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Population: 10.5 millions.
Average temperatures: January -15, April +6, July +20, October +9
Moscow, the capital of one-sixth of the world with about 10 million inhabitants is a majestic city steeped in history. This historic capital city of Russia has seen many changes over years and Moscow is now one of the most unique and beautiful cities in the world. This is Russia's largest city and is home to wide variety splendid cultural attractions. Among them there are excellent theatres and some unique architectural and historical buildings.
It may be difficult to appreciate what an important place Moscow holds in the Russian imagination as a symbol of spiritual and political power. For centuries Moscow has been a treasure house of carefully preserved national cultural tradition. All Russian tsars and emperors were crowned here in Russia's main cathedral - Dormition Cathedral. And both Peter the Great and Catherine the Great came here to celebrate their military victories. In 1812 the city was a sacrifice on the altar of war, yet precipitated in inglorious demise of Napoleon's army.
At the same time Moscow is a modern, fast paced city and an economic centre with increasing links to western society. The modern day western influence is the reason why there is now a wide variety of hotels in Moscow to accommodate the tourists and business travelers. When visiting the city one of the recommended things to do is to try out some of the unique cuisine at one of the many Russian restaurants.
WHAT TO SEE
KREMLIN
The Kremlin is Moscow's central architectural ensemble, the heart of Russia and symbol of her greatness. It is situated on the high bank of the Moscow River. This is the oldest part of Moscow that as far back as the 11th century was the site of the Slaviansky town. The fortified structures of the Moscow Kremlin are best examples of mediaeval European fortifications.
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CATHEDRAL OF THE DORMITION
The Cathedral of the Dormition used to be Russia's main cathedral. It was built in 1475 on the site of the original white-stone church by order of Ivan III Grand Prince of Moscovy.
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CATHEDRAL OF THE ANNUNCIATION
The Cathedral of the annunciation was built in 1485 as the domestic church of the tsars and grand princes of Moscovy. The tsar and his family celebrated christenings, weddings and daily prayers here
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CHURCH OF THE DEPOSITION OF THE ROBE
The domestic church of Russian metropolitan and patriarchs was built in 1484 in the style of early Moscow architecture.
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CATHEDRAL OF THE ARCHANGEL MICHAEL
The cathedral which served as the burial place of the grand princes and tsars of Moscovy stands on the site of an ancient church built in the early 14th century. All the grand princes and tsars prior to Peter the Great are buried in the cathedral.
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ARBAT
Arbat is one of the most beautiful places in Moscow. It is divided into two parts - Old and New Arbat. Old Arbat is the historic walking area, which retains elements of its once elegant past. New Arbat is another sight of present-day Moscow.
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METRO
Moscow's metro stations called the "underground palaces" of Moscow are another attraction of the city. It is not an exaggeration as their interiors demonstrate almost royal splendor.
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STATE TRETYAKOV GALLERY
The Tretyakov Gallery is one of the most famous art museums in the world. Its collection covers millennium of Russian cultural development.
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NOVODEVICHY CONVENT
The Novodevichi Convent, one of the most beautiful monastic ensembles in Russia. Situated near the road leading to Moscow from the south, it served as military outpost on more than one occasion.
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TSARITSYNO
Tsaritsyno is a historical museum of art and architecture in a landscaped park. In 1775 Catherine the Great decided to build a residence here, from that time onwards the area was called Tsaritsyno.
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STATE PUSHKIN MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS
The world-famous Museum of Fine Arts is a major centre for studding of Western European art in Russia, second only in importance and scope to the renowned Hermitage in St. Petersburg. At present its holdings number more than a million original paintings and graphic works, and even more sculptures and objects of applied art from all over the world from antiquity to the present day.
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KOLOMENSKOYE
Visitors will find here a unique combination of world important architecture and nature landscape of rare beauty. Here in ancient land one can realize - Kolomenskoye is the concentration of Russian History, Culture and Traditions.
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SERGIEV POSAD
Sergiev Posad (Zagorsk in the Soviet times) is one of most interesting towns in the Moscow Region. The monastery was founded in the 1340s by Reverend Sergius of Radonezh, whose name was given to the town.
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MEMORIAL MUSEUM OF COSMONAUTICS
One of the boldest soviet monuments, the Space Obelisk consists of a rocket blasting nearly 100m aloft on a stylized plume of energy clad in shining titanium. Beneath the Space Obelisk, Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics traces the history of rocketry and space exploration from the 1920s till the present day.
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