When in Moscow
Those with an interest in European history will find a huge amount to enjoy in Moscow. Since the city's early years in the 11th century, Moscow's history has been turbulent. The Ivans, both Great and Terrible, were largely responsible for transforming the city in to the incredible metropolis that it is today during the 15th and 16th centuries.
While Peter the Great, in the early 1700s, challenged Moscow's position as Russia's major city by moving all government officials to St Petersburg, outsiders viewed Moscow as the country's prize jewel. Napoleon fought his way to the Kremlin in 1812 and the German army was halted by the Russian winter just 25 miles west of the city during World War II. During the Russian Revolution of 1917, Moscow saw the most fighting and the fall of the communist regime in 1991 was centred on the capital.
Today, Europe's most populous city is trying to leave its communist past behind and, generally, has made a huge success of it, with large swathes of Stalinist buildings being replaced by modern, trendy structures. For those who love their modern history, this is not good news, so best head out there soon before Moscow's past is shrouded by large chain hotels.
Travellers who like to feel warmth on their backs as they look around sites are advised to arrive in July or August, when the days can reach up to 26 Celsius although the heat is often coupled with torrential rains. You are guaranteed to be trampling through snow if you arrive at any time from December until April although the temperature begins to dip below zero from November. Spring, which lasts for just the month of May, is a wonderful time to visit, as the snow begins to thaw and the locals begin enjoying themselves again.
Those flying in to Moscow from overseas will arrive at either Sheremetevo-2 airport, 20 miles northwest of the city, or Domodedovo, 24 miles south of Moscow. Both airports operate a system of buses and trains that will take you to the nearest metro station, from where you can head in to the city centre. If this sounds slightly more trouble than you require, grab one of the many taxis for the ride in to town.
If arriving by train, you could be coming in to any one of nine different stations, all with their own metro stop. Russia's train network is extensive and you can head to a variety of other countries, including China and Mongolia and many in eastern Europe.
Once ensconced in the city, the majority of visitors find that the metro system is the easiest way to get around. A trip underground is an attraction in itself, with many of the stations containing stunning architecture and ornaments. Buses, trams and trolleybuses tend to go wherever the metro does not and are less daunting than many other networks in major cities. Those catching a taxi should negotiate their fare before getting in, as Moscow cabs have no meters.
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Introduction
