Russia is famous for its icy winters. The weather is so cold it has literally stopped invasions. Both Napoleon and Hitler’s armies could not survive the frigid temperatures in Russia and suffered from disease and lack of food, which eventually forced them to retreat.
Another danger that is typical of Russian winters can be found in gutters all over the country. The icicles that form have more than once fallen on people walking underneath and caused serious injuries or even death. In the winter of 2010 in St. Petersburg, more than 150 pedestrians were hurt by falling icicles. So if you are visiting in the colder months, don’t forget to look up.
The Elegant Metro System
It seems like Russians know how to appreciate beauty if they have even turned something as functional as their subway system into the most beautiful in the world. The metro operates in and around Moscow and is considered a tourist attraction even if you don’t want it to take you anywhere. While using this underground mode of transportation, don’t forget to look around; you won’t regret it!
The ceilings are beautiful works of art, while the floor you walk on is spotless. Every metro station is unique and features a different work of art. There are also rumors that there is a special line known as Metro-2 that leads to secret military bunkers, but its existence has never been confirmed and probably never will be.
Is Russia Red?
The immensely popular tourist draw, the Red Square, was built in Moscow in the 16th century as a market. Over the years, it has become a symbol of the city as well as a must-see on visitor’s agendas. Countless coronations and public ceremonies have taken place in the square in the centuries since it was built.
Many people mistakenly believe that the name is a reference to the color which is identified with communism, but that is not the case. The name comes from the Russian word “Krasnyi,” which sounds like the word “red” but actually means beautiful.
Cloakrooms, Cloakrooms, Everywhere
It must be something in their blood, but the Russian people adore a good cloakroom. It may have started due to the cold winters, but these days any business that respects itself has one.
It doesn’t matter if you step into a restaurant, a bar, a theater, or a museum; the first thing that will occur is the request to place your coat in the cloakroom. Most of these garment storing rooms are operated by older Russian women known as babushkas. They not only offer great service, but it is also a way for them to make some extra money. In that case, how can we refuse?
Saint Basil’s Cathedral
The iconic Saint Basil’s Cathedral is what many people see in their minds when they think about Moscow. Located in the Red Square, It is one of the largest, most intricately beautiful cathedrals around and a symbol of the country. The cathedral was built in 1560 by Postnik Yakovlev and is a major Russian tourist destination.
Sadly, according to the stories, Postnik was not rewarded for his amazing work on the cathedral. Rumor has it that once Saint Basil’s was completed, Ivan the Terrible had him blinded. His reasoning was that he didn’t want Postnik to build anything so magnificent again or anything that could even compete.