Moscow and St Petersburg are both influential cultural centers in Russia. Both these cities are the places where the most significant developments occur, as well as innovations and changes. However, these two cities differ in many aspects from the beginning and are still distinct. Even though Moscow is the legal capital of Russia, it is common to think that St Petersburg is the second capital. However, these two cities are polar in every aspect from the day they were found until now.
One of the main differences between the two capitals is explained both by the history of their origin and geographical location. St Petersburg’s project started in 1703 as the beginning of Peter’s global reformation of Russia (Figes, 2002, p. 40). It was built strategically, with large architectural ensembles using materials from Finland, Italy, Sweden, Poland, Netherlands, Germany, and different Russian regions. People said that “Peter made his city in the sky and then lowered a giant model to the ground” (Figes, 2002, p. 42). It was planned to be a masterpiece and the capital of Europe. Moscow, which is older than St Petersburg, was founded in 1147 and, from the start, developed spontaneously and unstructured (Britannica, 2022, para. 1). Moscow took shape like an amalgam of parishes gradually connecting with each other, and even in the city center, there were large abandoned wastelands. The contrast of cities is also felt by the peculiarities of their geographical position. St Petersburg is located far from the central part of the country. The climate is colder, and many people were forcibly settled there. Moscow is full of indigenous people, its location is right in the middle of Russia, and the climate has distinct seasons.
To conclude, St Petersburg and Moscow remain two opposites in climate, architecture, and people’s minds. Like many other European countries, Russia has these two cities that are polar but, therefore, interesting. Even though Russia is not associated with culture and art but rather with war and dictatorship, the history of these cities is spectacular. Moscow and St Petersburg are both guardians of the greatness of Russia in the past.
References
Britannica. (2022). History of Moscow. Web.
Figes, O. (2002). Natasha’s Dance: A cultural history of Russia. Metropolitan Books.