FUN WITH MAPS ISSUE 2026-040

By Steve Kovacs (Introduction by Chuck Gibson)

LOVELAND, OH (March 11, 2026) – This issue of Fun with Maps is all about a big city.

Mega City

Moscow is the northernmost mega city, with metro population of over 20 million.  It is also the largest European city, not London or Paris.

Moscow is the economic and cultural center of Russia. It was the capital of the Grand Dutchy since the 1100s, then of the Tzars until Peter the Great moved the capital to the then new city of St. Petersburg in the 1700s.  It regained its capital status again on March 11, 1918 as part of the Bolshevik Revolution.

It is the economic and cultural center of Russia.  It boasts the longest and busiest Metro system outside of China.  Many stations are very scenic, full of art and are a tourist attraction on their own.

The Kremlin, built in the 15th century, adjacent Red Square and St. Basil’s Cathedral are the most recognizable icons of the city.

This map is by Sutter from 1725 and shows Moscovy with Moscow in the upper center.

Steve Kovacs and his wife Theresa reside in Loveland, Ohio where they raised their two children. He is a passionate collector of antique maps.

Visit his antique map boutique world-on-paper online. Watch for his daily feature Steve Kovacs: Fun with Maps here on Loveland Beacon.