<< Feature Articles >> Ancient Sites to Visit in Russia - Part 1: around Moscow
Submitted by Andy B on Saturday, 17 February 2018 Page Views: 6127
MuseumsCountry: Russia
The State Historical Museum is wedged between Red Square and Manege Square right in the centre of Moscow. Its exhibitions range from artefacts of prehistoric tribes who lived in what is now Russia, such as anthropomorphic figurines from the Tripolye Culture from the 4th millennium BC, to priceless artworks acquired by members of the Romanov dynasty. One unusual large exhibit is a Dolmen which was rescued from the Kolikho Valley. It has a sandstone burial chamber which was packed with the skeletons of approximately 70 individuals, and in use from between 1800BC and 1300BC.
Second and not so obviously, the Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts is also a world-class museum, and includes a good representation of prehistoric and ancient items. There are some fantastically beautiful ceremonial stone axes from Russia, along with many items from Egypt and Mesopotamia such as mummies and cuneiform tablets. One of the axes is pictured right - it's not painted - that's blue stone!Take a trip out from the centre of the city, about 9km west to Fili Park and you will find a barrow cemetery from the 7th-8th century which originally consisted of 40 mounds. Archaeological excavations took place in the 1920s and 1950s, which found adult burials and the remains of a dog in a birch basket. Grave goods included bronze and glass bracelets, finger rings, beads, an iron sickle, fragments of cloth and a leather purse. Finds are in the museums mentioned above.
Kolomenskoe Park is 10.3km south from the centre of Moscow. PIctured left is the Polovtsian (Cumanian) stone stela from the 12th century, which was brought to the park in the 1930s.This is one of the most ancient places of human habitation within modern Moscow, with Neolithic settlements found. Now there is a huge museum complex of art and architecture
Kolomenskoe Park also has two sacred boulders near one another on the south side of the Golosov Gully. The Goose Stone is said to heal male problems, and it is not unusual to see two or three men sitting on the stone soaking up its energy. Nearby is this huge and peculiar quartz boulder with round oolites, the Maiden Stone, which is said to cure female problems.
Another 6km south is the State Museum-Reserve of Tsaritsyno, including the residence of Catherine the Great, constructed between 1775 and 1796. An English style century landscaped park was built nearby, whose trees overlook the waters of the Upper Tsaritsyno pond, which together with the Shipilovsky and Borisovsky ponds form the largest cascade of ponds in Moscow. The park and museums are a favourite of Muscovites and there is a huge amount to see here. There is also another barrow cemetery, a group of 5 mounds from the 7th century. These are easily found on the eastern bank of Tsaritsyno Upper pond just behind Milovida Pavilion if you are walking from the Great Palace.
If you are a bit daunted to travel on your own in Russia you can always take one of the many Russia Tours which are available. Have a great time and don't forget to send us some photos! This article was kindly supported by Travel Russia. There are many more ancient sites in Russia in our guide here and try our new map as well.
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