The history of the Moscow Kremlin goes back to olden times. The first written record of Moscow dates back to 1147, to the reign of Great PrinceYuri of Kiev, Vladimir Monomakh's son? who was nicknamed "Dolgoruky" (Long-armed) Since time immemorial the Moscow Kremlin has been the centre of Russian statehood, the residence of Russian tsars and hierarchs of the Russian Orthodox Church. Under Dmitry Donskoy in 1367-1368, the white-stone walls and towers of the Kremlin were erected and Moscow began to be called "white-stone". In 1485-1495, the Kremlin was totally rebuilt. It was then that the first brickbuildings appeared there and it largely acquired its present appearance and dimensions. In the Kremlin became the seat of the highest state bodies, a sort of preserve, where only those who lived or worked there were admitted. It was only in 1955 that its unique museums have again become accessible to everyone. Church services have recently been resumed in the old cathedrals and the Kremlin bells which have been silent for over 70 years have come to life. The Kremlin has been the residence of the President of the Russian Federation and his Administration since 1992.
The Kremlin has been and remains a unique monument of Russian culture and a symbol of Russian statehood

Kolomenskoe stands high on the steep banks of the Moskva River. It is located about 10 kilometers southeast of the Kremlin in Moscow, and covers an area of about 390 hectares.

The ensemble is set in a natural park full of ancient trees. There is the beautiful Golosov Ovrag, a ravine which contains a family of springs called Kadochka or little water bowls, and two huge stones which served as objects of Pagan worship.

There is also the linden alley, and the remarkable alley of ancient oaks, the oldest in Moscow, which are as old as 400 to 600 years of age. Specialists think one of the oaks has been around since the days of Ivan Kalita. Others were planted by Peter I when he was young.

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The State Tretyakov Gallery is the national treasury of Russian fine art and one of the greatest museums in the world. It is located in one of the oldest directs of Moscow – Zamoskvorechye, not far from the Kremlin.

The Gallery's collection consists entirely of Russian art and artists who have made а contribution to the history of Russian art or been closely connected with it. The collection contains more than 130 000 works of painting, sculpture and graphics, created throughout the centuries by successive generations of Russian artists.

Russian art works, ranging in date from the 11th to the early 20th century, are on the show in Gallery's historic building on Lavrushinskiy Pereulok.
New building of the Tretyakov Gallery at Krymskiy Val houses a unique museum exhibition of national 20th century art.

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St Petersburg is a relatively young city, by both Russian and European standards, and was only founded in 1703 by Tsar Peter the Great. Despite its short life so far, Petersburg has a rich and exciting history. From the early days of Peter the Great's "Venice of the North" to the modern events of the 1991 coup d'etat, the city has always bustled with life and intrigue, revolution and mystery.
St. Petersburg is a beautiful and fascinating holiday destination and one of the most intriguing and historically significant cities in Europe. Whether you chose to visit the city in the midst of a romantic and snowy Russian winter or during the dazzling White Nights of the summer months, you will be spellbound by St. Petersburg's culture and beauty. Have a browse through our Virtual Tour and see the city's most famous attractions for yourself……..