Moscow is the capital and the largest city of Russia, and the largest city in Europe, with its metropolitan area ranking among the largest urban areas in the world. Moscow is the country's political, economic, religious, financial, educational and transportation centre. It is located on the Moskva River in the Central Federal District, in the European part of Russia.
The first mentioning of Moscow as a settlement in the annals of history dates back to 1147. This very year is, thus, considered to be the year of its foundation. Moscow’s founder is Yuri Vladimirovitch Dolgorukiy, Prince of Suzdal. His followers in forming Muscovy were the famed Princes and Czars Andrey Bogolubskiy, Ivan Kalita, Dmitry Donskoy, Ivan the 3d, Boris Godunov, Mikhail Romanov and many others. After Peter the Great came to the throne cities and towns of the Russian state were assigned to provinces headed by governors. Till 1917 governors of Moscow faithfully served the city and the Russian state. Muscovites still remember names of many: Boyar Streshnev, Count Tchernishov, Prince Volkonskiy, Count Rostopchin, Prince Golitsin.
Moscow has a continental climate, typified by exceedingly cold, long winters and hot summers. In mid-summer, during July and August, temperatures are pleasantly warm, with occasionally hot spells, and humidity tends to be high. Winters differ drastically, with only about six hours of daylight in the middle of the season and temperatures recorded at way below freezing point. Winter snows start in October and the snow blanket persists well into spring. Moscow has little rainfall, most of its precipitation falling as snow.
Moscow is the largest political, economic and scientific center of Russia. The city's wealth of scientific, technical and industrial potential form the basis of its economy. The many large industrial enterprises that operate within the city represent various industry sectors, including engineering, metalworking, building materials and defense. Moscow is also one of the largest transportation centers in Russia and Eastern Europe. Banking and finance are also important sectors of Moscow's economy.
Russia has a long-standing tradition in high-quality education for all citizens. It probably has also one of the best mass-eduction systems in the world producing a literacy rate (98%) exceeding most Western European countries. Education is split into a compulsory Basic Education and ongoing Higher Education. Basic general education lasts for nine years. Graduates of this level may continue their education at senior high school to receive secondary general education. Higher education is provided by public and non-public accredited higher education institutions.
By far the easiest and most pleasant way to get around Moscow is on the underground metro. It is considered to be one of the finest transport systems in the world and many of the 150 stations are superbly decorated with sculptures, chandeliers and mosaics. It is inexpensive, very efficient, and easy to use, even considering all signage is in Russian. The metro runs until 1am and fares are standard regardless of the distance travelled, allowing unlimited transfers. Overland transport is less efficient than the metro, but an extensive network of buses, trams and trolleybuses covers the areas not serviced by the metro. They can get unpleasantly crowded during rush hour. Alternatives to the bus are the passenger vans called 'marshrutka', which follow the bus routes and stop on request. There are also scores of official metered taxis and unofficial cars that can be flagged down on the street, but fares must be negotiated before entering the vehicle, especially as foreigners are likely to be overcharged. Although taxis are generally safe, tourists should be cautious and single women are advised to avoid them at night.
The city possesses the most valuable historical and architectural monuments of world importance: the Kremlin, Novo-Devichiy Convent, Church of Pokrov in Fili, Moscow State University, Triumphal Arch, Memorial complex of Victory on the Poklonnaya Gora. The Temple of Christ, the Savior, on Kropotkinskaya embankment (it became Moscow’s Cathedral), the Kremlin’s Voskresenskiye Gates together with the Iverskaya Chapel and Temple of Icon of Kazan Mother of God on Red square were built anew. Moscow is famous for its museums and such exhibition halls as the Tretyakov Art Gallery, Pushkin Museum, Manege.
The Kremlin is the stronghold of Moscow and its historical center. Most of the city had been inside the Kremlin walls until the 16th century. Afterwards, the Kremlin became the official Tsars residence with just several most powerful nobles and a head of the Orthodox church, who lived inside. Italian architects built the present Kremlin fortifications at the end of the 15th century. Moscow Kremlin fortress was one of the most fortified in Europe, even more than the ones in Milan and Krakow. The red brick walls with 20 towers were never captured by the enemies. 'Kremlin' doesn't only mean 'fortifications'; this term is used to describe the whole area of the city inside the Kremlin walls. There are three main ancient Moscow cathedrals inside: Arhangelskiy (Archangel cathedral), Uspenskiy (Assumption cathedral), Blagoveshenskiy (Annunciation cathedral) – open for the visitors. Also, there is Palace of the President inside the Kremlin - a 19th century white and yellow classical palace, it's closed for visitors. Nowadays Kremlin palace is an official residence of the President of Russian Federation.
Captivating, invigorating and enriching, culture in Russia has always been an abundant source of energy and excitement, delight and despair, wonder and controversy amongst Russians and non-Russians alike. Yet one thing to be agreed on is that it is forever important to understanding of Russian society, its people and their lives.
