Moscow
Moscow is the capital and largest city of Russia, a major political, economic, and cultural center with a history spanning nearly nine centuries.
It lost its status as Russia's capital for two centuries after a new city was built specifically to replace it, only to reclaim that role once a revolution changed everything.
Early Origins
Moscow was first mentioned in historical records in 1147, gradually growing from a minor settlement into the center of the Grand Duchy of Moscow, which would eventually expand to form the foundation of the Russian state.
Capital, Then Not, Then Capital Again
Moscow served as the capital of the Russian Empire before Peter the Great relocated the capital to his newly built city of St. Petersburg in the early 18th century, a status that persisted for roughly two centuries.
Soviet Capital
Moscow reclaimed its status as capital following the 1917 Russian Revolution, becoming the political nerve center of the Soviet Union throughout the tumultuous 20th century, including the entirety of the Cold War era.
The Kremlin
The city is home to the Kremlin, a fortified historic complex that serves as the official residence and administrative center for the Russian president, alongside Red Square, one of the most recognizable and historically significant public squares in the world.
A Modern Metropolis
Today, Moscow remains Russia's political, economic, and cultural capital, home to over 12 million people in the city proper, making it one of the largest and most populous cities in Europe.
