Three men came to New York for a holiday. They came to a very large hotel and took a room there. Their room was on the forty-fifth floor. In the evening the friends went to the theatre and came back to the hotel very late. "I am very sorry," said the clerk of the hotel, "but the lifts do not work tonight. If you don't want to walk up to your room, we shall make beds for you in the hall." "No, no," said one of the friends, "no, thank you. We don't want to sleep in the hall. We shall walk up to our room." Then he turned to his friends and said, "It is not easy to walk up to the forty-fifth floor, but we shall make it easier. On the way to the room I shall tell you some jokes; then you, Andy, will sing us some songs; then you, Peter, will tell us some interesting stories." So they began walking up to their room. Tom told them many jokes; Andy sang some songs. At last they came to the thirty-sixth floor. They were tired and decided to have a rest. "Well," said Tom, "now it is your turn, Peter. After all the jokes, I would like to hear a sad story. Tell us a long and interesting story with a sad end." "The story which I am going to tell you," said Peter, "is sad enough. We left the key to our room in the hall."
Why it qualified: “Inextricably linked to all the most important historical and political events in Russia since the 13th century, the Kremlin (built between the 14th and 17th centuries by outstanding Russian and foreign architects) was the residence of the Great Prince and also a religious centre. At the foot of its ramparts, on Red Square, St Basil’s Basilica is one of the most beautiful Russian Orthodox monuments.” – World Heritage Convention
Russia boasts some of the most dazzling cultural and natural sights in the world. From the world’s largest museum to its oldest and deepest lake, outrageously gilded palaces to elaborate timber monasteries, this country conjures up a special kind of magic. With 26 UNESCO World Heritage sites, of which 16 are cultural and 10 are natural, there is no shortage of wonders here. Let’s take a look at some of the most spectacular landmarks that Russia has to offer.
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Moscow Kremlin and Red Square
Year of inscription: 1990
Why it qualified: “Inextricably linked to all the most important historical and political events in Russia since the 13th century, the Kremlin (built between the 14th and 17th centuries by outstanding Russian and foreign architects) was the residence of the Great Prince and also a religious centre. At the foot of its ramparts, on Red Square, St Basil’s Basilica is one of the most beautiful Russian Orthodox monuments.” – World Heritage Convention
Novodevichy Convent
Year of inscription: 2004
Why it qualified: “The Novodevichy Convent, in south-western Moscow, built in the 16th and 17th centuries in the so-called Moscow Baroque style, was part of a chain of monastic ensembles that were integrated into the defence system of the city. The convent was directly associated with the political, cultural and religious history of Russia, and closely linked to the Moscow Kremlin. It was used by women of the Tsar’s family and the aristocracy. Members of the Tsar’s family and entourage were also buried in its cemetery. The convent provides an example of the highest accomplishments of Russian architecture with rich interiors and an important collection of paintings and artifacts.” – World Heritage Convention
Year of inscription: 1990
Why it qualified: “Inextricably linked to all the most important historical and political events in Russia since the 13th century, the Kremlin (built between the 14th and 17th centuries by outstanding Russian and foreign architects) was the residence of the Great Prince and also a religious centre. At the foot of its ramparts, on Red Square, St Basil’s Basilica is one of the most beautiful Russian Orthodox monuments.” – World Heritage Convention
Install
Summer Palace in St. Petersburg | Courtesy of © Drew Finnis
Russia / SEE & DO
Russia's Top UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Anya Schukin
Russia boasts some of the most dazzling cultural and natural sights in the world. From the world’s largest museum to its oldest and deepest lake, outrageously gilded palaces to elaborate timber monasteries, this country conjures up a special kind of magic. With 26 UNESCO World Heritage sites, of which 16 are cultural and 10 are natural, there is no shortage of wonders here. Let’s take a look at some of the most spectacular landmarks that Russia has to offer.
Get Culture Trip in your inbox
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By signing up I agree to the service terms and privacy policy
Moscow Kremlin and Red Square
Year of inscription: 1990
Why it qualified: “Inextricably linked to all the most important historical and political events in Russia since the 13th century, the Kremlin (built between the 14th and 17th centuries by outstanding Russian and foreign architects) was the residence of the Great Prince and also a religious centre. At the foot of its ramparts, on Red Square, St Basil’s Basilica is one of the most beautiful Russian Orthodox monuments.” – World Heritage Convention
Novodevichy Convent
Year of inscription: 2004
Why it qualified: “The Novodevichy Convent, in south-western Moscow, built in the 16th and 17th centuries in the so-called Moscow Baroque style, was part of a chain of monastic ensembles that were integrated into the defence system of the city. The convent was directly associated with the political, cultural and religious history of Russia, and closely linked to the Moscow Kremlin. It was used by women of the Tsar’s family and the aristocracy. Members of the Tsar’s family and entourage were also buried in its cemetery. The convent provides an example of the highest accomplishments of Russian architecture with rich interiors and an important collection of paintings and artifacts.” – World Heritage Convention