What is the Capital of Russia? Moscow

Capital City of Russia: Moscow

City Overview

Moscow, the capital city of Russia, is one of the largest cities in the world and the most populous city in Russia. Located in the western part of the country, Moscow is the political, economic, cultural, and scientific center of Russia. Founded in 1147, Moscow has served as a critical hub throughout Russian history, playing a central role in shaping the country’s development over the centuries. See Photionary for other major cities in Russia.

Historically, Moscow was a small settlement that grew into a fortified city and eventually became the capital of the Grand Duchy of Moscow in the 15th century. After the fall of Constantinople and the rise of the Tsarist state, Moscow emerged as the heart of the Russian Empire. Today, it is not only the capital but also a major international city, with a booming economy, a vibrant cultural scene, and some of the world’s most iconic landmarks.

Moscow’s architecture is a fascinating mix of old and new. From the medieval walls of the Kremlin and the Red Square to modern skyscrapers like the Federation Tower, Moscow is a city where the past and future co-exist side by side. It’s a city that attracts millions of visitors every year, making it one of the most significant cultural destinations in Europe.

City Facts

• Area: 2,511 km² (970 square miles)
• Population: Approximately 12.5 million (2023 estimate), with over 17 million in the metropolitan area, making it the largest city in Russia.
• Time Zone: Moscow Standard Time (MSK), UTC +3.
• Highest Mountain: Mount Elbrus (5,642 meters / 18,510 feet), located in the Caucasus Mountains, is the highest point in Russia and Europe.
• Longest River: The Volga River, which flows through central Russia and is the longest river in Europe, stretching over 3,530 kilometers (2,194 miles).

Major Landmarks in Moscow

Moscow is home to many iconic landmarks that reflect its rich history, architecture, and culture. Some of the most famous landmarks include:

1. The Kremlin: This fortified complex, located at the heart of Moscow, has been the political and spiritual center of Russia for centuries. It houses the President of Russia’s official residence, several important government offices, churches, and the famous Tsar Cannon. The Kremlin is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most recognizable symbols of Russia.
2. Red Square: Located just outside the Kremlin, Red Square is one of the most famous public squares in the world. The square has been the site of numerous historic events, from parades to protests. Key landmarks surrounding the square include the St. Basil’s Cathedral, with its colorful onion domes, and the Lenin Mausoleum, where the embalmed body of the Soviet leader Vladimir Lenin lies.
3. St. Basil’s Cathedral: Known for its vibrant, onion-shaped domes, St. Basil’s Cathedral is one of Moscow’s most iconic landmarks. Built between 1555 and 1561 on orders from Ivan the Terrible to commemorate his victory over the Kazan Khanate, this cathedral is a masterpiece of Russian religious architecture and an enduring symbol of Russian culture.
4. The Bolshoi Theatre: A historical theatre and one of the most prestigious ballet and opera houses in the world. The Bolshoi Theatre is a national symbol of Russia’s classical arts scene and attracts thousands of visitors every year to its world-class performances.
5. Moscow State University (MSU): Founded in 1755, MSU is the oldest and most prestigious university in Russia. The university is famous for its towering main building, which is part of the Seven Sisters, a group of monumental Stalinist skyscrapers built in Moscow in the 1950s.
6. VDNKh (Vystavka dostizheniy narodnogo khozyaystva): Originally an exhibition center of Soviet achievements, VDNKh is now a sprawling park and cultural site with museums, fountains, and pavilions celebrating the Soviet past and Russia’s achievements in science and technology.
7. Christ the Savior Cathedral: The largest Orthodox Christian church in Russia, Christ the Savior Cathedral was originally built in the 19th century but demolished under Stalin’s rule in the 1930s. The cathedral was rebuilt in the 1990s and now stands as a symbol of Russia’s resurgence of Orthodox Christianity.
8. Gorky Park: A large central park along the Moscow River, Gorky Park is a popular recreational area for both locals and tourists. The park offers walking paths, cafes, and attractions like the Moscow Zoo and the Garage Museum of Contemporary Art.
9. Izmailovo Market: A colorful open-air market, Izmailovo Market is one of the best places to buy traditional Russian souvenirs such as hand-painted dolls, traditional crafts, and fur hats. The market is located in a picturesque area that features a historic Izmailovo Kremlin.
10. The Tretyakov Gallery: The Tretyakov Gallery is one of the world’s greatest museums of Russian art. With a collection that spans over 1,000 years, it holds more than 130,000 pieces of art, including works by renowned Russian artists such as Repin, Shishkin, and Aivazovsky.

Climate Overview

Moscow has a continental climate, characterized by cold winters and warm summers. The city experiences four distinct seasons, with harsh winters and relatively mild but sometimes unpredictable summers.

• Winters: Winters in Moscow can be very cold, with average temperatures in January ranging from -10°C (14°F) to -5°C (23°F), but temperatures often fall much lower, especially during cold spells. Snow is common from November to March.
• Summers: Summers are warm but relatively short. Average temperatures in July are around 19°C (66°F), but temperatures can occasionally rise above 30°C (86°F) during heatwaves.
• Spring and Autumn: Spring and autumn are transitional seasons, with temperatures ranging from 4°C to 15°C (39°F to 59°F) in April and 10°C to 18°C (50°F to 64°F) in October.

Climate Data for Moscow

Month	Avg Temperature (°C)	Precipitation (mm)	Sunny Days
January	-8	35	7
February	-6	30	9
March	0	35	12
April	6	40	14
May	13	45	16
June	17	60	20
July	19	75	23
August	18	65	22
September	12	60	16
October	5	55	10
November	-1	45	7
December	-7	40	5

Other Cities as Capital in the History of Russia

Before Moscow became the permanent capital of Russia, several other cities served as temporary or historical capitals of various Russian states:

1. Novgorod (9th–15th Century): Novgorod was one of the oldest cities in Russia and served as the capital of the Novgorod Republic, an important medieval state in Eastern Europe. It was an economic and cultural hub and a center of the Russian Orthodox Church. The city remained influential until it was absorbed into the Grand Duchy of Moscow in 1478.
2. St. Petersburg (1712–1918): Founded by Peter the Great in 1703, St. Petersburg served as the capital of the Russian Empire from 1712 until the Bolshevik Revolution in 1917. The city was designed as a “window to Europe” and remains a cultural and historical center of Russia today.

Country Facts

• Country Name: Russian Federation (Russia)
• Capital: Moscow
• Population: Approximately 146 million (2023 estimate)
• Area: 17,098,242 km² (6,601,668 square miles), making Russia the largest country in the world.
• Largest City: Moscow
• Currency: Russian Ruble (RUB)
• Official Language: Russian
• ISO Country Codes: RU (Alpha-2), RUS (Alpha-3), 643 (Numeric)
• Government: Federal semi-presidential republic
• Religion: The predominant religion in Russia is Eastern Orthodoxy, but there is also a significant number of Muslims, Buddhists, and other religious groups.

Moscow stands as both the political and cultural heart of Russia, a city that has played a crucial role in the country’s development for over 800 years. From its ancient foundations to its modern-day status as a global city, Moscow is a blend of history, culture, and innovation. Whether exploring its grand landmarks like the Kremlin, or experiencing the unique atmosphere of its streets, Moscow continues to captivate visitors and locals alike, holding a central place in Russia’s identity.