CONVERGENCE SEPT-OCT 2017

St Basil's Cathedral
Travel
Quite possibly an image which is well-known across the world, it is impossible
to miss the onion-shaped domes of the nine different chapels that form this
cathedral which was commissioned by Ivan the Terrible and consecrated in
1561. The building's exterior is uniquely decorated in colours, shapes and
patterns that clash into a whimsical appearance and proves to be a hit among
both adults and children. Inside the building, the chapel rooms are filled with
historical artefacts, decorated walls and ceilings and impressive iconostases.
Ivan The Great
Bell Tower
This bell tower reportedly
marks the exact centre of
Moscow and resembles
a burning candle. The
bell tower was the tallest
structure in the city until
the Russian Revolution as
construction of buildings
taller than 81 metres (266
feet) high was forbidden.
The tower was completed
in 1600 and has over
20 bells.
Russian Museum
A treasury of Russian art, the museum is housed in the Mikhailovsky Palace which was once a
palace belonging to Grand Duke Mikhail. It was opened in 1895 and was the first state-owned
museum of art in Russia. A notable art museum apart from the famous Tretyakov Gallery, this
museum has over 400,000 exhibits that date from ancient icons to avant garde paintings.
Lenin's Mausoleum
Vladimir Lenin was the founder of the Russian Communist Party,
leader of the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution and the architect, builder
and first head of the Soviet Union. Immediately after his death in
1924, a wooden mausoleum was erected to pay homage to him
at the square. Five years later, an architect was ordered to design
a more lasting home for him and the structure you see today has
layers of red, grey and black granite that harmonise with the Kremlin
buildings behind it, despite its clear Constructivist influences.
The Kremlin
A fortified complex, the Kremlin includes five
palaces, four cathedrals and the enclosing
Kremlin Wall with Kremlin towers. The complex
also houses the Grand Kremlin Palace and
serves as the official residence of the President
of the Russian Federation.
Gorky Park
Named after a famous Russian and Soviet writer, Maxim Gorky, the
park is divided into two parts. The first part usually hits a home run
among children as it contains fun rides, roller coasters, bungee jumping,
tennis courts and if it is winter, the area becomes a huge skating rink.
The second part of the park has gardens and fine old building steeped
in history. During the summer, the park is usually a popular venue for
concerts and gigs.
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