Popular Russian Heritage Sites for First Dates

Russian Heritage

Russia’s not the icy cold country most people make it out to be. It’s home to 26 UNESCO World Heritage Sites—ranking 9th overall in terms of total numbers. 16 of those sites are cultural, while the remaining 10 belong in the natural category.

With Russia’s rich history, diverse terrain, and massive land area, this doesn’t come as a surprise; no two cities are the same. However, many tourists have no clue about it and would instead stick to the typical hotspots. That’s a shame since there are tons to explore in this beautiful country! And since some of these sites are unfamiliar to visitors, we’ve decided to list them down for your convenience. You’re welcome!

If you want a unique experience for your first date, these stops are the best places for that! Consider this list as a little itinerary of sorts.

Let’s get started, shall we?

Moscow

First, let’s make our way to Moscow. Russia’s capital is a balanced mix of tradition and modernity, perfectly seen through its architecture. The city has three World Heritage Sites that are worth anyone’s time and attention. How about we explore each one in more detail?

Kremlin

See the image above? That’s just a small part of Moscow’s Kremlin—one of the city’s oldest structures. This iconic architectural masterpiece dates back to the 14th century and has seen much history pass its walls.

Moscow’s Kremlin was the symbol of the Tsars’ rise to and fall from power. It was also the Soviets’ heartland and modern Russia’s political preeminence. At present, it’s the President’s official residence. It also serves as a museum, attracting millions of visitors annually. So, if you want to start your Moscow date on a high note, this is the best place to get things kicking.

Novodevichy Convent

Novodevichy Convent

In southwestern Moscow lies the Novodevichy Convent. Did you know that it belongs to a chain of monastic ensembles? You read that right: Novodevichy is just one of the structures integrated into the city’s defense system. Pretty cool, right?

And with that, the convent’s seen its share of historical and political affairs as well. The women of the Tsar family used the place extensively, even using it as a burial site for family members and other aristocratic figures. The Novodevichy Convent arose somewhere between the 16th to 17th centuries, remaining virtually intact since then. Pictures don’t do this place justice.

Church of the Ascension, Kolomenskoye

Church of the Ascension, Kolomenskoye

In 1532 arose a white, tent-like church in Kolomenskoye—an estate near Moscow. The Church of Ascension was built to celebrate Tsar Ivan IV’s (who later became Ivan the Terrible) birth. It also became one of the city’s first churches to disassociate from Byzantine Tradition. The church influenced Russia’s ecclesiastical architecture for years. It lies on 390 hectares of land, with the Moskva River’s banks running along.

Golden Ring

The Golden Ring refers to a group of ancient Russian cities lying north and east of Moscow. After you’ve enjoyed the capital or want a quick escape from the city, you two can make your way here for a date.

Yaroslavl

Yaroslavl

This first Golden Ring stop is around 250 kilometers northeast of Moscow. Yaroslavl is the brainchild of Catherine the Great’s urban planning reforms during her reign. Tourists often come by for the 17th-century churches due to their distinct architecture.

Yaroslavl can be found at the Volga and Kotorosl rivers’ confluence; for the unfamiliar, a confluence is a combination of two rivers forming a water channel. If 17th-century architecture and open-air museums are your thing, don’t leave the Golden Ring without giving this city a look!

Trinity Sergius Lavra

Trinity Sergius Lavra

Think of Trinity Sergius Lavra as a city straight out of a fantasy novel. You and your lover will feel like you’re walking into a 15th-century escape as you explore this town—especially when you stop by the Cathedral of the Assumption. Don’t forget to bring a camera with you for photo-worthy moments!

Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg is Russia’s second-largest city next to the capital, Moscow. If the latter is a modern concrete jungle, the former leans more towards traditional European flair. You can see it in the city center; most of its architecture draws inspiration from Baroque and neoclassical influences. We recommend stopping by the Winter Palace, the Hermitage, and the General Staff Building (pictured above).

We hope you’ve enjoyed our list of first-date destinations! We haven’t listed every Heritage Site on this entry, so feel free to do some exploring of your own. Wherever you go, don’t forget to be respectful visitors. Happy dating and safe travels!

 

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