Moscow is the capital of the Russian Federation and the largest city in Russia with over 10.5 million citizens. Moscow is also the largest metropolitan area in Europe and 7th largest urban area in the world. Moscow is situated on the banks of the Moskva River and stretches out for more than 1,000 square kilometers making oval which is nearly 40 km in height and 52 km in length.
Moscow is the political, cultural and business centre of Russia. Russian President, government and Parliament (which is called Duma) sit in Moscow. Moscow is a major economic centre and is home to one of the largest numbers of billionaires in the world. It is an impressive city in many ways. It is never sleeping vibrant city with a great number of historic and cultural sights, scientific and educational institutions, sport and recreation facilities, originally designed trade and office centers prestigious boutiques, exclusive nightclubs, numerous cafes and first-class restaurants with cuisine from all over the world. The Russian capital is world-renowned for its diverse architecture. Without doubt, the most famous spot is the Red Square, where the Kremlin is located.
The square is one of UNESCO’s World Hertitage Sites. Of course, the city has many more squares, streets, museums and other sites that are worth visiting
Moscow has been a site of great spiritual importance for most of its history. Historically, it was the capital of the former Soviet Union, Russian Empire, Tzardom of Russia and the Grand Duchy of Moscow. Over time, the city has earned a variety of nicknames, most referring to its pre-eminent status in the nation: the Whitestone (refers to the white walls of Kremlin), The First Throne (refers to the Tzar dynasty), The Forty Forties (refers to the great number of the churches with the golden domes). For a long time it claimed the title of “Third Rome”, regarding itself as a spiritual successor to the imperial Christian capitals of Rome and Constantinople. As 16th century chronicles says, “The Church of Rome fell for its heresy; the gates of the second Rome, Constantinople, were hewn down by the axes of the infidel Turks; but the Church of Moscow, the Church of the New Rome, shines brighter than the sun in the whole universe… Two Romes are fallen, but the Third Rome stands; a fourth there cannot be”. The city is still the center of Russian Orthodox Christianity. The Patriarch of Moscow, whose residence is the Danilov Monastery, serves as the head of the Russian Orthodox Church.
