Introduction
Students have read about how Moscow grew in size and power during the Mongol conquest and later under czar rule. In this activity, students will explore the historic buildings of Moscow.

Lesson Description
Students will use information from the Russia.Net Web site to learn about the historic buildings of Russia. Students will navigate the “Moscow sights” topic to read about the history of the city, the influence of the czars on the city’s architecture, and the purpose of some of the buildings. Students will then answer four questions and apply this information by writing a letter to a friend about the virtual visit to Moscow.

Instruction Objectives

1. Students will relate the architecture and historical buildings of Moscow to important events, periods, or eras of Moscow’s past.
2. Students will be able to apply this knowledge to write a letter to a friend describing the virtual tour of Moscow.

Student Web Activity Answers

1. The Kremlin is a walled settlement in Moscow. This fortress was named the Kremlin (Citadel) in 1331. Its grounds are covered with churches, monasteries, and manors.
2. The oldest tower is the Tainitskaya Tower (Tower of Secrets). It contained a secret well and a secret underground passage to the river bank.
3. The brick cathedral is made up of domes, arches, towers, and spires, each with a distinctive pattern and hue. It was built to commemorate Russia’s defeat of the Kazan Khanate. The builders constructed eight pillarlike churches on a single foundation, placed symmetrically around the ninth pillar.
4. As he retreated from Moscow in 1812, Napoleon ordered the Bell Tower to be blown up. However, the structure was able to withstand the blast with minimal damage.
5. Students’ letters will vary.

Go To Student Web Activity