Everything you wanted to know about Moscow

When was Moscow founded?

Moscow appears in historical chronicles for the first time in 1147. The city was founded by Prince Yuri Dolgoruky of Suzdal, and the future megalopolis started with a fortress named the Kremlin.

We have already written about the facts and secrets of Moscow's Kremlin, and all the general knowledge you could possibly wish for– not to mention some great places to eat nearby.

However, initially, the land and villages close to where Moscow is situated today did not belong to the prince. It was the property of a boyar (nobleman) called Kuchka and was known as Kuchkovo. Kuchka fell from Dolgoruky’s grace and was sentenced to death and confiscation of all his landholdings.

Why was Moscow called ‘The third Rome’?

Actually it was the Orthodox monk Philotheus (Filofei) who called Moscow the Third Rome for the first time. He wrote: "All the Christian kingdoms have come to an end and have converged in the single kingdom of our sovereign," Philotheus wrote in one of the epistles. "Two Romes fell, a third stands, and there will not be a fourth one".

NB: Did you know that there are approximately 30 cities and villages named Moscow around the world?

When did Moscow become Russia's capital?

Despite the fact Moscow was founded in 1147, it took almost another two centuries for the city to become the capital. It was only in 1380 that Moscow became the uncontested center of Russian territory for the first time.

In 1712, a few years before the Russian Empire was established, Peter the Great decided to move the capital from Moscow to St. Petersburg.

St. Petersburg remained the capital until the Empire’s demise following the 1917 Revolution. The Bolsheviks moved the capital back to Moscow in 1918 fearing foreign invasion.

Read about other places that once reigned supreme over Russian lands (spoiler: there were even six of them!)

Is it safe to travel to Moscow?

Contrary to popular notions, Russia, and especially the cities of Moscow and St. Petersburg are perfectly safe for tourists. 

Is it expensive to visit Moscow?

There’s no point to lie – yes, it is. Moscow is one of the most expensive cities in the world, but still there are activities and tours you will not spend a single ruble on.

In case you can (and will), check these 5 most expensive rooms in Moscow hotels.

What to see and where to go?

1. What to see in the Kremlin: 10 places inside the Moscow Kremlin.
2. Moscow off the beaten path: What to see beyond the Kremlin and Bolshoi.
3. Unseen masterpieces from the Tretyakov Gallery 
4. 5 MUST-DO experiences in Moscow.
5. Park Zaryadye: 10 facts that will surprise you.
6. 4 Moscow bunker museums.
7. Art in Moscow: Main museums in Moscow.
8. 6 Moscow train stations that are temples of art, architecture and history.
9. Gorky park: Moscow’s most famous park.

Where to eat?

1. Visit culinary theater
2. The 10 most popular types of street food in Moscow.
3. Visit House of Russian Cuisine.
4. The 7 most EXPENSIVE dishes in top Moscow restaurants.
5. Moscow's AI-inspired restaurant guide ‘Ultima Guide’.
6. 5 restaurants with incredible views of Moscow.

What about the transport in Moscow?

The first one to mention is Moscow subway system – one of the most picturesque and great. Here are a few life hacks and secrets:

• Phrases from the Russian Metro.
• Russian picture dictionary: Metro.
• BIG Circle Line .
• How to use the Moscow Metro .
• First stations of a new subway line.
• The most unusual stations
• 5 most beautiful NEW Moscow Metro stations 
• This Moscow Metro station has changed its name four times.
• The world's first subway station on a bridge.

You can also use alternative ground transportation. Read how Russians mock their most unusual form of transportation – the marshrutka.