Top 7 Historical Places Around Moscow Only Locals Know About

The Moscow region is famous for its historical sights, and there are many important hidden gems only locals know about. Natural parks, beautiful estates and mansions, orthodox churches and monasteries, and surely small local museums dedicated to art and literature. More than five million local and foreign tourists visit these sights during the year, especially around national holidays. Here are the top seven hidden spots for you to discover.

The Gzhel Village

The Gzhel Village, located in the region of Moscow, is a true historical gem of Russia and considered to be one of the most important folk craft centres of Russian culture. Only here you may see how the original porcelain gifts are produced, and you even have the opportunity to customise one for yourself.

Painting porcelain ware at the Gzhel Art Painting Plant in the village of Gzhel, Moscow.

The Losiny Ostrov National Park

Losiny Ostrov National Park in Moscow, Russia.

The Arkhangelskoye Mansion

This huge historical mansion is located in the Moscow region, around 30 kilometres drive from the city. It’s famous for its outstanding classic architectural French style, and some people call it the ‘Versailles of Russia’ just because of its enormous art collection inside. Arkhangelskoye was one of the most outstanding country mansions of Romanov dynasty.

Prince Yusupov’s Grand Palace in Arkhangelskoye

The Melikhovo Chekhov’s Estate

This place is located quite far from Moscow – it’s and 80 kilometre drive – however it’s very fast journey and easy accessible by bus or car. Everything here is about Anton Chekhov and his life; his old house and the garden, his cabinet full of books and interesting small sculptures he bought during his trips abroad, his desk where he used to write all his famous novels, and even some of his personal belongings. The atmosphere inside is so authentic that sometimes it feels like Chekhov is still here and just went outside to grab a coffee.

A statue of Russian writer and playwright Anton Chekhov at the Melikhovo estate museum, his former estate, near the town of Chekhov.

The Abramtsevo Estate and Colony

The Ambramtsevo Estate and Colony is considered to be one of the oldest art residences of famous Russian poets, writers, musicians, actors, and artists. It was a so-called ‘summer camp’ for them, mainly because of its beautiful landscape and architecture; many of its famous residents were overcome with inspiration right upon their arrival. Famous artists and writers who often visited include the artists Mikhail Vrubel, Valentin Serov, Konstantin Korovin, and Viktor Vasnetsov, and dramatist Nikolay Gogol.

The Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius Monastery

This monastery is one of the most important Russian Orthodox churches in the whole country and it’s an absolute must see for those who are interested in religion. The construction of the building is very beautiful and it attracts visitors from all over the world on a regular basis.

Holy Trinity St. Sergius Lavra. Sergiev Posad, Russia.

Korolev City

Located in the Moscow region, just a 50-kilometre drive from the capital, the city of Korolev is one of the oldest cities in Russia and is connected to the State Astronaut Centres. One of the biggest training centres in Eastern Europe is located here and it operates daily. You may visit a small museum near the centre and discover how the spacecrafts and machines work, and even try astronaut food and buy some as a souvenir. A must-see attraction if you visit Moscow.

Old wooden ancient houses in Korolev. Russia.

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