Moscow is the political, financial, spiritual and cultural capital of the Russian Federation and the largest city in Europe.  Its sights such as Red Square, St Basil's Cathedral and the Kremlin are recognised throughout the world and are protected by UNESCO along with the Novodevichy Convent and the Ascension Church at Kolomenskoe. Although there is certainly plenty to see in Moscow alone, many visitors to Russia like to combine a trip to Moscow with a trip to St Petersburg or to one of the cities of the Golden Ring. As the main transport hub of the country, there are also hundreds of other options of travelling further from the capital, including many day trips.