Tver, Russia

Capital City

With a population of just 412,806, Tver is a far cry from the bright lights of Moscow. The city's decline from medieval capital to provincial backwater is palpable, with the Catharinian and Soviet architecture doing little to disguise the stubborn bureaucracy and long, bitter winters that plague daily life. While the Volga river and Tvertsa river offer scenic views, the lack of pre-Petrine buildings and the demolition of the Saviour Cathedral in 1936 have robbed Tver of much of its historical charm. Those seeking an authentic Russian experience may find Tver's combination of dreary climate and persistent red tape a persistent headache.