New Jerusalem monastery, Moscow region, Russia
This is not the first attempt to transfer the image of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, associated with shrines, on the territory of Russia. Among the monuments, which could reflect the influence of the Palestinian prototype, researchers call the temple of the Intercession on the Moat and the project Holy of Holies in the Moscow Kremlin (the latter, conceived by Boris Godunov, has not been implemented. It remains open and the question that could serve as a model for the Holy of Holies of this project-the old Testament Temple of Solomon or the Church of the Holy Sepulchre)
The lands on which the new monastery was supposed to be located were in the possession of the fiefdoms, and the Patriarch obtained from Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich a special right to acquire land holdings. Prior to the creation of the monastery, all land acquisitions were made on the Valdai Iversky monastery.former lands of boyar Vasily Sheremetev, Prince Alexei Trubetskoy, Stolnik Roman Boborykin joined the territory of the future monastery. The monastery buildings were built on the lands of the village of Redkino, bought from the deacon Lukyan.
Russian life. Weekend trip. Прогулка по Москве. Зачатьевский монастырь
Russian life. Weekend trip. Walk around Moscow. Conception convent is the oldest convent in Moscow.Прогулка по Москве. Зачатьевский монастырь является древнейшим женским монастырем в Москве. В 1360 г. свт. Алексий, митрополит Московский, построил деревянную церковь Зачатия прав. Анны и основал при ней монастырь, первыми насельницами которого стали его родные сестры, игумения Иулиания и монахиня Евпраксия. В 1547 г. монастырь был уничтожен пожаром и переведен ближе к Кремлю.
На старом месте осталась небольшая монашеская община, вновь ставшая монастырем в 1584 г. при попечительстве царя Феодора Иоанновича. Тогда же в ней были построены храмы Зачатия прав. Анны с приделом вмч. Феодора Стратилата и мц. Ирины, трапезный храм в честь Рождества Богородицы. Монастырь сильно пострадал во время польского нашествия в 1612 г., но вскоре был возрожден.
Russian daily life with TVE ( Travel Video Emotion ) -
Angelus Bells of Moscow’s Catholic Cathedral
Heard at noon on Saturday, above the Catholic cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Moscow
Римско-католический Кафедральный собор Непорочного Зачатия Пресвятой Девы Марии
Rimsko-Katolicheskiy Kafedral'nyy Sobor Neporochnogo Zachatiya Presvyatoy Devy Marii, Malaya Gruzinskaya Ulitsa, 27/13, Moskva, Russia, 123557
Moscow State Historical Museum
Описание
Храм Пророка Илии в Обыденском переулке.
The church was built in 1702 - 06 (architect - I.P. Zarudny) on the money of the Duma clerk Gavriil Fedorovich Derevnin and his brother Basil (buried on the both sides of the arch connecting the main church and the refectory) in the place of a wooden church (the 16th century). According to legend, the wooden church was built by the Grand Prince Basil the Third under the promise (vow) by all world, obydenkoy, obyden i.e. during one day from the prepared frameworks (from that fact there is a common name such as The Church of Elijah Obydenny).
In 1611 this church was burned up by Polish soldiers. In 1612, before the critical battle with the army of Hetman Khodkevich trying to cut way to the Harrison of the Polish and Lithuanian interventionists besieged in the Kremlin and Kitai-Gorod there was the Headquarters of D.M. Pozharsky. In the second half of the 17th century in the church the ceremonial entries of the Russian tsars took place as well as the religious processions came out of the Kremlin in summer holidays and during draughts with praying for the rain. In that period the nobles parishioner presented the shroud of Christ embroidered with silver and gold (1690).
In 1706 for servicing in winter the warm refectory church was attached to the cold temple. In 1748 it was damaged in great fire, in 1753 it was restored by the Brigadier N.A. Bolkunov.
After many re-buildings the church lost its original appearance.
The church is quadrangular, crowned with the cupola on a wide slim octagonal tholobate, arched with eight-though vault. The altar jogs are on a high basement because of steep slope of the Moskva River. At the entrance to the refectory there is a single-domed bell tower. On the column in the right part of the refectory there are icons of Christ the Saviour and St. Nicholas the Wonderworker (with hagiography stamps).
In the first tier of the iconostasis of the central altar there are icons from the wooden church of the 16th century: the Icon of Saviour not made by hands (1675, work of S. Ushakov, located to the right of the Holy Gate) on the margin of which there are 12 appearances of the Resurrected Christ; Kazan icon of the Mother of God (S. Ushakov and his students, to the left of the Holy Gate); St. Elijah's Fiery Ascent into Heaven (the 16th century, with 20 hagiographic stamps on the margin). These and other icons of the 17th century: Beheading John the Baptist, St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, John the Warrior the Martyr (it is supposed to be the work of S. Ushakov's pupil, Kazantsev), Vladimir Mother of God (master of the Armory Department, A. Ryazantsev), Dormition of the Theotokos are under protection of the government. In 1944 the particularly valuable miracle-working icon of the Mother of God Unexpected Joy was handed over to the Church (from the Moscow Kremlin Church of Annunciation destroyed in the 1930-ies, until 1944 the icon was in the Church of the Resurrection in Sokolniki; was installed on the southern choir of the central side-chapel).
After 1917 it was not closed. In 1922 the authorities withdrew the valuable objects from the church. In the beginning of the 1930-ies the bells were thrown down. To this church many nuns and novices moved from the Convent of the Conception closed in 1924 as well as many church-goers of some closed churches came there and handed over the ancient icons. During the Great Patriotic War it suffered from the explosion of high-explosive bomb fallen near the church.
How it changed the asphalt on Tverskaya Street, Moscow
cupola1.mpg
Cupolas and Bells Russian Orthodox Cupolas Empty Bell Towers Bell Concert from a Suzdal Monastery.
Хр. Христа́ Спаси́теля - Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, Kurtarıcı İsa Katedrali
Christ the Saviour Cathedral was built in gratitude for God's intercession in the critical period of Russian history as a monument to the courage of Russian people against the Napoleonic invasion of 1812. December 25, 1812, when the last soldier 600000th of Napoleon's army was driven out of Russia, Emperor Alexander I, in honor of the victory of Russian army and in gratitude to God, has signed the manifesto of the highest building in Moscow in the name of the Church of Christ the Saviour, and issued a Decree of the Supreme Holy Synod of the establishment of the festivities on December 25, in commemoration of deliverance of the Church and the Russian state from the invasion of the Gauls, and with them dvadesyati language. As conceived by the emperor in the ancient capital, while lying in ruins, had to get up a grand memorial church, the main idea of which was set out very clear words of the king's Manifesto: The preservation of the eternal memory of that unprecedented effort, loyalty and love for Faith and Fatherland, What in these difficult times extolled the Russian people themselves, and to mark our gratitude to Divine Providence for saving Russia from threatening her death, we set out to our capital city of Moscow to create a church of Christ the Saviour ... Храм Христа Спасителя был построен в благодарность за заступничество Всевышнего в критический период истории России как памятник мужеству русского народа в борьбе с наполеоновским нашествием 1812 года. 25 дек 1812 г, когда последний солдат 600-тысячной армии Наполеона был изгнан из пределов России, Император Александр I, в честь победы российского воинства и в благодарность Богу, подписал Высочайший Манифест о построении в Москве церкви во имя Спасителя Христа и издал Высочайший Указ Святейшему Синоду об установлении празднества декабря 25, в воспоминание избавления Церкви и Державы Российские от нашествия галлов и с ними двадесяти язык. По замыслу государя в древней столице, лежавшей в то время в руинах, должен был подняться грандиозный храм-памятник, главная идея которого предельно ясно была изложена словами царского Манифеста: В сохранение вечной памяти того беспримерного усердия, верности и любви к Вере и Отечеству, какими в сии трудные времена превознес себя народ российский, и в ознаменование благодарности нашей к Промыслу Божию, спасшему Россию от грозившей ей гибели, вознамерились мы в Первопрестольном граде нашем Москве создать церковь во имя Спасителя Христа...
Зачатьевский ставропигиальный женский монастырь.
It is the oldest convent in Moscow. It was founded by St. Alexis Metropolitan of Moscow in the third quarter of the 14th century (according to other sources - in 1360). The first residents of the Convent were sisters of St. Alexis, St. Juliana (Mother Superior) and Eupraxia. The first wooden church of the Convent in honour of the Conception of the Holy Mary by St. Anna was built on St. Alexis' money. In the beginning of the 16th century in the place of that church Grand Prince Basil the Third ordered to build the stone church in honour of the Transfiguration of Jesus Christ with the side-chapel of St. Alexis the man of God. It was rebuilt in 1547. After the fire in 1547 the convent was moved from Ostozhie to Chertolie where it existed named as of St. Alexis (Alexeevsky) until 1837 when in that place the construction of the Church of Christ the Saviour began and the Convent was moved to Krasnoe (Red) Village.
In the original place only small Convent of the Conception remained but soon it was ruined. It was restored in 1584 by the tsar Fedor Ivanovich and tsarina Irina Fedorovna who built in the Convent the new church of the Conception with the side-chapels of the Great Martyr Theodore Stratelates and St. Irina and the refectory Church of the Nativity of the Holy Virgin.
In 1612 the convent was ruined by Polish soldiers. In 1623 it was restored. In 1804 - 07 in the place of the demolished church dated back to the 16th century under the design of the architect M.F. Kazakov the majestic Cathedral was built in honour of the Nativity of the Holy Virgin with the side-chapels of the Conception of the Holy Mary by St. Anna, the Great Martyr Theodore Stratelates, St. Alexis the Metropolitan of Moscow (1799) and the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God (1887). The capacity of the new Cathedral included fully (in the Kazan side-chapel in 1887) the church in honour of the Icon of the Mother of God The Unburnt Bush (1766) located over the place of burial of the sisters of St. Alexis the Metropolitan of Moscow. In 1812 the Convent was ruined by Napoleon's army (the residents of the Convent were under protection of the enemy officer Baron Taulet for three days) but it was restored quickly. In 1844 - 50 the building of the alms-house with the church was built in honour of the Advent (1846 - 58; architect - M.D. Bykovsky). The intensive construction took place on the border of the 19th -- 20th centuries.
In November in 1917 the Convent was in the area of violent battles (the Red Army men stormed the headquarters of the Moscow Military District in the Vsevolzhsky Lane). On the 16th of March in 1925, 9 days before his death St. Tikhon the Patriarch of All Russia served his last Liturgy.
The Convent was closed in 1927. The cathedral continued to serve for some time and was destroyed in the 1930-ies. In that place the building of the secondary school was built. After the Convent was closed the venerable Icon of the Mother of God The Merciful and some other sacred things were kept in the Church of Elijah the Prophet in the Obydensky Lane. Nowadays the Icon of the Mother of God was given back to the Convent.
The Convent was revived on the 5th of May in 1995.
A part of the fence, cell houses (the 19th -- 20th centuries) are extant. Under the control of the Convent the alms-house, publishing house, sewing and iconography workshops and bakery operate.
Churches
Over-the gates church in honour of the Icon of Christ Not Made With Hands (1696 over the northern Holy Gate of the Convent) was built on the money of A.L. Rimsky-Korsakov the Stolnik of Peter the Great in the style of Moscow baroque. It is the only surviving church of the churches of the ancient cloister. It was recorded as parish (people were baptized and married in the Church but in other churches of the Convent it was not allowed). It is small, single-domed quadrangular with the octagonal crown. It is surrounded from the south and west with the open ambulatories. The entrance to the ambulatories is from the external side of the fence because until 1744 the church was a house church of the Rimsky-Korsakov family. Divine services were resumed in 1993.
Under the over-the-gates Church there is the Chapel of St. Alexis the Metropolitan of Moscow. The Church of the Conception of the Holy Mary by St. Anna was arranged after the convent reviving in one of the premises of the refectory.
Since 2001 the Church of the Advent has been under restoration.
True Life in God - 11th Ecumenical Pilgrimage, Russia - 2017
Honouring Russian Orthodoxy - Theme: How to Bridge our Divisions
you are all My People, no matter what creed or race, remember I am LOVE and I have created you all;
(TLIG Messages, May 1, 1989)
Russia will be the symbol of God’s Glory of God’s Mercy and Love her hymns and chants that are so sweet in Our ears, with her graceful movements, will rise up to heaven like incense;
(TLIG Messages, February 1, 1988)
Historic and Unique, that's how we can describe the 11th pilgrimage of True Life in God in Russia, September 2-10, 2017. It was a pilgrimage like no other, “the highlight of all other pilgrimages” as one of the bishops in attendance expressed. The theme was: “How to Bridge our Divisions.” The Lord has moved all of us with power, with a big step forward breaking down barriers and opening the way to new experiences according to His Divine purpose.
Find more about the 11th Tlig Ecumenical Pilgrimage here:
For more informations about Tlig Messages please visit:
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Rostov-on-Don in Russia, one of the oldest in the country and a tourist center of the Golden Ring
Rostov-on-Don in Russia, one of the oldest in the country and a tourist center of the Golde
Rostov (Russian: Ростов; IPA: [rɐˈstof]; Old Norse: Rostofa) is a town in Yaroslavl Oblast, Russia, one of the oldest in the country and a tourist center of the Golden Ring. It is located on the shores of Lake Nero, 202 kilometers (126 mi) northeast of Moscow. Population: 31,792 (2010 Census);[4] 34,141 (2002 Census);[7] 35,707 (1989 Census).[8]
While the official name of the town is Rostov, it is popularly known to Russians as Rostov Veliky (Russian: Ростов Великий, Rostov the Great) to distinguish it from much larger city of Rostov-on-Don, and the name of the town railway station is Rostov Yaroslavsky, due to its position in Yaroslavl Oblast.
he central square of Rostov is occupied by the Assumption Cathedral. It is unknown when the present building was erected, the mid-16th century being the most likely date. Lower parts of the cathedral walls are dated to the 12th century. The ponderous bell-tower was constructed mostly in the 17th century. Its bells are among the largest and most famous in Russia - each has its own name. The largest bell, cast in 1688, weighs 32,000 kilograms (71,000 lb). It is named Sysoy to honor the city's founding father.
An area situated between the cathedral square and the lake was chosen by Iona Sysoevich as a place for his fairy-tale residence. All the construction works were carried out between 1667 and 1694. Major buildings include the ornate Savior Church-na-Senyakh (1675), the sombre Church of St. Gregory (1670), and the barbican churches of St. John the Apostle (1683) and of the Resurrection of Christ (1670). The residence, often erroneously called kremlin, also includes eleven ornate tower bells, numerous palaces, several small belfries, and the diminutive baroque Church of Our Lady of Smolensk (1693). All the churches are elaborately painted and decorated.
The cathedral and four tall kremlin churches with their silver blind domes were imitated throughout the city. This is particularly evident in the Savior-on-the-Market church and the cathedral church of the Nativity convent, both dating from the 17th century and situated near the kremlin walls. The oldest church within the town center was consecrated to St. Isidore the Blessed in 1565. They[who?] say that Ivan the Terrible had the architect executed, because his church was so much smaller than its predecessor.
The kremlin is flanked by two monasteries, both facing the Lake Nero. To the right from the kremlin stands the Abraham monastery, founded in the 11th century and one of the oldest in Russia. Its cathedral, commissioned by Ivan the Terrible in 1553 to commemorate the conquest of Kazan, inspired numerous churches in the region, particularly in Yaroslavl.
Spaso-Yakovlevsky Monastery, situated to the left from the Kremlin on the town's outskirts, has been venerated as the shrine of St. Dmitry of Rostov. Most of the monastery structures were built in the late 18th and early 19th centuries in the fine neoclassical style. There are also two 17th-century churches: the Conception of St. Anna, and the Transfiguration of Our Savior. Unlike most other churches in the town, the monastery belongs to the Russian Orthodoxy and houses a theological seminary.
Waterbury's Saint Anne's Church members find temporary home for Christmas masses
The spirit of Christmas could be felt in Waterbury on Christmas Eve as members of a local church found a new temporary home after large stones fell from their own building.
Moscow, Russia - Gorky Park & View from Observation Deck, Garden of Fallen Soviet Era Monuments
Thanks for joining in on another video from our trip to Moscow! This video is a compilation of clips from the second day of our trip - first we start at Gorky Park, named after Maxim Gorky and a large, pretty park right in central Moscow at the Park Kultury Metro stop. Right at the entry gate there is a museum, at the top of which is a large observation deck area - this deck has nice views and is hardly ever crowded either!
After views from the top, we head across the street - more specifically, under the street since Moscow is known for all their road underpasses! The large building there is the New Tretyakov Gallery, a modern Russian art museum which is in a large yet not overly striking building - in the park area facing away from the river is the Garden of Fallen Monuments, an area of Soviet statues, propaganda and other memorabilia from a bygone era. Here you see busts of Lenin, Stalin, Trotsky and many other Soviet figures - these were all around the city and after the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991 were torn down as a sign of rebellion and victory. Many of these now reside in this park - it is an amazing thing to see!
One last thing - ever seen the 007 movie Goldeneye? Well, the scene where Bond finds out Alec Trevelyan is still alive and is the enemy Janus is set in this same garden...interestingly, that scene was set in St. Petersburg, NOT in Moscow where the park actually resides!
Enjoy the video!
The Power of the Heavenly Sword -- Assyrian Orthodox Church of the Virgin Mary: June 10, 2018
Jesus says “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.” (Matthew 10:34-36), cutting the darkness from the light, falsehood from the truth.
Святейший Патриарх Кирилл. Проповедь. Злые виноградари.
Проповедь Патриарха Кирилла в Неделю 13-ю по Пятидесятнице.
18 сентября 2016 года, в Неделю 13-ю по Пятидесятнице, Святейший Патриарх Московский и всея Руси Кирилл посетил подворье Зачатьевского ставропигиального женского монастыря в подмосковной Барвихе. Предстоятель Русской Православной Церкви совершил чин великого освящения храма подворья в честь Покрова Пресвятой Богородицы и Божественную литургию в новоосвященном храме.
Да снизойдет на Вас Божия благодать!
Приход храма Святого праведного Иоанна Кронштадтского Чудотворца. Волгоград. Россия.
Братья и сестры! Просвещайтесь, распространяйте, подписывайтесь на канал -
Russian Orthodox Chant: The Angel Spoke to Mary
Here I present the Russian Orthodox Chant: The Angel Spoke to Mary.
In the 1st chapter of the book of Luke, beginning with the 26th verse and continuing on through the 38th verse we read of the encounter between Mary, the virgin mother of our redeemer Jesus, and the Angel Gabriel:
26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed[a] to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary. 28 And he came to her and said, Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you![b] 29 But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. 30 And the angel said to her, Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.34 And Mary said to the angel, How will this be, since I am a virgin?
35 And the angel answered her, The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born[d] will be called holy—the Son of God. 36 And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. 37 For nothing will be impossible with God. 38 And Mary said, Behold, I am the servant[e] of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word. And the angel departed from her.
Явление Ангела Гавриила Марии
26 Когда Елизавета была на шестом месяце, Ангел Гавриил был послан Богом в город Назарет, в Галилее, 27 к девственнице, обручённой с человеком по имени Иосиф. Иосиф был из рода Давида, имя же девственницы было Мария. 28 Гавриил пришёл к ней и сказал: «Приветствую тебя! Господь с тобою! Ты благословенна».29 Но она была смущена этими словами и думала, что бы это приветствие могло значить.30 И Ангел сказал ей: «Не бойся, Мария! Ты обрела милость Божью. 31 Слушай! Ты зачнёшь и родишь сына, и назовёшь Его Иисусом. 32 Он будет велик, и будут Его называть Сыном Всевышнего. Господь Бог даст Ему престол Давида, отца Его. 33 Он вовеки будет править народом Иакова, и Его царству не будет конца».34 Мария спросила у Ангела: «Как же будет это, если я не замужем?»35 Ангел ответил ей: «Святой Дух спустится на тебя, и власть Всевышнего осенит тебя. Поэтому дитя, которое родится, будет носить имя Сына Божьего. 36 Твоя родственница Елизавета в старости своей тоже зачала сына. Все считали её бесплодной, но вот уже шесть месяцев, как она беременна. 37 Для Бога нет ничего невозможного».38 Мария сказала: «Я — слуга Господа. Пусть сбудется со мной, что ты сказал». И Ангел удалился
Sung here by the Choir of the Moscow Patriarchate.
Accompanying photographs of The Smolny Convent of the Resurrection in St. Petersburg.
Tverskaya street
That is Tverskaya street that leads to the Kremlin.
คริสต์มาส-Рождество-Holy Russia Celebrates ... 1/6 (Eng/Th subt)
Full Title: The Holy Russia Celebrates the Festival of Christmas (1993)
Written and directed by Georges Gachot
Produced by Robin Scott
The spiritual culture of Russia is reflected in the beauty of its churches and monasteries, in the paintings and frescoes that adorn them and -- above all -- in the sacred music that is sung in them.
Featured events and liturgical pieces include:
Christmas Night Mass, Epiphany Cathedral, with the Patriarch Alexi II
Novodevichy Convent, Kolomenskoye and Kazan Church
GOD IS WITH US, by Zinoviev
Performed: The Choir of Trinity St Sergius Lavra and Moscow Theological Academy and Seminary
The Kremlin Cathedrals
FROM MY YOUTH, by Ozerov
Performed by The Choir of Trinity St Sergius Lavra and Moscow Theological Academy and Seminary
THE CHERUBIC HYMN, by Tchaikovsky
Performed: Moscow Chamber Choir
The Trinity St Sergius Monastery at Sergiev Posad
CHRISTMAS TROPARION, by Anon arr. Trubatchov
Performed: The Choir of Trinity St Sergius Lavra and Moscow Theological Academy and Seminary
SONG OF THE MAGI, Traditional
Performed: The Choir of Trinity St Sergius Lavra and Moscow Theological Academy and Seminary
CREDO, by Grechaninov
Performed: Moscow Chamber Choir
PRAISE THE LORD FROM THE HEAVENS, by Rachmaninov
Performed: Moscow Chamber Choir
LOCATIONS: Moscow, Sergiev Posad, Kostroma, Yaroslavl, Rostov, Pereslavl etc.
Cathedral of Basil the Blessed
The Cathedral of Intercession of Theotokos on the Moat. Around in time. Scetch.
Moscow | Wikipedia audio article
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Moscow
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The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.
- Socrates
SUMMARY
=======
Moscow (; Russian: Москва́, tr. Moskvá, IPA: [mɐˈskva] (listen)) is the capital and most populous city of Russia, with 13.2 million residents within the city limits and 17 million within the urban area. Moscow is one of Russia's federal cities.
Moscow is a major political, economic, cultural, and scientific centre of Russia and Eastern Europe, as well as the largest city (both by population and by area) entirely on the European continent. By broader definitions Moscow is among the world's largest cities, being the 14th largest metro area, the 18th largest agglomeration, the 14th largest urban area, and the 11th largest by population within city limits worldwide. According to Forbes 2013, Moscow has been ranked as the ninth most expensive city in the world by Mercer and has one of the world's largest urban economies, being ranked as an alpha global city according to the Globalization and World Cities Research Network, and is also one of the fastest growing tourist destinations in the world according to the MasterCard Global Destination Cities Index.
Moscow is the northernmost and coldest megacity and metropolis on Earth. It is home to the Ostankino Tower, the tallest free standing structure in Europe; the Federation Tower, the second-tallest skyscraper in Europe; and the Moscow International Business Center. By its territorial expansion on July 1 2012 southwest into the Moscow Oblast, the area of the capital more than doubled, going from 1,091 to 2,511 square kilometers (421 to 970 sq mi), resulting in Moscow becoming the largest city on the European continent by area; it also gained an additional population of 233,000 people.Moscow is situated on the Moskva River in the Central Federal District of European Russia, making it Europe's most populated inland city. The city is well known for its architecture, particularly its historic buildings such as Saint Basil's Cathedral with its colourful architectural style. With over 40 percent of its territory covered by greenery, it is one of the greenest capitals and major cities in Europe and the world, having the largest forest in an urban area within its borders—more than any other major city—even before its expansion in 2012.
The city has served as the capital of a progression of states, from the medieval Grand Duchy of Moscow and the subsequent Tsardom of Russia to the Russian Empire to the Soviet Union and the contemporary Russian Federation.
Moscow is the seat of power of the Government of Russia, being the site of the Moscow Kremlin, a medieval city-fortress that is today the residence for work of the President of Russia. The Moscow Kremlin and Red Square are also one of several World Heritage Sites in the city. Both chambers of the Russian parliament (the State Duma and the Federation Council) also sit in the city. Moscow is considered the centre of Russian culture, having served as the home of Russian artists, scientists and sports figures and because of the presence of museums, academic and political institutions and theatres.
The city is served by a transit network, which includes four international airports, nine railway terminals, numerous trams, a monorail system and one of the deepest underground rapid transit systems in the world, the Moscow Metro, the fourth-largest in the world and largest outside Asia in terms of passenger numbers, and the busiest in Europe. It is recognised as one of the city's landmarks due to the rich architecture of its 200 stations.Moscow has acquired a number of epithets, most referring to its size and preeminent status within the nation: The Third Rome (Третий Рим), the Whitestone One (Белокаменная), the First Throne (Первопрестольная), the Forty Soroks (Сорок Сороков) (sorok meaning both forty, a great many and a district or parish in Old Russian).
Moscow is also one of the twelve Hero Cities. The demonym for a Moscow res ...