Again, back to 2002 Im sure.. Trip to Russia! Finally! A dream come true! Its been the only time Ive ever done an organised tour, and it was totally worth it to do so. It was 2 weeks and went Saint Petersburg to Moscow and back to Saint Petersburg, with other stops on the way.
Of course Moscow was thrilling - from the famous Gum shopping centre, to Red Square and even the metro stations - as beautiful as they are... amazing to see in real life. And of course no trip to Moscow would be complete without seeing the Kremlin.
The tea and samovar museum was kinda cool too! I saw the mothership of the & Sisters buildings, had a look at some shops and a good general wander around.
Heres a bit more about all of those things and Moscow itself -
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| The Kremlin |
Moscow, Russia’s sprawling capital, is a city where history and modernity sit side by side in dramatic fashion. With a population of over 12 million, it is one of Europe’s largest and most influential cities, known for its cultural richness, political weight, and unique architecture. For travelers, Moscow offers both the grandeur of imperial monuments and the austere echoes of Soviet history. At its heart lie some of the most recognizable landmarks in the world: Red Square, the Kremlin, and the colorful domes of St Basil’s Cathedral. Beyond these icons, the city also reveals subtler charms, like its long traditions of tea drinking and ornate department stores.
Almost every journey to Moscow begins at Red Square, the vast cobbled expanse that has witnessed centuries of history. Originally a market square, it evolved into a stage for state ceremonies, military parades, and moments that defined the Soviet Union. Today, Red Square is surrounded by some of the most significant buildings in Moscow, each telling its own story of power, religion, commerce, and ideology.
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| The Kremlin On one side looms the Kremlin, the fortified complex that remains the political center of Russia. On another, the soaring colors and twisting onion domes of St Basil’s Cathedral grab every visitor’s eye. Opposite the Kremlin sits the massive façade of GUM, the grand shopping arcade often mistaken for a palace, while at the square’s edge lies Lenin’s Mausoleum, stark and dark, housing the preserved body of the Soviet leader. Together, these landmarks make Red Square not just a place to see, but a place to feel—the weight of Russia’s past and present in a single view. |
Few structures in the world are as instantly recognizable as St Basil’s Cathedral, officially known as the Cathedral of the Intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos on the Moat. Commissioned by Ivan the Terrible in the 16th century to commemorate the conquest of Kazan, the cathedral is a masterpiece of Russian architecture. Its nine chapels, each topped with a vividly painted dome, create a surreal, almost dreamlike vision.
Legends say that Ivan blinded the architect, Postnik Yakovlev, to ensure he could never design anything as beautiful again. While the truth of that tale is debated, there is no denying the cathedral’s power to captivate. Inside, visitors find a labyrinth of narrow corridors, small chapels, and frescoes in warm reds and golds. Unlike the soaring open spaces of Western cathedrals, St Basil’s charms through intimacy, detail, and the surprise of discovery.
Standing before it, one feels not only the artistry of medieval Russia but also the weight of centuries of faith and empire that shaped the country.
The Moscow Kremlin dominates the city both physically and symbolically. Surrounded by red-brick walls and watchtowers, this vast complex has served as the seat of Russian power since the late Middle Ages. Today, it remains the official residence of the president of Russia, while also functioning as a museum and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Inside the Kremlin, visitors encounter an astonishing collection of buildings: golden-domed cathedrals, the Grand Kremlin Palace, and the Armory Chamber with its treasure trove of jewels, icons, and Fabergé eggs. Cathedral Square, with its cluster of white stone churches, evokes the Russia of tsars and patriarchs. The sense of history here is overwhelming—this is where rulers were crowned, where church bells rang out across the city, and where crucial decisions that shaped world history were made.
A walk along the Kremlin walls offers panoramic views of Moscow, while the interiors reveal both opulence and severity. It is at once a fortress, a palace, and a living symbol of Russian statehood.
Just steps from the Kremlin stands one of the most unusual attractions in Moscow: Lenin’s Mausoleum. Often referred to informally as Lenin’s “catacomb,” this granite and marble structure houses the embalmed body of Vladimir Lenin, the leader of the Bolshevik Revolution of 1917. Since his death in 1924, Lenin has lain in a glass sarcophagus, a figure of reverence for some and curiosity for others.
Visiting the mausoleum is a surreal experience. Strict silence is enforced as visitors shuffle past the body, preserved in eerie stillness. Once, millions of Soviet citizens came here to pay respects; today, it is more a place of historical fascination than veneration. Yet it remains one of the most distinctive reminders of the Soviet era and its cult of leadership.
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| St Basil's Cathedral |
Directly opposite the Kremlin, the GUM department store (often mistaken for “Gym” due to its Cyrillic name) dominates Red Square with its vast, ornate façade. Built in the 19th century, GUM is as much an architectural wonder as a shopping destination. Its iron and glass roof arches high above three long galleries filled with boutiques, cafés, and fountains.
During Soviet times, GUM was one of the few places where ordinary citizens could purchase consumer goods, though long queues often snaked through the building. Today, it is home to luxury brands, but it remains a beloved space for Muscovites and tourists alike. Strolling its corridors is as much about admiring the design as it is about shopping.
In the winter months GUM is decorated with lights and festive displays. In contrast to the austere granite of Lenin’s Mausoleum nearby, GUM’s bright and airy interior feels almost celebratory—a reminder that Moscow is a city of contrasts.
Beyond the monumental landmarks, Moscow also preserves smaller cultural treasures such as the Tea and Samovar Museum. Tea drinking has been central to Russian life for centuries, and the samovar—an ornate metal urn used to heat water—has become a national symbol of hospitality. Who knew there were so many samovar options availalble?
The museum, located in a charming 19th-century merchant’s house, displays dozens of antique samovars, ranging from simple copper vessels to elaborately decorated pieces of art. Exhibits explain the evolution of tea culture in Russia, how caravans brought tea from China across Siberia, and how the ritual of gathering around the samovar became embedded in Russian family life.
For visitors, the museum offers not just history but also a sensory experience: the aroma of tea, the glint of polished metal, and sometimes the chance to taste a freshly brewed cup in the traditional style. It provides an intimate counterpoint to Moscow’s grander attractions, showing the everyday culture that sustained Russian life through turbulent centuries.
Exploring Moscow means moving between layers of history. One moment you are standing in the medieval wonder of St Basil’s, the next you are confronting the stark Soviet legacy of Lenin’s Mausoleum. The Kremlin’s cathedrals speak of tsars and empires, while GUM’s glass-roofed arcades suggest commerce and modern consumerism. Even the Tea and Samovar Museum, modest compared to Red Square’s giants, adds to this tapestry of experiences.
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| Red Square, Moscow |
For travelers, Moscow can be overwhelming in scale and complex in meaning. But it is precisely this blend of grandeur and humanity that makes the city unforgettable. Standing on Red Square, with St Basil’s vibrant domes before you, the Kremlin’s walls behind you, GUM glowing to the side, and Lenin’s tomb in shadow, you realize you are at the crossroads of centuries of history.
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