Moscow is a capital city, a city that never falls asleep, and a city that, of course, has a tremendous historical heritage. It has been built up for centuries, literally rising from the ashes, and today it pleases us with its architectural diversity, which includes both the oldest monuments of Moscow and the most modern buildings. Today in our ranking we will consider the very first, that is, those buildings that date back to distant centuries. Often they are lost in the abyss of modern high-rises, but still we were able to find them and bring to your attention.
Position One - Kremlin
Everyone who comes to our capital for the first time begins his excursion from the very center of the city, from his heart, that is, from the Kremlin. It is here, no matter how commonplace, that those ancient monuments of Moscow are located that are a symbol of the whole country, an important cultural and architectural heritage and pride. Mostly these are churches that were built between the 14th and 17th centuries. For example, the Archangel Cathedral, which can now be seen on the territory of the Kremlin, was built in the 16th century. It is believed that earlier on this site was the eponymous temple, which was built back in 1247. After the Time of Troubles, it was destroyed and later rebuilt. It is followed by the Assumption Cathedral - the main Patriarchal church in the country, which was built in 1479. As a rule, inspecting the ancient monuments of Moscow, we can only see the renewed buildings, but the Assumption Cathedral is the only church that has survived to its present day in its original form since its founding. On the lands of the Kremlin there is also the Ivan the Great Bell Tower, which during the reign of Boris Godunov was considered the tallest building in Russia (81 meters). The foundry art of our state is captured in the Tsar Bell, which was made in the 18th century. The Kremlin has several more churches and palaces, which are now the residence of the President of the Russian Federation, and this ensemble is completed by the Spasskaya Tower with the Chimes, which begins its history back in 1491.
Position Two - Red Square
Partially ending with the sacred heritage of the city, we begin to consider the secular ancient monuments of Moscow. Photos of most of them are often presented on postcards, leaflets and flyers, and almost every citizen of the world knows the names of these buildings. In the first place we single out St. Basil's Cathedral, which in ancient times was called Jerusalem. Today it is the brightest and most unusual church in the capital. It is followed by the Resurrection Gate. Previously, they were part of the defensive fortress of the city, today they serve as the main entrance to China Town. In 1625, Kazan Cathedral was built on Red Square, which now houses one of the most famous icons of the world - Our Lady of Kazan. Well, you can not lose sight of the main shopping center in Moscow - GUM. Its construction was planned during the reign of Catherine II, but the building, which was built under her leadership, suffered a fire. At the beginning of the 19th century it was rebuilt, and since then GUM has been the place of sale of the most expensive goods in the country.
Third Position - Buildings of Special Importance
Some of the oldest monuments in Moscow are not as famous as, say, the Kremlin or other central ones. However, these structures are masterpieces of architecture, which are protected not only by representatives of our government, but also by UNESCO. Among them, the main place is occupied by the Ascension Church in Kolomenskoye (Southern Administrative District), which was built in 1532. It is generally believed that this is the first stone hipped-roof temple in Russia, which, incidentally, is considered the site of the baptism of Vasily the Third. Another description of the monument in Moscow, which everyone knows for sure, always begins with the words “on the Maiden’s Field, at the bend of the Moscow River ...” - of course, we are talking about the Novodevichy Convent, which is now located near Luzhniki.
Position Four - Arbat
It is believed that the most extraordinary, beautiful and truly Russian monuments of Moscow were built within the 18th century in the current municipal union of Arbat. It includes the most important streets of the city - the pedestrian Arbat, the Garden Ring, New Arbat and Vozdvizhenka. Of course, on the expanses of this one of the oldest parts of the city, the skyscrapers that were built both in Soviet times and today are now towering. However, among them, ancient buildings continue to please the eye. Here is the Melnikov House - a beautiful architectural structure. There are also two museum houses - the apartment of Pushkin and Andrei Bely. Not far from them are two ancient temples - the Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker and the Church of the Transfiguration of the Savior on the Sands.
Fifth position - Zamoskvorechye
The Moscow region, which began to be built up during the time of the advance of the Golden Horde on Rus, was located on the opposite bank of the Moskva River from the Kremlin. It was then called Zarechye and was famous for the marshland, which, however, was part of the direct route of the Horde to the north. Today, the oldest monuments of Moscow, which were rebuilt in that era, are located in Zamoskvorechye, and they stand on the streets Pyatnitskaya, Novokuznetsk and Bolshaya Ordynka. Among a number of notable houses, estates and museums, we single out the most important building - the Church of St. John the Baptist, which was founded here in 1200. In terms of its parameters, it is not great, but it is definitely worth visiting, because the temple is fraught with not only a sacred spirit, but also the history of our people.
Number Six in the Ranking - Pokrovka
If you want to take a closer look at the monuments of the city of Moscow of the Art Nouveau era, then head to another pedestrian street - Pokrovka. Walking along it, you can stop near each house and enjoy its unique beauty and originality. An example of the aforementioned style is considered the house of Rachmaninov. Not far from it is the Apraksin Palace and the Trinity Temple on Gryazekh. Most of the buildings that are located here in the past centuries were hotels, apartment buildings or the current estates of princes and barons of noble families. All of them were built by order of European architects, because of such qualities as gloss, charm, beauty, charm and, of course, architectural uniqueness, they do not occupy it.
Kuznetsky Most Street - seventh place in the rating
One of the oldest streets on which the oldest monuments of Moscow, houses and museums are located is the Kuznetsk bridge. It was designed in the 15th century, and immediately the area, due to its noticeable geographical position, acquired the status of a profitable trade route. In the period from the 18th to the 20th century, apartment buildings, estates, as well as buildings intended for trade in the most expensive and luxurious things and household items were built on its territories. People came here from all over Russia, including from St. Petersburg. Years passed, and during the Soviet era, shops began to open here, which also offered their visitors the most expensive goods. It is easy to guess that today the Kuznetsk bridge is a place of accumulation of expensive boutiques, jewelry departments and other branded stores.
Eighth position - Andronikov Monastery
Just a hundred years ago, the most ancient monuments of Moscow, which could be called religious, were located outside the city. Today, the capital is growing inexorably, and already within it, on the left bank of the Yauza River, the Andronikov Monastery has been flaunted since the 14th century, which had previously been a refuge for all renounced men. This sacred building has a very interesting history. Over the centuries, literally new walls and premises were built to it. Gradually, the area where he was, began to be built up with new chapels, temples, and the result was a very diverse architectural complex, which everyone can now admire.
Number nine in the ranking - Triumphal Gate
Above, we examined the most ancient monuments of Moscow, which date back to the 13-17th centuries. Now let's move on to more modern monuments, among which the Triumphal Gate on Victory Square (Kutuzovsky Prospect) definitely stands out. This arch was erected in the first half of the 19th century in honor of the victory over the French army of Napoleon in 1812. With the onset of the Soviet regime, much has changed in the country, and the gates have been dismantled. Soon they were resumed, and in the 60s of the last century the arch began to show off again in the central part of Moscow, reminding us of the history of our ancestors.
Tenth place - wonders of modern architects
Unusual sights of Moscow, which were built in our time, to inspect as curious as the old churches and monasteries. Among the masterpieces of architects of our day, it is impossible to lose sight of the Picturesque bridge in Serebryany Bor, which passes through Marshal Zhukov Avenue and crosses the Moscow River. This place is famous for its grandiose metal arch, at the highest point of which a viewing platform is arranged. It is worth noting that many designers planned to organize restaurants, bars, cafes there, but all proposals were rejected, because it is very difficult to establish a sewer at such a great height. Subsequently, it was decided to open another registry office on the observation deck.