Moscow is famous for being the capital and political hub of Russia, but there is so much more to it. For example, it is making strides in education, science, culture, architecture, and more. A fantastic way to understand this information is to know all the facts about Moscow.
Historical Facts About Moscow
When it comes to Russian history, Moscow has always played an important role. Because of this, it has also gone through a heavy past. Here are various historical Moscow facts to know about.
Around 800 Residents Of The House Of Government Were Killed Or Arrested During Stalin’s Great Purge
The House of Government used to be a luxurious living space for the civil servants of the country. These quarters included many amenities such as a tennis court, salon, cinema, and more. However, a lot of servants were executed or arrested from this building during Stalin’s Purge, which is now the House of Preliminary Detention.
The Assumption Cathedral Is Over Five Hundred Years Old
As you make your way toward this five-century-old building, you will be stunned by its architectural beauty. It includes four semicircular gables, five golden helmet domes, and a lot more that will captivate your attention. When traveling to Moscow, be sure to add this cathedral in your itinerary to learn about its history and architecture.
Moscow’s FBI Building Has A Dreary Past
Darya Saltykova used to be a brutal landowner that loan money to peasants and torture them when they couldn’t pay. Such brutal torture used to go on in the current FBI building in Moscow. It is located on the corner of Bolshaya Lubyanka and Kuznetsky.
Cultural Facts About Moscow
Moscow has a rich heritage because of its long Russian history and continues to be the cultural hub of the country. Here is some information about Moscow for you to understand what it is about.
Billionaire Residents Are Spread Throughout The City
According to the Forbes List of Cities with the Most Billionaires List 2023, Moscow ranked sixth. There are more than 60 billionaires living in the city, and they are mostly businessmen in a wide range of industries from tobacco to infrastructure.
Pelmeni Is A Staple To Understand The Local Cuisine
You have to try this delicious traditional Russian food when you visit Moscow. Pelmenis are similar to dumplings, and they are filled with minced meat. The locals love to eat this staple in soup broths, with sour cream toppings, slathered in butter, or other such sides.
Old Moscow Used To Be A Segregated City
Between the 16th and 17th centuries, the cities grew in five concentric divisions. Its population was categorized along with professionals, nationalities, social classes, etc. Segregation has been the subject of much research.
Interesting Facts About Moscow For Kids
There are many things you can do and see with your kids in the Russian Capital. Here are some simple Moscow facts that you can share with them while traveling.
The Moscow Kremlin Is The Current Working Residence Of The President
While the official residence of the president is the Grand Kremlin Palace, it is not the place where the president actually resides. Instead, most official events take place here. This is easily one of the most iconic Russian landmarks.
It’s an incredibly popular attraction that you can visit, but some of the halls of the palace might be closed for viewing without any warning for official functions.
Moscow Zoo Has Over Three Thousand Animals
It is the largest zoo in the country, with over 500 species that cover close to 50 acres. There are various small and large enclosures throughout the zoo for you and your kids to explore. It was open even during WWII, but a lot of it was destroyed at the time.
Trains At The Moscow Metro Are Extremely Busy
The frequency of trains picking up and dropping people at the Moscow Metro is more than anywhere else in the world. But it is also one of the most efficient and cleanest metros you will find. There are at least 17 lines that span close to 400km and are divided into over 200 stations.
Fun Moscow Facts For Travelers
There are endless things to do in Moscow for people that want to explore the city. Here are some useful facts about Moscow that will help you with your exploration.
The Russian State Library Is The Largest In Europe
RSL is also the second-largest library in the world, and it has been in existence since the 19th century. It houses more than 48 million items, out of which 3 million are highly valuable documents or editions. The library carries many foreign and domestic collections for people to explore.
Babushka Dolls Are Available In Many Souvenir Stores
Matryoshka, also known as Babushka dolls, are the most common dolls you will find in the country. This is one of the most prominent things that Russia is famous for.
If you want to take a part of Moscow when you go back home, this is a good representative item that also serves as a nice gift for your loved ones. You can easily find them in souvenir stores around the city.
Izmaylovo Park Is One Of The Largest Urban Parks Throughout The World
Izmaylovo Park spans more than 300 hectares, and it’s a great place to visit when you explore Moscow. You can ride a bike, run for miles, enjoy peaceful nature, and do much more. It is a great place to spend a relaxing day in nature that will rejuvenate you.
There Are Over 18,000 Plants In The Botanical Gardens
The Botanical Gardens of Moscow were founded in 1945, and they are on premises of around 889 acres. Most of the plants cultivated here are native to the country. So, it is a great way to learn about flora and fauna of Russia that make up its natural ecosystem.
Michelin Star Restaurants Are Present In The City
Moscow is a booming city with endless eateries for you to explore food. The capital city is rather international when it comes to gastronomy. You can find restaurants and pubs offering delicious local and international cuisine, including some which have received Michelin Stars.
Go for a stroll on one of your night outs, and seek out the many hidden gems serving up delectable food. From sweet Russian desserts to the wide range of hot and cold soups in the country, you can sample a bunch of different dishes.
Common Facts About Moscow
Here are some general facts about Moscow. Here are some interesting ones to
In 2017, JSC MAFKA Served Over 12,000 Pancakes During Maslenitsa
Maslenitsa is Pancake Week, and during the 2017 celebrations, one company broke the record. 16 professional chefs flipped pancakes for 8 hours straight. You can also visit during these celebrations to get a taste of what it is about. Pancakes are some of the most popular breakfast foods in Russia.
Many Locals Say That The Tunisian Embassy Is Haunted
According to legends and rumors, police used to kidnap beautiful women from the city and take them home. Then, once they were done with the women, they would shoot them. Locals believe that the Tunisian Embassy is haunted by the ghosts of these beautiful women.
You Will Find The Largest Bell In The World Here
The Tsar Bell weighs more than two-hundred tonnes and was commissioned by Empress Anna Ivanovna. However, a fire took place and destroyed the bell during the casting process so it can not actually be rung. Now, it is on display on the grounds of the Moscow Kremlin.
Other Interesting Facts About Moscow
Here are some other fascinating facts about Moscow to know about.
There Is A River Underground
The western banks of the Neglinnaya River were never inhabited because it experiences constant flooding. Because of this, the river was diverted to a tunnel, and now it is underground.
Over Half Of The Population In The City Comes From Other Parts Of Russia
You can imagine there are more premium job opportunities in the capital city compared to other cities in the country. As such, you will also find Russians who moved from their home cities to Moscow due to economic and career considerations. In addition, a good amount of people in the city are immigrants from neighboring countries as well.
Stray Dogs Can Easily Navigate The City Metro
Stray dogs of the city know their way around, as you will spot many of them hopping on and off the various trains. They keep the population of rats down, and they have befriended the security guards at the station. If you spot one on the train, don’t be scared because these animals are harmless.
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Discovering More Fun Facts About Moscow
A rather unfortunate fact about Russia and Moscow is that the country typically only gets featured on the news for political reasons. That is why many don’t often get to see other facets of the country.
There is a lot to do and explore in the Russian capital. When the societal and political situation is stable, Moscow can actually be an exciting travel destination, as portrayed during the 2018 World Cup.
If you do get the chance, this is a beautiful city with tons of culture, stunning architecture, and warm, friendly locals. You are bound to uncover more interesting facts about Moscow once you explore it yourself.
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