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The first mentioning of Moscow as a settlement in the annals of history dates back to 1147. This very year is, thus, considered to be the year of its foundation. Moscow’s founder is Yuri Dolgorukiy, Prince of Suzdal.
At present Moscow is one of the largest cities of the world. The exceptionally favorable location of Moscow gave it advantages over other cities of the emerging Russia. From the very beginning the territorial development of Moscow was determined by the need to have a reliable defense. There were constant threats of invasion by nomadic hordes from the South and East and by Lithuanian and Polish conquerors from the West. During that time such famous convent-fortresses as the Simonov, Spaso-Andronikov and Novo-Devichiy ones were built on approaches to Moscow. After the victory in the Kulikovskaya battle (1380) and the ’Ugra standing’ (1480) that put an end to the Tartar-Mongolian yoke the might of Muscovy started growing quickly. In the 15th century by the size of its territory and population Moscow surpassed London, Prague and other largest cities of Europe. After the abolition of serfdom (1861) and in the course of developing capitalism in Russia rates of Moscow’s growth increased and the city became the largest commercial and industrial center. By the end of the 19th century there were over 20 thousand commercial and industrial enterprises. Moscow’s industrial structure was dominated by textile, building, woodworking and food sectors. The period of the industrial upsurge was marked by vigorous advances of the foreign capital penetrating the Russian industry.
For hundreds of years Moscow has been the center of the Russian national culture. The city possesses the most valuable historical and architectural monuments of world importance: the Kremlin, Novo-Devichiy Convent, Church of Pokrov in Fili, Moscow State University, Triumphal Arch, Memorial complex of Victory on the Poklonnaya Gora. The Temple of Christ, the Savior, on Kropotkinskaya embankment (it became Moscow’s Cathedral), the Kremlin’s Voskresenskiye Gates together with the Iverskaya Chapel and Temple of Icon of Kazan Mother of God on Red square were built anew. A great number of historic monuments are being reconstructed and restored. The process to preserve the historic heritage goes on and the Moscow government bodies act as its sponsors and active participants. A lot is done to make Muscovites and visitors feel nice and comfortable in the streets of the capital city. Pedestrian zones are set up, new hotels, cafes and restaurants are opened. Moscow regularly hosts major festivals, Olympiads, sports competitions and various international contests. Moscow is famous for its museums and such exhibition halls as the State Tretyakov Art Gallery, Fine Arts Pushkin Museum, Manege Exhibition center and many-many more.
Those, who already visited Moscow, are sure to wish to come back to our hometown again.
Moscow is considered one of the most beautiful cities of the world. |
