Smoking in Russia
It might sound surprising but the first quit smoking program was launched in Russia in the 17th century. Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich banned smoking on pain of death. But not because of harm to health, but because of the fire (it was thought that smoking caused a fire of Moscow in 1634).
The first mention of tobacco in Russia goes back to the end of the 16th century. It came to Russia following two ways: from the West - by visiting foreigners, and from the East – from China, since there are indications that, in Siberia, that people smoked tobacco delivered from China, known as the "ball".
Tobacco was legalized by Peter the Great. After his trip to Europe in 1690-s he returned home as a heavy smoker. It is noteworthy that according to Peter's decree of 1697 it was allowed to inhale and exhale tobacco only through the pipes.
Smoking was very popular throughout the 20th century and up to now we have a very high rate of smokers. (About 69% of men and 30% of women are smokers). It's still allowed to smoke in many public places but in most cafes and restaurants there're smoking and non-smoking areas. During youк Moscow tours remember this fact while booking a table in a restaurant.
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?
