Moscow epithets
Over a long history of Moscow, our capital city has earned a few epithets.
It is probably obvious why Moscow is often called the First Throne. Moscow was the first city which became the center of all united Russian lands and later the capital of all Russia. White-stone nickname was given to highlight the architectural image of medieval Moscow built of white stone including the Kremlin wall of the XIV century.
Why is it often referred as The Third Rome? The term describes the idea that Moscow is the successor to the legacy of the Roman Empire (the "first Rome") and its successor state, the Byzantine Empire (the "second Rome").
Another completely mysterious epithet attached to Moscow is the Forty Forties. In the 17th century, the German scientist and traveller Adam Olearius wrote: "In the Kremlin, the head of churches are covered with smooth gilded tin, which in the light of the sun, shines brightly and give the city a magnificent look." One hundred years later French ambassador, Count Louis Philippe de Segur wrote about Moscow: "The view of Moscow, such a wide city, with its thousands of golden domed churches, the diversity of sounds of its bells, with the mixture of its houses, rich merchants' houses, magnificent palaces." No wonder why by the beginning of the XX century Moscow numbered up to the Forty Forties churches.
Our Moscow tour guide will be glad to share some more curious facts about the capital while you are on a Moscow tour.
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?
Be careful, the house is moving!
Have you ever seen a house moving? Can you imagine a multi-storey building with tenants being moved tens of meters away?
