Kolomna, Russia

Capital City

This sleepy Moscow suburb boasts a modest population of 132,247. Despite its historic kremlin and cultural attractions, the day-to-day realities of Kolomna are a far cry from the glitz of the capital. The city was closed to outsiders until 1994 due to sensitive military production, and bureaucracy remains a persistent headache for residents. Kolomna's continental climate also brings bitterly cold winters that can be a shock for those unaccustomed to the Russian heartland. For those seeking an authentic taste of provincial life outside the big city, Kolomna may fit the bill - but it's certainly no Moscow.