Located in the west of the Russian Federation, Moscow is Russia’s capital city and the largest and most visited metropolis in the country. Best known for its historical significance and its iconic landmarks such as the Kremlin and St Basil’s Cathedral, the city has modernised considerable in the past decade and is fast losing its former Soviet appearance and communist traits.
 Since the fall of the Soviet Union, the democratisation of the Russian Federation has led to fast development and changes. While some luxuries are still unavailable in the capital, long gone are the days of adverse poverty and visitors can enjoy an abundance of modern department stores, cafés and world-class hotels. While the temperature in the winter months can be quite severe at times, the summer season boasts sunny days that are perfect for sightseeing.
 Lovers of history will be in their element here, as the city is brimming with museums of all genres. Whether you visit some of your favourite Russian poets and playwrights’ homes or indulge in military history; you are sure to find a museum dedicated to one of your interests. Art enthusiasts will be equally appeased, with the Tretyakov Art Gallery and the Pushkin Fine Art Museum two of the most acclaimed collections.
Shopping and dining opportunities are good, with several department stores where you can pick up souvenirs. The Russian’s like to be entertained while dining, so be prepared for some musical performances while sampling some traditional cuisine.
While Russian culture may appear to be tricky to penetrate on first arrival, visitors to this fascinating city will soon feel the warm hospitality of its residents. English is not widely spoken in all districts and the roads signs in the Cyrillic alphabet may get you lost more than once, but when it comes to evening entertainment, drinking vodka and festivities, the Russians know how to have a good time.
History
 Moscow was founded by the Russian prince Yury Dolgoruky in 1147 and a century later it became the capital of the Great Moscow Principality and of all Russian territories. The city remained the capital up until 1713, when the Russian Emperor Peter I moved the capital to St Petersburg. The city came under conflict during the early 1800s when the Patriotic Wars against Napoleon resulted in most of the city being damaged by fire. The capital was transferred back to Moscow in 1918 by the communists, following the revolution and overthrow of the monarchy. By the end of WWII and the defeat of German forces, it took some time for the city to recover. In 1980 the city hosted the Olympic Games and put on a brave display to demonstrate its Soviet superiority. The process of democratisation began in 1991 after the dissolution of the Soviet Union, since which time democratic elections have been part of the political process, signifying an end to communism.
Weather
 Typically portrayed as covered in snow with a gloomy skyline in photographs, the weather in Moscow is not always cold, but if you do decide to visit in the winter months, you will no longer wonder why Russians have a tradition of wrapping up in enormous fur coats and hats. With snow covering the ground from November to March, be prepared for the temperature to reach lows of -10°C and short daylight hours.
The summer months are when most tourists choose to visit, although some people may find the slush-like conditions in late March and April a bit grim. July and August see the hottest as well as the wettest weather, with up to one day in three experiencing rain.
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