What is the capital of Russia?
Moscow is the capital of Russia and its largest city, with more than 13 million people. It is home to the Kremlin, Red Square and St. Basil's Cathedral.
Moscow was first mentioned in historical records in 1147. It grew into the center of a powerful state, the Grand Duchy of Moscow. In 1712, Peter the Great moved the capital to his new city, St. Petersburg. Moscow became the capital again in 1918, after the Russian Revolution, and has remained so since.
The Kremlin, a fortified complex of palaces, cathedrals and government buildings, is the official residence of the Russian president. Next to it lies Red Square, where St. Basil's Cathedral, with its colorful onion domes, was completed in 1561. Moscow is also known for the Bolshoi Theatre.
The Moscow Metro
The Moscow Metro, opened in 1935, is one of the busiest subway systems in the world. Many of its older stations are famous for their grand design, with marble walls, chandeliers, mosaics and statues, earning them the nickname underground palaces.
Did You Know?
Russia is the largest country in the world and spans 11 time zones, so when it is morning in Moscow it can already be evening in the far east of the country.