The capital of Russia was first mentioned in 1147 and has since played an important role in Russian history. Today it is the political centre of Russian and largest city in population. Also culture, science and education are of great importance for the city. Furthermore, Moscow has been the spiritual centre of the Russian Orthodox Church and the city also comprises a few Christian churches, Jewish synagogues and Muslim Mosques. The most famous sights in Moscow are Kremlin and the Red Square. Central Moscow is a journey through different periods of the city history from the 15th century up to the present day with examples of Moscow Baroque style, the Classical period and the revivalist Old

Russian Style. Soviet remains can still be found in this megapolis. The city life is influenced by theatre, music and art – some of the most famous places are the State Academic Bolshoi Theatre, Maly Theatre, Moscow Art Theatre, The State Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts, The State Tretyakov Gallery and the Andrei Rubliov Museuem of which the two latter exhibits a great collection of Russian icons and paintings.