Moscow is the capital of russia, its political, economic and cultural center. it was founded 8 centuries ago by prince yuri dolgoruky. historians have accepted the year of 1147 as the start of moscow's history. gradually the city became more and more powerful. in the 13th century moscow was the center of the struggle of russian lands for the liberation from the tartar yoke. in the 16th century under ivan the terrible moscow became the capital of the new united state. though peter the great moved the capital to st. petersburg in 1712, moscow remained the heart of russia. now moscow is one of the largest cities in europe. its total area is about 900 square km. the population of the city is over 8 million people.
St. Petersburg is often called Russian capital of culture, northern Venice. It is the second largest city in Russia. Few world cities can boast of so many sights, museums, opera houses and drama theatres, tofts and palaces, parks and monuments. Literary and musical heritage of this city is incredible – a lot of writers, poets and composers were working in this mysterious misty place by the side of Neva. It really blows your mind! Together with Paris, Rome and Venice St. Petersburg old city is under the patronage of UNESCO. Besides, here you can find the temples of 42 confessions including amazing mosque with a porcelain dome, the only bonzery in Europe and one of the most beautiful chapels of Malthusian Order. St. Petersburg is also the city of bridges. 68 rivers, channels and lades cross the city in different directions forming 42 islands on its territory. Now there are 580 bridges including 20 drawbridges in St. Petersburg and its suburbs. This city is famous for its remarkable atmosphere. Visitors can frequently hear next words: “Open your heart to the city and it will open for you and will remain in your heart forever”. And if it really happens whenever you come to St. Petersburg no matter it rains or the sunshine is ferocious, it is sleety or freezing the city will receive you as its native child. It will impart its warmth to you, soothe you and infuse with hope sure enough. Without the slightest doubt, “white nights” are the most popular time for tourists to visit St. Petersburg. A lot of festivals and excursions are conducted in the city through this period.
