Moscow

Moscow is the capital of Russian Federation. First mentioned in chronicels in 1147, it was founded by Grand Prince of Kiev Yuri Dolgoruky. From a small wooden fortress on the bank of the Moskva river Moscow developed into the capital of the country. Under Dmitry Donskoy in 1367-1368 the white-stone walls and towers of the Kremlin were erected. In 1485-1495 the Kremlin was totally rebuilt and it became the first brick building in the area. Since time immemorial the Moscow Kremlin has been the center of Russian statehood, the residence of Russian tsars and hierarchs of the Russian Orthodox Church.

At the beginning of the 18th century, Peter the Great moved the capital of Russia to St. Petersburg, however, according to tradition, the Russian tsars were coronated in Moscow. In 1917 the Soviet government transferred the Russian capital back to Moscow. The Kremlin became the seat of the highest state bodies and closed to public viewing. It was only in 1955 that its unique museums have again become accessible to all. The Kremlin has been the residence of the President of the Russian Federation and his Administration since 1992.

Today Moscow is not only the political centre of Russia but also the country's leading city in population, in industrial output, and in cultural, scientific, and educational importance. For hundred of years Moscow developed as the major centre of Russian culture. The nowadays city has reserved this trend. Moscow keeps in its boundaries more than 100 State museums and 130 public ones. The leading role in the city's cultural life is owned by the History museums and Museums of Art.

  By nights Moscow theatres widely open their doors to meet the guests. The world wide known Bolshoi theatre is famous for keeping of 19th century ballet traditions. The ballets: Swan lake, Sleeping beauty, Nutcracker, Giselle as well as Russian classic operas became the part of the Golden Fund of Russian Art. The interior of the Bolshoi theatre is also impressive: it has five levels with the golden paint on the ceiling.

There are two circuses in Moscow. The Great Moscow State Circus has 3400 seats and five interchangeable arenas including water ring, ice ring, illusion ring and others. Moscow circuses are well known all over the wolrd for its trained animals (dogs, bears, monkeys, tigers, lions, elephants etc.) and acrobatic programmes.

Moscow is also a big transport centre. The Metro system, which reflects the city's street patterns, is known also for the elaborate architecture of its stations. Moscow is a major river port. The Volga's various canals link Moscow to all the seas surrounding European Russia. Moscow is the centre of the country's railway and airline networks. There are 5 airports and 9 railway terminals. Welcome to Moscow!!!!