1524, the monastery was originally a convent for nuns. It had a defensive role, consisting of 12 towers and walls that were never destroyed by the enemies. The monastery is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and its polychrome bell tower remains one of the most beautiful examples of Baroque architecture. Inside, the site of Boris Gudunov's coronation, the walls are decorated with magnificent 16th century frescoes. Although the convent was transformed into a museum in 1934, the church remains open to the faithful while in the cemetery, the country's greatest personalities rest in peace

Built in 1893, the Goum is located on the famous Red Square. At the time, it was one of the largest shopping malls in Europe, the place where people rushed to find rare products. It was a real showcase of the country's economic performance. Privatized in 1993, the Goum has become one of the most visited places in the city and its architecture leaves no one indifferent. With its interior galleries, designed by engineer V. Shukhov, its pastel colours and fountains, Le Goum is the symbol of luxury, the place where the greatest brands of ready-to-wear flourish

Founded by I. Tsvetayev, the father of the poet Marina Tsetayeva, the museum was originally intended for students from Moscow University who came to observe copies of works from Egyptian and Greco-Roman antiquity. Located in old Moscow in a private mansion, it was created between 1898 and 1912. The museum has grown in importance since 1925, thanks to the arrival of Western works, a collection of French art and works by famous artists such as Rembrandt, Delacroix or Botticelli, and many impressionists. The Museum of Fine Arts also has a permanent exhibition that extends from the Middle Ages to the beginning of the 20th century, dedicated to Assyrian, Greco-Roman, Egyptian and Western European art

Red Square, which is called Krasnaya in Russian, has two meanings in its original language: red and beautiful. Contrary to what one might think, his name is not related to the color of Bolshevism. Over the centuries, it has had different roles in the history of the city. It was originally a defensive and military place, then a place of commerce before becoming the showcase of communism-spectacle; Lenin's mausoleum, military parades... On this mythical square, visitors discover the cathedral of Saint-Basile-le-Bheureux, the Goum, the Kremlin and the State Historical Museum