35 Famous Landmarks Of Russia: A Photo Tour Of Cultural Treasures

35 Famous Landmarks Of Russia (with photos)

27th May, 2023

What are the best landmarks of Russia? Why are they worth visiting? In this article I will tell you all about the 35 most famous landmarks of Russia and why they are so famous. Ready to learn more? Keep reading…

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35 Famous Landmarks in Russia

Known as the land of wonders, Russia is truly a mystery. It has much to offer its tourists as a country spanning over two continents. It is home to spectacular monuments, magnificent architecture, natural scenery, castles, and palaces, yet many famous landmarks of Russia are to be discovered by tourists.

If you plan to explore these beautiful landmarks of Russia without missing any popular attractions, this article is for you. Here is a list of 35 landmarks of Russia that you will want to tick off on your trip to this wonderfully cryptic land.

1. Kremlin, Moscow

The Kremlin is one of the historical landmarks of Russia. The Kremlin dates back to the 14th century and has played an important part in Russian history. It has views of the Moskva River, St. Basil’s Cathedral, and the historic Red Square.

This enormous triangular-shaped castle is the largest active fortress in Europe, characterised by colourful domes and luxurious architecture.

2. Bolshoi theatre, Moscow

Located in the heart of Moscow, the Bolshoi Theatre is renowned worldwide as the stage for the world-class Bolshoi Ballet and operas. Audiences are drawn to the theatre by beautiful and emotionally engaging performances, such as traditional ballets and contemporary retellings of classic works.

Whether you have tickets to a show or not, the theatre is stunning and well worth a visit if you are interested in discovering landmarks of Russia.

3. Gorky central park, Moscow

During the Soviet era, Moscow’s most well-known park, Gorky street, was developed as a place of leisure and cultural activities. You can rent bicycles and ride through the park and along the Moska River to spend your time delightfully in the park.

4. Lenin’s mausoleum, Moscow

Lenin’s Mausoleum is the resting site of Vladimir Lenin, one of Russia’s most renowned and vicious leaders. The body of Lenin is lighted in the middle of the tomb.

While persistent rumors exist that a false body now rests in Lenin’s Mausoleum, the site remains a popular tourist destination.

5. Red Square, Moscow

Red Square is a public plaza in Moscow and is widely considered one of the world’s most recognizable public spaces. You can find several famous Russian sites in and around the red square, but simply exploring the plaza and taking in its vibrant colors and unique architecture is an unforgettable experience.

6. Mayakovskaya Metro Station, Moscow

Russian metro stations are architectural works of art in their own right. Mayakovskaya is one of the gorgeous stations on the Russian subway system, which you should check out while visiting Russia and exploring its landmarks.

It is speculated that Soviet authorities used these metro stations as underground bunkers for conducting secret actions.

7. Dream Land, Moscow

Credit: https://en.wikipedia.org/

Long ago, Russia was not known for amusements park. However, the new Russian tourist attraction Dream Island is now the largest indoor amusement park. This fairy-tale castle is home to a massive shopping and entertainment complex.

Though not historical, it is a landmark that will fill your experience of visiting Russia with fun!

8. St Basil’s Cathedral, Moscow

Saint Basil’s Cathedral’s colorful roofs help it stand out on Red Square, making it a well-known tourist attraction in Russia. The interior of this structure is exactly as stunning as the photographs suggest, with walls adorned with artwork and tapestries from the 16th century.

9. Catherine Palace, St Petersburg

The Catherine palace was built in honour of Peter, The Great’s wife, and is an outstanding example of Rococo architecture. As a tourist attraction, it is among Russia’s best landmarks.

The outside is painted a lovely pale blue. There are golden domes and accents above each window, all shining from the inside.

10. State hermitage museum, St Petersburg

The State Hermitage Museum is the world’s second-largest of its kind. It features works by some of the most well-known artists in the world, in addition to priceless cultural artifacts from Russian history.

The museum includes the Winter Palace, the official residence of the tsars of Russia. If you are a fan of arts and culture, you should visit this museum during your trip to Russia.

11. Peterhof Palace, St Petersburg

Peterhof Palace is a stunning museum and palace in Saint Petersburg, Russia. Peter the Great commissioned its construction to outdo the nearby Palace of Versailles in France.

Peterhof has ten museums, all of which provide intriguing insights into the lives of the tsars. If you want to experience how the ancient Russian aristocracy lived in opulence, you should see the palace.

12. Peter and Paul Fotress, St Petersburg

The Peter and Paul Fortress was Peter the Great’s first building in St. Petersburg. Since then, this fortress has served as a prison for political prisoners and, since 1924, a museum housing significant artifacts from the city of St. Petersburg.

If you are interested in history, visiting this place in Russia is a must. It is one of St. Petersburg’s most famous locations and captures pivotal events in the city’s occasionally furious past.

13. Cruiser Aurora, St Petersburg

Credit: https://en.wikipedia.org/

The Aurora, a memorial ship honoring those who died during the Bolshevik Revolution of 1917, is a great way to relive Russia’s rich history. The Aurora is a one-of-a-kind museum experience set aboard a Russian-Japanese War-era battleship.

Several tourists visit this historical landmark each year because of its collected artifacts from the Russian Navy that have significant cultural and historical relevance.

14. Mariinsky Theatre, St Petersburg

The Mariinsky Theatre, once known as Kirov Theatre, is one of the awe-inspiring landmarks to explore in Russia. It is widely considered St. Petersburg’s most recognizable opera and ballet theater.

Even if you aren’t interested in attending a performance, you should stop by this beautiful structure to peek at Russia’s renowned Neoclassical architecture.

15. Church on Blood, Yekaterinburg

Credit: https://en.wikipedia.org/

Yekaterinburg’s Church of All Saints, also known as the church on the blood, is a revered religious and historical landmark. This church is significant across Russia since it was built on the site where the last tsar, Nicholas II, was executed by the Bolsheviks in 1918, during the Russian Civil War.

You should add this to your itinerary when visiting landmarks of Russia, as it is both a beautiful and educational landmark.

16. Epiphany Cathedral, Irkutsk

Credit: https://commons.wikimedia.org/

Many of you might not have thought to include Irkutsh in your trip, but you might be surprised to learn that it is home to stunning structures like the Epiphany Cathedral.

The Epiphany Cathedral is located near a riverside, making it ideal for a quiet afternoon after seeing the larger cities.

17. Stalin’s Dacha, Sochi

Credit: https://en.wikipedia.org/

One official mansion the former Soviet leader visited during his travels to the country was Stalin’s Dacha in Sochi. The ambiance and spirit of Stalin’s time are still present in this home. If you are interested in Russia’s Communist past, this is an important historical site to explore.

18. Kul Sharif Mosque, Kazan

The largest mosque in Russia and the essential must-see attraction in Kazan is the Kul Sharif Mosque, which bears the name of the renowned scholar Kul Sharif.

It is still used by worshippers today; however, it is feasible (and highly advised!) to take a tour to appreciate the beautiful interior designs and magnificent domes.

19. Kul Sharif Mosque, Kazan

Credit: https://commons.wikimedia.org/

A Salt Lake called Elton Lake lies close to Kazakhstan’s border with Russia. The lake is so big and flat that the sky reflects beautifully on its surface.

Because the salinity is so high, unique natural salt sculptures in distinctive patterns are revealed when some water evaporation occurs.

20. Savior of the Spilled Blood

Church of Savior of the Spilled Blood holds historical value and is named after the assassinated Alexander II. It’s one of the most breathtaking churches in all of St. Petersburg.

With multicolored onion domes like St Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow, the Church of the Savior of the Spilled Blood is breathtaking inside and out.

21. The Lenna Pillars

Crediit: https://en.wikipedia.org/

The Lena Pillars is a collection of magnificent granite pillars that rise up to 100 meters above the ground and are located along the banks of the Lena River. The pillars are a part of a nature park, making for lovely strolls and breathtakingly stunning scenery.

22. St. Nilus Stolobensky Monastery

Crediit: https://en.wikipedia.org/

St Nilus Stolobensky Monastery is one of the famous landmarks of Russia, located on a small island in Lake Seliger. Nilus Stolobensky is the most idyllic of Russia’s hundreds of resurrected monasteries.

Visit this monastery of St. Nilus Stolobensky on a summer day while exploring Russia‘s beauty to enjoy the spectacular views.

23. Tagany National Park, Zlatoust

Crediit: https://en.wikipedia.org/

This famous landmark is for those who love natural reserves. A beautiful wildlife reserve in Russia, Taganay National Park is an ideal place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

It’s a lovely place to hike. While traveling, spend some time outside in the fresh air, surrounded by peace and greenery.

24. Olkhon Island

With barely 1500 people, Olkhon Island is free from the bustle of towns and has a rocky environment of mountains and dense forests.

Sand beaches on the island’s coastlines make it simple to forget that you are looking out over a lake rather than the ocean.

25. The Winter Palace

Among the many beautiful Russian palaces, the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg is undoubtedly the highlight of any trip to Russia. The magnificent Winter Palace was once the official residence of the Russian tsars.

The green exterior of the palace, which is embellished with golden sculptures, is impossible to overlook.

26. Mount Akhun, Sochi

Crediit: https://en.wikipedia.org/

Beautiful Mount Akhun is a stand-alone peak and a well-known landmark of Russia. The trek to the mountain’s peak is a fantastic way to spend a day in Sochi, taking about two to three hours to complete. You can get some fantastic cityscape shots from the observation tower.

27. Lake Baikal, Siberia

The oldest freshwater lake still in existence, Lake Baikal, located in Siberia’s southeast, is thought to be 20 million to 25 million years old. This lake has a stunningly expansive view of the surrounding landscape, and its blue waters are a sight to behold.

Visit this lake during the summer months to see the most transparent blue of the sea and the backdrop of the towering mountains.

28. Golden Bridge, Vladivostok

Crediit: https://en.wikipedia.org/

Vladivostok’s Golden Bridge is another contemporary structure in Russia that enables off-the-beaten-path exploration.

This is a stunning architectural effort, and if you are in Vladivostok, you should visit the bridge for a fantastic photo opportunity. To get a feel of this bridge’s size, take a picture from a little further away.

29. Kivach Falls, Kondopoga

Credit: https://en.wikipedia.org/

Do you want to switch from historical to natural landmarks of Russia? Starting at Kivach Falls is a great idea!

It is one of the most well-known places for its natural scenic beauty. This gushing waterfall has a height of more than 10 meters and is located on the Suna River. A trip to the falls is a refreshing change of pace and reconnecting with nature.

30. Rusky Island, Eugénie Archipelago

Crediit: https://www.wikiwand.com/

If you’re visiting Russia, you can’t miss the natural wonder of Rusky Island, one of the largest islands off the coast. You may go to the island by regular buses from adjacent towns.

This area has much room for tourism, from taking an aquarium tour to simply strolling along one of Russia’s best beaches.

31. Suyumbike Tower, Kazan

Crediit: https://en.wikipedia.org/

The Suyumbike Tower in Kazan is an exquisite example of Russian historic architecture with a tragic past. The Suyumbike Tower was built in an attempt to win the hand of Princess Suyumbike, but the story ended tragically.

While inside the complex, it is worthwhile to see every landmark of Russia that is a part of the Kazan UNESCO world heritage site.

32. Vorontsovsky Palace, Alupka

Crediit: https://en.wikipedia.org/

Perhaps, this one is the most beautiful castle in all of Russia. This majestic and stunning castle frequently referred to as the Alupka Palace, can be found close to Alupka in Crimea. The Vorontsovsky Palace is regarded as one of the region’s oldest buildings and is a well-known landmark of Russia.

33. Golden Mountains of Altai, Siberia

Crediit: https://en.wikipedia.org/

The thrill of taking a tour of the Altai’s Golden Mountains will allow you to explore some of the region’s most fascinating sites. You will learn about the native people’s history, culture, and way of life. You may find a Russian spa, a geyser lake that never freezes in the winter, and much more.

34. Kizhi Island, Lake Onega

Crediit: https://en.wikipedia.org/

Famous for its lush greenery surrounding the churches and an interesting museum, Kizhi island is a must-visit tourist attraction. A little ferry will take you across to the island. Whether you like a calmer pace of living or fast-paced action, this island has something for you to do.

35. Izmailovo Kremlin

Moscow is home to a second impressive Kremlin named Izmailovo. It is situated on the banks of the Serebryano-Vinogradny pond, one of Moscow’s most attractive historical areas.

The fairytale-like structure, with whitewashed walls and brightly patterned and adorned rooftops, makes it one of the must-visit places in Russia.

Landmarks of Russia- Bottom Line

Whether you prefer to stay in the major cities or travel further into Russia, this list has given you some of the top landmarks in Russia. I hope you have enjoyed this post and planned your trip accordingly. And if you did enjoy this post, I know that you will love these too-

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