Fodor's Expert Review Victory Park
In 1812 Napoléon allegedly waited in vain for the keys to Moscow atop Poklonnaya Gora, a hill razed in the 1970s to build Triumphal Arch, a World War II memorial unveiled in 1995 in time for the 50th anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany. The memorial is the centerpiece of the 335-acre park that also houses a World War II museum, a chapel, and an outdoor display of vintage weaponry. Victory Park is a popular spot for festivities on public holidays, including Victory Day, Orthodox Easter, and Christmas. On a warm day, expect to see strolling couples and hordes of rollerbladers, including entire families rollerblading together. The park is near the Park Pobedy metro station, on the dark-blue line about 20 minutes from the city center.