As it is stated in ancient chronicles, in 1147 Prince Yury Dolgoruky invited his relative, Prince Svyatoslav Olgovich, to see him in Moscow which at that time was a small castle lost in the boundless Russian forest. Thus the history of the biggest political, economic, cultural and scientific center of Russia began. In the 12th century Moscow turned into a fortress, by the 13th century it was already a town and in the 15th century Moscow became the capital of the Russian State. Today Moscow with its history, architectural masterpieces and innumerable art treasures has found itself in a whirlpool of global currents determining the world development. People from all over the world come to witness Moscow splendors and to fall for the charm the capital of the largest empire on earth certainly possesses. 
 

Quick facts about Moscow

	Area:		over 1,091 sq km
	Location:		European part of Russian Federation, between the Oka and the Volga Rivers, on the Moskva River.
	Geographic coordinates:		55 45 N, 37 37 E
	Population:		approx 10,407,000 (2005 est.)
	Foundation:		1147, by Duke Yuri Dolgorukiy
	Climate:		The climate varies from intensely cold winters to swelteringly hot summers.
	UTC/GMT Offset:		UTC/GMT + 3 hours
	Area code:		495
	Major attractions:		Kremlin, Red Square, St. Basil's Cathedral, Poklonnaya Mountain, Cathedral of Christ the Savior.