The Most Popular Building in Russia, Ranked

Choose the building you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Apr 26, 2024 06:31
Many visitors to Russia find themselves captivated by the stunning architecture that characterizes the nation's vast landscape. Yet, with so many iconic structures to appreciate, it can be challenging to know which buildings capture the essence of Russian architectural magnificence the best. This is where the value of a ranking system comes into play, helping both locals and tourists identify which buildings hold the greatest appeal. By participating in this ranking, users contribute to a broader consensus on the most admired structures in Russia. Each vote helps to mold a clearer picture of national pride and historical significance captured in stone and mortar. As votes accumulate, the list is dynamically updated to reflect real-time public opinion, offering an engaging and continually refreshed perspective on Russia’s celebrated buildings.

What Is the Most Popular Building in Russia?

  1. 1
    76
    votes
    Saint Basil's Cathedral
    Sergey Korovkin 84 · CC BY-SA 3.0
    It is one of the most iconic buildings in Russia, located in the heart of Moscow's Red Square. Its unique and colorful onion domes make it instantly recognizable.
    Saint Basil's Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of Vasily the Blessed, is an iconic landmark located on Red Square in Moscow, Russia. This magnificent cathedral is renowned for its unique and vibrant onion-shaped domes, colorful facades, and intricate architectural details. Considered to be one of the most recognizable symbols of Russia, it attracts numerous visitors from around the world.
    • Location: Red Square, Moscow, Russia
    • Architectural Style: Russian architecture with Byzantine influences
    • Height: 47.5 meters (156 feet)
    • Number of Domes: 9 principal domes, 1 central dome
    • Number of Chapels: 8 chapels
  2. 2
    18
    votes
    The Kremlin
    Chabe01 · CC BY-SA 4.0
    A fortified complex in Moscow, the Kremlin is the official residence of the President of Russia. It contains many historic buildings, including cathedrals, palaces, and museums.
    The Kremlin is a historic fortified complex located at the heart of Moscow, Russia. It is the official residence of the President of Russia and a symbol of Russian political power. The Kremlin is also a major tourist attraction and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    • Construction Period: Late 15th to early 17th century
    • Architectural Style: Russian medieval and Baroque
    • Area: 27 hectares (67 acres)
    • Walls Length: 2,235 meters (7,333 feet)
    • Number of Towers: 20
  3. 3
    35
    votes
    The Hermitage Museum
    A.Savin · CC BY-SA 3.0

    The Hermitage Museum

    Catherine the Great
    Located in St. Petersburg, the Hermitage Museum is one of the largest and most renowned museums in the world. It houses a vast collection of art and artifacts, including works by Rembrandt, Leonardo da Vinci, and Michelangelo.
    The Hermitage Museum is a renowned museum located in Saint Petersburg, Russia. It is one of the largest and oldest museums in the world, known for its vast art collection and architectural beauty. The museum is situated in the Winter Palace, which served as the official residence of Russian emperors until the 1917 Revolution.
    • Location: Saint Petersburg, Russia
    • Type: Art museum
    • Size: More than 233,000 square meters
    • Collection: Approximately 3 million art objects and artifacts
    • Year of establishment: 1764
  4. 4
    22
    votes

    The Bolshoi Theatre

    Joseph Bové
    One of the most famous theaters in the world, the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow is renowned for its ballet and opera performances. It was founded in 1776 and has undergone many renovations over the years.
    The Bolshoi Theatre is an internationally renowned opera and ballet theatre located in Moscow, Russia. It is widely recognized as one of the most prestigious performing arts venues in the world.
    • Location: Moscow, Russia
    • Type: Opera and ballet theatre
    • Architectural Style: Neoclassical
    • Year of Completion: 1824
    • Seating Capacity: 1,742
  5. 5
    6
    votes
    Peterhof Palace
    Florstein (WikiPhotoSpace) · CC BY-SA 4.0
    Often referred to as the "Russian Versailles," the Peterhof Palace is a grand royal palace located in St. Petersburg. It is known for its stunning gardens and fountains, and was built by Peter the Great in the early 18th century.
    Peterhof Palace, also known as the Peterhof Palace of Versailles, is a grand palace located in Petergof, Saint Petersburg, Russia. It is known for its stunning architectural design and magnificent gardens, which are often referred to as the 'Russian Versailles'. The palace was commissioned by Tsar Peter the Great in the early 18th century and has since become one of the most popular tourist attractions in Russia.
    • Construction started: 1714
    • Construction completed: 1755
    • Architectural style: Baroque
    • Number of rooms: about 30
    • Total area: about 46,000 square meters
  6. 6
    6
    votes
    The Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood
    AndreyWi · CC BY-SA 3.0
    Another iconic landmark in St. Petersburg, this church was built on the site where Emperor Alexander II was assassinated in 1881. It features beautiful mosaics and a distinctive onion dome.
    The Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, also known as the Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ, is a prominent landmark located in Saint Petersburg, Russia. This magnificent structure is dedicated to the memory of Emperor Alexander II, who was assassinated on the site in 1881. The church is renowned for its stunning and intricate Russian Revival architecture, featuring vibrant colors, decorative domes, and ornate mosaics both outside and inside the building.
    • Location: Saint Petersburg, Russia
    • Architectural Style: Russian Revival
    • Construction Period: 1883-1907
    • Height: 81 meters (266 feet)
    • Width: 65.5 meters (216 feet)
  7. 7
    6
    votes
    One of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Russia, the Moscow State University is also one of the most recognizable buildings in Moscow. Its towering main building is a classic example of Stalinist architecture.
    The Moscow State University, also known as Lomonosov Moscow State University (MSU), is one of the most famous and prestigious universities in Russia. It is located in Moscow, the capital city of Russia. The university is housed in a magnificent building that stands on Vorobyovy Gory (Sparrow Hills), providing stunning panoramic views of the city.
    • Year of Completion: 1953
    • Architectural Style: Stalinist Gothic
    • Height: 240 meters (787 feet)
    • Number of Floors: 36
    • Main Material: Reinforced concrete
  8. 8
    4
    votes
    Located in Moscow, this cathedral is the tallest Orthodox Christian church in the world. It was originally built in the 19th century, but was destroyed during the Soviet era and later rebuilt.
    The Cathedral of Christ the Savior is a prominent Russian Orthodox cathedral located in Moscow, Russia. It is one of the most recognized and significant landmarks in the country. The cathedral houses a vast collection of religious art and serves as an active place of worship and spiritual gathering for the Orthodox community.
    • Location: Moscow, Russia
    • Architect: Konstantin Thon
    • Style: Russian Byzantine Revival
    • Height: 103 meters (338 ft)
    • Construction Period: 1839-1883
  9. 9
    5
    votes
    The Kazan Cathedral
    A.Savin · CC BY-SA 3.0

    The Kazan Cathedral

    Andrey Voronikhin
    Another beautiful cathedral in St. Petersburg, the Kazan Cathedral was built in the early 19th century and features a large dome and impressive columns. It is dedicated to Our Lady of Kazan, a venerated icon in Russian Orthodox Christianity.
    The Kazan Cathedral is a magnificent Orthodox church located in Saint Petersburg, Russia. It is one of the most prominent and revered symbols of the city. The cathedral was built to honor the victory over Napoleon and houses the famous Kazan Icon of the Mother of God.
    • Location: Saint Petersburg, Russia
    • Architect: Andrey Voronikhin
    • Construction Period: 1801-1811
    • Architectural Style: Russian Neoclassical
    • Height: 71 meters (233 feet)
  10. 10
    2
    votes
    The State Tretyakov Gallery
    A.Savin · CC BY-SA 3.0
    Pavel Tretyakov
    Located in Moscow, this art museum is home to a vast collection of Russian art, including works by famous painters such as Ivan Aivazovsky and Ilya Repin. It was founded in 1856 by the wealthy merchant Pavel Tretyakov.
    The State Tretyakov Gallery is a renowned art museum located in Moscow, Russia. It houses one of the largest collections of Russian fine art in the world.
    • Location: Moscow, Russia
    • Type: Art museum
    • Collection size: 170,000+ artworks
    • Founder: Pavel Tretyakov
    • Year of establishment: 1856

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Ranking factors for popular building

  1. Historical significance
    The building's connection to important events, people, or periods in Russian history can make it more popular and significant in the public's perception.
  2. Architectural style and beauty
    The aesthetic appeal of the building, including its design, materials used, and overall visual impact, can contribute to its popularity.
  3. Cultural importance
    Buildings that are part of the country's cultural heritage or have special meaning to the Russian people are likely to rank higher in terms of popularity.
  4. Accessibility and location
    The building's proximity to major urban areas, transportation hubs, and other tourist attractions can influence its popularity, as it may be more straightforward for visitors to access.
  5. Functionality and purpose
    Buildings that serve essential functions, such as religious buildings or government establishments, can draw more attention and interest from both locals and tourists.
  6. Promotion and marketing
    The extent to which the building is promoted via tourism campaigns, in the media, or through educational programs can bring further attention and popularity to the site.
  7. Public opinion and recognition
    How well-known the building is among locals and tourists, as well as how positively it is received, can play a role in its popularity.
  8. Size and scale
    Large and impressive structures often captivate public attention and are remembered as noteworthy landmarks.
  9. Awards and recognitions
    Buildings that have received prestigious awards for their architecture, design, historical, or cultural significance can increase their popularity.
  10. Contribution to the skyline
    Buildings that significantly contribute to the city's skyline or have unique designs that make them stand out can become popular landmarks.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular building in Russia. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or building is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 2009 views
  • 180 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each building once every 24 hours. The rank of each building is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most popular building in russia

Russia is renowned for its rich history and architectural marvels that have stood the test of time. From the iconic onion domes of St. Basil's Cathedral in Moscow to the grandeur of the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg, Russia boasts some of the world's most impressive buildings. However, when it comes to the most popular building in Russia, there are a few contenders. One of the top contenders is the iconic Saint Petersburg's Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood. This mesmerizing building is known for its intricate mosaics and is considered to be one of the finest examples of Russian architecture. Another popular building that tops the list is the Moscow Kremlin, one of the most recognizable landmarks in Russia. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to several cathedrals, museums, and palaces, including the breathtakingly beautiful Cathedral of the Assumption. Other notable buildings that are often considered for the title of the most popular building in Russia include the Bolshoi Theatre, the Hermitage Museum, and the Palace of Versailles-inspired Catherine Palace. In conclusion, Russia is home to a plethora of magnificent buildings that are admired by people from all around the world. Choosing the most popular one is a tough task, but whichever one you choose, it's difficult to deny the grandeur and beauty of these architectural wonders.

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