The biggest bell in the world
The Tsar Bell has never rung; it was broken during its casting. How could it happen? The bell was almost completed when a fire broke out in the Kremlin in 1737. Soon the wooden support structure caught fire, and the guards threw cold water on it. As a result it caused 11 cracks and a huge piece (11 tons) fell off. It would have been impossible to restore the bell. Only a century later The Tsar Bell was lifted from its pit and placed on a stone pedestal.
It's believed that if the bell rang, it would be heard at a distance of 50-60 kilometers. Can you imagine its deafening sound?
In Russia bells were used not only for the church service, they played a great role in everyday life, announced important ceremonies, coronations, or were used as an alarm during enemy attacks or fires. People would always understand the language of bells.
The biggest bell ever working in Russia was cast in the 17th century, it weighed around 130 tons. Today the biggest working bell is in Sergiev Posad. It's much smaller than the Kremlin giant, weighing only 72 tons, but you can hear its vigorous boom during the tour to The St. Sergius Monastery.
Your Moscow tour guide will tell you lots of amazing facts about bells in the Russian culture.
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?
