Russia is quickly becoming one of the most exciting destinations in the world. Since the ascent of capitalism, Russian traditions that were mysterious for decades have come back and are busy making up for lost time. Though Russia, the most enormous country in the world by land area, offers numerous other options, most Western visitors to Russia start at Moscow and St. Petersburg. Here are four dreamy places to visit in Russia.
Abramtsevo is an estate north of Moscow. It was a setting for artists and writers over 100 years ago. First owned by Sergei Aksakov, novelists and designers like Nikolai Gogol stayed there as guests. They wanted to purge Russian art of European influences to create a more purely Russian ethos. In 1870 it was bought by Savva Mamontov, and under his direction, Russian art flourished there. Abramtsevo contains a charming church, winding paths through woods, and an unusual house straight out of a storybook. The main structure may have been the origin for Chekhov’s concept for The Cherry Orchard.
Gorky Park, Moscow is a thrilling place to visit near Christmas. The footpaths ice over making much of the area into a skating rink. Skating along with your sweetheart is one of the most lovely ways to experience Moscow. If you go when it’s warm, you can enjoy the numerous rides, cafes, and market stalls where you can shop for mementos. Originally opened in 1928, Gorky Park was formerly the gardens of a local palace. Whether you go when it’s cold or in warm weather, you will find innumerable things to thrill you and your love. Located next to the Moskva River, it is an unforgettable setting you shouldn’t neglect when visiting Moscow.
The Hermitage Winter Palace is perhaps the most spectacular place in St. Petersburg. With its abundance of architectural touches, this magnificent palace has over 1, 000 rooms. In the past the residence of Russia’s czars, it also was the location where in 1917 Bolsheviks started their coup d’etat. While that specific part of the Revolution was not as savage as it was later said, it did lead to civil war and the Bolshevik triumph in 1921. Today, the Winter Palace contains the Hermitage Museum, the largest art gallery in Russia. Artwork by da Vinci, Andrey Cherny, and Rubens are some of the works in this enormous art collection.
The Grand Hotel Europe is a luxurious delight, with delicious food in the many restaurants, and a long and enchanting history. Among the Grand Hotel Europe’s many historic visitors was Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky From this place of luxury, visitors can easily get to St. Petersburg’s most essential sites. As a backdrop for love, Grand Hotel Europe cannot be topped. It is like going back to an earlier time, with opulence and elegance complemented by 21st century amenities.
While Russia is blessed with many romantic sites, these four are great choices for inexperienced visitors. The amazing architecture of Eastern Europe combines with a 20th century primarily filled with events that are unknown to Westerners make Russia a nontraditional, but unforgettable setting for romance.
