Exploring the Lesser-Known Sides of Moscow: From the Seven Sisters to Unique Museums and Festivals

Moscow, the capital and largest city of Russia, is a vibrant and historic metropolis known for its rich culture, historical landmarks and its role as a political and economic center. From its 12th century origins to its current status as one of the world's most populous cities, Moscow has played a significant role in shaping Russian history. This city is home to many famous landmarks such as the Kremlin, Red Square, and St. Basil's Cathedral, as well as many museums and green spaces. Its diverse population, efficient subway system and a mix of modern and historical architecture make it an interesting and unique destination to visit. With this in mind, let's explore some lesser-known facts about the city of Moscow.

Moscow has a population of over 12 million people, making it one of the most populous cities in Europe. It is the political, economic, and cultural center of Russia and is considered one of the most important cities in the world. The population is diverse, representing many different ethnic and cultural backgrounds.

The city has a rich history, dating back to the 12th century when it was founded by Prince Yuri Dolgorukiy. It has played a significant role in Russian history, serving as the capital of the Grand Duchy of Moscow, the Tsardom of Russia, and the Soviet Union. Moscow was also the center of the Eastern Orthodox Church, and many important historical and cultural events have taken place within the city.

Moscow is home to many famous landmarks, including the Kremlin, Red Square, and St. Basil's Cathedral. The Kremlin is a fortified complex that serves as the official residence of the President of Russia. Red Square is a large open square in the center of Moscow and is known for its historical and cultural significance. St. Basil's Cathedral is a unique and colorful building that is a symbol of Moscow and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Moscow Metro, which first opened in 1935, is one of the busiest subway systems in the world. It is known for its ornate station design, with many stations featuring mosaics, frescoes, and sculptures. The Moscow metro system is also considered one of the most efficient in the world.

Moscow is also home to many museums, including the Tretyakov Gallery, which is one of the largest collections of Russian art in the world. The State Historical Museum, the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts, and the State Museum of Oriental Art are also notable museums in Moscow.

Tverskaya is one of Moscow's main streets, running from the Kremlin to the city limits. The street is lined with many high-end shops and restaurants, and is a popular spot for locals and visitors.

Moscow has a humid continental climate, which means that it has warm summers and cold winters. The average temperature in the summer is around 20-25 degrees Celsius, while in the winter it can drop to -10 degrees Celsius or lower.

Moscow was not the capital of Russia until the 15th century. Before that, the capital moved between Novgorod, Vladimir and other cities, until Ivan III of Russia decided to move the capital to Moscow.

Moscow State University, founded in 1755, is the oldest and largest university in Russia, and one of the oldest in Europe. The university has many notable alumni and is considered one of the most prestigious universities in Russia and Europe.

The city has many green spaces, including the famous Gorky Park, which is popular with locals and visitors alike. The park features gardens, playgrounds, and sports facilities, and hosts many events throughout the year. Other notable green spaces in Moscow include the Izmailovo Park and the Victory Park.

Here are more lesser-known facts about the city of Moscow:

  1. Moscow is home to several unique and lesser-known landmarks such as the Seven Sisters, a group of seven skyscrapers built in the Stalinist style during the Soviet era.
  2. The city has a large network of canals, which were built in the 18th century to improve transportation and sanitation. Today, the canals are used primarily for recreational purposes.
  3. Moscow is known for its vibrant street art scene, with many colorful murals and graffiti pieces scattered throughout the city.
  4. The city has a rich literary history, and is home to many famous writers such as Fyodor Dostoevsky, Leo Tolstoy, and Alexander Pushkin.
  5. Moscow is home to several unique and lesser-known museums, such as the Museum of the Moscow Railway, which showcases the history of the city's railway system and the Museum of the Soviet Arcade Games, which has a collection of Soviet-era arcade games.
  6. The city is home to a number of unique and lesser-known parks and gardens, such as the Tsaritsyno Park, which features a palace and extensive gardens, and the Neskuchny Garden, one of the oldest parks in Moscow.
  7. Moscow has a strong industrial sector, with a focus on heavy industries such as metallurgy, machinery, and chemicals.
  8. The city is home to many international institutions, including the headquarters of the World Health Organization's European Office, and the UN Industrial Development Organization.
  9. Moscow is home to a number of unique festivals and events throughout the year, such as the Moscow International Film Festival, the Moscow International Fencing Tournament, and the Moscow International Book Festival.
  10. The city has a rich and diverse culinary scene, with a wide variety of traditional Russian dishes as well as international cuisine. Moscow also has a vibrant nightlife scene, with many bars, clubs, and music venues.
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Photo by Russian Embassy, UK on Twitter

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