The Best of Moscow (1 day)
The largest city of the European continent with the population of more than 13 million residents, Moscow is one of the fastest growing tourist destinations in the world. A fascinating city to wander around, stunning cathedrals, churches, and palaces lie side-by-side with bleak grey monuments and remains from the Soviet state. In addition to its numerous historical and cultural landmarks, Moscow is home to world-class museums, theaters and art galleries. Being a modern city, Moscow has a lot to offer those who enjoy a spirit of beautiful life, a spirit of richness and luxury. Moscow remains open, hospitable and festive, and has the right, as ever, to be called the heart of Russia. This one-day Moscow tour will let you see and enjoy the highlights of our capital city.
History of Moscow
The first mention of Moscow appears in the chronicles for 1147, almost a century before the Mongol-Tatar invasion. In those times Moscow, a small settlement on the banks of the Moskva River, belonged to Prince Yury Dolgoruky. At the prince’s order a wooden fortress (Kremlin) was erected on a high hill above the river. In the 13th century Moscow became the centre of the independent Vladimir-Suzdal principality. Moscow expanded its territory until it reached supremacy over all the other Russian principalities, though still a Tatar vassal state. In 1320s the Orthodox church moved its administration from Vladimir to Moscow and that rose its prestige. Moscow developed into a stable and prosperous principality, known as Grand Duchy of Moscow, for many years and attracted a large number of refugees from across Russia. When the Grand Duchy of Moscow evolved into the Tsardom of Russia, Moscow remained as the political and economic centre for most of the Tsardom’s history. Under Peter the Great’s leadership, Tsardom of Russia was transformed into the Russian Empire, and in 1712 the capital was moved from Moscow to the newly founded St. Petersburg. In 1918 after October revolution capital status passed to Moscow by the Soviet government headed by Vladimir Lenin. During World War II, the city became a major battleground and a target for invading troops. Most civilians were evacuated from the city as Soviet soldiers fought the Nazis in the Battle of Moscow from October 1941 to January 1942. The defeat of the Nazis in this battle was a major turning point in the war. After the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, Moscow continued to serve as the capital, this time of a new entity, the Russian Federation.