Romantic Places to Stop by in Russia

Russia is quickly becoming one of the most popular destinations in the world. Since the ascent of capitalism, Russian traditions that were hidden for decades have revived and are frantically making up for lost time. Though Russia, the biggest country in the world by physical scale, offers countless other options, most first-time visitors to Russia visit Moscow and St. Petersburg. Here are four dreamy places to visit in Russia.

Abramtsevo is an colony north of Moscow. It was a retreat for artists and writers in the 1800s. First owned by Sergei Aksakov, novelists and designers like Nikolai Gogol stayed there as guests. They wanted to purge Russian art of outside influences to create a more purely Russian ethos. In 1870 it was taken over by Savva Mamontov, and under his direction, Russian art thrived there. Abramtsevo contains a picturesque church, winding paths through wooded areas, and a unique house straight out of a storybook. The main structure may have been the starting point for Chekhov's design for The Cherry Orchard.

Gorky Park, Moscow is a thrilling place to visit near Christmas. The footpaths ice over converting much of the setting into a skating rink. Skating together with your love is one of the most lovely ways to experience Moscow. If you go in the summer, you can enjoy the numerous rides, cafes, and booths where you can shop for souvenirs. First opened in 1928, Gorky Park was formerly the gardens of a nearby palace. Whether you go in cold weather or when it’s warm, you will find many things to thrill you and your partner. Located along the Moskva River, it is a beautiful setting you shouldn't skip when visiting Moscow.

The Hermitage Winter Palace is maybe the most stunning place in St. Petersburg. With its countless architectural touches, this magnificent palace has over 1, 000 rooms. Previously the residence of Russia's tsars, it also was the site where in 1917 Bolsheviks commenced their coup d'etat. While that particular event of the Revolution was not as brutal as it was later reported, it did precede civil war and the Bolshevik triumph in 1921. Now, the Winter Palace is home to the Hermitage Museum, the largest art gallery in Russia. Works by da Vinci, Andrey Cherny, and Rubens are just a fraction of the works in this spectacular art collection.

The Grand Hotel Europe is a lavish delight, with delectable food in any of the restaurants, and a long and fascinating history. Among the Grand Hotel Europe's numerous historic visitors was Johann Strauss From this place of indulgence, visitors can easily reach St. Petersburg's most unforgettable sites. As a setting for love, Grand Hotel Europe cannot be equaled. It is like going back to an earlier time, with opulence and beauty complemented by 21st century perks.

While Russia is endowed with many enchanting sites, these four are great choices for new visitors. The spectacular architecture of Eastern Europe teams with a 20th century primarily filled with stories that are unfamiliar to Westerners make Russia a slightly off-beat, but unforgettable setting for romance.