One of the most iconic buildings in the city is the White House, the primary office of Russia and the official workplace of the Russian Prime Minister. The White House cannot be visited inside but you can certainly see this magnificent building from the outside and get some fantastic photographs with it in the background.
Over the years this building has seen its fair share of action, much like most buildings found in the capital. The Supreme Soviet of Russia remained in the building until the end of the Soviet Union, as well as during the first years of the Russian Federation.The White House was pictured on a 50 kopeck stamp in 1991, honoring the resistance to the 1991 Soviet coup d’état attempt.
Damage Done
Back in 1993 the upper half of the building was decimated by shell fire from tanks and an odd tradition was born shortly after. The damaged facade of the building became popular amongst newlyweds, who would flock to the site for a photograph, in what became a new and slightly wacky tradition.
The building itself is now fully repaired and is standing taller and brighter than ever before.
Location and Building Style
The White House stands on the Krasnopresnenskaya embankment and is right in the heart of the city, so easy for tourists to find. The original idea for the creation of this particular building was brought about to honor of Soviet airline pilots who had rescued passengers aboard the doomed aircraft carrier SS Chelyuskin which sank in 1934. Ultimately however the structure which was designed never got built and the architects instead decided to go for the more simplistic form which you see today.
Secrets
There are many secret passageways and accesses which have been reported over the years, though as with many things of this ilk in Russia, evidence is hard to come by and there is a lot of uncertainty around whether or not these claims are true. Knowing what we do know about Russia however, it wouldn’t be a surprise if these secret entrances were indeed true.
A great place to visit and photograph during your time in Russia.
