The most famous places. Sights of Russia

Moscow is multifaceted and grandiose; every time it turns to the traveler with thousands of different sides. Here, the multi-colored domes of Orthodox churches coexist with monumental high-rise buildings in the “Stalinist Empire” style. Rich estates of the aristocratic families of the Russian Empire stand next to fashionable restaurants and clubs, the spiers of glass high-rise business districts sparkle against the backdrop of picturesque Kutuzovsky Prospekt.

Moscow has a huge number of cultural sites - more than 400 museums, about a thousand monuments, 130 theaters and dozens of concert halls. Most of the events in the country's social life, from premieres to international exhibitions, take place in the capital. You need to come to Moscow for a long time to feel the spirit and energy of this dynamic city.

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What to see and where to go in Moscow?

The most interesting and Beautiful places for walks. Photos and brief description.

1. Moscow Kremlin and Red Square

The most recognizable and visited places in the Russian capital. The red towers of the Kremlin, crowned with stars, are an established brand, a symbol of Moscow. Since the 12th century, the Kremlin served as a defensive structure; over the centuries it was repeatedly burned and rebuilt. Red Square has more than once become the site of important state events. It hosted public meetings, fairs, parades, and various cultural events.

2. St. Basil's Cathedral

The cathedral was founded by order of Ivan the Terrible as gratitude to the Lord for his help in the capture of Kazan. The building originally had golden domes and red and white walls. After a fire in the 18th century, as a result of restoration, the temple was decorated in bright colors and now it towers over Red Square like a multi-colored gingerbread. The name was given in honor of the holy fool Vasily the Blessed, who collected part of the money for the construction of the temple and gave it to Ivan the Terrible.

3. Zaryadye Park

Public space in the historical district of the capital of the same name. Construction took place in 2014-2017, after the demolition of the Rossiya Hotel located on this site. The park presents 4 landscape zones of Russia. The total number of trees planted is 752, and shrubs are about 7 thousand. In different parts of Zaryadye there are zones with an artificial microclimate. In 2018, a concert hall opened in the park.

4. Moscow City

The business district of the capital, consisting of modern skyscrapers of futuristic design. The project is unique both for Russia and for the whole of Eastern Europe. The most high tower The Federation complex reaches a height of 235 meters; other structures are also given their own names. Moscow City was nicknamed “Moscow Manhattan”; the quarter was conceived as a Russian analogue of the London and New York business districts.

5. Cathedral of Christ the Savior

Moscow Cathedral, where the Patriarch holds services. The temple was built in honor of the victory in the Patriotic War of 1812 according to the design of Konstantin Ton; the work lasted more than forty years. During the Soviet era, the building was blown up, and in its place appeared the Palace of Soviets, and later the Moscow swimming pool. The cathedral was rebuilt in 1994-1997. and now has maximum external resemblance to the original.

6. Novodevichy Convent

The oldest convent in the capital. According to legend, it stands on the spot where, during the rule of the Golden Horde, girls were selected to be sent into slavery. The monastery was founded in 1524 by Vasily III. Subsequently, many royal persons, as well as girls from princely and boyar families, received tonsure at the monastery. Many came here not of their own free will. Architecturally, the monastery is a real fortress with powerful walls.

7. Church of the Ascension in Kolomenskoye

A 16th-century temple on the banks of the Moscow River on the territory of a park complex in Kolomenskoye. Presumably, the Italian architect Petrok Maly took part in the construction of the building. The church is one of the first examples of stone tented churches on the territory of Rus'. The structure was built in the form of an equal-ended cross with a 62-meter bell tower. The architecture of the temple is considered unique.

8. Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary

The main Catholic cathedral of Moscow, built in the neo-Gothic style at the expense of the Polish community. The main buildings were erected at the beginning of the 20th century according to the design of F. O. Bogdanovich-Dvorzhetsky. The cathedral is a typical example of the architecture of Catholic churches - pointed arches, soaring figured towers, colored stained glass windows. The temple regularly hosts organ music concerts and other cultural events.

9. Tsaritsyno Museum-Reserve

The palace and park ensemble, covering an area of ​​more than 100 hectares, is located in the south of the capital. All buildings were created in the 18th century in the “pseudogothic” or “Russian Gothic” architectural style. Previously, the ensemble served as a royal residence. Nowadays, the park houses exhibitions, museums, concert halls, and greenhouses. Thanks to the beautiful landscape, the Tsaritsino ensemble has become a popular place for wedding photo shoots.

10. Kolomna Palace

Wooden palace in Kolomenskoye Park, which belonged to Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich. It opened to visitors in 2010. The building was founded in the 17th century, its appearance was designed to emphasize the power of the Russian state and the greatness of the Tsar. The interior decoration was distinguished by pomp and luxury. Under Catherine II, the palace was dismantled, but detailed drawings of it were first made. Based on these drawings, the complex was completely restored later.

11. Kremlin in Izmailovo

A landmark of the New Age in the spirit of Russian architecture of the 17th century, the stylized residence of Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich. The ensemble was built according to ancient sketches and drawings. The Kremlin appeared in 2007 near the Partizanskaya metro station. There are handicraft shops, museums, taverns, and a church on the territory. The Kremlin was created according to the project of A.F. Ushakov as an attraction to attract tourists.

12. Kuskovo Estate

An 18th-century mansion that belonged to the count family of Sheremetyev. The magnificent estate, surrounded by a landscaped park, was used for lavish receptions, balls, celebrations and theatrical performances. The museum on site exhibits one of the world's largest collections of ceramics. Exhibitions, concerts, and celebrations in old Russian traditions are constantly held in Kuskovo.

13. Krutitskoye Compound

An architectural monument of the 17th century in the Tagansky district of the capital. Since 1991 it has served as a patriarchal courtyard. The Department for Youth Affairs of the Russian Orthodox Church is also located here. The history of the place began in the 13th century. At first there was a monastery here, and then the residence of senior clergy. The Krutitsky courtyard is a place where you can imagine what Moscow looked like in past centuries.

14. Bolshoi Theater

The country's main opera stage and one of the best theaters in the world. The theater was built in 1825, but in 1853 the building burned down. Three years later, the Bolshoi was rebuilt. Large-scale reconstructions were carried out in 1886-1893, in 1958 and in 2005-2011. The monumental theater building is decorated with massive columns; the interior decoration is striking in luxury. The crystal chandelier in the main auditorium deserves special attention.

15. State Tretyakov Gallery

An art museum with a rich collection, founded by the Tretyakov merchant family. In 1861, in his will, Pavel Tretyakov transferred the family gallery to the city and determined sums of money for its maintenance. In 1893, the museum officially opened to the public. The Tretyakov Gallery is the largest (more than 180 thousand exhibits) collection of Russian paintings, engravings, and icon paintings.

16. Armory Chamber and Diamond Fund

They are located in the same building on the territory of the Moscow Kremlin. The Armory Chamber has been functioning as a museum since 1806. It houses art and artifacts, both made in local workshops and donated by embassies of other countries. The Diamond Fund is an impressive exhibition of masterpieces of jewelry art. The best examples of the collection date from the 18th-20th centuries. In addition, the exhibition features precious stones and nuggets with a rich history.

17. State Historical Museum

It is located on Red Square and is one of the main capital museums. Collections covering all eras in Russian history from ancient times to the 20th century are exhibited in countless halls. There are also extensive exhibitions on the history of other states. The museum was founded by decree of Alexander II in 1872. In 1990, the building was included in the UNESCO heritage list along with Red Square.

18. Moscow Nikulin Circus on Tsvetnoy Boulevard

The circus was built in 1880 with the money of the merchant Danilov. From the very opening, the administration tried to invite only the best groups and attract more visitors to the performances. In 1996, in honor of the 75th artist Yu. Nikulin, the circus was given the name “Moscow Nikulin Circus on Tsvetnoy Boulevard.” The auditorium can accommodate 2,000 people, and modern equipment is used during performances.

19. Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts

The museum gallery was opened in 1913; the collection was based on exhibits from the collection of the Cabinet of Fine Arts and Antiquities of Moscow University. Later, original culture samples were acquired Ancient Egypt. During the 20th century, the museum developed and expanded, and now it contains about 700 exhibits. The halls constantly host various exhibitions of world-famous authors.

20. Bunker 42 on Taganka

Cold War Museum, located 65 meters underground. The bunker was built in the middle of the 20th century; it was conceived as a completely autonomous shelter in case of a sudden nuclear strike. A supply of water and food was stored here for a long time. The entrance to the museum is a one and a half ton door, behind which a long staircase begins. Visitors can explore the bunker's interiors on a guided tour and watch a film about the Cold War.

21. Victory Park on Poklonnaya Hill

A park complex with memorials dedicated to the Victory in the Second World War of 1941-1945. Before construction began in 1987, the hill on Poklonnaya Hill was partially demolished. The park officially opened in 1995. The central monument is an obelisk topped with a statue of the goddess Nike, 141.8 meters in height. In 2009-2010 The Eternal Flame burned here, moved during the reconstruction period from the Alexander Garden.

22. Sparrow Hills

Vorobyovy Gory is considered the main observation deck in Moscow, offering views of the Moskva River valley, Luzhniki, Stalinist skyscrapers and Moscow City skyscrapers. The Moscow State University building is located nearby. The Sparrow Hills park area is a great place for walking, cycling, rollerblading, and jogging. Moscow bikers have been gathering near the observation deck for many years.

23. Sports complex "Luzhniki"

Opened in the 50s of the last century, it was rebuilt many times. The area exceeds 180 hectares. Hosted some events of the 1980 Olympics. In the 90s it turned into a huge clothing market, which was liquidated by 2003. Now the complex consists of dozens of facilities, including a sports arena with 78 thousand seats, football fields, tennis courts, swimming pools and a golf academy. The final match of the 2018 World Cup was played at Luzhniki.

24. Moscow metro

The largest metro in the former USSR. The first line was launched in 1935, it connected Sokolniki and Park Kultury. Currently, 15 lines with a length of almost 400 km have been laid. Of the 230 active stations, 48 ​​are recognized as Russian cultural heritage sites. The design of some metro halls resembles museums; excursions, including night ones, are held here.

25. Moscow Zoo

One of the oldest in Europe, it has been welcoming visitors since 1864. Currently, the zoo contains about 6 thousand individuals. They represent more than a thousand species of animals. The territory is divided by topic. There are both open and closed exhibitions and enclosures. Anyone can register for guardianship of an animal they like, finance its maintenance and receive a number of privileges. The living symbol of the zoo is the giraffe Samson.

26. VDNH

A large park area in the North-East of the capital with numerous exhibition pavilions, well-groomed alleys, fountains, cafes, and concert venues. VDNKh is one of the most popular places for city residents to relax on weekends. Here you can visit an aquarium, a historical pavilion, innovative exhibitions, farmers' markets, a theater and even a “port” with a swimming pool and beach. There are many cyclists, roller skaters and other athletes at VDNKh.

27. Ostankino TV Tower

The television tower is another important symbol of the capital. The tower provides television broadcast throughout Russia; television studios and offices of the main channels are located here. The height of the building reaches 540 meters. The Ostankino Tower was built in the period 1963-1967; at that time it was considered the tallest building in Europe. For visitors there are special excursions to the tower with a visit to the observation deck.

28. Triumphal Gate

Arched gate on Kutuzovsky Prospekt, erected in honor of the victory in the Patriotic War of 1812. The structure was built according to the design of the architect Bove in 1829-1834, later in 1936 the arch was dismantled. The reconstructed gate reappeared on the avenue only in 1968. The inscription on the top of the old structure glorified the deeds of Alexander I in Russian and Latin, the new inscription immortalized the feat of Russian soldiers in 1812.

29. Stalin's Skyscrapers

Seven high-rise buildings built in the pompous “Stalinist Empire” style in the mid-20th century. These unique structures, as conceived by the leader, were supposed to symbolize the power and greatness of Moscow and the entire USSR. The buildings house the Moscow State University, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, hotels, and residential apartments. In Soviet times, housing in these elite houses was allocated only to prominent scientists and government officials.

30. State department store (GUM)

It is located on Red Square and is one of its main attractions. The history of the building began in the 19th century with the opening of shopping arcades. During the 20th century, GUM gradually became the main and most coveted store in the country - all business travelers strive to get into it to purchase scarce goods. Nowadays, GUM is the territory of expensive boutiques, historical shops and designer showrooms.

31. Old Arbat Street

The capital's famous promenade, where street performers perform and artists paint portraits, surrounded by charming Moscow mansions from previous centuries. Concentrated on Arbat a large number of souvenir shops, restaurants and small interesting museums. The street is included in the mandatory visiting program for foreign tourists, so you can see them here in considerable numbers.

32. Hermitage Garden

A small park in the city center, a popular place for walking local residents. The garden was founded by entrepreneur and philanthropist Ya. Shchukin at the end of the 19th century. The last serious reconstruction was carried out in the late 90s. XX century. On the territory of the park there are three theaters and an open stage for summer concerts. During the warmer months, festivals and various events are often held here, attracting many visitors.

33. MUZEON Art Park

A large art area located on the Crimean embankment. The art area includes open-air exhibitions, landscaped gardens, fountains, modern art installations and numerous walking paths. The Crimean embankment itself is a picturesque pedestrian area on the banks of the Moscow River, a cozy and romantic place that quickly gained popularity among tourists and Muscovites themselves.

34. Art cluster “Red October”

Numerous art workshops, galleries, design studios, exhibition halls occupying the former building of the Red October confectionery factory. This is a kind of bohemian center of the capital, where events constantly take place with the participation of the fashionable public and famous people. The red brick factory building itself is a classic example of industrial architecture of the early 20th century.

35. Gorky Park

The park is located on the embankment of the Moscow River. IN last years the place was transformed and became a point of attraction for the advanced public. Events dedicated to environmental protection, vegetarian festivals, skateboarding competitions and other events are constantly organized here. The park often becomes the venue for large-scale city festivals; in winter, an ice skating rink has been operating on the territory for several years.

“Well, we’ll arrive. Well, let's take a swim. Well, let's have a cocktail. So, what is next? What do we do?" Sound familiar? If yes, congratulations, you are one of those very type of people who can’t sit still. Well, if, moreover, limp reclining in sun loungers inspires you as little as strong-willed surfing, then you are one of the small but elite class of aesthetes, greedy for art and architecture.

Admit it, you simply cannot look at Dali’s creations without trembling in your knees, the Acropolis puts you in a state close to prayerful ecstasy, and the streets of old Prague practically drive you crazy. Congratulations, you are an “excursion-oriented, ordinary tourist.”

The whole point of excursion tourism is that it calmly coexists with beach holiday, and with skiing, as well as with any other. One does not exclude the other; rather, it complements the other.

However, there are entire tours dedicated to sightseeing of cities and capitals, antiquities and natural wonders of all five continents. Such trips are usually chosen by individuals married to art or simply greedy for it in a good way, and people who want to see the world on vacation, and not just a couple of heavenly, but completely identical atolls.

But, in order to be as honest with yourself as possible, it is still necessary to say that a “naked” excursion will not give you much pleasure - all that will remain in your head is a chaotic cocktail of porticos and rotundas, dozens of museum halls and thousand-year-old ruins.

When choosing a program, do not chase the number of attractions - in the end, you will go on a trip again. Choose a moderate pace - sprinkle excursions richly with rest, and get the most vivid and fresh impressions.

Holiday destinations

Classic: Europe. The main blow of the excursion element usually falls on Mother Europe with its Czech Republic, France, Greece, Italy, Spain, and other ancient-medieval joys. Tours in Europe, which, as we know, is not so big, often cover more than one country. Sometimes tours include visits to world-famous attractions - such as, for example, Versailles in France, the Colosseum in Italy, the Acropolis in Greece. Sometimes excursions are conducted exclusively to little-known places, sometimes highly specialized tours are organized, for example, on Baroque architecture or a temple structure.

Ancient civilizations. Second in the popularity ranking are countries that grew up on the ruins of ancient civilizations - Egypt, India, China, Chile, Peru, Mexico. Obviously, such tours take second place not in terms of tourist interest, but in terms of remoteness, expressed not so much in geographical terms as in monetary terms. Ancient civilizations with monuments that take us back not even centuries, but millennia, are surprisingly mysterious and therefore alluring. The further into the dust of time, the more secrets to which, as we know, no one can remain indifferent.

Exotica and ecology. Ancient civilizations are followed by countries with exotic landscapes and landscapes - the Australian Great Barrier Reef, lakes of the USA, waterfalls of Nigeria, the fantastic nature of the Galapagos. This is all really unusual. Amazing. Almost impossible.

Way of life. Next come countries with an unusual way of life - that is, any place on the planet whose existence differs from our multi-story panel existence. Tunisian Berbers living in caves, Arab countries with their unconditional and fascinating adherence to the laws of the Koran, Japanese culture and the culture of the American Indians. For a civilized person, which, obviously, is the entire excursion-amateur tribe, such differences cause only admiration - at least from the understanding of how diverse the life of people on this planet can be.

Excursion Russia. Well, our native Russia closes the top five leading destinations. The expanses of our country are enormous: 9 climatic zones and the same number of time zones, mountain ranges, hills, deep rivers, dozens and hundreds of natural wonders - Avacha Bay, Kungur Bay Ice cave, Krasnoyarsk pillars, Uzon Caldera... it’s probably impossible to list everything. And then, there is also the magnificent architecture of our cities - Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kazan, the luxury of folk crafts - Suzdal, Semenov, Gus-Khrustalny. Russia is inexhaustible, great and magnificent, and, in addition, compared to all of the above, it is quite inexpensive.

If you are still thinking about where to spend your next vacation so that it is interesting, educational and “relaxing”, we offer you a list of the most beautiful world attractions. Here is the solution to the problem, at least for the next 15 vacations.

A brief overview of the world's attractions with names and photos

In the last article we talked about and now we want to talk about the attractions. This diverse list intertwines cultural, historical and natural monuments known throughout the world. New wonders of the world to replace ancient monuments that have untimely sunk into oblivion are worth paying due attention to each of them.

Machu Picchu, Peru

“The Vanished City of the Incas” at an unreal altitude of 2500 meters is a truly mysterious and awe-inspiring place. The city was founded by the great Inca ruler Pachacutec in 1440. History claims that this was a sacred place of the Inca civilization, and after a hundred years all the inhabitants mysteriously disappeared. No one knows the reasons why the residents abandoned their homes, and where they themselves went. The only reliable fact is the invasion of the Spaniards into the territory of the Incas in 1532. But in Machu Picchu, the colonists did not find a single person, despite the thriving infrastructure and residential buildings.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, UAE

Among the best sights in the world, the photo of which does not convey the grandeur of the buildings, includes the Sheikh Zayed Mosque in the capital of the Emirates. The incredible snow-white structure occupies a huge area, abounds in wealth and welcomes everyone into its mansions, regardless of faith or unbelief. The floor of the mosque is covered with white patterned marble, the walls are inlaid with gold, and the minarets pierce the sky with needle-sharp golden spiers. The design of the mosque illustratively illustrates the untold wealth of the Emirates themselves and the state’s love for luxury.

Bayon Temple Complex, Siem Reap, Cambodia

What is of interest is not so much the temple itself, but its unique stone towers, silently looking down from their height onto the entire city and surrounding area. Moreover, they are watching - in the most literal sense. The stone sculptures are carved with faces that would be the envy of modern sculptors. Being surrounded by omnipresent faces, you involuntarily experience both admiration and awe. Initially there were 54 columns here, but only 37 have survived to this day.

Ancient city of Petra, Jordan

Lost among the endless sandy mountains in the Wadi Musa valley is the majestic city of Petra, whose architecture amazes with its monumentality and eternity. Enough to visit unique city to understand that these very, very sights of the world deserve the venerable right to be on the list of the best. The fortress grew out of several shallow caves in the rocks, which were used by ancient nomadic tribes as a temporary habitat. Petra is well preserved because there was and is only one entrance to the city - through a deep narrow gorge, where it is impossible to pass unnoticed. However, today guests are greeted not by the arrows and stones of the enemy, but by the hospitality of the Bedouins living on the territory of Petra.

Great Wall of China, China

The grandiose landmark of China is traditionally one of the world's famous landmarks and is the longest defensive structure. Its length is about 8 thousand kilometers, and according to some sources - all 10 thousand. It continuously crosses the entire territory of China and falls into the ocean. Why and how such a huge wall was erected still remains a mystery. The most interesting place to admire its grandeur is at the Mu Tian Yu site, which is the most well restored and open to the public.

Taj Mahal, India

The Taj Mahal temple complex is one of the modern wonders of the world. Its fascinating history is covered in myriads of romantic legends and tales, and the beauty of the structure defies verbal description. The world's most magnificent sights (photos with titles) pale in comparison to the breathtaking grandeur of the Taj Mahal. The complex is personified with eternal boundless love; it was built by Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz, who tragically passed away during a difficult childbirth.

Alhambra, Granada, Spain

Literally translated, Alhambra means “Red Castle”. The muted red color of the sun-dried clay from which the castle walls are built fully justifies this name. According to another version, the castle was called red during its construction, which was carried out around the clock. At night, the site was illuminated by the lights of thousands of “red torches,” the reflections of which gave the structure a mystical red hue. - the most majestic Moorish building in Spain, telling about the times of invaders and colonialists more clearly than any historical manual.

Milan Duomo, Italy

Dozens of sharp Gothic spiers pierce the endless Milanese sky in the main city square. The Duomo Cathedral is the best example of Gothic architecture in Italy, the construction of which took place over 4 centuries, starting from the end of the 14th century. The cathedral's spiers are not only the most beautiful landmarks in the world, but also some of the largest on the planet. Their height is more than 100 meters, and the tallest is crowned with a golden statue of the Madonna, which is clearly visible from many areas of Milan. Like a guardian angel, she protects the townspeople from evil and misfortune.

Sagrada Familia, Barcelona, ​​Spain

Another greatest example of Gothic architecture is in Barcelona by the great creator Antonio Gaudi. Construction of the temple is still underway, although the author himself has long been dead. There is a belief that when the Sagrada Familia is built, the end of the world will come. This may be why the workers are actually in no hurry to complete the project. And the official version of the long-term construction is that construction is being carried out exclusively at the expense of parishioners.

Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, USA

At the time of completion in 1937, Golden Gate was the largest suspension bridge on earth, which automatically places it among the world's top attractions. Why is the bridge called a gate? The answer can be obtained by looking at the Golden Gate from above (or from an interactive map). The bridge is a gateway for Pacific Ocean into the calm waters of San Francisco Bay. By the way, “golden” is also not just a beautiful epithet. When the sun's rays fall on the red structure of the bridge at a certain angle, it really shimmers with gold - a truly stunning sight, especially in the shroud of clouds or fog that quite often covers San Francisco.

Chichen Itza, Mexico

The remains of the former greatness of the powerful Mayan civilization are best revealed to us in the form of the pyramids and temples of Chichen Itza - an ancient settlement with a rich history and an immense amount of secrets. The reasons for the oblivion of such a powerful colossus still concern the minds of world historians, which is why Chichen Itza is very popular and takes a well-deserved place in the TOP attractions of the world. The main monument of the Mayan era is the Temple of Kukulcan, which is a stepped pyramid 24 meters high. Judging by this and other settlement structures, the Mayans were excellent mathematicians, engineers and astronomers.

Christ the Redeemer Statue, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

The majestic Christ Monument blesses the Brazilian capital with open arms from a height of 800 meters. This grandiose structure is ahead of many attractions in popularity and gives a head start different countries peace. Several million tourists from all over the world come to the foot of the statue every year to admire the breathtaking view of the city and the picturesque bay.

Angel Falls, Venezuela

The stream of water falling from a height of more than 800 meters can already be felt from afar as splashes on the skin. And its noise can be heard from a great distance. Angel Falls, hidden from prying eyes in the jungles of Venezuela, was discovered quite recently, in 1935, the road to it is so inaccessible and difficult. The waters of the Angel fall from the heights of Mount Tepuy, which translated from the local dialect means Devil's Mountain. A very appropriate name for a sheer rock formation in the heart of the hot South American tropics.

Opera House, Sydney, Australia

Snow-white lotus petals or shells in panoramic photographs of Sydney cannot be confused with anything else. The most popular attractions in the world, including takes pride of place, attract attention with just their appearance. Travelers planning to visit Australia should definitely include this building in their trip itinerary, because it is a symbol not only of Sydney, but of the entire country, although it appeared relatively recently.

Shwedagon Pagoda, Myanmar

The luxurious inverted begging bowl, every inch of which is lined with gold, is the largest pagoda in the country. Its territory occupies about 5 hectares, shining with luxury, wealth and Buddhist wisdom. Here you can meet griffins and lions, dragons and elephants decorating and protecting Shwedagon. Just the sight of the spiritual abode of Myanmar brings about enlightenment and harmony in the soul and body.

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Planet Earth is replete with places that captivate with their beauty. Millions of tourists from all over the world go to them every year, who return from there with a bunch of photographs, videos and, most importantly, memories. Over the years, only the brightest moments remain, and queues for attractions, broken legs and other inconveniences are erased from memory. However, it is not only beauty that is attractive to travelers, as evidenced by the list below of the most visited sites on the planet.

1. Grand Bazaar (Istanbul, Türkiye)

The Grand Bazaar appeared in Constantinople in the 15th century and is considered one of the world's first shopping arcades. An incredible number of visitors pass through it every year - more than 91 million! There are 66 streets on its territory, and there are more than 4 thousand shops on them; the bazaar has become a separate microdistrict of the city.

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2. Times Square (New York, USA)

This square is the main commercial area of ​​New York's Midtown. In terms of attendance, reaching up to 50 million people a year, this square is difficult to compete with any other attraction in the world. Americans often call Times Square, lit with bright lights of advertising and billboards, “the crossroads of the world.”

3. Grand Central (New York, USA)

New York's Grand Central Station is located at the intersection of Park Avenue and 42nd Street within midtown Manhattan. This is the largest railway terminal in the world - it has 44 platforms and 67 tracks converge here. In addition, this is the oldest train station in New York. Surprisingly, it has also become a city attraction, for example, in 2013, about 22 million people decided to look at it. About 750 thousand people come here every day, while only every third of them is a passenger.

4. Magic Kingdom Amusement Park (Orlando, Florida, USA)

Walt Disney World Resort is divided into 4 theme parks, one of which is the Magic Kingdom in Bay Lake, Florida. It is dedicated to the characters of Disney fairy tales. In 2015, it was visited by 20.49 million people - it is no coincidence that it has been recognized as the most visited theme park in the world for the 10th time in a row, and in North America it has held the palm for 15 years.

5. Forbidden City (Beijing, China)

The Chinese Imperial Palace, called the Forbidden City, is located in the heart of Beijing. Emperors lived in it, starting from the Ming dynasty, solemn ceremonies were held here, and the most important political issues were resolved for five centuries. There are about 980 different buildings on the territory of the Forbidden City, and the palace complex has now been turned into a museum. Every year over 14 million foreign and local tourists, making the Forbidden City the most visited museum in the world.

6. Tokyo DisneySea Park (Urayasu, Japan)

The Japanese branch of Disneyland is located near Tokyo. This amusement park has a marine theme. It spreads over more than 71 hectares of land. After the opening of Tokyo Disney Sea in 2001, it was faster than other theme parks in achieving 10 million visitors - the anniversary visitor came here just 307 days after the grand opening of the park. Now this park continues to be visited annually by at least 14 million guests.

7. Basilica of the Holy Virgin of Guadalupe (Mexico City, Mexico)

Mexicans consider their common sacred mother the Blessed Virgin Mary of Guadalupe - the intercessor and heavenly patroness of the country. A basilica was built in her honor on the northern outskirts of Mexico City. It is believed that at this place five centuries ago she appeared to the Indian Juan Diego, who conveyed her words to other people. Thanks to this miracle, the ancient Indians were able to reconcile with the Christianity implanted by the Spaniards. The miraculous (according to the Catholic Church) image of the Virgin Mary is kept in the building of the basilica, rebuilt in 1976, as the most revered shrine by Mexicans. This basilica, which has become a shrine of the Catholic New World, is visited annually by over 12 million people. It gets especially crowded here on December 12, the day of veneration of the Virgin Mary of Guadalupe.

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8. Great Wall of China (PRC)

Once upon a time, the Great Wall of China protected the empire from attacks by northern tribes, so it stretched for several thousand kilometers along the northern border of the country. In fact, these are several separate chains of walls, the sum of their lengths exceeds 21 thousand kilometers. A piece of the wall specially restored for tourists is visited by up to 11 million people every year.

9. Golden Gate Bridge (San Francisco, USA)

This beautiful red bridge has long become a symbol of San Francisco. It is thrown across the bay of the same name and connects San Francisco with Marin County. This is one of the most photogenic bridges in the world. Its length is 2737 meters. Every year, over 10 million tourists come to take pictures with the bridge in the background.

10. Louvre (Paris, France)

When the Louvre was built back in the 12th century, it was intended as a fortress, and only later did it become a royal palace. When the French overthrew the monarchy and established a republic, the Louvre turned into one of the world's largest museums. Today it is one of the main Parisian attractions and the first most visited museum in Europe (10 million people annually). For example, in 2014, 9.26 million people came to admire its exhibition. The Louvre houses over 380 thousand artifacts, although only 35 thousand of them are available for viewing in the halls. At the Louvre, an inquisitive visitor can get acquainted with the history of the development of human civilization from the earliest prehistoric times to the present day. The area of ​​all Louvre exhibitions is about 16 hectares (this is the third largest museum in the world), so in order to even superficially get acquainted with the countless masterpieces made not only in Europe, but also in Africa, the Middle East and other parts of the planet, it will not be enough and several days.

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11. Sydney Opera House (Australia)

Every year, over 8 million people come to see this performing arts center located in Sydney, Australia. But only about 350 thousand guests take paid tours of the building. The theater building was built in 1973, and when it firmly became a tourist attraction, UNESCO added it to its World Heritage List in 2007.

12. Ocean Park (Hong Kong, China)

In 1977, an ocean park was opened in Hong Kong, where marine mammals settled; there is also a marine animal theme park, an aquarium, and an amusement park. All this is located in the Southern District of Hong Kong on 88 hectares. Here you can see extremely cute Chinese pandas, and for the entertainment of not only children, but also adults, 35 attractions have been built here. In addition, the park hosts celebrations and colorful shows. With around 8 million visitors each year, it is one of the most popular Asian theme parks in terms of attendance.

13. Parthenon (Athens, Greece)

The Greek Parthenon is one of the most famous ancient architectural monuments. The ruins of this temple, standing on the Acropolis hill, tower over Athens. It was built between 447 and 432 BC. The Parthenon has been the most popular Greek and European landmark for many decades. And this despite the fact that not much remains of it to this day - most of the pediments were destroyed, three dozen statues were preserved in deplorable condition. It is now even difficult to imagine what this temple looked like in all its splendor, since almost no descriptions of it have survived. As far as possible, the fragments of stones were put back in their places, the original statues went to museums, giving way to copies. The Greek government is making vigorous efforts to return to its homeland fragments of the temple that were barbarously removed by stronger countries. The Parthenon is considered a symbol Ancient Greece, the cradle of democracy and Western civilization, so approximately 8 million people want to see it every year.

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14. Taj Mahal (Agra, India)

One of the new wonders of the world, the magnificent marble mausoleum Taj Mahal was built in Agra in the period 1632-1653. This complex is the best that the Mughals built, in addition, it itself became a part of Indian history. Every year, approximately 8 million tourists from all over the world come to see its splendor.

15. Prague Castle (Prague, Czech Republic)

Prague Castle, covering an area of ​​about 70 thousand square meters. m, was included in the Guinness Book of Records as the largest fortress in the world. Almost 2 million people annually purchase tickets for sightseeing tours, and over 7.4 million tourists simply walk through its territory. Prague Castle dates back to the 9th century, and now the residence of the Czech president is located here.

16. St. Peter's Basilica (Vatican)

St. Peter's Basilica was built during the heyday of the Renaissance - this is the main building of the Vatican - an independent state in the center of Rome. St. Peter's Basilica is a magnificent example of the Renaissance architectural style and one of the largest churches in the world. Since the residence of the head of the Catholic Church, the Pope, is also located here, 7 million people visit the basilica every year, most of whom are Catholic parishioners.

17. Eiffel Tower (Paris, France)

When it comes to Paris, most people often think of the Eiffel Tower first. French engineer Gustave Eiffel built it in 1899. Neither he himself nor any of the French could have imagined that this building, erected only for the World Trade Exhibition, would turn out to be so popular that it would become one of the main symbols of Paris and all of France. For 40 years, this openwork steel structure, with a height of 324 meters, was the tallest artificial structure on the planet, until it was overtaken by skyscrapers, which began to grow like mushrooms in different parts of the Earth. To climb to its observation deck, you need to overcome 1665 steps, but it is much easier to do it by elevator. Almost 7 million tourists visited here in 2015.

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18. Milan Cathedral (Italy)

The construction of the Milan Cathedral lasted almost 600 years (1386-1965), with interruptions, but the result was magnificent. It became the main attraction of the city. Built in the Flamboyant Gothic style, the Duomo has become one of the most beautiful and monumental religious buildings in the world. It can accommodate up to 40 thousand worshipers at the same time. Every year almost 6 million travelers come to see the Milan Cathedral.

19. Palace of Versailles (Versailles, France)

In the Paris suburb of Versailles, the French kings set up a luxurious residence with huge parks, magnificent gardens, fountains and statues. Now the Palace of Versailles has become a famous French museum exhibiting luxurious art exhibitions. The Palace of Versailles and its park complex are a place that attracts a huge number of tourists from all over the world. Thus, according to data for 2008, approximately 5 million people visited the museums of Versailles, and twice as many vacationers exercise along the alleys of its parks.

20. Statue of Liberty (New York, USA)

Gifted by France for the United States' centenary, the Statue of Liberty fit so harmoniously into the picture of Manhattan that it became one of the main and recognizable landmarks of the entire United States. It was placed on a tiny island and turned towards Europe, as if welcoming emigrants sailing on ships from the Old World. This sculpture is visited by over 4 million people every year.

21. Colosseum (Rome, Italy)

In addition to its now well-known name, the Colosseum is also called the Flavian Amphitheater. It is located in the very center Eternal City. It was the largest of the Roman amphitheaters built - its capacity was 50-80 thousand spectators who came here for a variety of entertainment: animal baiting, gladiatorial fights, executions of criminals and early Christians, entertainment shows, dramas, and other events. In modern Rome, the Colosseum attracts the most visitors - up to 4 million per year.

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22. Expiatory Temple of the Sagrada Familia (Barcelona, ​​Spain)

Even before it was fully completed, the Sagrada Familia, a masterpiece of architecture by the great Antonio Gaudi, has become incredibly popular among tourists who rush to Barcelona from all over the world to enjoy its splendor. Over 3 million tourists come to the temple every year, which is almost 2 times the population of Barcelona itself. The tallest tower is expected to be 172 meters high and the temple, which is being built entirely through donations, is scheduled to be completed around 2026.

23. Angkor Wat (Angkor, Cambodia)

That's what Cambodian is called temple complex, which was built as a Hindu temple during the Khmer Empire. At the moment it is considered the world's largest religious monument. The flow of tourists here began to grow in the early 90s of the last century, after the brutal tyranny of Pol Pot was ended in the country. So, if in 1993 the temple complex was visited by 7,650 people, then in 2012 over 2 million people had already visited here. Now it is the most visited attraction in this country.

24. Tower (London, United Kingdom)

The historic Tower Fortress is located in London on the left bank of the Thames, in the very heart of the English capital. It was built in the 11th century, and now it has become one of the country's most striking attractions and is protected by UNESCO. For example, in 2015, over 2.7 million tourists came to see the Tower.

25. Christ the Redeemer Statue (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)

Standing on the top of the 700-meter-high Corcovado cliff, the 30-meter-high statue of Christ the Redeemer (plus 8 meters of the pedestal) with its arms outstretched (28 meters) seems to be protecting the city spread out at its feet. It looks very impressive, so every year about 2 million tourists come to Rio de Janeiro to admire the city, but also the statue.

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When a tourist is going to travel to any country, it is useful for him to think about his travel plan in advance and choose those attractions that should be visited first. Just remember, there are so many of these attractions that a lifetime may not be enough to see them!

Machu Picchu (Peru)

The ancient Incan city of Machu Picchu has been dubbed a new wonder of the world. It was built in the saddle of a mountain range at an elevation of 2450 meters, for which it received the figurative name “city among the clouds” or “city in the sky.” A number of archaeologists believe that this “sacred” mountain shelter was built for himself around 1440 by the Inca ruler Pachacutec. The city flourished until 1532, until the Spanish conquerors came here, after which all the city's inhabitants mysteriously disappeared.

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Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (Abu Dhabi, UAE)

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one of the six largest mosques in the world. It is dedicated to the founder of the UAE and the first president of this country, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The uniqueness of this mosque is that any visitors are allowed into it, regardless of their faith. The mosque amazes with its grandiose size, magnificent architecture, white marble and magnificent green gardens.

Taj Mahal (Agra, India)

One of the wonders of the world - the Taj Mahal mausoleum is perhaps the most recognizable world, and not just Indian, landmark. It was built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan for the repose of his beloved third wife Mumtaz Mahal, who died during childbirth. This one of the most beautiful buildings in the world has become the personification eternal love. The mausoleum has 5 domes, the highest of which rises to 74 meters, as well as 4 minarets in the corners of the complex. Near the mosque there is a huge swimming pool with fountains and a magnificent garden. The walls of the mausoleum are covered with perfectly polished, seemingly translucent marble slabs, decorated with incredibly beautiful floral and plant patterns.

St. Peter's Basilica (Vatican)

St. Peter's Basilica, the heart of the Vatican and the Catholic Church, is one of the most important landmarks of the Eternal City. From its dome, the whole of Rome is viewed from a bird's eye view, but what is even more striking is its internal splendor, to which the best masters of the Renaissance had a hand.

Angkor Wat (Cambodia)

The Angkor Wat temple complex in Cambodia is the largest religious building, built almost 9 centuries ago. Even its name indicates monumentality, since it is translated as “temple city.” Its 200 hectares of territory are surrounded by a 190 m wide moat. This colossal temple is dedicated to Vishnu, whom Cambodians worship.

Ancient city of Petra (Jordan)

In the center of Jordan, in the Siq canyon among the sandstone mountains lies the amazing ancient city of Petra. It was created by the nomadic Nabatean tribes as a temporary shelter. Gradually, several inhabited rock caves turned into a real fortress city, which could only be reached through the narrow Siq gorge, which was once a stormy mountain stream. Now Petra is owned by the Bedouins, who more cordially welcome visitors to their land.

Mutianyu - section of the Great Wall of China (China)

It was on this section of the ancient Great Wall of China that restorers did their best work. It houses 22 watchtowers in their original form, which is why they are considered an architectural masterpiece. Translated from Chinese, Mutianyu means something like “valley with beautiful views of fields.” This section of the wall has been completely restored and is open to tourists.

Sagrada Familia (Barcelona, ​​Spain)

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This grandiose catholic church it is being built at a classic medieval pace - the second hundred years have already passed, and it is still being built, however, only with donations from parishioners, without attracting budgetary funds. If Gaudi had not joined this project in 1882, then perhaps today there would still be debate regarding the type of temple. The great Catalan architect supervised the construction of the temple until his death, but died without building even half of it. The facades of the temple look very different, as those who continued the construction contributed their own ideas. After the consecration of the temple in 2010 by Pope Benedict XVI, it was given the title of Minor Papal Basilica.

Christ the Redeemer Statue (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)

Rising above Rio, the colossal statue of Christ the Redeemer has long become a symbol of the city. Millions of tourists every year climb to its foot, which offers breathtaking views of the city, the bay, the beaches of Ipanema and Copacabana, and Sugar Loaf Mountain.

Teotihuacan (San Juan Teotihuacan, Mexico)

The name of this ancient Aztec settlement means “the city where people turn into gods.” They believed that the gods returned to Teotihuacan after the Great Flood to recreate the world. Historians believe that the population of this ancient city was about 200 thousand people. Unfortunately, the age of this largest of the cities of the pre-Columbian era has not been precisely established.

Grand Canyon (USA)

The Grand Canyon is one of the deepest in the world. It is cut by the Colorado River in the plateau of the same name, located in the state of Arizona, its length is almost 450 kilometers. Now it has become part of the national park of the same name. In its widest places, the width of the canyon reaches 29 kilometers. The scale of this pattern of natural erosion is astonishing. Extreme lovers come here to create something like this.

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Milan Cathedral (Italy)

The Duomo or Milan Cathedral is the main attraction of Milan and the pearl of Italian architecture in the Flamboyant Gothic style. Its construction lasted from 1386 until the beginning of the 19th century, and some parts were completed even in the last century. This is the third largest Catholic cathedral on our planet. Its sharp spire, topped with a golden Madonna, is 106 meters high.

Colored rocks of Zhangye Danxia (China)

Zhangye Danxia National Geopark is located in the Chinese province of Gansu, and its main attraction is the magnificent colored rocks. This natural wonder was formed as a result of layered deposits of sandstone and various minerals during the Cretaceous period. The height of these hills reaches several hundred meters. In the panoramic image, it seems that the local landscape was painted by some giant artist with orange, red, green, blue-gray and yellow paints.

Palace and park ensemble of Peterhof (Russia)

The countryside royal residence of Peterhof appears to the public as an extravaganza of flowing water, a kingdom of fountains and magnificent palaces, in which one can feel the era of the first Russian emperor, brilliant Elizabethan interiors and the more austere times of Nicholas I. In terms of luxury, few royal residences can compare with Peterhof. The pride of the park is the unique system of fountains created by the Russian hydraulic engineer Tuvolkov during the reign of Peter I. Although it copied the Versailles system, it surpassed it in many ways.

Egyptian pyramids

Located near Cairo, the ancient Egyptian pyramids are an eternal symbol the most ancient state. Here the hot sands of the Libyan Desert come into contact with the most fertile soils of the great Nile Valley. There are many pyramids in Egypt: tall and not very high, stepped and smooth, well preserved and practically destroyed. Pyramids are found in different places in Egypt: Memphis, Saqqara, Upper Egypt, Hawar, Abusir, Medum, Abu Rawash and El Lahun. Most of them are unfamiliar to tourists, for whom the main ones are the pyramids of Giza, a suburb of Cairo. It is believed that they were built 2600-2300 BC. e.

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Acropolis (Athens, Greece)

On a high hill in the very center of Athens there are buildings from ancient times - the Acropolis of Athens. Here are the temples of the Parthenon, Hekatompedon, Erechtheion, Temple of Nike Apteros, Statue of Athena Promachos, Propylaea - the main entrance buildings and much more. In total, there are about 21 buildings and structures in the acropolis. The history of the Acropolis is tragic: the Greco-Persian War almost destroyed it, and Persian harems and mosques settled in its temples. Later, the enterprising British lord, without embarrassment, took from here to London and Paris many valuable fragments, which are now exhibited in the Louvre and the British Museum. Fortunately, at the end of the 19th century, the Greeks decided to restore the Acropolis, for which they demolished everything that was built here later. Therefore, now tourists can enjoy the pristine view of ancient walls and columns.

Rock churches of Lalibela (Ethiopia)

This unique place is often called the “new Jerusalem”. All 11 churches of Lalibela were carved into the rocks approximately 800 years ago. The place was named in honor of Lalibela, the ruler of Ethiopia who lived in the 12th century, who founded his capital on this place. The construction of all the churches took only one century, which led to speculation that the builders were helped by angels who worked at night. In subsequent centuries, churches were guarded by clergy, who also preserved treasures, wrote manuscripts and consecrated bibles. The Cathedral of Christ the Savior has the largest dimensions - 11 m in height and 33 m in length; the colonnade at the facade, which includes 28 large columns, is also impressive. Here is the main Ethiopian shrine - a ritual cross that once belonged to King Lalibela.

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Moscow Kremlin (Russia)

The oldest building in the capital of Russia is its fortress - the Kremlin. Each part of it is a separate chapter of the story. In the early period of the development of the capital, the walls of the Kremlin protected residents from the enemy, but now it has become just a small corner in the very center of the city. The Moscow Kremlin is one of the Russian sites included in UNESCO's list of protected sites. World Heritage. Numerous architectural and historical monuments are densely located on the territory of the modern Kremlin: the Chamber of Facets, the Tsar Cannon, the Tsar Bell, several historical churches, etc. Nowadays, the Moscow Kremlin is the official residence of the President of Russia.

Zhangjiajie National Park (China)

If you watched the movie "Avatar", then you were probably amazed by the "flying" rocks in an area called Pandora. Almost the entire landscape was not drawn on a computer, it was filmed here - in national park Zhangjiajie, which is located in the Wulingyuan Mountains (southeastern Chinese province of Hunan). In the park you can see quartzite rocks up to 800 meters high - the result of thousands of years of erosion. The Wulingyuan mountain range also has much higher peaks - reaching heights of over 3000 meters.

Eiffel Tower (Paris, France)

Who would have thought that a temporary structure built for the World Exhibition would not only survive, but also become the most recognizable symbol of Paris and all of France, the most important landmark of the country's capital. Millions of tourists from all over the world come to its observation platforms every year, from where the whole of Paris is visible, and in the light of night or festive illumination it becomes a real beauty.

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Hagia Sophia (Istanbul, Türkiye)

Whatever this ancient city is called - Constantinople or Istanbul - it is still adorned by the majestic St. Sophia Cathedral. This is the best example of Byzantine architecture; it remains an ancient witness to the greatness of the Byzantine Empire. The Turks who conquered the city turned the cathedral into a Muslim mosque in the 15th century, but treated it quite delicately. Therefore, now tourists have a great opportunity to visit the magnificent Hagia Sophia Museum and enjoy the beauty of the ancient temple.

Iguazu Falls (Argentina-Brazil)

Situated on the Iguazu River on the border between Argentina and Brazil, the magnificent Iguazu Falls are twice as tall and wide as the famous Niagara Falls on the Great Lakes. It is also called the “Devil's Throat”. It stretches along the river for two kilometers, and its cascades form a kind of horseshoe. The appearance of this waterfall was facilitated by a volcanic eruption, after which a large cleft was left in the ground. During the rainy season, the waterfall throws down 13,000 cubic meters of water every second, then it looks especially impressive. This is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world.

Colosseum (Rome, Italy)

This one of the symbols of the Eternal City appeared in it 80 years BC. e. About 50,000 Romans could have gathered there for the spectacle. The opening of the Colosseum itself was celebrated in Rome for 100 days, and battles in its arena continued until the decline of the empire in the 4th century. Subsequent generations greatly “pinched” the Colosseum, dismantling it for building materials, but there is still much to be seen there.

Alhambra (Granada, Spain)

Translated from Arabic, Alhambra means “red castle”. The Moorish rulers built this magnificent fortress-palace in the province of Granada on the top of a rocky plateau. In this wonderful palace, subtle, graceful Moorish architecture appeared in all its splendor.

Sydney Opera House (Australia)

The relatively young building of this theater, built by the Dane Jorn Utzon, instantly became a recognizable symbol of Sydney. The original roof design resembles half-open shells. This theater has become a must-see for most tourists.

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