Moscow

Lore & Background

During the 20th century, Moscow transformed into an ideological showcase of the Soviet Union. The skyline fractured with grand boulevards and towering Stalinist skyscrapers known as the Seven Sisters, while metro stations were built as subterranean palaces adorned with chandeliers and mosaics. Despite political upheavals, the city retained its spiritual core through hundreds of surviving Orthodox churches, most notably Saint Basil's Cathedral with its vibrant onion domes.

In Their Own Story

The snow falls softly on Red Square, muffling the distant hum of traffic from Tverskaya Street. An old man in a heavy wool coat pauses before the glowing red walls of the Kremlin, his breath misting in the frigid air. He watches as the golden spires of Saint Basil's catch the pale winter sun, a kaleidoscope of color against the grey sky. In this moment, the weight of centuries feels tangible; the ghosts of tsars and generals seem to walk alongside modern office workers rushing toward the Arbat, united by the city's unyielding pulse.

Reader's Guide

Navigating Moscow reveals a city where history layers upon itself in stone, steel, and snow. Founded by Prince Yuri Dolgoruky in the 12th century as a wooden fortress, it evolved into the seat of power for Tsars, Soviet leaders, and modern presidents. The core centers on the Kremlin, a fortified complex housing cathedrals and government offices, adjacent to Red Square where Saint Basil's Cathedral stands near Lenin’s Mausoleum. Beyond lies the Garden Ring, encircling the center and leading to the Seven Sisters that punctuate the skyline. Civic life flows through the Moscow Metro, an architectural marvel often called the 'people's palace.' The city balances its imperial past with a dynamic modern identity, featuring world-class theaters like the Bolshoi alongside bustling markets and contemporary art districts.

Did You Know?

• Moscow has the largest urban area in Europe by population.
• The Moscow Metro is one of the deepest subway systems in the world, with some stations over 80 meters underground.
• Saint Basil's Cathedral was built under Ivan the Terrible and originally had nine separate chapels.
• The city is divided into administrative districts known as 'okrugs' rather than boroughs or counties.