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Jun 25, 2024 · Discover 47 intriguing facts about Moscow, from its stunning architecture and rich history to its vibrant cultural scene and iconic landmarks. Journey through the heart of Russia's capital city.
Apr 27, 2020 · Learn about the history, culture and secrets of Russia's capital city. Discover facts about Lenin's corpse, stray dogs, Gagarin's burial, the Tsar Bell and more.
- Overview
- Character of the city
Moscow, city, capital of Russia, located in the far western part of the country. Since it was first mentioned in the chronicles of 1147, Moscow has played a vital role in Russian history. It became the capital of Muscovy (the Grand Principality of Moscow) in the late 13th century; hence, the people of Moscow are known as Muscovites. Today Moscow is not only the political centre of Russia but also the country’s most populous city and its industrial, cultural, scientific, and educational capital. For more than 600 years Moscow also has been the spiritual centre of the Russian Orthodox Church.
The capital of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (U.S.S.R.) until the union dissolved in 1991, Moscow attracted world attention as a centre of communist power; indeed, the name of the seat of the former Soviet government and the successor Russian government, the Kremlin (Russian: Kreml), was a synonym for Soviet authority. The dissolution of the U.S.S.R. brought tremendous economic and political change, along with a significant concentration of Russia’s wealth, into Moscow. Area 414 square miles (1,035 square km). Pop. (2010) city, 11,738,547; (2020 est.) city, 12,678,079.
If St. Petersburg is Russia’s “window on Europe,” Moscow is Russia’s heart. It is an upbeat, vibrant, and sometimes wearisome city. Much of Moscow was reconstructed after it was occupied by the French under Napoleon I in 1812 and almost entirely destroyed by fire. Moscow has not stopped being refurbished and modernized and continues to experience rapid social change. Russia’s Soviet past collides with its capitalist present everywhere in the country, but nowhere is this contrast more visible than in Moscow. Vladimir Ilich Lenin’s Mausoleum remains intact, as do many dreary five-story apartment buildings from the era of Nikita Khrushchev’s rule (the mid-1950s to the mid-1960s), yet glitzy automobiles and Western-style supermarkets, casinos, and nightclubs are equally visible. Many Orthodox churches, as well as some synagogues and mosques, have been restored, Moscow’s novel theatres have reclaimed leadership in the dramatic arts, and traditional markets have been revived and expanded. These markets, which under the Soviets were known as kolkhoz (collective-farm) markets and sold mainly crafts and produce, are now more sophisticated retail establishments.
It has become habitual to compare Moscow with St. Petersburg, its rival and the former (1712–1918) capital of Russia. While St. Petersburg has absorbed western European influences, Moscow is viewed as a traditional Russian city. Unlike its rival, Moscow has a well-defined city centre marked by the Kremlin. Other characteristics of Moscow are its physical layout in radial spokes and rings that have been extended over time, its hodgepodge of architectural styles, and its historical buildings that were mainly built by Russian architects. Moscow’s buildings were predominantly wooden until the 1920s, when brick and stone came into use.
Britannica Quiz
World Cities
Moscow is the capital and largest city of Russia. The city stands on the Moskva River in Central Russia, with a population estimated at over 13 million residents within the city limits, over 18.8 million residents in the urban area, and over 21.5 million residents in its metropolitan area.
- Moscow’s oldest surviving building is more than 550 years old. The Assumption Cathedral is Moscow’s oldest surviving building. It is a striking piece of architecture with five golden helmet domes and four semicircular gables.
- The world’s largest medieval fortress is found in Moscow. The Moscow Kremlin is the world’s largest medieval fortress. It is a fortified complex in the center of Moscow that was linked to all of Russia’s most important historical and political events from the 13century.
- Moscow hosts Russia’s largest zoo. Russia’s largest zoo is home to more than 3,000 animals of 550 species from all over the world. Founded in 1864, this zoo is located in Moscow covering 49 acres.
- Trains with the most frequency in the world are found in Moscow. Imagine trains picking and dropping off passengers within just 1 and a half minutes of each other!
Nov 16, 2021 · 20 Facts About Moscow: Fun & Interesting Russias capital Moscow is a city full of history, that is perhaps only known for things like Red Square, the Kremlin and St. Basil’s cathedral. But, it pays to know a few facts about Moscow before you take a trip there.
Mar 21, 2015 · 1. Moscow is so huge that it has the right to be the country. It’s official population is 12 million (2015), and it’s in TOP 10 most populous cities in the world. This is the population of Norway and Switzerland combined. Or Portugal and Estonia.
