Each Russian city is beautiful in its own way. Regardless, we are talking about a metropolis or a small village. However, there is an objective top of the most beautiful cities. It is compiled on the basis of the popularity of local attractions with foreign tourists. This article presents the top 10 most beautiful cities in Russia.
Any such list begins with Moscow or St. Petersburg. Not surprising. Indeed, the most famous architectural monuments of these cities are under the protection of UNESCO. We will start with the capital - a city that attracts travelers from all over the world.
Moscow
There are several lists of wonders of the world. The Mother See is not only leading the top 10 most beautiful cities in Russia, but is also included in such lists. Although many tourists are not happy with her, she is too noisy and messy.
It is impossible to get around all the sights of the Russian capital even in a year. The history of the city on seven hills is eventful, and each of them left its mark on its appearance. Traditionally, the tour begins with the Kremlin.
It is no coincidence that Moscow is called White Stone. Before Ivan III embarked on a radical restructuring of the Kremlin, the central city fortress was indeed made of white stone. The magnificent building, which today can be seen in the center of the capital, was erected by foreigners. The tsar invited the Italian masters, because the Russians did not argue with the stone. In just eight years, foreigners rebuilt the red fortress, partly thanks to which today Moscow occupies the first place in the top of the most beautiful cities in Russia.
A tour of the Kremlin involves a visit to the Armory and Cathedral Square. The next attraction, thanks to which Moscow has earned an honorable place in the top of the most beautiful cities in Russia - St. Basil's Cathedral.
During the time of Ivan the Terrible, a strange man wandered around the Kremlin. He appeared in front of Muscovites in half-naked form even during Epiphany frosts, uttered mysterious phrases and possessed the gift of clairvoyance. This man would be the only one who was afraid of the formidable king. The name was Blessed Vasily. In his honor is a temple located on Red Square.
The domes of the cathedral have an unusual color scheme, the significance of which is still unclear. Architect Le Corbusier, who visited the Russian capital at the beginning of the 20th century, called the cathedral "the delirium of a drunken confectioner." But what did the arrogant Frenchman understand in Russian architecture?
The Bolshoi Theater is a Moscow landmark, which cannot be forgotten, talking about the most beautiful cities in Russia. A photo of him is presented below.
The building was built in 1856. In its place at the beginning of the XIX century there was another building, but it died in the famous fire, built "in honor" of the arrival of the Napoleonic army. The competition, organized by the Moscow mayors after the end of the war with France, was attended by well-known architects from Europe at that time. But the winner was Andrei Mikhailov. In 2011, a large-scale reconstruction of the Bolshoi Theater was completed.
Marble stairs, sparkling chandeliers, antique candlesticks - these are the main elements of the interior. After the restoration, the Bolshoi Hall became even more magnificent. But the main advantage of the theater is high-quality speaker systems that allow you to enjoy classical music.
St. Petersburg
Often the first line in the top of the most beautiful cities in Russia is the Northern capital. In the historical center of St. Petersburg the last twenty years you can hear any speech. Russian is very rare. Foreign tourists love the Russian cultural capital - a city that combines Western culture and national flavor. Admire Peter, of course, and the Russians.
The UNESCO World Heritage List includes 26 Russian attractions. Among them are luxurious St. Petersburg buildings, designed once by foreign architects, and original works of Russian architecture.
St. Petersburg is called a city built on human bones. The fact is that for Peter I he became the main brainchild of his life. In his desire to build the best city in Europe, the Russian Tsar did not spare anyone: neither officials, nor military, nor simple hard workers.
Peterhof is one of the top most beautiful small cities in Russia. But you can include it in our list. After all, those who visit St. Petersburg consider it their duty to visit Peterhof.
The construction of this small town began seven years after Peter I raised the Russian flag on Zayachy Island. The first buildings were located randomly. Most of the population was peasants, and they lived in dugouts. Peterhof received the status of the city in 1762.
A tour of Peterhof includes a visit to the large Peterhof Palace, the Lower Park, Monplaisir, the Upper Garden, the Bathhouse, the Catherine Building, the Marly Palace.
Many people associate Peterhof with magnificent Peter's palaces, fountains and the Lower park. But this is a separate settlement, although small, in which, in addition to the historical center, there are several hundred faceless streets and avenues. Outside the museum, Peterhof is a typical provincial Russian populated city.
In 1717, during a visit to France, the Russian tsar raised a young Dauphin in his arms and uttered a phrase that became legendary - "In my hands - the whole of France." This scene is reflected in the sculptural composition opened in Peterhof in 2005.
The Hermitage is a museum founded in the mid-18th century. The beginning of the collection was the collection of works of art belonging to Catherine II - about 300 paintings by European artists. Nicholas I turned the Hermitage into a public museum and made a significant contribution to the replenishment of the gallery. This is one of the attractions that secured St. Petersburg the first place in the ratings of the most beautiful cities in Russia.
Palace Square is included in many popular tourist routes. The foundations of the architectural ensemble were laid under Peter I. The square was especially loved by the niece of the founder of the city, Anna Ioannovna - a lover of grandiose, but uncomplicated in content festive events. Fireworks, festivities, theatrical performances involving dwarfs - all this took place once in the center of the Russian cultural capital.
Petersburgers believe that the top 10 most beautiful cities in Russia are headed by St. Petersburg. It is easy to agree with their opinion after visiting architectural monuments of the 19th century. Mikhailovsky Palace is one of them.
In 1796, Paul 1 ascended the throne. The emperor instantly introduced his orders in St. Petersburg. He hated everything related to his mother Catherine II. Therefore, she ordered the palaces from now on to be called castles, and one of them turned into a stable. Paul I did not want to live in the winter palace. The construction of the new Mikhailovsky began. But the emperor, an adversary of the Catherine order, did not live in this castle for long. In 1801, Paul I was killed by the conspirators.
Kaliningrad
During the Second World War, the historic city center was almost completely destroyed. Soviet authorities were in no hurry to restore works of German architecture. Attitudes towards the historical monuments of Kaliningrad changed in the last third of the 20th century.
Konigsberg Cathedral is a symbol of Kaliningrad. Built more than seven hundred years ago. On its territory there is an organ hall, Kant's grave and a museum. In 1960, the Cathedral received the status of a cultural monument.
Fish Village is a modern landmark of Kaliningrad. The quarter is a stone's throw from the Cathedral. Once upon a time in this place were malls. In 2006, this part of the historical center of Kaliningrad was stylized as pre-war architecture. On the territory of the Fish Village there are cafes and hotels. The main attraction of the quarter is the Lighthouse view tower.
In the photographs, the Fish Village resembles the area of one of the ancient German cities. In reality, it is clear that this is just a stylization. Nevertheless, there are many tourists at any time. This quarter is the most suitable place in Kaliningrad for photo shoots.
When visiting this city, so unlike other Russian settlements, you should visit the Amber Museum.
In the vicinity of Kaliningrad there are large deposits of the Baltic gem. In this regard, the museum was opened here in 1979. The collection includes not only exhibits from amber, but also silver products.
Velikiy Novgorod
What is the most beautiful city in Russia? The question is not very correct. How many people - so many opinions. Connoisseurs of the sights of Ancient Russia help that Veliky Novgorod is included in the top of the most beautiful cities in Russia along with Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kaliningrad.
A huge number of unique architectural monuments, ancient churches and monasteries have been preserved here. Rurikovo ancient settlement, Chasozvonya, Vladychnaya Chamber, Alekseyevskaya Tower - the main attractions of Veliky Novgorod.
Kazan
The city harmoniously combines with each other the religious buildings of several faiths. Here mosques are adjacent to Orthodox churches. One of the modern attractions is the Millennium Bridge.
Nizhny Novgorod
The city was founded in the 12th century as a reliable fortress. Today it is a large, prosperous tourist center, wonderfully preserving the ancient merchant traditions.
The Kremlin, the Chkalov Stairs, Fedorovsky Embankment, Christmas Church - this is not a complete list of architectural historical monuments of Nizhny Novgorod. This list is quite extensive, each attraction has a long and interesting history. What is the famous Nizhny Novgorod fair worth!
Ekaterinburg
In the unofficial capital of the Urals, there are about six hundred cultural attractions. The route "Red Line" passes through the main beauties of Yekaterinburg. However, there are interesting places in the vicinity of the city.
What should you see first in Yekaterinburg? Sevastyanov’s House, Weiner Street, Ganina Yama, Opera and Ballet Theater, Church on the Blood.
Vladimir
Orthodox churches and cathedrals founded in 12-13 centuries, as well as buildings dating back to a later time, for example, 19th century manors, speak of the rich history of the ancient Russian city. In this city once important historical events took place. Today it is a charming Russian province, where tourists are often both Russian and foreign. After all, the city is included in the Golden Ring.
Sochi
The resort city has always fascinated tourists with picturesque landscapes, bizarre architectural structures. Since 2014, he has changed a lot. It is believed that not for the better. Nevertheless, Sochi is still on the list of the most beautiful cities in Russia.
The main attraction today is the Olympic Park. A visit to Sochi is also the arboretum, Riviera Park, Mount Akhun, Cathedral of the Archangel Michael.
Rostov-on-Don
This city has a unique southern Russian flavor. Rostov-on-Don stretches along the banks of the majestic river; it is only forty kilometers from the sea.
Sights of Rostov-on-Don: Pushkinskaya street, Paramonovsky warehouses, Pokrovskaya church and many parks.
Top 20
There are many large and small settlements in Russia. And to select the best from them is very difficult. The top 20 most beautiful cities in Russia, in addition to the above, include Volgograd, Krasnoyarsk, Pyatigorsk, Yoshkar-Ola, Irkutsk, Samara, Ulyanovsk, Yaroslavl, Voronezh, Pskov.
Cities of the Golden Ring
Do not forget about the most popular tourist route. Namely, the Golden Ring of Russia. The top 30 most beautiful cities include Pereyaslavl-Zalessky, Kostroma, Sergiev Posad, Suzdal, Ivanovo.
The same list should also include ancient settlements of the Tver and Novgorod regions. Do not forget also about Yelets, Zadonsk and other cities of the Black Earth region. In this part of Russia there are settlements founded even before the formation of Moscow.
