From the fortified Kremlin and gold church domes, to modern skyscrapers, museums and galleries, Moscow’s landmarks reveal much about its history and future. Wars and revolutions have transformed the Russian capital many times in the past. Today it is a prosperous and cosmopolitan city. Since the fall of the Iron Curtain, hundreds of thousands of tourists come to Moscow every year for its art, history and culture.

Make Red Square your first stop. The enormous historic plaza is bordered by some of the city’s most famous buildings. Gaze in awe at St. Basil’s Cathedral with its intriguing multicolored domes. The church was built for Ivan the Terrible in the 16th century to commemorate a military victory. At the opposite end of the square is the State Historical Museum, full of artifacts that tell the story of Russia from prehistoric times to the present. Venture into the Lenin Mausoleum to see the preserved body of the former head of government of the Soviet Union.

Take a tour of the Kremlin, the vast 69-acre (29-hectare) fortified complex that occupies the spot where Moscow was founded. The compound encompasses churches, cathedrals, palaces and the official residence of the president of Russia. Appreciate the religious icons and frescoes inside the Cathedral of the Assumption. See tombs of Russian rulers in the Cathedral of the Archangel.

Anywhere in Moscow, you’re never far from a park or garden. One of the most famous is the 300-acre (120-hectare) Gorky Park, along the banks of the Moscow River. Walk, cycle or rollerblade along its paths, go boating on the lake or play tennis and other sports. During winter, ice skate on the huge rink.

You’ll find many evening activities in the city. Watch opera or ballet at the Bolshoi Theatre, dine in a café or restaurant on Arbat Street and dance in clubs featuring international DJs.

Fly into Sheremetyevo International Airport and get around by bus, tram, taxi, the metro system or rental car. Let Moscow thrill you with its fascinating buildings and history.