MOSCOW INTRODUCTION, Introduction

Hi, my name's Jill, and I'm your personal guide. Along with MyWoWo, I'd like to welcome you to one of the Wonders of the World: Moscow.

As you know, Moscow is Russia’s capital and most important economic hub, as well as the largest metropolis in Europe with over 12 million inhabitants. But above all it’s a beautiful city steeped in history, art, life and fun that will blow you away.

It was founded around 1100 and was capital of the Russian Empire from 1480 to 1705, until Peter the Great relocated the court to St. Petersburg. Moscow once again became one of the most important and influential cities in the world at the beginning of the twentieth century when it was made the capital of the Soviet Union.

The symbols of its power are undoubtedly the fortified complex of the Kremlin and the Red Square, but the city offers many other examples of majestic beauty such as St. Basil’s Cathedral, the Novodevichy Convent and the village of Kolomenskoye. You can admire reminders of Soviet grandeur such as the magnificent pavilions of the expansive Exhibition of Achievements of the National Economy, otherwise known as VDNKh, the Ostankino Tower, and the Moscow Metro, built under Stalin and considered the most beautiful in the world.

You'll also find that Moscow is full of museums, including the Pushkin Museum and the Tretyacov Gallery. And don't forget to visit one of the most prestigious theatres in the world: the Bolshoi....