40 fascinating facts about Moscow which you might have never heard about

Moscow is an incredible place. The historical center and modern skyscrapers, the architecture of the Soviet era and the sparkling glass offices stand next to each other. This city has become home to many millions of residents of different nationalities and religions. And it is one of the most captivating cities for tourists from all over the world.

What facts will surprise you?

Historical facts

It is traditionally believed that the capital was founded by Prince Yuri Dolgoruky in 1147. But people have lived on the site of modern Moscow since ancient times.

From 1712 to 1918, Moscow was deprived of the status of capital, since this role was played by St. Petersburg.

Many of the streets and squares were named because of the distinctive landscape nearby, or the professions of people who lived there. For example Borovitsky - because a real pine forest grew around the fortress wall. Mokhovaya street appeared because of moss.

Until the 16th century, even in the richest houses, there were no windows from the glass. People used mica plates or fish bubbles instead of them.

In 1812, about 80% of all buildings destroyed by the fire. The citizens were ready to burn their houses but not to be conquered by Napoleon.

It is believed that legendary lost treasures of the Templars are still in Moscow. Their riches were exported from France. But still, the traces of the presence of the Templars in Moscow have survived on the walls of St. Danilov Monastery.

In the XV — XVI centuries Muscovites for winter fun made skates from animal bones.

Architecture and sights

Red Square was not just a place where kings, nobles and high-ranking officials walked. Magnificent parades and terrible executions took place here, popular uprisings began and various celebrations were held. This place is the real history of Russia.

You will not find such a high TV tower as Ostankino anywhere in Europe and with such an unusual construction. And among the highest world's building, it takes the 8th place - 540 meters.
If you are interested in animals, welcome to the largest Russian zoo. There are more than 530 species of animals from over the world.
446 museums are located in Moscow. Russian capital can easily compete with the most famous collections of art in the world.
The Moscow Kremlin occupies 27 hectares. And it's the oldest part of Moscow also amazes the beauty of towers, cathedrals, and palaces.
In Moscow's Diamond Fund you can find the biggest and brightest diamonds.
Moscow is famous for its chapels and churches. There are just Orthodox ones. The oldest of them (1475-1479) has survived to this day.
On Red Square, there is the tomb of the leader of the Russian communist movement - Vladimir Lenin. The first and second mausoleums were completely wooden; the stone structure acquired its modern appearance only in 1930.
The Kremlin is the largest active fortress in Europe.
Kremlin chimes are the oldest watches in Russia. They are about 5 centuries old. Their weight reaches 25 tons. The diameter of the chimes dial is 9 meters, the length of the minute hand is more than 4 meters, and the weight is about 50 kilograms.
Muscovites pay great attention to books. You can find more than 40 million books in the Russian State Library. It takes the seconds place in the term of book stock after the National Library of Congress in Washington.
In total there are more than 500 libraries in the capital. By the number of libraries, Moscow is an absolute champion.
One of the most mysterious places in Moscow is Tsaritsyno. The place was called "Black Mud" because it was "unclean". Since ancient times, evil rock hung over it, as if it had survived its owners.
Since 1938, the sculpture "Border guard with a dog" at the metro station "Ploshchad Revolyutsii" is an object of worship for passengers. Even in the bustle, many do not forget to rub the dog's nose. At first, it was fun for students: rub your nose - you pass the test, rub your paw - an exam. The dog's nose became just a sign of good luck.
The highest monument in Moscow is the Victory Monument (the height is 141.8 m). It was opened on May 9, 1995. Each centimeter of its height symbolizes 1 day of World War II.
"Moscow City" is a real architectural masterpiece. There are many offices, cafes, and apartments for living. You can settle in the High-Level Hostel, which is located on the 43rd floor of one of the skyscrapers.
Skyscrapers are very durable. They will withstand even the direct crash of an aircraft.
One of the towers has the highest electronic clock in the world, and there is a spacious pool inside the business center at a height of 250 meters.

Nature of Moscow

In the center of Moscow, there is a river that has never been seen alive by many Muscovites even from older generations. This is the Neglinka River. Once it was a fairly full-flowing river, but at the beginning of the 19 century it was enclosed in a pipe, and now it flows somewhere underground.
The oldest trees in Moscow are ancient oaks in Kolomenskoye park, which are more than 7 centuries old.
Moscow surpasses many cities of the world in the number of parks. The oldest of them is Alexander Garden. It was equipped in the 18 century. Even wild moose are found in Moscow parks.

Transport in Moscow

If you want to have a look into the Russian soul and its life, go down the metro. It's very beautiful, clean, deep and keeps lots of secrets. Every day, 10 thousand trains carry 9 million passengers, which is the highest global indicator.
If you go towards the center, the stations will be declared in a male voice, and from the center in a female voice; when moving in a circular direction clockwise - by a male voice, counterclockwise - by a female.
It is believed that there is a secret underground line in Moscow's metro. It was built to provide communication between the Kremlin and other institutions with shelters in case of danger.
The tram is a very old type of Moscow public transport. The first power line opened here in 1899. Some tram stops in Moscow are very old. One pre-revolutionary pavilion is still located in the Krasnostudensky passage near the Dubki park.
Tram No. 3 is the oldest route in the capital. Now it follows from Chistye Prudy to Balaklava Avenue.
By river transport from Moscow, you can get to the Arctic Ocean.
The length of all the streets together will be about 4350 kilometers. If a pedestrian walks at a speed of 5 kilometers per hour without stops the walk takes more than 30 days to overcome this path.

Muscovites and modern life

There are more than 12 million people in the capital of Russia who live and work here
Only 2 % of the people living in Moscow permanently can be named as native Muscovites.
Over the past 20 years, 3 million people have moved to the capital from other regions of Russia.
Most billionaires are in Moscow. According to Forbes, 84 residents of the capital are billionaires. Their combined fortune is 367 billion dollars. New York, for example, is home to only 62 billionaires.
Moscow is not a part of the Moscow region, but it's center.
Since 1994, a government decree has been in force in Moscow, according to which dogs are prohibited from barking from 11 pm to 7 am. Hosts who don't do anything to keep the pets quiet will be fined.
Photography with professional cameras on Red Square and other territories near the Kremlin has been forbidden since 1993. To obtain permission, you must contact the Moscow Kremlin Command's Office.

Welcome to Moscow to find out all unusual and fascinating facts about Russian capital!