Detailed map of the Moscow region with cities, villages and districts

The Moscow region is a separate subject of the administrative-territorial structure of the Russian Federation. It is part of the Central Federal District and is named after the capital of the Russian Federation, although the latter is not included in it. Area of ​​the Moscow region in square meters. km – 44.4 thousand. The territory of the capital is 2560 sq. km. Thus, the area of ​​the Moscow region (2016) is almost 20 times larger. However, the number of its inhabitants is half that. Read about this and many other features of this subject of the Russian Federation in today’s article!

Device evolution

Before studying the area of ​​the Moscow region today, let’s delve a little into history. This territory was already inhabited twenty thousand years ago. This is evidenced by the many found settlements from the Iron Age. Until the 9th-10th centuries, Finno-Ugric tribes lived here. And only in the 10th century the Slavs came to this territory. In the 12th century it was part of the Vladimir-Suzdal principality. During this period, such large cities as Moscow, Volokamsk, Zvenigorod and Dmitrov were founded. In the 13th century, these territories were captured by the Mongols. However, the Grand Duchy of Moscow was destined to become the center of the unification of Russian lands. The Mongols were defeated by Dmitry Donskoy in the Battle of Kulikovo.

The southern territory of the future Moscow region was originally part of the Ryazan principality. However, in 1520 it was annexed. In 1708, by order of Peter the Great, the Moscow province was created. The Bolsheviks' coming to power brought with it a reform of the administrative-territorial structure. In January 1929, the Central Industrial Region was created. It included Moscow, Ryazan, Tver, Tula, Vladimir and Kaluga provinces. However, already in June 1929 it was decided to change the name of the entity. From that time on, it began to be called the Moscow Region.

The division into districts was abolished in July 1930. Over time, some areas were assigned to other areas. In 1931, Moscow became a separate entity. The administrative-territorial structure of the region has been reformed many times since that time. Entire regions became part of other regions. However, today the Moscow region is interesting not just as a neighbor of the capital, but also as an independent subject of the Russian Federation. It is in fifty-fifth place in terms of area and second in terms of population. Also in the Moscow region there are many attractions and interesting tourist sites.

Moscow region, brief information.

Geographical position

. The Moscow region is located between the Oka and Volga rivers. Borders: in the south - with the Tula region, in the southwest - with the Kaluga region, in the west - with the Smolensk region, in the northwest and north - with the Tver region, in the northeast - with the Yaroslavl region, in the north and north- in the east - with the Vladimir region, in the southeast - with the Ryazan region.

Natural conditions

. The terrain of the region is mostly flat; in the west and north of the region there are the Smolensk and Moscow uplands, the highest (up to 285 m) and hilly part of which is the Klinsko-Dmitrovskaya ridge; in the east there is the swampy Meshchera lowland. Main rivers: Oka, Moscow (with tributaries Ruza, Istra, Yauza, Pakhra), Klyazma. On the Moscow River and the Canal. Moscow - a network of reservoirs; On the territory of the region there are lakes (Trostenskoye, Nerskoye, Chernoye) and swamps. The climate is moderate continental; the average January temperature is -10 degrees, the average July temperature is +17 degrees; precipitation amount is from 450 to 650 mm per year. On the territory of the Moscow region, predominantly soddy-podzolic soils are common, in the south of the region - light gray soils. Vegetation: mixed forests.

Relief

The relief of the Moscow region is predominantly flat; The western part is occupied by hilly hills (heights more than 160 m), the eastern part by vast lowlands.

From southwest to northeast, the region is crossed by the border of the Moscow glaciation; to the north of it, glacial-erosive forms with moraine ridges are common, and to the south - only erosional relief forms.

Almost the entire west and north of the Moscow region is occupied by the moraine Moscow Upland with well-defined river valleys, the highest average height (about 300 m, in the Dmitrov area) is within the Klinsko-Dmitrovskaya ridge, and the highest point (310 m) is near the village of Shapkino, Mozhaisk district . The northern slope of the Moscow Upland is steeper than the southern one. Lakes of glacial origin are frequent within the elevation (Nerskoye, Krugloye, etc.). To the north of the named elevation there is a flat and heavily swampy alluvial-outwash Upper Volga lowland, the height of which is no more than 150 m; includes the Shoshinskaya and Dubninskaya lowlands (heights less than 120 m).

In the south of the region stretches the hilly moraine-erosive Moskvoretsko-Oka Plain, which has its greatest height (255 m) in the area of ​​Teply Stan (located within Moscow), with clearly defined (especially in the southern part) river valleys; Karst landforms are occasionally found within its boundaries. The latter are especially common in the Serpukhov region.

In the extreme south of the region, beyond the Oka, there are quite high (more than 200 m, maximum height 238 m) northern spurs of the Central Russian Upland with numerous ravines and ravines. These are the Zaokskoye erosion plateau and the Zaosetra erosion plain.

Almost the entire eastern half of the Moscow region is occupied by the vast Meshchera Lowland, which in its eastern part is significantly swampy; its highest hill is 214 m above sea level; heights of 120–150 m predominate; river valleys are poorly expressed. Almost all large lakes of the Meshchera Lowland (Chernoe, Svyatoe, etc.) are of glacial origin. Here is also the lowest natural height in the region - the water level of the Oka - about 97 meters.

Geological structure and minerals

The territory occupied by the Moscow region is located in the central part of the East European Platform; the latter, like all platforms, consists of a crystalline foundation and sedimentary cover. The crystalline basement consists of rocks of Archean and Proterozoic age, and the sedimentary cover contains sediments of the Paleozoic, Mesozoic and Cenozoic eras. The smallest depths of the crystalline basement (1000 m) are to the south of the city of Serebryanye Prudy (in the extreme south of the region), the greatest (4200 m) are to the east of Sergiev Posad (in the northeast of the region).

Within the Moscow region there are almost no deposits of the Tertiary period; deposits of the Carboniferous and Jurassic periods are much more widespread.

During the Cretaceous period, there was a sea on the territory of part of the modern Moscow region, as evidenced by outcrops of phosphorites and various sands. Cretaceous deposits are most common in the north of the Moscow region. The Jurassic sea was larger than the Cretaceous sea; characteristic Jurassic deposits (in the form of black clays) are found both on the territory of Moscow and in its immediate surroundings, especially in the valley of the Moscow River. Carboniferous deposits in the Moscow region are represented by dolomites, limestones and marls. Outcrops of coal deposits rich in organic residues occur in the south (especially in the Serpukhov region) and in the west of the region. Devonian deposits were also discovered on the territory of the Moscow region.

Quaternary deposits are widespread in the Moscow region; their power decreases from northwest to southeast. Currently, most researchers have accepted the point of view according to which there were four glaciations in the Moscow region. The first of them, Oka, occurred in the Lower Pleistocene and spread to the latitudinal segment of the Oka valley; it left almost no traces on the territory of the region. In the Middle Pleistocene there were two powerful glaciations - the Dnieper (covered a significant part of the territory of the Russian Plain) and the Moscow (stopped slightly south of the current border of Moscow). Finally, the Valdai glaciation dates back to the late Pleistocene, which did not directly affect the territory of the Moscow region, but left traces in the form of fluvioglacial deposits (mainly in the north of the region). The periods between glaciations correspond to the Likhvin, Odintsovo, Mikulin and Mologo-Sheksna interglacials. The glaciers left behind moraine loams with pebbles and boulders of various types (granites, gneisses, quartzites; dolomites, limestones, sandstones). In areas of terminal moraine ridges, the thickness of sediments sometimes reaches 100 m; on watersheds it usually does not exceed several meters.

Minerals

The Moscow region is rich in a variety of mineral resources.

Sands found in deposits of various periods (mainly Quaternary and Cretaceous) are of high quality and are widely used in construction; quartz sands are used in the glass industry; they have been mined since the end of the 17th century in the Lyubertsy region; Some of the deposits are currently mothballed for environmental reasons; only the Eganovskoye deposit is being developed (quartz sand reserves - 33 million tons, annual production - up to 675 thousand tons per year). Sand and gravel deposits are common within the Smolensk-Moscow Upland. Sandstone deposits are being developed in the Klin and Dmitrov regions.

Clay deposits are also numerous within the Moscow region; deposits of low-melting clays are being developed in Sergiev Posad. The Eldiginskoye deposit near the village of Sofrino stands out; raw material reserves are estimated at 30 million cubic meters, annual production - up to 600 thousand cubic meters in Dmitrov, Lukhovitsky, Serpukhov and other regions). Refractory white clays are found in the east of the region (in deposits of the Carboniferous and Jurassic systems) and have been mined since the 14th century in the Gzhel region; The largest deposit is Kudinovskoye near the city of Elektrougli with raw material reserves of 3 billion tons. Covering loams used in brick production are very widespread.

The Moscow region has long been famous for its limestones (“white stone”), which are soft to work with. The Myachkovskoye deposit of rubble limestone is famous, the raw materials of which were used for cladding the walls of such Moscow buildings as the Bolshoi Theater and others; Limestone mining in Myachkovo has now been stopped; Currently, Carboniferous limestones are mined in quarries in the Podolsk, Voskresensky, and Kolomensky districts. There are known deposits of marble-like limestone, such as in the Kolomna region.

In the region, deposits of other carbonate rocks have been discovered - dolomites (used in the cement industry; production is concentrated mainly in the area of ​​​​the city of Shchelkovo, dolomite reserves at the Shchelkovo deposit are over 20 million tons, annual production is about 650 thousand tons), limestone tuffs, marls, etc., located mainly in the south and east of the region.

The Moscow region has phosphorite deposits; here are the most important Yegoryevskoye and Seversky deposits in the Moscow region.

The area of ​​the Meshchera Lowland is rich in peat deposits; There are also peat deposits in the Upper Volga Lowland. The largest operating deposits are Ryazanovskoye (840 thousand tons per year) and Radovitsky Mokh (760 thousand tons per year) (both are located in the Yegoryevsky district and belong to OJSC Shaturtorf). Of the combustible mineral resources in the region, there is also brown coal (in the Zaoksky districts, the interlayers belong to the Moscow region brown coal basin), the deposits are of no industrial importance and are not developed.

Within the region, minor deposits of iron ores (in the Serpukhov and Serebryanoprud regions) and titanium are known.

Deposits of potassium salt have been explored (in the Serpukhov and Yegoryevsk regions).

In the Moscow region there are also numerous mineral springs, especially ferruginous ones (near Zvenigorod, Serpukhov, Klin). In addition to open springs, many layers rich in mineral water were discovered at depths of 300-500 meters. At a depth of 1-1.5 km, a buried salt sea of ​​a significant area was discovered, presumably occupying the territory of not only Moscow, but also several neighboring regions. Salt water with a salt concentration of up to 300 g/l is used in the local food industry, balneological centers, and also at water sports facilities.

Climate

The climate of the Moscow region is moderate continental, seasonality is clearly expressed; summers are warm, winters are moderately cold; continentality increases from northwest to southeast.

The period with an average daily temperature below 0 *C lasts 120-135 days, starting in mid-November and ending at the end of March. The average annual temperature in the region ranges from 2.7 to 3.8 *C. The coldest month is January (average temperature in the west of the region is -10 *C, in the east -11 *C). With the arrival of arctic air comes severe frosts (below -20 *C), which last up to 40 days during the winter (but usually frosty periods are much shorter); in some years frosts reached -45 *C (the lowest absolute minimum temperature was recorded in Naro-Fominsk -54 *C). In winter (especially in December and February), thaws are frequent, caused by Atlantic and (less often) Mediterranean cyclones; They are, as a rule, short-lived, their average duration is 4 days, the total number from November to March is up to fifty. Snow cover usually appears in November (although there have been years when it appeared at the end of September and in December), disappears in mid-April (sometimes earlier, at the end of March).

Permanent snow cover usually sets in at the end of November; snow cover height is 25–50 cm. Soils freeze to 65–75 cm.

The warmest month is July (average temperature +17 *C in the west and +18.5 *C in the southeast). The maximum summer temperature (+39 *C) was recorded in Zaraysk. The average annual precipitation is 450-650 mm, the northwestern regions are the most humidified, the southeastern regions the least. In the summer months, an average of 75 mm of precipitation falls, but once every 25-30 years, severe droughts occur in the Moscow region, when less than 5 mm of precipitation falls.

Hydrography

Map of the Moscow province from the Encyclopedic Dictionary of Brockhaus and Efron

All rivers of the Moscow region belong to the Volga basin (the Volga itself flows through the region in a small area along which the border with the Tver region passes).

The northern part of the region, including the entire Upper Volga lowland, is irrigated by tributaries of the Volga (Shoshey, Lama, Dubnaya, Sestra, Yakhroma), while the southern part is irrigated by tributaries of the Oka (Lopasney, Nara, Protva, etc.), which is the largest river after the Volga in the Moscow region. The tributaries of the Moscow River, which flows within the Moscow region for most of its length, also belong to the Oka basin. The eastern and northeastern regions of the region, including a significant part of Meshchera, are irrigated by tributaries of the Klyazma, which is one of the main tributaries of the Oka and originates within the Moscow region.

In total, there are over 300 rivers in the Moscow region, with a length of more than 10 km. All rivers have a calm flow, well-developed valleys and floodplains; Snow feeding predominates, with high water occurring in April - May. In summer, the water level in the rivers of the Moscow region is low and rises only in cases of prolonged rain. The region's rivers are covered with ice from late November to mid-April. Of the rivers, only the Volga, Oka and Moscow are navigable.

The northern part of the Moscow region is crossed by the Moscow Canal, passing through the Ikshinskoye, Klyazminskoye, Pyalovskoye and Pestovskoye reservoirs. In the Moscow River basin, the Ozerninskoye, Mozhaiskoye, Istrinskoye and Ruzskoye reservoirs are also formed, providing Moscow and the Moscow region with drinking water.

There are many lakes in the Moscow region (about 350), almost all of them are shallow (5-10 m), many are of glacial origin. The largest are Senezh (15.4 km2) and Svyatoe (12.6 km2). The deepest - 32 meters - Lake Glubokoe in the Ruza region.

Swamps are common in the Moscow region, especially within the Meshcherskaya and Upper Volga lowlands.

Soils

On the territory of the Moscow region, low-fertility soddy-podzolic soils that require fertilizers predominate (in the uplands - loamy, medium and strong podzolization; in the lowlands - soddy-podzolic swamp sandy loam and sandy soils. Chernozem soils (heavily podzolized and leached) are not widespread and have place only south of the Oka. Gray forest soils are common from the south of the Oka and in the interfluve of Moscow and Klyazma (mainly Ramensky and Voskresensky districts). Swamp soils are often found in the Meshcherskaya and Upper Volga lowlands. Along the valleys of large rivers - alluvial soils. Soils of the Moscow regions are heavily polluted with mineral fertilizers and pesticides, as well as household and industrial waste, garbage.The degree of soil contamination is especially high in the suburban area of ​​Moscow, as well as in the east (in the Orekhovo-Zuevsky and Noginsky districts) and the southeast of the region (in the Voskresensky district) .

Vegetation

The Moscow region is located within the forest and forest-steppe zones. Forests occupy over 40% of the region's territory. In the north of the Moscow region (in the territory of the Upper Volga Lowland), as well as in its western part (in the territory of Mozhaisky, Lotoshinsky and Shakhovsky districts), middle taiga coniferous forests, mainly spruce forests, are most common. The forests of Meshchera consist mainly of taiga pine forests; In the swampy lowlands there are isolated alder forests. The central and partly eastern parts of the region belong to the area of ​​southern taiga coniferous-deciduous forests. The main tree species here are spruce, pine, birch, and aspen. Hazel (hazelnut) dominates the undergrowth. This zone is characterized by grasses of both coniferous and deciduous forests. To the south is a subzone of broad-leaved forests, the main tree species of which are oak, linden, Norway maple and elm. The Moskvoretsko-Oka Upland is a transition zone; it is also characterized by large tracts of spruce, as, for example, in the upper reaches of the Lopasni River. In the Oka Valley there are steppe-type pine forests. The extreme south of the region (Serebryanoprudsky district and partly Serpukhov district) are located in the forest-steppe zone; All areas of the steppe have been plowed; they are almost not preserved, even in fragments. Within the forest-steppe zone, linden and oak groves are occasionally found.

Since the 18th century, the forests of the present-day Moscow region have been subjected to intensive felling, which led to a change in the ratio of tree species: coniferous (mainly spruce) forests in many places were replaced by small-leaved ones (birch and aspen). Nowadays, felling is almost never carried out, since almost all forests are of water conservation value; Reforestation work is underway, especially in the immediate vicinity of Moscow.

Swamps are most common in the Shatursky and Lukhovitsky (in the east) regions. There are almost no natural floodplain meadows left. The number of native plant species in the Moscow region is decreasing, but representatives of other flora are becoming more widespread (for example, American maple); Species that came from cultivation also settled in large areas - Sosnovsky's hogweed, common columbine, etc.

Some plant species are listed in the Red Book of Russia (water chestnut, lady's slipper, etc.)

Material from Wikipedia - the free encyclopedia.

Modern division

As already mentioned, the total area of ​​the Moscow region is almost 4.4 million hectares. The capital, according to data for 2015, occupies about 2560 square meters. km. The modern administrative-territorial structure of the Moscow region includes 29 districts, 34 settlements of regional subordination and 5 closed entities. Changes still occur almost every year.

In 2012, as part of the capital expansion project, Troitsk and Shcherbinka, as well as 15 rural and 3 urban settlements were transferred under its management. As a result of this reform, the area of ​​the Moscow region in square meters. km decreased by 1.48 thousand. In 2015, the territory of several cities of regional subordination was expanded. However, the area of ​​the Moscow region in 2016 did not change compared to 2012. Significant reforms are planned for 2022. In particular, it is planned to transform the Krasnogorsk, Lyuberetsky, Lukhovitsky, Zaraisky and Pavlovo-Posad municipal districts into urban districts.

Domodedovo is the largest in area in the Moscow region

In the southern part of the area is Domodedovo. This is the first on the list, the largest city near Moscow in terms of territory. 127,000 people live here; together with the surrounding area, the population is 172,113. Domodedovo consists of eight microdistricts. In 2012, it was awarded the title of the most attractive in the Moscow region for investing in new buildings. In recent years, it has been actively developing new residential buildings and high-rise buildings to attract the acquisition of real estate. Living conditions here are favorable, the environment is good.

Previously, there was a village of the same name, founded in 1401, but it became an urban district only in 2005. Nearby is Domodedovo International Airport, one of the largest in Eastern Europe.

In terms of economic indicators, it is the leader among all urban settlements near Moscow. Enterprises operate here and sales are developing well. Many city residents work at the airport, where good wages, career growth, and social benefits are provided.

The city's attractions attract visitors. At the location of the central part there is a local history museum, where the history of the region is stored. Exhibitions are regularly held here. There is an aviation museum, and in the surrounding area there are botanical and geological objects:

• Syanovskie caves
• Nikitsky quarries
• Estate "Odintsovo"

At the entrance there is the Khutorok complex, which includes restaurants, a pond, shops, a Chinese-style pagoda, and a museum. This is a great place to relax with the whole family. Opposite is the coniferous park “Yolochki”, where the Church of the Holy Blessed Ones is open. Peter and Fevronia.

Area of ​​districts of the Moscow region

The administrative-territorial structure of the Russian Federation is determined by federal legislation. We have already said above that the area of ​​the Moscow region is divided into 29 municipal districts, 34 city districts and 5 closed entities. Let's consider their sizes separately.

Let's start with those that have the largest territory. The largest municipal district is Shatursky. Its area is 2640.15 square kilometers. The second largest region is Mozhaisk district. Its area is 2627.28 square kilometers. In third place is the Dmitrovsky municipal district. Its area is 2182.02 square meters. km. The top five in terms of area also included municipal districts such as Klinsky and Sergiev Posad. Their area individually exceeds two thousand square kilometers.

The smallest district is Lyubertsy. It occupies only 122.31 sq. km. The territory of the Leninsky municipal district is slightly larger. Its area is 202.83 square meters. km. In third place from the end is the Krasnogorsk municipal district. Its area is 224.99 square meters. km. All other areas individually occupy more than 500 square kilometers.

Moscow region: area of ​​urban districts

The largest in this category is Yegoryevsk. Its area is 1717.06 square kilometers. In second place is the urban-type settlement Shakhovskaya. Its area is 1218.88 square meters. km. All other urban districts of the Moscow region occupy less than one thousand square kilometers. In third place in terms of territory is the village of Serebryanye Prudy. Its area is 877.38 square meters. km. Then come Domodedovo, Kashira, Ozery, Mytishchi, Podolsk and Khimki.

All other urban districts of the Moscow region have an area of ​​up to 100 square kilometers. Losino-Petrovsky occupies the smallest territory. Its area is only seven square meters. km. Reutov and Fryazino account for a little more – nine square kilometers each.

Closed education

The administrative-territorial structure of the Moscow region includes Krasnoznamensk, Vlasikha, Voskhod, Star City and Molodezhny. All of them, except the first one, are urban-type settlements (urban-type settlements). The largest of them in terms of territory is Voskhod. Its area is 15.95 square kilometers. The smallest is Star City. Its area is only 3.1 square meters. km. At the same time, Krasnoznamensk is in first place in terms of population. It is home to 40 thousand people. The population of the town of Voskhod is about 2000 people.

Transport

It is better to explore the center of Moscow on foot, so it is better to choose hotels and apartments closer to its central part. To cover long distances, it is better to use the metro, which is relatively inexpensive and has an extensive network. Moscow public transport also includes trams, trolleybuses, buses and a monorail line.

For navigation, we recommend using the Yandex.Metro or Google Maps smartphone application.

The capital's public transport has a single ticket. Tickets can be purchased at any metro station. The most profitable solution is to use a reloadable Troika smart card, which can also be used in smartphones with NFC.

Many Moscow metro stations are real works of art. The most beautiful of them:

• Circle line - Komsomolskaya, Kyiv, Novoslobodskaya.
• Red line - Kropotkinskaya and Red Gates. Also on this line are the oldest stations, opened in 1936.
• Dark blue line - Kyiv, Arbatskaya, Revolution Square.
• Green line - Mayakovskaya.

Streets of Moscow

Main socio-economic indicators

We looked at how large the area of ​​the Moscow region is in hectares. It makes up 0.3% of the territory of the Russian Federation. Now we can move on to other socio-economic indicators. The average annual number of employed people in the Moscow region is 3.041 million people. They receive an average of 34,947 rubles per month. Moreover, per capita expenses are about 24 thousand. The average nominal salary per month in the Moscow region according to 2015 data is 38,598 rubles.

In terms of gross regional product, the subject is in second place in the country. In 2014 it amounted to 2.7 trillion rubles. This is about 400 thousand per capita. The service sector provides more than half of the gross regional product. The structure of GRP of the Moscow region is as follows:

• Energy – 4.9%.
• Manufacturing industry – 25.5%.
• Service sector – 52.9%.

The region has significant investment potential. It is in third place in terms of the number of organizations that have foreign capital. An important feature of the geographical location of the region is its proximity to the capital of Russia. The proximity of the latter contributes to the development of the region and makes it attractive for migration. Sometimes he even takes over the capital's labor resources. There is a budget deficit in the Moscow region. The main source of income is taxes. The waste includes social payments, in particular for education and health care. In terms of industrial volume, the region is in second place, right after the capital. The leading industries are food, mechanical engineering, chemical and metallurgy.

Population

As of January 1, 2016, 146.545 million people live in the Russian Federation. Of these, 39,104,300 people are in the Central District. The population of the Moscow region is 7.4 million. Interestingly, twice as many people live in the capital. According to official estimates, the population of Moscow is 12.4 million. Let's consider its distribution among municipal districts, urban districts and closed entities. It should be noted that Moscow is not part of the region that is named after her. The largest municipal district is Odintsovo. Its population as of January 2016 is 321,261 people. In second place in this indicator is Lyuberetsky. It is home to 296,177 people. The third largest municipal district in terms of population is the Ramensky municipal district. It is home to 286,836 Russians.

The top five in terms of population also included municipal districts such as Sergiev Posad and Krasnogorsk. The smallest in this indicator is Lotoshinsky. It is home to only 16,925 people. Serpukhovsky and Kolomna districts are in second and third place in terms of population.

As for the urban districts of the Moscow region, the most people live in Balashikha. Its population is 428,400 people. In second place is Podolsk. As of January 2016, more than 293 thousand people live in it. Khimki ranks third in population. This urban district is home to 239 thousand people.

Chernogolovka has the smallest population. As for the closed administrative-territorial entities of the Moscow region, the city of Krasnoznamensk is in first place in terms of the indicator under consideration. The village of Voskhod has the smallest population – only about two thousand.

Cultivated area of ​​agricultural crops

Not only industry, but also agriculture is actively developing in the Moscow region. Moreover, both crop farming and livestock farming. The area of ​​the Moscow region that is used in agriculture is about 2 million hectares. The further you go south from the capital, the more. Thus, when considering the area of ​​the Moscow region, you need to understand that half is land allocated for agricultural needs. Previously, during the Soviet era, this figure was even higher. As of 2014, 518.3 thousand hectares are allocated for crop areas. This is more than in 2013. However, it should be noted that this indicator has gradually decreased since the collapse of the USSR.

Most of the sown areas are occupied by fodder crops. Among them, grains and potatoes play a huge role. It is quite interesting to consider such a subject of the Russian Federation as the Moscow region. The area (km2) devoted to agriculture is simply impressive. In 2014, 102.3 thousand hectares were allocated for planting grain and leguminous crops. Livestock farming occupies an important place in the economy of the Moscow region. Mainly meat and milk are produced here.

Attractions

Red Square

Red Square
Red Square is the most impressive square in Moscow and is considered the heart of Russia. Located between the Moscow Kremlin and Kitay-Gorod. This impressive cobblestone square with beautiful architecture stretches along the north-eastern Kremlin walls, forming a magnificent architectural ensemble with the ancient fortress, which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Dimensions of Red Square: length - 300 m, width - 75 m, area - 24,750 m².

Red Square was first mentioned in 1434. Until the 17th century, there was a market here and the square was simply called Torg. The name “red”, which means “main”, has been attached to it since the 18th century. The square acquired its modern architectural appearance at the end of the 19th century. Red Square is one of the most important historical places in Moscow and a witness to events on an all-Russian scale. It is surrounded by the most famous sights of Moscow: the Kremlin, Lobnoe Mesto, the monument to Minin and Pozharsky, the mausoleum, the Kazan and Intercession Cathedrals.

Moscow Kremlin

The Kremlin
The Moscow Kremlin is an iconic landmark of Moscow and the official residence of the President of Russia. This is a huge fortress in the shape of an irregular triangle, including 20 towers, 5 palaces and 4 cathedrals. The Kremlin in its modern form was built in the 15th century, although the first fortifications in its place were built back in the 12th century. Throughout its centuries-old history, this fortress was the real heart of Moscow, as well as the political center of Russia (with the exception of the period of the Russian Empire, when St. Petersburg was the capital of the country).

The Kremlin is located on the left bank of the Moscow River at its confluence with the Neglinnaya. The fortress was built on Borovitsky Hill and has an area of ​​about 28 hectares. The southern walls of the Kremlin “look out” onto the embankment of the Moscow River, the eastern walls onto Red Square, and the northern walls onto the Alexander Garden.

Spasskaya Tower of the Kremlin

History of the Kremlin

Brief milestones in the history of the Kremlin:

• 12th century - construction of the first wooden fortifications.
• 13th century - residence of Moscow princes.
• 14th century - construction of a new Kremlin made of white stone. From that time on, Moscow began to be called “white stone”.
• 15th century - construction of the modern brick Kremlin. Italian architects were invited to construct it.
• The 17th century is the heyday of the Kremlin during the period of the first Romanovs.
• 18th century - loss of status as a royal residence.
• 1918 - the seat of the Soviet government.
• 1991 - residence of the President of the Russian Federation.

Architecture and sights of the Moscow Kremlin:

The towers and walls of the Kremlin were built between 1485 and 1516. The total length of the Kremlin walls is 2235 meters, height - from 5 to 19 m, thickness - from 3.5 to 6.5 m. Their upper part is decorated with battlements with loopholes, which is a tradition for the architecture of Lombardy (which is not surprising, since Italians took part in the construction of the Kremlin architects). The number of battlements on the Kremlin walls is 1045.

Kremlin towers with names

The Kremlin walls include 20 towers. It's interesting that all towers are different. Three of them have a round base, the rest have a square base. All towers were built in the same architectural style, except Nikolskaya.

The most beautiful towers of the Kremlin

Spasskaya Tower
Spasskaya Tower is the most famous tower of the Kremlin, decorated with a ruby ​​star (until 1937, the top was decorated with a double-headed eagle) and the legendary Kremlin Chimes. It was built at the end of the 15th century under the leadership of the Italian Pietro Solari. In the first half of the 17th century, the upper part of the tower was rebuilt in the Gothic style.

Trinity Tower

Trinity Tower is the tallest tower in the Kremlin (80.1 m). It was built at the end of the 15th century and has a square base. Today the Trinity Tower is the only residential building among all the Kremlin towers.

Nikolskaya Tower

The Nikolskaya Tower is the only completely Gothic tower in the Kremlin. It was built at the end of the 15th century.

Senate Tower

The Senate Tower is one of the oldest and most beautiful Kremlin towers. It was built in 1491 and has a height of 34 meters.

Interesting sights of the Kremlin

The Armory Chamber
The Armory Chamber is one of the most interesting and oldest museums in the capital of Russia, which is part of the Kremlin palace complex. Located in a mid-19th century building in Russian-Byzantine style. The Armory was founded in the 16th century. It began functioning as a museum at the beginning of the 19th century. The Armory Chamber's collections occupy nine halls and are divided according to thematic principles. Of particular interest are the exhibitions of ancient Russian silver and gold items from the 12th to 17th centuries, Russian weapons dating back to the 11th century, ancient regalia and a collection of carriages.

Tsar Cannon

The Tsar Cannon is a huge 16th century artillery piece and a masterpiece of foundry production. It weighs 39 tons and is one of the largest cannons in the world.

The Tsar Bell

The Tsar Bell is a huge copper monument weighing 202 tons and a masterpiece of foundry production. The bell was cast in 1730 by order of Empress Anna Ioannovna. In the 18th century it was damaged during a fire. In the 19th century, the bell was installed at the Ivan the Great church-bell tower.

Church of the Deposition of the Robe

The Church of the Deposition of the Robe is a 15th-century Orthodox church located on the Kremlin’s Cathedral Square. The church has a very beautiful interior and frescoes from the 17th century.

Church-bell tower of Ivan the Great

The Ivan the Great Bell Church is a beautiful temple in the style of traditional Russian architecture, built in the early 16th century. The Assumption Belfry, which is part of the architectural ensemble of the church, has three huge bells. The largest of them weighs 65 tons.

Cathedral of the Archangel

The Archangel Cathedral is a striking example of traditional Russian architecture. The temple was built in 1508 and has a magnificent iconostasis, as well as many ancient paintings.

Blagoveshchensky cathedral

The Annunciation Cathedral is one of the oldest churches in the Kremlin. It was founded in the 14th century. The current church building, in the style of traditional Russian architecture, dates from the second half of the 16th century. The temple has one of the oldest iconostases in Russia.

Assumption Cathedral

The Assumption Cathedral is an Orthodox church in the style of Russian architecture, completed in 1479. This five-domed cathedral is the oldest surviving structure in Moscow. The temple has a beautiful 17th century iconostasis and ancient paintings.

St Basil's Church

St. Basil's Cathedral
St. Basil's Cathedral or Intercession Cathedral is the most beautiful sacred monument in Moscow and probably the most recognizable building in Russia. This magnificent medieval church is a gem of an architectural style called tented architecture. St. Basil's Cathedral is located on Red Square and is one of its most famous dominant features.

The Intercession Cathedral was built by order of Ivan the Terrible in 1561. In fact, the temple consists of 11 churches. Eight of them are crowned with fabulously beautiful onion domes and are grouped around the Church of the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary with a high tower, on top of which there is a small gilded dome. A little away from the cathedral there is a belfry, built at the end of the 17th century.

St. Basil's Cathedral is unique not only for its fabulous eclectic architecture. This imposing structure, more than 60 meters high, does not have a deep foundation.

Monument to Minin and Pozharsky

Monument to Minin and Pozharsky
The monument to Minin and Pozharsky is one of the most famous sculptural monuments in the Russian capital. This bronze monument in the style of classicism was made in 1818 and is dedicated to the leaders of the Second Militia, which liberated Moscow from Polish invaders during the Time of Troubles.

Kazan Cathedral

Kazan Cathedral is an Orthodox church in the style of Russian architecture, located on the outskirts of Red Square. The cathedral was founded in the 17th century and demolished in 1936. This church building was restored in 1993 in a historically accurate style. The main shrine of the temple is the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God.

GUM (Main Department Store)

GUM
GUM is a large shopping complex, the facade of which is an important component of the modern architectural ensemble of Red Square. GUM is an impressive building in neo-Russian style, built at the end of the 19th century.

State Historical Museum

State Historical Museum
The State Historical Museum contains an impressive collection of antiquities, including ancient manuscripts, coins and works of art. The museum is located in a beautiful building in neo-Russian style, built in the second half of the 19th century.

Mausoleum

Mausoleum
The Mausoleum is a squat building of red granite in which the embalmed body of Vladimir Ilyich Lenin is kept (in a glass sarcophagus). Not far from the mausoleum, near the Kremlin wall, are the graves of important Soviet figures, including Stalin and Brezhnev.

VDNKh (Exhibition of National Economic Achievements)

VDNKh
VDNKh is a huge exhibition complex, founded in the 40s of the 20th century and currently including about 400 structures. Most of VDNKh's buildings are designed in Art Deco and Stalinist Empire styles. The exhibition pavilions have a thematic focus and are dedicated to regions (former republics of the USSR), as well as branches of science, technology and agriculture. The symbol of VDNKh is the legendary monument “Worker and Collective Farm Woman”, as well as beautiful fountains.

Arbat

Arbat
Arbat is an elegant pedestrian street with beautiful architecture and one of the most popular places in the capital, rich in shops, souvenir shops, restaurants and cafes. Arbat has a length of just over 1 km. This street was founded in the 16th century.

Novodevichy Convent

Novodevichy Convent
Novodevichy Convent is a medieval convent founded in the first half of the 16th century and included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It is a magnificent example of Russian Baroque, preserved in excellent condition. The monastery includes four cathedrals, among which the five-domed Smolensk Cathedral with magnificent ancient frescoes from the 16th century stands out. Also notable is the high bell tower (72 m), which dates back to the end of the 17th century. The territory of the monastery is surrounded by walls. Famous people are buried at the Novodevichy cemetery: politicians, actors and artists.

Cathedral of Christ the Savior

Cathedral of Christ the Savior Cathedral
of Christ the Savior is a huge Orthodox cathedral located on the banks of the Moscow River not far from the Kremlin. It was restored in 2000 and is one of the symbols of modern Moscow. The original cathedral was destroyed on the orders of Joseph Stalin. The Cathedral of Christ the Savior is one of the largest sacred monuments in the capital, striking with its delightful golden dome, spiers and dazzling white facade.

Grand Theatre

Bolshoi Theater
The Bolshoi Theater is the country's main theater with a worldwide reputation. It was founded in the 18th century. The Bolshoi Theater occupies a monumental building of the 19th century in the classicist style.

Moscow City

Moscow City
Moscow City is an international business center, which is one of the most ambitious engineering projects in Russia in recent years. This is a whole business district with various high-rise buildings, including the tallest office skyscraper in Europe. This is where you should go for the most beautiful panoramas of the capital.

Ostankino Tower

Ostankino TV Tower
Ostankino TV Tower is one of the tallest buildings in the world. The TV tower was built in 1967 and has a height of 540 meters. At an altitude of 337 meters there is an observation deck with breathtaking panoramic views.

Tsaritsyno

Tsaritsyno
Tsaritsyno is the former summer residence of Empress Catherine the Great, built in 1775. During Soviet times it was destroyed and then restored in the 80s of the 20th century. Tsaritsynsky Park, with its luxuriously decorated buildings, gardens, meadows and forests, is one of the most charming places in Moscow.

Kolomenskoye

Kolomenskoye is a former royal residence located south of the center of the capital. Now this place has been turned into a museum where you can feel the atmosphere of medieval Moscow. Here you can look at ancient churches from the 16th-18th centuries, ancient monuments of wooden architecture, and also visit the oldest garden in Moscow and the favorite estate of Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich, father of Peter the Great.

Gorky Park

Gorky Park
Gorky Park is an iconic place in the capital and one of the centers of active recreation. Here you can enjoy walks in the fresh air, yoga and fitness classes, beach volleyball and tennis, roller skating, skateboarding or biking. In winter, the park turns into a huge ice skating rink. Gorky Park is one of the largest in the city. It was founded in 1923 and currently has an area of ​​120 hectares. The main entrance arch was built in 1955. The last reconstruction began in 2011 and was completed in 2022.

Sparrow Hills

Vorobyovy Gory
Vorobyovy Gory is another iconic place in Moscow, symbolized by the majestic main building of Moscow State University (the tallest Stalinist skyscraper, completed in 1953). In fact, this is a forested area located on the right bank of the Moscow River. Sparrow Hills is one of the most charming places in the capital, from where its most beautiful and picturesque natural panorama opens.

Tretyakov Gallery

Tretyakov Gallery
The Tretyakov Gallery is an art museum founded in the second half of the 19th century by the philanthropist and merchant Pavel Tretyakov. The Tretyakov exhibitions include hundreds of paintings by Russian artists, including universally recognized masterpieces. Also on display are magnificent examples of art from the period of Ancient Rus'.

Capital

When you compare the area of ​​Moscow and the Moscow region, as well as the size of their population, the uneven distribution of residents of the Russian Federation immediately becomes clear. On average, there are 4,832 people per square kilometer in the capital. According to official data, almost 13 million people live in Moscow. This is the first place among the constituent entities of the Russian Federation. The Moscow region is in second place for this indicator. About 7 million people live there. Moreover, the area of ​​the Moscow region is almost 20 times larger than the capital.

Both subjects of the Russian Federation are attractive for migration. The population of the Moscow agglomeration exceeds 15 million people. As for the national composition of the capital’s residents, according to official statistics, 91% of the total number are Russian. However, there is other data. If we take into account illegal immigrants, then the population of Moscow is already predominantly Muslim. The capital of the Russian Federation is the largest financial center. It is also a center of mechanical engineering, chemical and light industry, as well as metallurgy. Cultivated areas occupy 15.1 hectares of the total territory, 1/8 of which is planted with grains and legumes.

How to get there

Moscow is served by four international airports:

• Sheremetyevo, which is located 32 km northwest of the center of Moscow in the city of Khimki. You can get to the city by Aeroexpress train that goes to Belorussky Station, as well as by buses 851, 949, 817 and 948.
• Domodedovo, located 45 km southeast of the center of Moscow. Aeroexpress trains run between the airport and Paveletsky station. 24-hour bus 308 will take you to the metro.
• Vnukovo, which is located 30 km southwest of the center of the Russian capital. You can take the Aeroexpress to Kievsky Station. The metro station can be reached by buses 911, 611, 32.
• Zhukovsky is the smallest among the airports serving Moscow. Was opened in 2016.

Night Moscow
Moscow is the largest railway junction in the country. It has railway connections with all major cities of Russia, as well as with most European capitals, including: Paris, Prague, Budapest, Minsk, Helsinki, Vienna, Warsaw, Berlin.

Moscow train stations:

• Belorussky Station: Berlin, Warsaw, Prague, Vienna, Minsk, Kaliningrad, Smolensk.
• Kazansky station: Kazakhstan, Nizhny Novgorod, Kazan, Altai, Ufa, Penza, Tyumen and other directions.
• Kyiv station: Budapest, Bryansk, Ukraine.
• Kursky station: Samara, Tula, Orel, Kursk, Sochi, Crimea, North Caucasus.
• Leningradsky station: St. Petersburg, Pskov, Helsinki, Petrozavodsk, Murmansk.
• Paveletsky station: Astrakhan, Baku, Volgograd, Almaty.
• Rizhsky station: Riga, Krasnogorsk, Istra.
• Savyolovsky railway station.
• Yaroslavsky station: Yaroslavl, Vologda, as well as trains heading to Siberia, the Far East, China and Mongolia.

The most convenient way to get to Moscow is by plane or train. Buses are not very popular among tourists. The final destination of most bus routes is the Moscow International Bus Station, located near the Shchelkovskaya metro station. There are also four more international bus stations in Moscow: Kotelniki, Northern Gate, Southern Gate and Krasnogvardeisky.

Moscow Kremlin

Tourist sites

The Moscow region is rich in attractions. Perhaps you can find much more interesting tourist sites there than in the capital. Here you can not only have a good rest, but also learn a lot of new things. One of the main pearls of the Moscow region is the village of Arkhangelskoye. In the summer, a whole string of residents and guests of the capital flocks here. And not in vain, because in Arkhangelskoye there is a palace and park ensemble, laid out in the likeness of the one in Peterhof. Another interesting tourist attraction in the Moscow region is Pancake Mountain. From the observation deck there is an excellent view of the Trinity-Sergius Lavra.

You can’t help but visit Bolshiye Vyazemy, the poetic birthplace of Pushkin. Many interesting monuments of Russian culture are collected here. One of the most visited tourist sites in Dmitrov is the monastery. This is a place of pilgrimage for many Orthodox Christians. On the territory of the monastery there is the Cathedral of Boris and Gleb, built in the 16th century. Another attraction of the Moscow region is the Gremyachiy Klyuch waterfall. As the ancient legend says, he appeared through the prayer of St. Sergius of Radonezh. There are many more tourist sites located in the Moscow region. By visiting them, you can better understand Russian history and culture. And of course, just relax and enjoy the beauty of the world around you!

Purchases

Moscow is a real center of European shopping. Here you can find almost all the world's brands, and the number of stores in the Russian capital is no less than in New York or Milan.

The most popular shopping centers in Moscow:

• Okhotny Ryad is one of the best shopping centers in the capital, located near the metro station of the same name. It has 163 stores, including both premium brands and chain stores.
• Vegas is one of the largest shopping centers in Europe with an area of ​​about 400 thousand km2. Located near Domodedovo airport on the 24th km of the Moscow Ring Road.
• GUM is one of the most famous shopping centers in the capital, located on Red Square. It is home to world famous premium brands.
• European is the most visited shopping center in Moscow. It has 8 levels and ample parking.
• Afimall City is one of the most famous shopping centers in Moscow with interesting architecture. It is one of the largest shopping centers in the capital and has 450 points, including shops, cafes, clubs, and a cinema.
• Crocus City Mall is one of the best premium shopping centers, including more than 150 boutiques.

TSUM
The largest market in Moscow is Sadovod, located on the 14th km of the Moscow Ring Road. It occupies a huge area of ​​40 hectares and includes 8,000 shops. The gardener is visited annually by 36.5 million customers.

To buy souvenirs, we recommend visiting Vernissage in Izmailovo.