Fountain by Zurab Tsereteli in Alexander Garden, Manege Square
Showing posts with label Russia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Russia. Show all posts
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Wordless Wednesday - Greetings from Moscow
Fountain by Zurab Tsereteli in Alexander Garden, Manege Square
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Our World - Moscow Kremlin
When in Moscow, it will be hard to miss the Kremlin, which seems to dominate the skyline in every direction. With a handful of history, the place is absolutely enchanting and intriguing with lots of photo ops.
The Cathedral of the Annunciation was the private Orthodox church of the tsars. Weddings, baptisms, and other services were typically held here. I just love the pristine facade and the golden domes of the cathedral which make it a picturesque element to the Cathedral Square.
Above is a picture of Ivan the Great Bell Tower, the tallest tower within the Cathedral square. The tower was used both as a watchtower and as a bell tower. Twenty-one bells are suspended in the bell tower and at least two dozen bell ringers were needed to set the bells into motion.
Our World
In the heart of the Kremlin lies the Cathedral Square where you can see six buildings: three cathedrals, two churches and Ivan the Great Bell Tower. We didn't have much time there but we managed to spend some time wandering around the square that was filled with imposing architecture and buildings.
The queue at the entrance was not very long but security was pretty strict. Bags need to be scanned and we had to go through metal detector gates like those procedures found in airports. Please note that backpacks are not allowed in but there are lockers where you can temporarily store your baggage just below the Trinity bridge.
This is the first public park in Moscow, Alexandrovsky Garden which sits along the Kremlin's western wall. I remember how bitterly cold it was when we visited this place in winter. My hands were slightly numb with cold but glad I managed to take some good photos.
This is the Trinity Tower, also known as Troitskaya Tower which serves as the main entrance to the Kremlin complex. It is the tallest of the Moscow Kremlin's defensive towers. I also discovered that in old times the tower used to be the entrance for patriarchs and the tsars' wives and daughters.
A glimpse of Kremlin Senate, a late 18th-century Neoclassical structure, which used to house the government during the last century. It currently houses the Russian presidential administration.
We came upon the Tsar Cannon, a precious item of the Kremlin’s artillery collection located just outside the Cathedral Square. Impressive as it may look, this majestic cannon was cast in 1586 and has never been used in war. Behind the cannon is the Assumption Cathedral which was built at the end of 15th century. The interior of this important cathedral is decorated with fine frescoes, fascinating artwork and galleries displaying holy relics. Sadly, photographs are strictly forbidden inside the cathedral.
The queue at the entrance was not very long but security was pretty strict. Bags need to be scanned and we had to go through metal detector gates like those procedures found in airports. Please note that backpacks are not allowed in but there are lockers where you can temporarily store your baggage just below the Trinity bridge.
This is the first public park in Moscow, Alexandrovsky Garden which sits along the Kremlin's western wall. I remember how bitterly cold it was when we visited this place in winter. My hands were slightly numb with cold but glad I managed to take some good photos.
This is the Trinity Tower, also known as Troitskaya Tower which serves as the main entrance to the Kremlin complex. It is the tallest of the Moscow Kremlin's defensive towers. I also discovered that in old times the tower used to be the entrance for patriarchs and the tsars' wives and daughters.
A glimpse of Kremlin Senate, a late 18th-century Neoclassical structure, which used to house the government during the last century. It currently houses the Russian presidential administration.
We came upon the Tsar Cannon, a precious item of the Kremlin’s artillery collection located just outside the Cathedral Square. Impressive as it may look, this majestic cannon was cast in 1586 and has never been used in war. Behind the cannon is the Assumption Cathedral which was built at the end of 15th century. The interior of this important cathedral is decorated with fine frescoes, fascinating artwork and galleries displaying holy relics. Sadly, photographs are strictly forbidden inside the cathedral.
The Cathedral of the Annunciation was the private Orthodox church of the tsars. Weddings, baptisms, and other services were typically held here. I just love the pristine facade and the golden domes of the cathedral which make it a picturesque element to the Cathedral Square.
Above is a picture of Ivan the Great Bell Tower, the tallest tower within the Cathedral square. The tower was used both as a watchtower and as a bell tower. Twenty-one bells are suspended in the bell tower and at least two dozen bell ringers were needed to set the bells into motion.
Our World
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Skywatch in Moscow
A wintery view of the Russian Academy of Sciences located along the bank of Moscow River.
Skywatch Friday
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Saturday, May 26, 2012
PhotoHunt - Famous Places, Creative
The world famous Kremlin is one of the most important historic complex and is easily recognized around the world as a symbol of Russia and the seat of its president.
It's really big, bigger than I ever imagined. There are four palaces, four cathedrals and 20 towers that make up the remarkable Kremlin and a massive wall that surrounds the area.
The incredible kremlin which means fortress in Russian, also overlooks two more of Moscow's most famous sights, Red Square and St Basil's Cathedral. For years it had been our dreams to visit these exquisite places and we could not contain our excitement when we reached there. They look fabulous in postcards and on TV but they're even more impressive up close.
Here's a view of the Spasskaya Tower at night, which holds the iconic Kremlin clock
The history of Moscow Kremlin goes back to old times. During the Middle Ages, the Kremlin served as an administrative and religious center and also provide protection against enemy forces. When the city was under attacked, the civilians were encouraged to seek immediate shelter within the complex.
Apart from the historical monuments, it's quite common to find Russian nesting dolls sold everywhere in the city. They are wooden painted dolls that come in creative styles and different sizes. I bought a few sets of these unique dolls and gave them as souvenirs to my family and friends.
Sandi's PhotoHunt
Gattina's PhotoHunting
It's really big, bigger than I ever imagined. There are four palaces, four cathedrals and 20 towers that make up the remarkable Kremlin and a massive wall that surrounds the area.
The incredible kremlin which means fortress in Russian, also overlooks two more of Moscow's most famous sights, Red Square and St Basil's Cathedral. For years it had been our dreams to visit these exquisite places and we could not contain our excitement when we reached there. They look fabulous in postcards and on TV but they're even more impressive up close.
Here's a view of the Spasskaya Tower at night, which holds the iconic Kremlin clock
The history of Moscow Kremlin goes back to old times. During the Middle Ages, the Kremlin served as an administrative and religious center and also provide protection against enemy forces. When the city was under attacked, the civilians were encouraged to seek immediate shelter within the complex.
Apart from the historical monuments, it's quite common to find Russian nesting dolls sold everywhere in the city. They are wooden painted dolls that come in creative styles and different sizes. I bought a few sets of these unique dolls and gave them as souvenirs to my family and friends.
Sandi's PhotoHunt
Gattina's PhotoHunting
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Friday, November 11, 2011
PhotoHunt - Two
For this week's photohunt theme, here are two photos taken in two different destinations.
Two unknown sculptures, male and female, caught my eye while I was wandering the streets in Shanghai. They look intriguing and both are about two feet tall.
And here's one in Moscow. A pair of lion's head door knockers adorn one of the wooden doors at the State Historical Museum. Happy knocking and happy 11-11-11.
PhotoHunt
Two unknown sculptures, male and female, caught my eye while I was wandering the streets in Shanghai. They look intriguing and both are about two feet tall.
And here's one in Moscow. A pair of lion's head door knockers adorn one of the wooden doors at the State Historical Museum. Happy knocking and happy 11-11-11.
PhotoHunt
Monday, November 7, 2011
Our World - Red Square by night
For this week's Our World entry, I'm featuring a couple of night shots taken at Red Square. There is always something colourful and enjoyable to see and capture there. The entire square is not only impressive in the day time, it's also a great spot to enjoy Moscow's night life when the buildings sparkle and shine with hundreds of flashing lights.
St Basil's Cathedral and Kremlin Tower
Kremlin Towers and State Historical Museum
A closer look at the iconic St Basil's Cathedral
A view of the Moscow Kremlin from Bolshoy Kamenny Bridge
No tripod was used, all photos were handheld and I like the way they turned out. Thanks to my Nikon D90 camera which has a Vibration Reduction feature to reduce camera shake which I find useful when shooting without a tripod. Hope you like them too.
Our World
St Basil's Cathedral and Kremlin Tower
Kremlin Towers and State Historical Museum
A closer look at the iconic St Basil's Cathedral
A view of the Moscow Kremlin from Bolshoy Kamenny Bridge
No tripod was used, all photos were handheld and I like the way they turned out. Thanks to my Nikon D90 camera which has a Vibration Reduction feature to reduce camera shake which I find useful when shooting without a tripod. Hope you like them too.
Our World
Monday, October 24, 2011
Our World - Heroes of Russian folk-tales
I came across a long stretch of fountains along the streets of Manege Square during my visit to Moscow. These fountains depict sculptures of Russian fairy-tale characters as sculpted by Zurab Tsereteli.
Like any other fountains found across Europe, the fountains are kept completely dry during winter months as water in the fountains turns into ice and could cause cracks and damage to the sculptures.
Each sculpture is totally intriguing and I love how the fountains are complemented by the brightly coloured mosaic tiles. Here are some sculptures inspired from the fairytale of Russian fabulist Ivan Krylov.
The firebird, a magical bird of light
The fisherman and the Golden fish
The fox and the bear with a lovely view of the Kremlin in the background.
Prince Ivan the Firebird, and the Gray Wolf
The Firebird and Princess Vasilisa
Our World
Like any other fountains found across Europe, the fountains are kept completely dry during winter months as water in the fountains turns into ice and could cause cracks and damage to the sculptures.
Each sculpture is totally intriguing and I love how the fountains are complemented by the brightly coloured mosaic tiles. Here are some sculptures inspired from the fairytale of Russian fabulist Ivan Krylov.
The firebird, a magical bird of light
The fisherman and the Golden fish
The fox and the bear with a lovely view of the Kremlin in the background.
Prince Ivan the Firebird, and the Gray Wolf
The Firebird and Princess Vasilisa
Our World
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Mallards on Ice
A flock of mallards resting on frozen river in Moscow late winter.
There were some big chunks of broken ice on the river and it looked freezing cold
but they seemed to be coping just fine.
Amazing that those ducks can sleep or rest standing on the icy water. I hope they survived through winter.
Watery Wednesday
Wordless Wednesday
Friday, September 30, 2011
PhotoHunt - Covered
Both photos are captured in Moscow.
This is one of the nine chapels in St Basil's Cathedral. The ceiling and walls are beautifully covered with oil painted murals and icons .
A public park of Alexandrovsky Garden is covered in a carpet of snow in front of Kremlin.
PhotoHunt
This is one of the nine chapels in St Basil's Cathedral. The ceiling and walls are beautifully covered with oil painted murals and icons .
A public park of Alexandrovsky Garden is covered in a carpet of snow in front of Kremlin.
PhotoHunt
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Our world - Equestrian statue of Zhukov
A bronze Equestrian statue of Marshall Georgy Zhukov standing guard in front of the State History Museum on Manege Square in Moscow. It was established in May 8, 1995 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of victory in the Great Patriotic War.
A closer look of the horse and rider.
And here's a different perspective of the statue at night. I find it truly majestic and striking.
Our World
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Friday, September 2, 2011
PhotoHunt - Wrong
On our second day in Moscow, we had our first bus experience. We had intended to visit Ostankino Tower on our first itinerary but bus signs were confusing. We caught the wrong bus and ended up in a wrong place but got nice views of the non-tourist area of the city.
PhotoHunt
PhotoHunt
Friday, August 26, 2011
PhotoHunt - Symbolic
A symbolic statue of a dog spotted at the Mendeleyevskaya subway station of Moscow. It's about a sad animal abuse story.
Malchik was a black mongrel stray dog living in Moscow. For about three years, Malchik lived at the Mendeleyevskaya station on the Moscow Metro. Malchick became a popular station ‘resident’ among rail employees and commuters and territorially protected the station from drunks and other dogs. Unfortunately, he was brutally killed when a 21-year-old woman Yulia Romanova stabbed him with a kitchen knife who was said to have become angry when he barked at her and her beloved Staffordshire terrier.
Romanova was arrested, tried and later it was revealed that Romanova has a long history of cruelty to animals and psychiatric treatment. The horrible incident sparked a wave of public outrage regarding the cruelty treatment to animals and in 2007, a monument entitled "Compassion" or "Sympathy" was erected at Mendeleevskaya station in memory of Malchik.
Animal abuse is so sad and I am deeply hurt and saddened that such things can happen to animals these days. This memorial serves as a symbol of respect to all living creatures and a symbol of protest against inhuman treatment of a stray pet.
PhotoHunt
Malchik was a black mongrel stray dog living in Moscow. For about three years, Malchik lived at the Mendeleyevskaya station on the Moscow Metro. Malchick became a popular station ‘resident’ among rail employees and commuters and territorially protected the station from drunks and other dogs. Unfortunately, he was brutally killed when a 21-year-old woman Yulia Romanova stabbed him with a kitchen knife who was said to have become angry when he barked at her and her beloved Staffordshire terrier.
Romanova was arrested, tried and later it was revealed that Romanova has a long history of cruelty to animals and psychiatric treatment. The horrible incident sparked a wave of public outrage regarding the cruelty treatment to animals and in 2007, a monument entitled "Compassion" or "Sympathy" was erected at Mendeleevskaya station in memory of Malchik.
Animal abuse is so sad and I am deeply hurt and saddened that such things can happen to animals these days. This memorial serves as a symbol of respect to all living creatures and a symbol of protest against inhuman treatment of a stray pet.
PhotoHunt
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Skywatch - Moscow Onion Domes
Russian Orthodox churches are widely known for their distinctive onion domes. I’ve seen innumerable onion domes in my travels, but no one does them better than the Russians.
Here are some shots of beautiful domes with crosses against the spring skies.
Grand Kremlin Palace
Cathedral of the Annunciation, Kremlin.
Kazan Cathedral, Red Square
Kazan Cathedral, Red Square
St Basil's Cathedral, Red Square
Here are some shots of beautiful domes with crosses against the spring skies.
Grand Kremlin Palace
Cathedral of the Annunciation, Kremlin.
Kazan Cathedral, Red Square
Kazan Cathedral, Red Square
St Basil's Cathedral, Red Square
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