Mixing styles and genres, eclecticism and carefree attitude to historical buildings and the city ensemble are the main features of Moscow architecture. Thanks to them, Moscow has become what it is: impressive, charming, inconvenient for life, but, nevertheless, incredibly attractive.
Long since the visual symbol of Moscow is the Moscow Kremlin .Most likely, it will remain for them very long .This unique structure has such a unique and recognizable look that it is difficult to compete with it .All the current twenty towers and crenellated walls of this fortress are built of red brick in the 15th century .With the advent of Soviet power, the Moscow Kremlin has become one of its main symbols, and even now it is a symbol of state power in Russia .The Kremlin is located almost in the geographical center of Moscow, on Red Square, the architectural ensemble of which is rightfully considered one of the most beautiful in the world .An ancient paving stone, a frame in the form of a Kremlin wall, the buildings of the GUM, the Historical Museum and the St. Basil's Cathedral will for a long time remain in the memory of any person who visited here at least once .The area is a vivid example of the connection of different architectural styles in one ensemble .It is curious that each of these buildings is to some extent a symbol of modern Russia .
| Moscow old-time: Krutitskoe podvorye |
| Pre-revolutionary Moscow: once the Einem factory |
| Stalin Moscow |
In addition to the silhouette of the Kremlin, Moscow's panorama is decorated with seven Stalin high-rise buildings built in honor of the 800th anniversary of Moscow .In fact, there should be eight of them, but one was never built .All the buildings were laid in one day, on the day of the 800th anniversary of the city, September 7, 1947, they were supposed to symbolize the aspiration of Moscow up in its new century .Strict decor, recognizable silhouettes, a successful location made the skyscrapers an integral part of the Moscow color .Some of these buildings have administrative purposes (for example, the building of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia is located in the building on Smolenskaya Square), part is intended for housing .But all buildings were conceived as a dominant, around which the city square will be formed .
The contrast of the solemnity of Stalin's skyscrapers is Moscow's courtyards and alleys. Many of them have survived in the city in the Arbat, Pokrovka, Polyanka districts ... Yes, in fact, they can be found almost anywhere in Moscow behind the front facades adorning the central streets and avenues. It is in these alleys that everyday life proceeds. It was these yards and alleys that inspired artists, poets, writers, it was in them was the material for works that became classics of contemporary Russian literature.
Unfortunately, a few preserved in Moscow mansions, built in the 18-19 centuries .Much has been demolished to make way for new buildings, new architecture .But the glass and concrete were too "cold" materials in order to warm their mind and look .But there were still streets in Moscow, rich in historical buildings .For example, the main part of the buildings of Povarskaya Street was included in the protected area "Povarskaya - Bolshaya Nikitskaya", beautiful works by architect Vasily Bazhenov preserved: the Senate building in the Moscow Kremlin, Moscow University on Mokhovaya Street .Bazhenov also built private houses: the pearl of Russian architecture Pashkov's house on Vozdvizhenka Street - his creation .Built by architect Basil Bazhenov in the style of classicism, this house occupies a very advantageous position, thanks to which it "hovers" over the city .Bazhenov also designed the magnificent Column Hall of the Noble Assembly at Bolshaya Dmitrovka .
It is impossible to indifferently pass by such a remarkable structure as the Bolshoi Theater. The dramatic fate of this building is amazing. Probably no theater in the world has experienced so many fires! The first of these happened when the building was not yet built. The building, which you can admire now, is one of the best examples of Russian classical architecture. It was built in 1856 under the guidance of architect Albert Kavos. A bronze quadrangle of Apollo, crowning the building, was created by a remarkable sculptor Peter Klodt.
A large number of buildings of modern architecture appeared in Moscow in recent years, which is one district of Moscow City. One of the brightest examples of modern architecture is the Moscow International House of Music, one of the world's largest philharmonic complexes. In addition to the three concert halls, the MMDM has an exhibition gallery, a recording studio, a helipad. This modern complex not only decorated the city, but also attracted to Moscow many famous performers.
The theme of Moscow architecture is inexhaustible, just like Moscow itself is inexhaustible. And in order to make your own opinion about how attractive the contemporary face of Moscow is, it is best to visit this city and see for yourself all its contrasts with your own eyes.