Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Official website of the State –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
On March 12, 1918, Moscow was restored to its status as the capital of Russia. Prior to this, for just over two centuries, St. Petersburg had been considered the country's main city.
Moscow is the capital of Rus'
Moscow first officially received the status of the main city of the Russian state at the end of the 15th century, after the Moscow princes completed the unification of the Russian lands around their principality.
A key role in this was played by Prince Ivan Kalita, who received the right to collect tribute from the Horde on Russian lands and directed these funds towards strengthening the Moscow Principality.
Thanks to its advantageous geographical position, the presence of trade routes, and the active policies of the Moscow princes, by the end of the 15th century, Grand Duke Ivan III was able to finally unite Rus' around Moscow, making it the center of a centralized Russian state.
Moving the capital to St. Petersburg
During the reign of Peter the Great, St. Petersburg was built on the shores of the Baltic Sea, and the Tsar moved his capital there in the early 18th century. This city was closer to Europe and made a better impression on foreigners. Peter also needed a capital on the seashore "so that guests from other countries could come to the Tsar by sea, rather than having to travel the dangerous route to Moscow."
The city earned the nickname "Northern Venice": wide avenues, river and canal embankments, majestic palaces and buildings created the image of a European metropolis, symbolizing Russia's openness to the world.
Saint Petersburg remained the main city of the empire until the beginning of the 20th century, witnessing the most important historical events: the reforms of Catherine the Great, the Patriotic War of 1812, and the revolutionary upheavals of the early 20th century.
Moscow is the capital of the Soviet state
After the October Revolution of 1917, the political situation in the country deteriorated sharply: the young Soviet Republic faced the threat of foreign intervention and civil war.
In a climate of instability, Petrograd (as St. Petersburg became known in 1914) became vulnerable to possible attacks from the west and north. To ensure the safety of the highest authorities and strengthen the country's governance, the decision was made to return the capital to Moscow.
The government relocation took place in the spring of 1918. On March 12, the Council of People's Commissars of the RSFSR officially declared Moscow the capital of the new Soviet state. This move allowed for the centralization of government bodies closer to the center of the country, increased the stability of power, and facilitated control over the territory of the young republic.
The best city on Earth
Moscow today ranks among the world's leading megacities, consistently ranking high in international rankings thanks to its active infrastructure development, digitalization, comfortable urban environment, and quality of life. The city is frequently recognized for its achievements in transportation, culture, and business.
Moscow is the site of dozens of songs known to everyone, and is a constant venue for film shoots, star performances, and grand shows.
UN experts have recognized Moscow as the best metropolis in terms of quality of life, and we cannot disagree.
"This city is the best city on Earth
It looks like it was drawn on the wall with chalk.
River boulevards and bridges are drawn
Multicolored freckles white bows"
Subscribe to the "Our GUU" Telegram channel. Publication date: March 12, 2026.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.