Description:
Czars and commissars are out -- luxury and lifestyle are in! Capitalist Moscow with Mercedes, Hummers, Gucci, Prada and Chanel is a capital of contrasts. High fashion and a vibrant nightlife co-exist with the relics of the Kremlin and Byzantine cathedrals. The Kremlin, located in the heart of Moscow, is a main attraction consisting of four palaces and four cathedrals, surrounded by Kremlin walls and Kremlin towers. The museums in the Kremlin have been open to the public only since 1955, and only recently church services have been resumed along with the Kremlin bells that were silent for over 70 years. The Kremlin is one of Russia’s most unique monuments, and symbol of Russian statehood, along with Red Square which dates back to the 15th century. On the four sides of Red Square stand the Kremlin, GUM Department Store, State Historical Museum, and St. Basil’s Cathedral all centers of government, commerce, history, and religion. Just west of the Kremlin lies the oldest and most popular street in Moscow: Old Arbat Street. The street is over 1 km long and has cafes and restaurants, with many interesting street installments.