Famous world landmarks. The most famous landmarks in the world

Moscow is many-sided and grandiose, each time it turns to the traveler with thousands of different sides. Here, the multicolored domes of Orthodox churches coexist with monumental skyscrapers in the Stalinist Empire style. Wealthy estates of aristocratic families Russian Empire stand next to trendy restaurants and clubs, the glass skyscrapers of the business districts sparkle against the backdrop of the picturesque Kutuzovsky Prospekt.

In Moscow great amount cultural objects - more than 400 museums, about a thousand monuments, 130 theaters and dozens of concert halls. Most of the events of the social life of the country from prime ministers 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 walking. Photos and a short 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 has served as a defensive structure; over the centuries, it has been repeatedly burned and rebuilt. Red Square has repeatedly 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 help in the capture of Kazan. Initially, the building 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 Basil the Blessed, who collected part of the money for the construction of the temple and transferred it to Ivan the Terrible.

3. Zaryadye Park

Public space in the historical district of the capital of the same name. Construction was carried out in 2014-2017, after the demolition of the Rossiya Hotel located on this site. There are 4 landscape zones of Russia represented in the park. The total number of trees planted is 752, bushes - about 7 thousand. In different parts of Zaryadye there are zones with an artificial microclimate. In 2018, a concert hall was 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 highest tower of the Federation complex reaches a height of 235 meters, other buildings have also been given their own names. Moscow City was nicknamed "Moscow Manhattan", the quarter was conceived as the Russian analogue of the London and New York business districts.

5. Cathedral of Christ the Savior

The Cathedral of Moscow, where the Patriarch conducts divine 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 Soviet times, the building was blown up, and the Palace of Soviets appeared in its place, and later, the Moskva pool. The cathedral was rebuilt in 1994-1997. and now has the 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 reign 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, took the tonsure in the monastery. Many came here against their will. In architectural terms, the monastery is a real fortress with powerful walls.

7. Church of the Ascension in Kolomenskoye

Temple of the 16th century on the banks of the Moskva River in the territory of the 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 samples of stone hipped temples in Russia. 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 in 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 project of F. O. Bogdanovich-Dvorzhetsky. The cathedral is a typical example of the architecture of Catholic churches - lancet arches, figured towers directed upwards, colored stained-glass windows. Organ music concerts and other cultural events are constantly held in the temple.

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 pseudo-Gothic or Russian Gothic architectural style. Previously, the ensemble served as the royal residence. Today, the park houses exhibitions, museums, concert halls, greenhouses. Thanks to the beautiful landscape, the Tsaritsyno ensemble has become a popular place for wedding photo shoots.

10. Kolomna Palace

The wooden palace in Kolomenskoye Park, which belonged to Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich. It opened to the public in 2010. The building was founded in the 17th century, its appearance was conceived in such a way as to emphasize the power of the Russian state and the greatness of the tsar. The interior decoration was opulent and luxurious. Under Catherine II, the palace was dismantled, but its detailed drawings were previously made. According to these drawings, the complex was completely restored later.

11. Kremlin in Izmailovo

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

12. Manor Kuskovo

The mansion of the XVIII century, which belonged to the count family of Sheremetevs. The magnificent estate, surrounded by a landscaped park, was used for magnificent receptions, balls, festivities and theatrical performances. The museum on the territory of the complex exhibits one of the world's largest collections of ceramics. Exhibitions, concerts, festivities in old Russian traditions are constantly held in Kuskovo.

13. Krutitsy Compound

An architectural monument of the 17th century in the Tagansky district of the capital. Since 1991, it has been serving as a patriarchal residence. 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, a monastery was located here, and then the residence of higher clergy. Krutitsy Compound is a place where you can imagine what Moscow looked like in past centuries.

14. Bolshoi Theater

The main opera stage of the country 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 building of the theater 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 merchant family Tretyakov. In 1861, in his will, Pavel Tretyakov transferred the family gallery to the city and determined the amount 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 painting, engraving, icon painting.

16. Armory and Diamond Fund

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

17. State Historical Museum

It is located on Red Square and is one of the main metropolitan museums. In countless halls, collections covering all eras in Russian history from ancient times to the 20th century. Extensive expositions relating to the history of other states are also presented. The museum was founded by order of Alexander II in 1872. In 1990, the building was included in the UNESCO heritage list along with Red Square.

18. Nikulin Moscow 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 teams 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 is designed for 2000 people, modern equipment is used during performances.

19. Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts

The museum gallery was opened in 1913, the basis of the collection was exhibits from the collection of the Cabinet of Fine Arts and Antiquities of Moscow University. Later, original samples of culture were acquired ancient egypt. During the 20th century, the museum developed and expanded, and now it contains about 700 exhibits. Various exhibitions of world-famous authors are constantly held in the halls.

20. Bunker 42 on Taganka

Museum of the Cold War, located at a depth of 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 interior of the bunker during a guided tour and watch a film about the Cold War.

21. Victory Park on Poklonnaya Hill

Park complex with memorials dedicated to the Victory in the Great Patriotic War 1941-1945. Before construction began in 1987, the hill on Poklonnaya Gora was partially demolished. The park officially opened in 1995. The central monument is an obelisk crowned with a statue of the goddess Nike, 141.8 meters high. In 2009-2010 the Eternal Flame burned here, transferred for the period of reconstruction from the Alexander Garden.

22. Sparrow Hills

Sparrow Hills are considered the main observation deck Moscow, overlooking the valley of the Moscow River, Luzhniki, Stalin skyscrapers and skyscrapers of Moscow City. Nearby is the building of Moscow State University. The park zone of Sparrow Hills is a great place for walking, cycling and rollerblading, jogging. Moscow bikers have been gathering near the observation deck for many years.

23. Luzhniki Sports Complex

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 objects, including a sports arena for 78 thousand seats, football fields, tennis courts, swimming pools and a golf academy. The final match of the 2018 FIFA World Cup was played at Luzhniki Stadium.

24. Moscow Metro

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

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 over a thousand animal species. The area is divided into themes. There are both open expositions and enclosures, as well as closed ones. Anyone can arrange guardianship of the animal they like, finance its maintenance and receive a number of privileges. The living symbol of the zoo is Samson the giraffe.

26. VDNH

A large park area in the North-East of the capital with numerous exhibition pavilions, well-groomed alleys, fountains, cafes, concert venues. VDNKh is one of the most popular weekend getaways for citizens. Here you can visit the aquarium, the historical pavilion, innovative exhibitions, farmers' markets, a theater and even a "port" with a pool and a beach. There are many cyclists, roller skaters and other athletes at VDNKh.

27. Ostankino TV Tower

The TV tower is another important symbol of the capital. The tower provides TV broadcasting to the whole of Russia, TV studios and offices of the main channels are located here. The building reaches a height of 540 meters. Ostankino tower 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 gates 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 Beauvais 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 skyscrapers

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

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. Over the course of the 20th century, GUM gradually became the main and most coveted store in the country - all business travelers tend to get into it in order to purchase scarce goods. Nowadays, GUM is a territory of expensive boutiques, historical shops and author's showrooms.

31. Street Old Arbat

The famous walking boulevard of the capital, where, surrounded by charming Moscow mansions of previous centuries, street performers perform and artists draw portraits. A large number of souvenir shops, restaurants and small interesting museums are concentrated on the Arbat. The street is included in the mandatory visiting program for foreign tourists, so here they can be seen in considerable numbers.

32. Hermitage Garden

A small park in the city center, a popular place for walking among locals. The garden was founded by entrepreneur and philanthropist Y. Shchukin at the end of the 19th century. The last major renovation took place in the late 1990s. XX century. The park has three theaters and an open stage for summer concerts. In the warm season, festivals and various events are often held here, attracting many visitors.

33. MUZEON Arts Park

A large area of ​​arts, located on the Crimean embankment. The art zone includes outdoor exhibitions, landscaped gardens, fountains, contemporary art objects and numerous walking paths. Krymskaya embankment itself is a picturesque pedestrian area on the banks of the Moskva River, cozy and romantic place, which 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 Krasny Oktyabr confectionery factory. This is a kind of bohemian center of the capital, where events are constantly taking 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 recent years, the place has changed and has become a point of attraction for the advanced public. Ecological events, vegetarian festivals, skateboarding competitions and other events are constantly organized here. The park often becomes a venue for large-scale city holidays. In winter, a skating rink has been operating on the territory for several years.

How many attractions do you think are located on the territory of the largest country in the world? We think no one will name the exact number, because there are so many amazingly beautiful and unique places in Russia!

This country is rich in both natural and man-made attractions, it will surprise you with historical buildings and cultural traditions. In Russia, you can find both incredibly beautiful wooden temples and picturesque corners created by nature just for a pleasant stay.

Of course, most tourists begin their acquaintance with Russia precisely from and where tourism infrastructure especially well developed. However, today tours are becoming more and more popular, for example, on the lakes of Karelia, on Baikal and Altai.

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What to see in Russia?

The most interesting and beautiful places, photos and a brief description.

1. St. Basil's Cathedral

Probably the most famous Russian temple, bright and unusual, real business card not only in Moscow, but throughout the country. Basil's Cathedral is remarkable not only for its location right on Red Square, but also for its history, architecture, original decoration and a collection of icons and church valuables.

2. Moscow Kremlin and Red Square

The Kremlin is not just an amazing historical building, but also a symbol of Russian power. It takes a very long time to talk about everything that can be seen on the expanses of Red Square and the Kremlin, this object is still the subject of study by scientists and creates new legends. Of course, visiting Russia and not visiting her heart would be a huge omission!

3. Lake Baikal

Every schoolchild knows that Baikal has the deepest depth on the planet. But to say it's just the most deep lake- means not to note the amazing atmosphere and beauty of this place. Be sure to rate the cleanliness blue ice Lake Baikal, its amazingly delicious fish and just take a break from the bustle of the city alone with nature.

4. Valley of Geysers in Kamchatka

This valley looks like it was transferred from another planet. This is the most extensive territory with geysers in the world and the only one in all of Eurasia! If you want to see one of the Seven Wonders of Russia, take a helicopter tour, which is carried out in accordance with strict rules and only under the supervision of a guide.

5. The architectural ensemble of Kizhi

This amazing creation is located on an island on Lake Onega and is unique in its kind. The openwork church, built, just imagine, without a single nail, exclusively with an ax, the bell tower, a beautiful fence and the unique color of the Kizhi ensemble do not leave anyone indifferent.

6. Kazan Kremlin

This is not just a historical object of cultural heritage, but a museum-reserve, the only center of Tatar culture and traditions on the planet. The Kazan Kremlin has been perfectly preserved, retaining its unique features and appearance. This Tatar fortress is located in the very center, so you definitely won’t pass by.

7. Nizhny Novgorod Kremlin

Built back in the 16th century, the Kremlin in Novgorod surprises with impregnable walls with narrow loopholes, blind towers stretching for several levels, and fortifications. The Cathedral of the Archangel Michael is also located here. Until now, the Kremlin remains the cultural and administrative center of the city, there are two museums and the Center for Contemporary Art.

8. Golden Ring of Russia

Of course, the ring is symbolic, uniting eight ancient Russian cities. The Golden Circle trails have become very popular weekend tours, where you can see the most interesting places, etc. Monasteries, churches, original souvenirs and just beautiful nature will make a trip around the Golden Ring memorable and interesting.

9. Church of the Intercession on the Nerl

A masterpiece of world architecture, an elegant building that stands on a meadow, in a place where the Nerl River joins the Klyazma. This architectural monument is surely called the most lyrical, unusual and beautiful. The temple, standing alone on the banks of the river, harmoniously blended into the surrounding nature, it seems to be an integral part of it.

10. State Tretyakov Gallery

The largest Russian museum, which has collected a lot of masterpieces by Russian masters and not only. Starting with a private collection, today the Tretyakov Gallery is known throughout the world and is a federal museum. You can wander through the halls of this gallery for hours, and many paintings deserve a separate story, they are so important for world culture.

11. Hermitage

This St. Petersburg museum celebrated its 250th anniversary in 2014 and is one of the most extensive collections of art masterpieces on the planet. The Hermitage collection contains more than 3 million exhibits, including not only paintings, but also sculptures, numismatics, archaeological artifacts, as well as objects of applied art.

12. Bolshoi Theater

One of the most important, significant opera and ballet theaters on the planet. The Bolshoi Theatre, which not so long ago "survived" a large-scale reconstruction, is located in the center of Moscow and attracts not only theater-goers, but also those who would just like to get to know its features and magnificent decoration better. We warn you that it will not be easy to get tickets for the premiere at the Bolshoi Theater, and their price may unpleasantly surprise the provincials.

13. Peterhof

Luxurious, truly royal residence near St. Petersburg, was founded by Peter the Great, is known for its parks and fountains, magnificent decoration Grand Palace and pavilions. The system of cascades and fountains of Peterhof is the largest in the world! Moreover, all the fountains are decorated in the same style, with numerous sculptures.

14. Street Old Arbat

The most famous street in Moscow, sung by poets, writers and artists. Now the Arbat is the most touristic street of the capital, closed to cars and famous for its souvenir shops, shops, street musicians and artists. It is nice to sit in a cafe here, just take a walk along the street, which has retained its historical charm.

15. Mamayev Kurgan and the sculpture "The Motherland Calls"

Mamaev Kurgan during the Great Patriotic War played a very great strategic importance, became a place of bloody battles. Now there is a memorial complex here, the most noticeable part of which was the statue "Motherland Calls". The complex has become the most visited in Russia, due to its location it is clearly visible from a distance of tens of kilometers.

16. Cable-stayed bridges in Vladivostok

The need to build bridges that should connect different parts scattered along the banks of the Golden Horn has been talked about for more than a hundred years. However, this large-scale project, which changed the face of the city, was only realized in 2012. Now Vladivostok is adorned with two of the largest cable-stayed bridges in the country, and the bridge to Russky Island with the longest span on the planet is included in the Guinness Book of Records.

17. Pillars of weathering - Manpupuner

The Manpupuner Plateau is located in the northern part of the Urals and is famous for its weathering pillars - massive stone statues created by nature. Now it is a reserve, which can be visited only on the basis of a special permit. The height of individual pillars reaches 42 meters; this place was important in the religious beliefs of the Mansi.

18. Kungur cave

This is the pearl of the Urals - an ice cave, which is considered the most beautiful of all the gypsum caves on the planet. Today, the Kungur cave, located in the ancient city of the same name, is the only one in the country specially equipped for excursions. You can walk between the frozen "sculptures" of ice and stone, visit the restaurant at the entrance and stay right at the local hotel.

19. Volcanoes of Kamchatka

It is noteworthy that the inhabitants of Kamchatka are not afraid of their volcanoes. They are not very active, decorating the landscape with their dark silhouettes. Which of the Kamchatka volcanoes is the most beautiful? You can argue about this for a very long time! Usually called Kronotsky, Koryaksky and Klyuchevsky volcanoes, which have become real symbols of the region, as the highest.

20. Lena Pillars

This nature Park located in Yakutia, on the Lena River. Boat tours along the majestic pillars created by nature, simply striking in their size and unusual appearance, are very popular. In general, the complex consists of two separate sections, occupying a total area of ​​about 81,000 hectares.

21. Sayano-Shushenskaya HPP

This is already a landmark, if you can call it the largest hydroelectric power station in the country, created by man. It took a very long time to build the Sayano-Shushenskaya HPP, faced with such difficulties as cracks in the dam. In 2009, a major accident occurred at the station, and it was only possible to restore it in the fall of 2014.

22. Kul Sharif Mosque

According to legend, after Russian troops took Kazan in the 16th century, the mosque was burned to the ground, and Kul Sharif himself, the warrior and prophet of Muhammad, was killed. However, the outlines of that mosque remained, which simply amazed the conquerors. As a result, Ivan the Terrible repeated them in St. Basil's Cathedral. The mosque in Kazan was rebuilt and opened in 2005 and has now become an ornament of the whole city.

23. Shikhans in Bashkiria

This is the highest rocky massif of the entire Upper Urals, three mountains that appear to be warriors protecting this region - Kush-Tau, Tra-Tau and Yurak-Tau, the three brothers of Shikhan. The fourth mountain was almost completely used in the extraction of raw materials for the plant in Sterlitamak. Shikhany in Bashkiria are known for their wonderful nature and amazing geology - they are from coral reefs, because the Ural Sea once raged here.

24. Elbrus

The most high mountain Russia. And if we take into account the fact that there is still no clear border between Europe and Asia, then throughout the European territory. Of course, not everyone can climb its 5642 meters, but the surroundings of Elbrus still enjoy the fame of one of the most beautiful regions of Russia, with its ancient history and special atmosphere.

25. Trans-Siberian Railway

The Trans-Siberian is the longest railway line in the world. This highway stretches for 9298 kilometers! Almost across the country. The Trans-Siberian Railway connects the European part of Russia with Siberia and the Far Eastern regions, plays a huge role in the history and economy of the country. The construction of the Trans-Siberian began in 1891, so now the authorities intend to reconstruct the line.

26. Golden Mountains of Altai

Steppes and tundra, semi-deserts and mountains, the purest lakes and amazing caves, fast rivers and alpine meadows. In the Golden Mountains of Altai, cedar forests have been preserved, it is here that the highest mountain of Siberia - Belukha, the Altai pearl - Lake Teletskoye and a lot of other interesting things are located.

27. Krasnoyarsk Reserve Stolby

Just a few kilometers from the outskirts is the Stolby nature reserve, which was founded back in 1925. The main feature of the reserve is the cliffs that rise above the taiga, surprising with their variety of shapes and colors, as well as their sizes - up to 100 meters. The nature of the Stolby reserve is very beautiful and diverse, which attracts tourists.

28. Wrangel Island

One of the most inaccessible nature reserves not only in Russia, but throughout the world, is located in the Arctic and is primarily known as a favorite place for polar bears, whose females breed their cubs here. In winter, Wrangel Island is very deserted, but in summer, on a polar day, you can come to admire the untouched nature of the Arctic.

29. Cruiser Aurora

It makes no sense to describe the most famous Russian ship. Everyone who studied in a Soviet school is well aware of the song dedicated to him, and the history, and participation in the 1917 revolution. Now it is a museum cruiser, which has now left the "eternal parking" and went to the shipyards for a major overhaul. The Aurora should return to the berth of the northern capital in 2016.

30. Pole of Cold Oymyakon

Yakutia is the coldest of all inhabited regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Exactly locality Oymyakon was recognized as the coldest place - the temperature here dropped to minus 71.2 degrees! In honor of this, commemorative sign, the so-called "Pole of Cold". At the same time, already at minus 50 degrees, local residents hear the “whisper of the stars”, a noise that looks more like wind or falling grains. It actually freezes the person's breath.

What places do tourists visit most often? Journalists from Travel Leisure decided to find out. Based on the data provided by the institutions responsible for tourism in different countries, was compiled a list of the most visited places in the world by tourists. What is the most popular place among tourists? Find out at Fullpicche.

30 PHOTOS

30th place. The Universal Studios Japan amusement park in Osaka, which opened in 2001. It is visited by 10.1 million people annually. (A photo: [email protected]/flickr.com).
29th place. The Disney's Animal Kingdom amusement park in Florida is the largest of all the amusement parks owned by Walt Disney World Resort. It is also the second largest amusement park in the world. It is visited by 10.2 million people annually. (Photo: Ana Paula Hirama/flickr.com).
28th place. Disneyland Paris, which opened in 1992, is located on the outskirts of Paris, in Marne-la-Vallee. It is visited by 10.4 million people annually. (Photo: Christian Bortes/flickr.com).
27th place. Sacré-Coeur Basilica, which is located on the picturesque hill of Montmartre in Paris. Its bell tower houses one of the largest bells in the world. This cathedral attracts 10.5 million people annually. (Photo: Son of Groucho/flickr.com).
26th place. The Great Wall of China (Wanli Changcheng) is the largest building structure of ancient China, consisting of defensive fortifications erected at different times in order to protect the northern borders of the country from the nomadic peoples of the North. It is visited by 10.7 million people annually. (Photo: Shutterstock)
25th place. With 11 chapels, 45 altars and countless statues, Saint Peter's Basilica in the Vatican was created by the greatest architects and artists of the Renaissance and Baroque eras. 11 million people visit this place every year. (Photo: Chris Yunker/flickr.com).
24th place. Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. This amusement park, located on a plot of 12,000 hectares, is one of the largest entertainment complexes in the world. It is visited by 11.2 million people annually. (Photo: Evan Wohrman/flickr.com).
23rd place. The San Antonio waterfront in San Antonio, Texas. For a long time, this embankment was neglected and overgrown with weeds. However, the city authorities decided to change this, and by investing $ 72 million, they created the most beautiful place in a city that attracts thousands for tourists and locals alike. Every year 11.5 million people go there. (Photo: jjsala/flickr.com).
22nd place. South Street of the Seaport in New York. The cobbled streets, buildings, and waterfront that formed this 19th-century New York waterfront, known as "Sail Street," have now become one of the city's most popular attractions. Every year this tourist center is visited by 12 million people. (Photo: Patricia Hallstein/flickr.com).
21st place. Balboa Park is the largest tourist center in San Diego. There are a large number of museums and historical buildings of the 19th and 20th centuries, built in the Spanish style and with colorful gardens. More than 12 million people visit this place every year. (Photo: Osbornb/flickr.com).
20th place. Golden Gate Park is located in San Francisco and covers an area of ​​4.1 square kilometers. It is visited by 13 million people a year. (Photo: Mila Zinkova/Wikimedia).
19th place. Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, which is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, is visited by 14 million people every year. (Photo: Shutterstock).
18th place. Tokyo Disney Sea is an amusement park whose main motive is various myths and legends associated with the sea. More than 14 million tourists visit it every year. (Photo: JoshBerglund19/flickr.com).
17th place. Golden Gate National Recreation Area in San Francisco. This is an ideal place for a picnic and just relaxing among the greenery. 14.2 million people come there every year. (Photo: Frank Schulenburg/flickr.com).
16th place. The Forbidden City in Beijing is the former residence of the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties, which houses about 800 palaces. For five centuries the residence was closed to the outside world. Every year 15.3 million people come here. (Photo: Shutterstock).
15th place. Disneyland in Anaheim, California. Every year, 16.2 million people have fun there. (Photo: HarshLight/flickr.com).
14th place. Disneyland Tokyo opened in 1983 and was the first Disney theme park outside of the United States. Every year it is visited by 17.2 million people. (Photo: fortherock/lickr.com).
13th place. Faneuil Hall Marketplace in Boston is a lively marketplace where you can buy a wide variety of goods from all over the world. About 18 million people visit it every year. (Photo: Masayuki (Yuki) Kawagishi/flickr.com)
12th place. Disney World's Magic Kingdom in Orlando, which opened in 1971, has 18.5 million visitors annually. (Photo: versageek/flickr.com).
11th place. The Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico is the most big temple Mary in the world, which is visited annually by 20 million people. (Photo: Janothird/wikimedia.org).
10th place. Grand Central Station in New York is the largest train station in the world. It is visited by 21.6 million people annually. (Photo: Rob Young/wikimedia.org).
9th place. Niagara Falls a total of 21.6 million people a year come to admire from the Canadian and American sides. No wonder, because this place makes a huge and indelible impression, regardless of the season. (Photo: Michael Muraz/flickr.com).
8th place. Senso-ji is the oldest Buddhist temple in Tokyo, built in 628. It is visited by 30 million people every year. (Photo: Wei-Te Wong/flickr.com).
7th place. The Meiji Jingu Shrine in Tokyo was built over 100 years ago in honor of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Currently, it is visited by at least 30 million people annually. Despite this big number visitors, there you can find peace and tranquility. The temple is surrounded by a forest with more than 100,000 trees. (Photo: Meiji Jingu/flickr.com)
6th place. The Las Vegas Strip is a part of Las Vegas Boulevard about 6.8 kilometers long. The Las Vegas Strip is home to nineteen of the twenty-five largest hotels in the world by number of rooms. The Las Vegas Strip is visited by 30.5 million people annually. (Photo: David Stanley/flickr.com).
5th place. Washington DC's Union Station is the fifth most visited train station in the world. tourist places in the world. It is visited by 40 million people every year. (Photo: F Delventhal/flickr.com).
4th place. Central Park is the green symbol of New York. Every year, about 40 million people pass through its streets, for whom this the best place for relaxing on the grass in a densely built-up city. (Photo: Abir Anwar/flickr.com).
3rd place. Times Square in New York has topped the list of the world's most visited tourist destinations for years. In the latest ranking, however, he took only third place. This most famous square in the US is visited by 50 million people every year. (Photo: MK Feeney/flickr.com).
2nd place. Zocalo Square (Constitution Square) in Mexico City is one of the largest in the world. It was founded by the conquistadors in the 16th century on the site where the center of the Aztec capital Tenochtitlan used to be. It is now a very busy square where people like to sit on benches, stone steps or high curbs. It is visited by 85 million people annually. (Photo: David Jones/flickr.com).
1st place in the ranking of the most visited places in the world by tourists was taken by the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul. The Grand Bazaar is a huge maze of thousands of shops, stalls, fountains and cafes, and a mixture of scents, colors and people. You can buy almost everything at the Grand Bazaar: clothes, trinkets, carpets, spices and even aphrodisiacs. Buying here is a relentless bargaining and an interesting adventure. This is probably why the Grand Bazaar is the most visited place in the world. Every year, 91.2 million people shop there! (Photo: george ruiz/flickr.com).

“Well, here we are. Well, let's take a dip. Well, let's have a cocktail. So, what is next? What do we do?" Familiar? If yes - congratulations, you belong to the same type of people who can not sit still. Well, if, besides, limp reclining in sun loungers inspires you as little as strong-willed surfing, then you are completely one of their 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 brings you into a state close to prayerful ecstasy, and the streets of old Prague almost drive you crazy. Congratulations, you are an "excursion-oriented, ordinary tourist."

The whole point of excursion tourism lies in the fact that it quietly coexists with beach holiday, and with skiing, as, indeed, with any other. One does not exclude the other, rather, it complements.

However, there are also entire tours dedicated to sightseeing of cities and capitals, antiquities and natural wonders of all five continents. Such trips are usually chosen by individuals who are 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 paradise, 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 - only a messy cocktail of porticoes and rotundas, dozens of museum halls and thousand-year-old ruins will remain in your head.

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

Leisure destinations

Classic: Europe. The main impact 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 you know, are not so great, often cover more than one country. Sometimes tours include visiting world-famous attractions - such as, for example, Versailles in France, the Colosseum in Italy, the Acropolis in Greece. Sometimes there are excursions exclusively to little-known places, sometimes highly specialized tours are organized, for example, in baroque architecture or in temple construction.

ancient civilizations. The second number in the popularity rating 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 terms of money. Ancient civilizations that have monuments that take us not even centuries, but millennia, are surprisingly mysterious and therefore alluring. The further into the dust of time - the more secrets, to which, as you know, no one can remain indifferent.

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

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

Excursion Russia. Well, native Russia closes the top five directions-leaders. The expanses of our country are huge: 9 climatic zones and the same number of time zones, mountain ranges, hills, full-flowing rivers, dozens and hundreds of natural wonders - Avacha Bay, Kungurskaya ice cave, Krasnoyarsk pillars, Uzon caldera... it would be impossible to list them all. 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, besides, in comparison with all of the above, it is quite budgetary.

Experts from the world's largest travel site TripAdvisor have compiled a rating of 25 cultural sites that have been most highly rated by tourists from around the globe.

In general, if you have not yet decided on your plans for your next vacation, you can find some great ideas in this review. For the next 25 vacations.

Machu Picchu, Peru

Machu Picchu, recognized as one of the New Wonders of the World, is located on the territory of the modern, on top of a mountain range at an altitude of 2450 meters above sea level. It is called the "city in the sky" or "the city among the clouds", and sometimes the "lost city of the Incas". Some archaeologists believe that this city was created as a sacred mountain retreat by the great Inca ruler Pachacutec around 1440 and functioned until 1532, when the Spaniards invaded the territory of the Inca empire. In 1532, all its inhabitants mysteriously disappeared.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi, UAE

The Sheikh Zayed Mosque is one of the six largest mosques in the world. Named after Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al-Nahyan, founder and first president of the United United Arab Emirates. Unlike many other Muslim temples, everyone is allowed into it, regardless of faith.

Taj Mahal, Agra, India

The Taj Mahal mausoleum is one of the most recognizable landmarks not only in India but all over the world. The construction was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died during childbirth. The Taj Mahal is considered one of the most beautiful buildings in the world, as well as a symbol of eternal love.

Mesquita, Cordoba, Spain

Walls decorated with intricate patterns, mosaic ornaments, hundreds of thin openwork columns - this is how the Cathedral Mosque of Cordoba appears today. Many centuries ago, there was an ancient Roman temple on this site, then it was replaced by the Visigothic church, and in 785 Mesquita appeared. It became the second most important mosque on the planet, and the pilgrimage to Cordoba was even equated with the hajj to Mecca, which is obligatory for every Muslim. But then the Catholics replaced the Moors, and Mezquita was turned into a Christian church.

St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican, Italy

The heart of the Vatican and the entire Catholic world, St.'s Cathedral is one of the main attractions of Rome. Here you can see the ancient one from a bird's eye view, admire the interior of the cathedral from the top of the dome, defend the mass and even receive the blessing of the pontiff.

Angkor Wat, Siem Reap, Cambodia

The Cambodian temple complex Angkor Wat is the largest religious building ever built, with a history of almost 9 centuries. Even its name speaks about the monumentality of the temple complex, because Angkor Wat literally translates as Temple City. It covers an area of ​​200 hectares and is surrounded by a moat 190 meters wide. This colossal building is dedicated to the god Vishnu, revered in this area.

Bayon Temple Complex, Siem Reap, Cambodia

Bayon is one of the most amazing temples located on the territory of Tom and was its religious center. The “highlight” of Bayon is considered to be towers with many faces carved from stone, silently looking from a height on the vast territory of Tom, and in the heyday of the state - on the entire Khmer Empire. Initially, there were 54 towers, which symbolized the 54 provinces under the rule of the king. Today, only about 37 towers have survived.

Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ on Blood, St. Petersburg, Russia

The Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ, better known as the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, has become the only Russian attraction on the TripAdvisor list. Spas-on-Blood attracts tourists from all over the world not only with the magnificence of its domes and interiors, but also unusual story which gave rise to many legends and conjectures. Many of them are related to the fact that the temple was erected on the spot where on March 1, 1881, I. Grinevitsky, a Narodnaya Volya member, mortally wounded Alexander II, who was popularly called the Tsar Liberator for the abolition of serfdom.

Gettysburg National Military Park, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

Gettysburg National Military Park is not a park at all in the traditional sense. Here you will not find shady alleys and flowering flower beds. This is the place where an important battle took place in 1863 civil war in the United States.

Old city walls, Dubrovnik, Croatia

In 1979, UNESCO listed the Old Town of Dubrovnik as a World Heritage Site, including a large part of the city's ancient walls. They surround the city from all four sides and keep a venerable collection historical monuments, including towers, fortresses, churches, monasteries, squares and streets, schools, museums and galleries. Built for defense purposes, these stone walls have protected the citizens since the founding of Dubrovnik in the 6th century.

Shwedagon Pagoda, Yangon, Myanmar

The Shwedagon Pagoda is the tallest spiritual building in Myanmar, or, as it is also called, the Land of Pagodas. The entire complex of the giant pagoda occupies more than five hectares of land, on which, in addition to the main structure, there are many smaller spiers and an innumerable number of sculptural images of mythical and real animals: golden griffins and elephants, dragons and lions. Shwedagon Pagoda became what it is today in the 15th century, during the reign of Queen Shinsobu. It was then that the giant temple was finally given the shape of an inverted begging bowl and sheathed with gold from top to bottom.

Lincoln Memorial and Reflecting Pool, Washington DC

The Lincoln Memorial is a majestic temple, made in the ancient Greek style and somewhat reminiscent of the Parthenon. It is supported by 36 white marble columns according to the number of states that belonged at the time of President Lincoln's death. In the center of the temple is a statue of the world's most respected American president, seated in an armchair. Its height is 5.79 meters.

Ancient City of Petra, Petra/Wadi Musa, Jordan

In the heart of Jordan, in the valley of Wadi Musa, deep in the sandy mountains, is the amazing city of ancient Petra. Initially, Petra was a temporary home for the nomadic tribes of the Nabataeans. From several fortified rocky caves, it gradually grew into a large city-fortress. There is only one way to get to the city - through the narrow gorge of the Siq, which was once the bed of a mountain stream. Petra still belongs to the Bedouins, who welcome guests to their land.

Mutianyu section of the Great Wall of China, Beijing, China

In no other section of the Great Wall of China has restoration work been carried out as well as in the Mutianyu section. This site with 22 watchtowers that have retained their original appearance is a real architectural masterpiece. The phrase Mutianyu is translated from Chinese as "a valley in which you can admire the views of the fields." Among all sections of the Great Wall of China, Mutianyu is the longest fully restored section open to tourists.

Ancient city of Ephesus, Selcuk, Turkey

The largest and best preserved ancient city on the coast of the Aegean Sea and the second most important after Pompeii in the Mediterranean is ancient Ephesus, which is the most visited attraction in Turkey. Legends connect the appearance of the city with the name of Androclus, the son of the ruler of Athens Codras, who, on the advice of the oracle, arrived in these places to lay the temple of Artemis. The city got its name from the Amazon Ephesia, beloved of Androclus.

Alhambra, Spain

Alhambra (Arabic Al Hamra - literally "Red Castle") is an ancient palace and fortress of the Moorish rulers of the province in southern Spain. The castle occupies the top of a rocky plateau on the southeastern border of Granada. The name Alhambra probably comes from the color of the sun-dried clay or bricks from which the castle walls are made. However, some historians suggest that the name comes from the "red flame of torches" that illuminated the long-term construction of the castle, which went on around the clock.

Australian War Memorial, Canberra, Australia

This is the main memorial dedicated to the memory of soldiers who died during the First and Second World Wars. Today it is considered one of the most significant monuments of its kind in the world. The memorial is located near the Parliament building, from the balcony of which a panoramic view of the monument opens.

Siena Cathedral, Siena, Italy

According to the annals, at the beginning of the 13th century, the inhabitants of the city-state, which acted as the main competitor and opponent of Florence, "called on their leaders to build a temple more magnificent than their neighbors." So between 1215 and 1263, the Duomo of Siena was founded on the site of the old temple according to the plan of the Gothic master Niccolò Pisano. Today this majestic temple is the main attraction of the city.

Milan Cathedral (Duomo), Milan, Italy

The most important place in Milan is the Cathedral of Santa Maria Nashente (Duomo), the pearl of Italian Gothic, which was built from 1386 to the beginning of the 19th century. The third largest Catholic church on the planet can safely be considered one of the wonders of the world. Its hundred-meter spiers rise above the center of Milan, and the golden statue of the Madonna on the longest spire (four meters high) is visible from many parts of the city.

Sagrada Familia, Barcelona, ​​Spain

The Basilica of the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona is one of the most famous long-term construction projects in the world: its construction began almost 150 years ago and continues to this day. Although initially Antonio Gaudi had nothing to do with the construction of this temple, a year after the start of work, he led this project. Gaudí built the temple for 30 years until he died. The reason for such a long construction is that the Sagrada Familia is built solely on donations from parishioners.

Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, California

If you look at google map, you can understand why the bridge (not golden at all, but red) is called the gate. The main local attraction, as it were, "lets in" Pacific Ocean to San Francisco Bay, connecting the city to Marin County. This is grand building built from 1933 to 1937. At the time of its opening, it was the largest suspension bridge in the world.

Statue of Christ the Redeemer, Rio de Janeiro

The statue of Christ the Redeemer is one of the most famous and popular monuments in the world. Every year, millions of tourists rise to its foot, from where a stunning panorama of the city and the bay opens with the picturesque Sugar Loaf Mountain, the famous beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema, a huge bowl of the Maracanã stadium.

Teotihuacan, San Juan Teotihuacan, Mexico

The name of the ancient settlement Teotiukan is translated from the Aztec language as "the city where people become gods." According to legend, after the Flood, the gods returned to Teotihuacan to re-create the world. Modern researchers believe that the area of ​​this ancient settlement was 26-28 square kilometers, and the population was about 200 thousand people. This is one of the oldest and largest cities in the Western Hemisphere, the exact age of which is still unknown.

Golden Temple - Harmandir Sahib, Amritsar, India

Harmandir Sahib - one of the oldest and most revered temples in India, is the Mecca of the Sikhs. Its upper tiers are covered with gilding, which is why it is also known as the "Golden Temple". The road to the entrance to the temple goes along a narrow marble bridge over a pond, the water in which is considered to be healing. Pilgrims believe that it consists of the elixir of immortality and holy water. The road over the bridge symbolizes the path from the sinner to the righteous.

Sydney Opera House, Sydney, Australia

Sydney Opera theatre- one of the most recognizable buildings in the world. Its architect was the Dane Jorn Utzon. Having designed the original roofs, somewhat reminiscent of shells, he made Sydney a magnificent gift - a symbol of the city. Today, every tourist, planning to visit Australia, must include an excursion to the majestic opera house in the program of his trip.