Russia, though split into many regions, is the largest nation in the world by far, and for international travelers, is a great place to travel to experience another culture, atmosphere, and the wide range of both reaching throughout this vast land. From the capitol city of Moscow in the West, all the way to Siberia in the East, there are quite a lot of various things to discover within these borders, spanning from Europe to Asia, and everywhere in between.
If you’re hoping to explore the cities and attractions, and view more of the cultural aspects of Russian civilization, then St. Petersburg and Moscow are both fantastic places to start, being two of the most bustling cities in the country. You might go to the Kremlin or Red Square in Moscow, and one of the most beautiful sites in all of the city, St. Basil’s Cathedral, which is instantly recognizable, and was erected in 1555, housed at the epicenter of the city, in the midst of Red Square itself.
Commissioned by Ivan the Terrible, the Cathedral was unique for its era, and the main structure is surrounded by ten other towers, the last of which was erected atop the grave of St. Basil himself, and as a whole, the complex was intended to resemble a bonfire, with flames reaching up toward the heavens as a symbol of power. Each with rich cultural significance and vibrant history to keep you and your party very busy over the duration of your travels, other notable places that are worthy of visiting in Moscow include the Lenin Mausoleum, the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts, and the Bolshoi Theater.
During their trip, those with legal Russian visas should also visit the former capitol city, St. Petersburg, which was home to many Tsars in the past and acts as a cultural hotspot, and is also known as the Venice of the North, housing many museums, including the State Hermitage Museum on the bank of the River Neva, which is full of unique pieces that will keep travelers entertained. Though it would take weeks to explore the full length of the museum, filled with elaborate wings, each with its own individual magnificence, including the Winter Palace of Peter I, you should organize your trip accordingly, in order to avoid missing out on some of the hidden gems housed within.
Anybody with US passports should really make the effort to see Russia and discover all of its wonders, taking in one of the most historically relevant countries across the globe, and getting a good look at its history fist hand.
