Magnificent Moscow Trivia Quiz

Answer: Ivan the Terrible

No visit to Moscow would be complete without a visit to the iconic building commonly known as St. Basil's Cathedral. This magnificent emblem of the Russian nation was built under the orders of Ivan the Terrible as a commemoration of the Siege of Kazan in 1552.

This battle marked the end of the Russo-Kazan Wars. It has been known by a variety of names and has undergone constant reconstruction for centuries. Today, religious services are no longer held at this location and it has been turned into a museum.

A full day can be spent touring the maze of buildings and appendages that make up this excellent example of Russian architecture.

Answer: Library

This exquisite example of neo-classical architecture is the Russian State Library. Originally known as the Pashkov House, this building was the home of wealthy Russian Pyotr Pashkov. The beautiful design is attributed to famous Russian architect Vasily Bazhenov, but this is a matter of some historical dispute. Through its history it has served as a boarding school, a grammar school and as museum. Today, it is owned by the Russian State Library and is home to tens of thousands of books. No visit to Moscow would be complete without a visit to this historical building.

Answer: Konstantin Melnikov

This unusual constructivist style building was the brainchild of Russian architect Konstantin Melnikov. Built in the 1920s this is just one of the many club houses that were built in an attempt to bring other forms of entertainment in attempt to reduce the influence of religion on the population.

The interior contains a theater hall with two levels that will hold 800 people. It also contains a night club and restaurant. In 2003 the government condemned most of the buildings constructed during the 1920s and have demolished most of them. Preservationists are working hard to save the remaining buildings on this list, such as this one, as they are a unique symbol of a time of change in the country, as well as in the world as a whole.

This is a building you really might want to visit if given the chance as it has been slated to be destroyed more than once.

The other three options are all famous Russian ballet dancers.

Answer: Moskva River

Snaking through the city of Moscow is the Moskva River. It provides a route of transportation to almost anywhere in the city as well as being a source of much of the water used in the city. The river is about 400 miles (643 km) long and is one of the most important waterways in Russia. River cruises are popular in the city of Moscow and some of the finest dining in the city can be had on these excursions.

They are a wonderful way to see the lights of Moscow at night and usually have translators on board.

Answer: False

This memorial chapel is dedicated to all the grenadiers who died while fighting bravely in the Battle of Pleven (1877). This intricate monument was suggested by the survivors of this battle. They also donated the money to have it built. Inside the chapel are beautiful ceramics and icons of various Russian saints.

This is one of the few buildings in Russia that was built solely with the money and the support of the common people.

Answer: Kremlin

Located on one of the highest hills in the city, The Kremlin dominates the city of Moscow in many ways. Many of Russia's cities have kremlins which were simply fortified citadels but none of these has attained the size and acclaim that the Kremlin in Moscow has.

Much of the architecture was influenced by Italian designs, as can be seen in this photo of St. Andrews Hall, located inside the Grand Kremlin Palace. There are daily tours which will allow the intrepid traveler to step back in time to a period of opulence and beauty. Only certain buildings and rooms are open to the public.

A tour of the Kremlin can be a breathtaking experience.

Answer: The Fire of Moscow

Over 2,500 people died and thousands of buildings were destroyed in the Fire of Moscow in 1812. Over 3/4 of the city went up in flames. The Battle of Borodino had just ended, and Napoleon's troops making a triumphant entrance into the city. At the same time, the residents of the city were attempting to flee their arrival.

Historians debate whether the Russian set fire to their own city so that the French could not take what was there, or whether the French set the city on fire in an attempt to destroy Russia's center of power.

There is also the possibility that it was an accidental fire that started from a cooking fire. Most of Moscow's fine museums have at least one painting that commemorates the tragic loss that occurred that day.

Answer: False

Construction of The Triumphal Gate was started in 1966. The columns and statues are cast iron, making them extremely heavy. This arch is located on Victory Square and is a copy of one that had been built in 1929. The original was dismantled during reconstruction of the city in 1936.

This archway commemorates Russia's power and courage as well as the bravery of its soldiers. It was not a gift from France, but was constructed by the government using the designs of Russian architect Joseph Bove. It is a wonderful place to visit before having a light snack of bulochki (baked rolls) and tea.

Answer: Ballet

The Bolshoi Ballet which performs in the Bolshoi Theater, is one of the most elite ballet companies in the world. Many of the world's greatest dancers trained with the Bolshoi and their performances are captivating. The theater was originally built in 1825 and has recently undergone major renovations.

The neoclassical design appears on the Russian 100 ruble bank note. It should be noted that the Bolshoi Theater is home to one of Russia's finest opera companies also. A visit to the theater to watch either type of performance would be an opulent, and somewhat extravagant, night out.

Answer: Lenin

Located against one of the walls of the Kremlin, and open five days a week, Lenin's Mausoleum is one of the most visited locations in all of Russia. There is no charge to visit the mausoleum but you should be aware that any equipment capable of taking any type of photo is not allowed inside. No electronic equipment of any kind is allowed inside and lockers are provided for visitors to store their property while visiting. Expect to be hand searched by police or military guards who are present at the mausoleum at all times. Lenin's body is carefully preserved and displayed in a glass casket.

The body is removed periodically for cleaning. While some folks might find the display to be slightly macabre, others find it to be one of the most interesting stops on their tour of the city.