Moscow is the capital of Russia and the most densely populated city, the country’s administrative, political, economical and cultural center. No wonder, both Russians and foreigners express a great interest in Moscow.
The capital’s history is filled with mysterious puzzles, its architecture and vastness dazzle our imagination, and the modern city is an inexhaustible source of energy and the conglomeration of new technologies for the comfortable and happy life of its citizens.
Here are just a few interesting facts about Moscow worth while being mentioned:
1. The capital was founded in 1147 by Prince Yury Dolgoruky, whose monument today adorns the same-named square in the famous Tverskaya Street. Every year on the first Saturday of September, Moscow’s residents celebrate the capital’s Birthday.
2. According to one of the historical hypothesis, Moscow is named after the river nearby, or has the Finno-Ugric meaning "cows river", "bears river".
3. With a population of over 12 million residents (according to official statistics), Moscow ranks first among the largest European cities in terms of population.
4. Moscow Metro is one of the world’s most beautiful metros; more than 40 stations are recognized as objects of cultural heritage. About 10 thousand trains run daily in the subway, which are transported by over 9 million passengers. During rush hours the interval between the train arrivals in the Moscow metro is 90 seconds. The length of all subway lines is more than 300 km, and more new underground stations are being in construction.
5. Despite the effective passenger transportation traffic by Moscow metro, every single day Moscow breaks all records in terms of the number of car traffic jams in which Muscovites enormously spend time on the way from their homes to offices and back. Recently created by Russian developers web services allow local residents to effectively assess the degree of traffic jams and the whole situations on the roads.
6. Moscow is the largest country's transport hub. There are 7 operating railway stations and 3 main international airports in the capital city.
7. Moscow is an important tourist center of Russia. The Moscow Kremlin and the Red Square, the Church of the Ascension in Kolomenskoye, the architectural ensembles of the Novodevichy Convent and the Trinity-Sergius Lavra are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
8. The Moscow Kremlin, the official residence of the President of the Russian Federation, is the largest well preserved medieval fortress in Europe which is in function today.
9. Ostankino TV Tower, which is located in Moscow, is the highest building in Europe, its height is 540, 1 m.
10. "Seven Sisters", or Stalin's skyscrapers, symbolizing the 7 hills that Moscow is located on, were laid in 1947 in honor of the 800th anniversary of Moscow. The height of buildings varies from 136 to 240 meters.
Moscow is an amazing city with an incredible atmosphere. The city is full of interesting events; the most important governmental meetings and great scale events of the country are taking place here. Moscow is constantly growing and developing and annually attracts more and more tourists wishing to visit the capital of Russia, rich in its history and possessing its unique cultural and architectural heritage.