The hill above the river where the whole city spreads out

Sparrow Hills (Vorobyovy Gory) is a 220-meter ridge on the south bank of the Moscow River, the highest natural point within Moscow city limits. The Moscow State University complex at its top (built 1953) has a viewing terrace facing north over the city — the Kremlin, the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, and the river bend in one frame. Zaryadye Park, a new park just outside the Kremlin walls completed in 2017, has a floating bridge over the Moscow River that gives unobstructed views of the Kremlin and the river from the south. Red Square is best photographed from the Bolshoy Moskvoretsky Bridge facing southwest in morning light. At 56°N, golden hour runs close to 65 minutes in summer. The Kremlin towers glow amber in golden hour from the south bank.