Moscow is in opposite – it is dynamically developing megapolis, caraccteraized by combination of traditional Russian style and highteck buildings. Petersburg from architectural point of view is very European and international city frozen in a state as it was in 19th century. When we speak about Russian Orthodox churches we mean building with vertical structure, very bright colors and multiply domes. But in Moscow – all churched are built according to Russian orthodox traditions. The only Russian style churches in historical center is Spilled blood church that’s look like main Moscow symbol – St. Petersburg were created in western style. Interesting fact that basically all old churched and cathedrals in St. Meanwhile in Moscow rules are not so strict about mixture of historical and modern building and that’s why general image of Moscow is modern glass and stone constructions are standing to old historical mansions and cathedrals. Petersburg had demonstrations against it and made construction to be was cancelled. It was big scandal when Gazprom wanted to build it’s 300 meter tower not far from city center and people of St. Petersburg city center is under protection of UNESCO that’s why you will not find modern building in downtown part. Moscow was formed starting from fortress Kremlin where tsars were sitting, and city was growing around it and getting it’s circle (ring) form – Bulvarnoe Ring, Garden ring, Moscow Ring Highway. In some areas streets don’t have names – just numbers in New York fashion. Petersburg had general plan of development with big squares and wide prospects, with separate districts for palaces of Tsar’s family, for nobles and for merchant houses. Petersburg - and as a results there are about 600 incredibley beautifull palaces in St. Peter the Great made every Russian noble person and merchant to build their residence in St. Specially for this reason he invited best western architectures to plan and build St.
Petersburg, didn’t like anything traditional Russian and loved highly developed Europe (especially Amsterdam where he studied) and that’s why he wanted to build new European city. Petersburg from the very beginning was created as capital of the biggest country in the world with target to impress and show wealth and power of Russian Ampire. Historically both cities were different – Moscow was a village that grown from small settlement to the biggest city in Europe. That’s why visiting Russia be prepaid to see two different faces of Russia, two different way of mind and different life style. Competition between these cities started immediately after of foundation of St.