7 Landmarks You Must Visit When You Go to Russia!

When you hear “Russian Landmarks”, what comes to your mind? Moscow City? Vladimir Putin’s country? Or Bear? This Federation State, which has Moscow as its capital, is called the largest country in the world because the country stretches from the eastern Europe to the northern Asia. Russia’s territory covers 17.1 million kilometers, and has many interesting tourist destinations that you would regret if you missed them. It is not surprising that Russia receives approximately 4.2 million tourists every year.

Usually, Russian tourists choose summer as their ideal time to visit Russia, around June to August. Among the many tourist destinations, Russia also has several landmarks or historical tourist attractions that are easily recognized because of their distinctive and prominent buildings. So now BeruangID will introduce you to the landmarks that you must visit when you come to this “Red Bear” country. Maybe after getting to know these landmarks, you will become even more interested to go to Russia!

1. Catherine Palace

This building has a combination of blue, cream and gold, located in the city of Tsarskoye Selo, a suburb of St Petersburg. The building, called Catherine Palace (Katerina’s Palace), was founded in 1756. Catherine Palace adopts unique Rococo architecture which is covered with 220 pounds of gold on the outside of the building and statues on the roof. However, historical records state that the current architecture of the building has undergone changes compared to the structure of the palace when it was first built.

2. Lake Baikal

This is one of the largest natural landmarks in Russia, located in southern Siberia. If you want to go here, the best time is during the summer. You can see the mountains emerging from the lake’s deep, dark blue water. If you depart from Moscow, the journey is quite long, but it is still worth it for the views you will get. Lake Baikal holds the title of the deepest and largest lake in the world. Wow!

3. Winter Palace

This mint green palace decorated with gilded carvings is the most famous building in St Petersburg. Previously, it was used as the official residence of Russian officials. The building, which was built by Peter the Great in 1708, has now undergone many changes. This building is full of history, having been a silent witness to the 1905 Bloody Sunday massacre and even violence during the 1917 Russian Revolution. Even though it sounds scary, it would be a waste if you don’t visit this place just to take a selfie in front of this beautiful building.

4. Kizhi Island

On Kizhi Island, there are two wooden churches of the 17th century and an octagonal bell tower. The church was built with unique architecture, reflecting harmony through its form and featuring unique Russian carpentry that is both complex and artistic. Previously, Kizhi Island was a wooden city, maybe that’s the reason why the church was made of wood.

5. Peterhof Palace

Located in the suburbs of St. Petersburg, this architectural masterpiece was built on the orders of Peter the Great. This historical museum is full of buildings made of pure gold and red wooden floors. Around the yard we can find lots of flowers of various colors. To get to the yard, there are stairs that connect the palace to the yard, which is surrounded by sprawling green grass. There is even a fountain in the middle of the yard. Just looking at the photo, you can imagine how beautiful this place is.

6. Lena Pillars

This pillar is shaped like a row of stone pillars along the banks of the Lena River. One of Russia’s landmarks itself is part of a natural park that pampers the eyes with beautiful views. Even the gardens and pillars were named a “UNESCO world heritage site” in 2012. Because, this site has a special history, Cambrian fossils have been found here and some of them are only found in this area.

7. Kolomenskoye Park

If you are still around the Red Square complex, don’t forget to stop by Kolomenskoye Park. It is several kilometers southeast of Red Square. Kolomenskoye Park is one of the largest landmarks in the form of a museum reserve, where you can spend hours just wandering around in this 390 hectare place. In this place you will find typical Russian natural attractions, wooden architecture in the form of ancient forts, legends, and bicycle tours every weekend in summer. Believe it or not, there is a famous legend in this place that mentions a mysterious place in the park with a time loop. There is even a legend that says Peter the Great was born here! Given the proximity of the location to the Moscow River, we can relax on the river bank. Now there is also a footpath available for tourists who want to walk around the park, so they can see the beauty of the flowers when they bloom, it will definitely please your eyes.

Those are some landmarks that you won’t forget if you visit Russia. Приятной прогулки (have a pleasant walk!) See you in the next article, BeruangID’s mates!

Original Post By: Annisavira Pratiwi
Translator: Harliza Dea