*Travel in Moscow, Russia – travel guide, travel information and travel blog! Admire onion domes in Moscow, an iconic Russian architectural feature, especially the Kremlin!*
Russia, to me, used to be cold, closed and, mysterious. It seemed like the country unwelcomed any outsiders and much more approachable until recent years. After my Russia trip, I don’t think the Russian is unwelcoming at all – I would say… they are just straightforward and efficient. They don’t smile, they are cool, but they are not cold-blooded. I met some of them who are helpful (but not exactly… friendly). Besides, many of them look like Asian with dark hair and dark eyes. Then I realize, of course, Russian is a Euro-Asian country and though most of its population spreads within the Europe side, most of its land lies within the Asia side. So… anyway, we joined the Moscow Free Tour and it gave us a great overview of Red Square and the nearby landmarks. Then we had to actually enter and explore the sites on our own. Check out “We Are Here! Moscow!” for information about the free tour and travel tips!
About the Onion Domes
Art historians had different views about when onion domes were used in Russian churches, and some estimated that onion domes began in architecture from as early as the 13th century. Besides, the domes existed in many different shapes, colors, and numbers that allegedly represent the Holy Trinity, Jesus Christ and the Four Evangelists in different combinations. The design was also popularly believed to symbolize burning candles.This episode is about the onion domes. They are the signature to Russian architecture, and they could be seen basically anywhere in the country. This architectural style is, in general, not exclusive to Russia but somehow the Russian made it much more adorable. Theories about how the Russian started the onion fest were diverse. Some suggested this feature was brought to Russia from Muslim countries. The domes of Byzantine churches, however, were broader and flatter (called helmet domes that looked like the shape of Hershey Kiss); the domes of Russian churches had a wider drum and a higher tip, which looked much more like an onion (so-called onion domes).
Novodevichy Convent
As an appetizer of our onion domes adventure, we ventured to the Novodevichy Convent, it’s not exactly in the historic city center but also not that far away. We took a 10-minute walk from the Sportivnaya subway station and soon the skyscrapers in the Presnensky District could be seen. The UNESCO World Heritage Site may not be as famous as the landmarks like the Kremlin and Saint Basil’s Cathedral, yet it has great historic value with its cloisters remained virtually intact since the 17th century, unlike others in Moscow.
The complex is so similar with the Kremlin and it’s a combination of buildings including the Cathedral of Our Lady of Smolensk, Octagonal bell tower, and almshouses. How the houses are transformed into exhibition rooms to showcase valuable artworks. Visit the church store, I found some very nice worship items in there at a good price.
St. Basil’s Cathedral
I have written a few times about this iconic, opulent architecture in the country and so I put it on the second and just to share some of my favorite photos that I took inside the museum.
Check out the stories of the cathedral and find out more about my favorite cathedrals at My Top 12 Cathedral in Europe (2)!
The structure consists of 8 flamboyant onion domes and each of them was originally a stand-alone church. I love the fresco of the churches so much I took some photos of the soft and colorful patterns and made it my iPhone’s wallpaper until I replaced it with Joan Carmella’s work.
Cathedral of Christ the Saviour

As much as the St. Basil’s Cathedral was impressive, my friends shared with me that he was actually expecting something… bigger. As a first-time traveler in Europe, he was hoping to see a cathedral with grandiose. So I brought him to the here, a rather new, but giant church built on the North bank of the Moskva River, while the Kremlin and Saint’s Basil’s Cathedral are in sight from the Patriarshy Bridge. The current church was a second built, completed in 2000, while the original was destroyed in 1931. Given that it’s a new cathedral, it was an important site of the Russian Orthodox Church. Although the cathedral is a reconstruction, the exterior of the church was decorated with life-like statues and the interior of the church has some beautiful paintings and décor that worth a visit.
Moscow Kremlin
As stated previously about the Moscow Free Tour – the Moscow Kremlin (or, the Kremlin) is one of the three “must-sees” in Moscow and I agree. “Kremlin”, as a general term, means “fortress inside a city” – a major fortified central complex. But since the Moscow Kremlin is so famous, it is always referred to as “the Kremlin”. The complex is enclosed by Kremlin walls with 18 towers, and there are five palaces, four cathedrals, and a Grand Palace within. It is the Russian White House where is opened as a museum, but also where the President of the Russian Federation lives.
The site was inhabited since the 2nd century BC and continuously expanded as it remained the core of the country. When you are there, don’t miss the Cathedral Square, Armoury Chambers, and Alexandrovsky Garden.
From the outside of the complex, the Savior’s Tower and the Saint Nicholas Tower are the most eye-catching towers; and the ticket office is at the Trinity Tower.

The Alexandrovsky Garden is free to visit, and there are few monuments to see such as Monument to Alexander I; The Armoury Chambers is considered the best history museum in the history and it has 4 exhibition time a day. The ancient museum-depository was constructed in 1844-1851.
Before I entered the Cathedral Square – I had no idea I would be overwhelmed by so much onion domes. As I turned I was surrounded by golden domes and they are all in one place. Chronically, the Assumption Cathedral was erected in 1475-1479 as a major church of the state in which all Russian Tsars were crowned; The Annunciation Cathedral was built in 1484-1489 by Pskov craftsmen. It was the home church of Moscow Great Princes and later Russian Tsars; The Church of Laying Our Lady’s Holy Robe was erected in 1484-1485, also constructed by Pskov craftsmen. It was the home church of Russian Metropolitans and later Patriarchs. The Archangel’s Cathedral was constructed in 1505-1508, and was used as a burial vault for Moscow Great Princes, Appanage Princes, and Russian Tsars; The Patriarch’s Palace and the Twelve Apostles’ Church was built 1653-1655 for Patriarch Nikon. The ground floor of the Single-column chamber is now an exhibition hall of the museum.
The tallest building in the square is The Ivan The Great Bell-Tower Ensemble. It was built in the 15th century. Nowadays, the ground floor of the Assumption Belfry houses is an exhibition hall of the museum.
Moscow is one of my favorite place for enjoyed precious moment of life. after reading this post, my old memories got refreshed again. Lovey post. thanks for sharing.
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Thanks Jahn, Russia always has a unique character that fascinate me☺️
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I absolutely love your picture of the birds overflying the bridge!
Next time you are in Russia send me a message: it would be fun to organise a photowalk together! 🙂
https://rttl.me
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Absolutely Niccolo. Thanks for stopping by!! 😊
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I’ve always found the onions so alluring. Loved how you explained the different ones and how they when experienced, seemed smaller in person. When I lived in SE Alaska there was a Russian church in Sitka and it made me want to jump across the Pacific to see and learn more.
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Thanks Elaine for stopping by. Onion domes are so common I think they could be seen in any part inside or outside of the country! 👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻
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That was an informative story of the onion domes. I look forward to visiting them in the future. I was surprised at the number of freebees. Thanks for sharing.
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Yeah, More of them and scattered in the city and have fun exploring! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 Thanks Jenn and Ed Coleman
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I learned something new today! So they are called onion domes and why not? They are glorified onions!
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Yes they do, Thanks Caroline 👍🏻
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I love the old European Churches but have never had the opportunity to see the Russian Onion Domes. I am always amazed at the intricate workmanship and detail that was used years ago. It makes you really appreciate the old world craftsmanship and the ability the builders had.
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Thanks Traveling Fool! The churches in Europe are stunning and there are see my pick of top 10 cathedrals in Europe!! Maybe Onion domes are one of them 😅https://knycxjourneying.com/2017/01/22/my-top-12-cathedrals-in-europe-1/
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I would love to visit Russia just for the lovely architecture. The onion domes are incredible. i you go to St Petersburg too? I think the architecture there is really beautiful too.
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Thanks Tammyonthemove. Yes, Saint Petersburg has some very nice architecture and onion domes too!😊😊
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That’s so interesting about the history of the domes – something I didn’t know. Would love to see St Basil’s for myself – it’s iconic.
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Yes Sarah, the onions domes are unique and St Basil’s brought it to a higher level 😊👏🏻👏🏻😊😊
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This is a great look at some of the famous buildings in Moscow. I made a few trips to the former Soviet Union, from the 1970s, until the late 80s, and always enjoyed the architecture there. If you liked Moscow, you would also probably enjoy Leningrad. (St. Petersburg). Did you get there at all?
I have some posts about those trips on my blog, but there are no photos, I’m afraid.
Thanks for following my blog, which is much appreciated.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Thanks Pete and I will check it out!! 🙏🏼 thanks for stopping by!
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Wow the architecture is so unique and the snow! What a perfect day!
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Thanks Chloe, it was!
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Loved your post. Surely it withered away the myths one has with Russia. The
beautiful architecture is fascinating. The frescos left me awestruck.
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Thanks Sandy – glad that you enjoyed it. Yes, I love the frescos as well 😛
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I think a lot of people think, Russia is protective, closed and not so welcoming country. However, they are exactly opposite. I have never been to Russia myself, but have read a lot of good reviews. Hopefully, one day I will visit Russia soon.
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Thanks Vishalgmr. Russia, now, is also vibrant and energetic as well. You would be pleased to see it 😛
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Looks amazing Kenny Russia is high on my list especially St Petersburg. But I must say Moscow seems to have many great sights or at the least sights that i would love to see
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St Petersburg is great and I think you would enjoy it. But you shouldn’t miss Moscow, too! 🙂
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That is great post on domes. I now see the striking similarity in the domes in Moscow. Great catch 😀
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Thanks Gokulr27 for stopping by; and yes, it’s kind of a signature to the country!
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