Moscow, Russian Moskva, city, capital of Russia, located in the far western part of the country. Since it was first mentioned in the chronicles of 1147, Moscow has played a vital role in Russian history. It became the capital of Muscovy (the Grand Principality of Moscow) in the late 13th century; hence, the people of Moscow are known as Muscovites. Today Moscow is not only the political centre of Russia but also the country’s most populous city and its industrial, cultural, scientific, and educational capital. For more than 600 years Moscow also has been the spiritual centre of the Russian Orthodox Church.



Locations

Located in the center of European Russia, in the middle of the East European Plain.

Also knows as

“Third Rome”, “the Whitestone”, “The Forty Forties”.

Famous for

Home of the Orthodox Christianity, Ostankino tower – the highest tower in Europe, Red Square - UNESCO's World Hertitage.

Weather

From 30 °C (86 °F) to −10 °C (14 °F).

Founded

April 4, 1147 by prince Yury Dolgorukiy.

Main cultural attractions

Kremlin and Red Square, Tretyakov Gallery, Bolshoi Theater.

Population

More than 11 million people.

Airport

Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, Vnukovo.