Be careful, the house is moving!
During the 20th century about 100 buildings in Moscow were moved to a different location. The Soviet capital was often under reconstruction. Many old prerevolutionary buildings were simply demolished but some lucky ones survived but were moved to a different location.The houses were relocated so smoothly that in some cases the residents did not even notice the beginning of the movement.
The heaviest house ever moved is now located at Tverskaya, 6, it is completely hidden behind the façade of Stalinist buildings. This house weighs 23,000 tons. The house was relocated at night Nov. 4, 1939 with people inside. In order to avoid panic the officials deliberately gave a wrong date. As a result most people woke up in the morning to discover that their house had been moved. A six-year old girl in one apartment played with blocks and built a tower the day before. She fell asleep, leaving the tower on the table. The next morning her tower survived without being scattered.
You can see some of those houses during your Moscow tour, many of them are in the very centre of the city.
Moscow Curious Facts
Moscow population
Today Moscow is the biggest city in Europe. The population of Moscow is 10,5 million people.
Moscow parks
Moscow is a very green city. More than 40 percent of its territory consists of parks, gardens and forests.
Moscow metro
Moscow metro is the most frequently used public transport in Moscow both for Muscovites and tourists.
Moscow subway
The deepest station of the Moscow metro is "Park Pobedy", 84 meters, the height of a 28 storey building
Metro announcements
While navigating Moscow metro you can always determine the direction of the train by the gender of the announcer.
Summer 2010 beat all temperature records
Summer 2010 will be remembered by Muscovites and Moscow guests with abnormal high temperatures.
Moscow fountain with drinking water
There are more than 700 fountains in Moscow, but there is only one with drinking water.
Moscow winters
The coldest temperature ever recorded in Moscow was −42В°C. It happened in January 1940.
What unusual monuments can Moscow boast of?
Have you heard of such monuments as "Give way to the ducklings",a crow and a fox with melted cheese "Friendship" or Children are the victims of adults' vices?
Unusual Moscow trains
Moscow metro is famous not only for its exquisite design and interior but also for its unique trains.
Moscow McDonalds
Would you agree to stay in line for 6 hours to get to McDonalds? This is what many Muscovites did in 1990.
Monument to Saints Cyril and Methodius
What monument in Moscow has 5 spelling mistakes in the inscription?
Organ evenings in Kuskovo
"Organ evenings in Kuskovo" is a series of concerts that is held on weekends in one of the most beautiful old estates in Moscow
Naughty bell
A very old political prisoner aged 300 lives in Moscow Kremlin. Who could it be?
7 curious facts and legends about 7 sisters.
What facts and legends have you heard about Stalin Sisters?
What does a number of cupolas on a church signify?
Have you ever questioned yourself, why some churches have 3 domes while other – five or even more?
