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Photographs, research and writing by Matthew Falcus

Moscow
Russia

Introduction to Moscow

From centuries as the on/off capital of the world's most expansive country, Moscow shines through as a centre of culture, history and intrigue. Today the west is granted open access to its hidden delights - but get there quick before the wind of change remodels the city into another western metropolis.

Founded by Yuri Dolgoruky in 1147, Moscow was originally a fortified town within the walls of what is today the Kremlin. Its prominent position on a hill overlooking the Moskva River gave it an advantage over would-be invaders in the troubled times that shaped the history of the region.

When communist leaders took control of the country, the city spent decades shrouded from the west - accessible only to carefully screened visitors. The ruling parties built drab concrete structures throughout the city in a vision they saw as forward-looking. Great and often ruthless leaders, such as Lenin and Stalin, built feared pedestals for themeselves and locked in a bitter balance of power with the democracies of the west - most notably the Cold War.

Then came the fall of communism in 1991 and the start of Moscow's rejuventation period - where visitors were encouraged and the sights that make the city historically and architecturally magnificent promoted once again - luckily resulting in the gradual loss of most of the 1960s concrete.

Today the country is still shrouded with a mythical past, and a sense of discovering the unknown becomes the visitor. But sights such as the Kremlin, Red Square and St. Basil's Cathedral scream the familiar. Sighting Lenin's waxen body instills the reality of the cruel past, and learning the history of the many cathedrals and buildings sends shivers down the spine.

Russia is one of the most intriguing and historically fascinating countries on earth. Moscow (and it's near neighbour St. Petersburg) are great entry points to spend a little time discovering. Once over the formalities of obtaining a visa, you will find the country very open to foreign tourism.

Beware, however, that Russia is looking to the future and resembles the west more and more each year. As familiar brands and commercial presence takes over, the Russia of the past will slowly disappear. So visit soon!