Onions Scattering over Moscow

The onion-dome architecture is definitely an icon of Russia, and nothing can replace the one and only St. Basil's Cathedral. Rumor said the Tsar had the builder blinded to prevent a second copy, and even Napoleon tried to burn it when the relocation to Paris was impossible.

Built between 1555 and 1561, it was ordered by Ivan the Terrible to commemorate the capture of the Khanate. Each dome belongs to nine different chapels and symbolizes the assault of Kazan city. From the top, they form a star that guides people to Heavenly Jerusalem.

The cathedral stands in the Red Square, which is the heart and soul of Moscow. As the largest city, Moscow served as the capital of Tsardom for several centuries, before the replacement of St Petersburg. After the October Revolution, it once again became the political center.

Russia's regime is indivisible with the Kremlin, which literally means “fortress inside a city”. Built between the 14th to 17th century, the complex contains 5 palaces, 4 cathedrals, and the enclosing Kremlin Wall. An entire city within Moscow standing on the Borovitsky Hill.

Visiting the current leader is utterly impossible, but the previous one is available. The Lenin's Mausoleum served as a resting place of Soviet Vladimir Lenin. The Tomb of Unknown Soldier is nearby, which commemorates other heroes. Your name is unknown, your deeds immortal.

GUM, the department store with 100+ famous brands within the square, is not everyone’s cup of tea. The Izmailovsky Market is worth a try. Visitors can bargain for a reasonable price for crafts and souvenirs, including matryoshka, the dolls symbolizing fertility and abundance.

The best way to discover the neighborhood is probably by Metro. Some highlights include Ploschad Revolutzii with life-size bronze sculptures; Komsomolskaya with ornate yellow ceiling and limestone pillars; and Park Pobedy, which is the deepest station in the world.

Explore the lovely Savvinskoye Podvorye; relax in the floating bridge of the Zaryadye Park; watch a world-acclaimed show in the Bolshoi Circus; or simply enjoy the exquisite cuisine in the White Rabbit. These are a few top-ranked activities that you should add in your itinerary.

Wandering around the city, don’t be surprised when you come across a gorgeous skyscraper, as there are 6 more ahead. Built from 1947 to 1953, the Stalinist-style Seven Sisters aimed at competing with the West. One of them is now the main building of Moscow State University.

Visit the Cathedral of Christ the Savior. Its design was based on Hagia Sophia in Istanbul. If time permits, the Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius should be explored. A crucial monastery which is home to 300+ monks. All endings are also beginnings, an onion-dome in particular.