Incredible Facts
No matter how much knowledge you have, there is always something interesting in the world that you could learn about today.
6. The biggest wave ever ridden was as high as 10 storey building.
7. Rumor - the fastest of feelings person.
8. Since the rotation of the Earth's axis has slowed down, daywhen dinosaurs livedlasted approximately 23 hours.
9. On Earth more plastic flamingos than real ones.
10. To cook scrambled eggs on the sidewalk, its temperature should reach 70 degrees Celsius.
11. 54 million people alive today will die within a year.
12. Charlie Chaplin once participated in a Charlie Chaplin look-alike competition and took 3rd place there.
13. Most records off-screen laughter in comedy shows was recorded in the 1950s. So many of that audience are no longer alive.
14. Antarctica - the only continent where no corn is grown.
15. Lighters were invented before matches.
16. Napoleon was not short. His height is 170 cm, which was considered the average height for the French in those days.
17. Best time for daytime sleep between 13:00 and 14:30 because at this time the body temperature drops.
18. Children do not taste salty until 4 months.
19. Male pandas perform handstand, when they urinate to mark a tree.
20. If only The earth would be the size of a grain of sand, The sun would be the size of an orange.
21. The Dead Sea is not completely dead. Microbes halophiles live in its salty water.
22. The first horses were the size of Siamese cats. These were the smallest horses that ever lived.
23. Only about 100 people in the world can speak fluent Latin.
Do you like to travel and have already visited many countries? Does the world start to seem quite tiny at times? Unfortunately, it happens. However, it is still worth noting that in some places you want to come again and again. Why? Well, at least due to the fact that each time some new, hitherto unknown fact is discovered.
For example, many argue that interesting information about the sights of France can be found out every time you find yourself in this beautiful, romantic country.
It is simply impossible to see all the memorable places of this state in one, two, or even three visits. There is something special in it, when, it would seem, in completely ordinary things you begin to feel a mystery, and sometimes even some kind of mysticism.
This article will not only provide interesting information about the sights of France, but also introduce them to their history and characteristics. In addition, the reader will be given valuable advice that will definitely help you plan your next trip.
Section 1. General description of the direction
France is an amazing country of love and romance, which is considered a favorite holiday destination for tourists from all over the globe.
"Sights of France" - a photo that is in the family collection of almost every tourist. However, it can be very, very different: someone will be photographed against the backdrop of the famous Eiffel Tower, someone will definitely want to walk along the quiet and narrow streets of provincial towns, or maybe go to the ocean.
And the country delights with stunning landscapes and monuments, gourmet cuisine and delicious wine, as well as a peaceful lifestyle.
The sights of France, photos and descriptions of which will be presented below, were not chosen by chance. Often travelers do not even know about their existence, and numerous tourist booklets provide very scarce information.
But in general, it should be noted that the nature of the country is quite diverse. Here you can see mountain ranges and green meadows, lush forests and calm plains, azure shores and quiet coves. All this served as inspiration for many famous artists, writers and poets. And of course, the capital of France, Paris, is out of competition.
Section 2. The most visited place in Paris: Sacré-Coeur Basilica
If you talk about the sights of France, the Eiffel Tower is perhaps the first thing that comes to mind. Although, as experienced travelers say, there are a lot of other, no less, and perhaps even more interesting places in Paris.
For example, the Sacré-Coeur Basilica, built in memory of those who died in the Franco-Prussian war, is one of the symbols and main temples of the state, where believing pilgrims from the French provinces and other states gather.
Interesting information about the sights of France is very often associated with the time of their construction. So in our case: the construction of the Basilica of the Sacré-Coeur lasted more than four decades. Today it is a real masterpiece of architecture. Once upon a time, an unusual mineral mined in Chateau Landon was chosen for its construction. It turns white when exposed to moisture. It is thanks to this stone that the cathedral has a snow-white appearance.
France... Paris... Sights, or rather, most of them, can be seen from the hill on which the basilica is located. From here, in fact, a stunning panorama of the entire main city of the country opens. This is a favorite place for walking not only for guests of the capital, but also for local residents. There are especially many visitors on Christmas, when fairs and festivities are organized in the temple. The cathedral impresses with its beauty and a huge number of tame pigeons. The main entrance is decorated with two bronze horsemen, and the interior decoration is amazing with wonderful ceiling mosaics and statues of saints.
Section 3. The mysterious castle of If
It is impossible to imagine the interesting sights of France without mentioning the following place.
In the distant past, the inhabitants of Marseille were not happy with the proximity of the Chateau d'If, and they called it "annoying neighbor". It was built in a short time, in the period 1524-1531, on the island of If by decree of the French king Francis I in order to defend the city from attacks from the sea. But the fortress was never attacked, and eventually became an impregnable prison. Here, political prisoners and Protestants who were enemies of the king were kept in terrible dungeons.
The fame of the fortress was brought by the heroes of the novel by Alexandre Dumas "The Count of Monte Cristo" - the prisoner of the "Iron Mask" and Edmond Dantes. However, in fact, these characters have never been to the castle, and Dantes is generally a fictional character. Today, Chateau d'If is considered the hallmark of Marseille, excursions are held here. One of the cells on the ground floor was specially reserved for Dantes. On the screen of the installed TV, you can see episodes from various films showing the meeting of heroes from Dumas' novel. The chamber of the mysterious prisoner "Iron Mask" is located on the second floor of the castle.
For visitors to the Chateau d'If, there are cafes on the island that offer a magnificent view of Marseille.
Section 4. Normandy
For many travelers, especially those who prefer outdoor recreation, the main attraction of France is not in the capital, but far in the north-west of the country, in Normandy.
These lands are located along the coast of the English Channel, namely from the Gulf of Saint-Malo to the delta of the Brel River. This area is famous for its picturesque landscapes, evergreen valleys and skies that take on various shades during the day - from blue to gray.
Once these places were loved by the Impressionists. The great artist lived and created his canvases here. His pink house with green shutters still attracts many tourists.
Normandy is also known for other outstanding creative personalities, among which are Maupassant, Proust, Flaubert.
The province has a mysterious power and seems to be created for romance and bohemian life. Normandy is especially popular with its resorts: Deauville, Honfleur, Trouville.
Section 5. Scandola National Park
Interesting information about the sights of France can be found in the southwestern part of Why? The fact is that it is here that the Scandola peninsula is located, which received the status of a national reserve in 1983.
Today the park is included in the UNESCO list. You can get into the territory of Scandola only from the sea and with a special pass. For this reason, tourist visits to the protected peninsula are limited to boat trips along the coastline and photographing local attractions. Tours run daily from June to September.
The peninsula appeared more than 250 million years ago due to active volcanic activity. Tourists are especially attracted by the porphyry rocks, which are millions of years old. The cliffs rise about three hundred meters above the sea and have unusual dark red and purple hues. Sheer cliffs riddled with grottoes.
The sea here is dark blue and crystal clear. Seals, sea turtles, many varieties of fish and algae live in the coastal waters of the Girolata and Porto bays. The terrestrial fauna of the peninsula is also rich. There are dozens of rare bird species here, including sea eagles, peregrine falcons and harriers.
Section 6. Attraction for extreme lovers
France is rich and diverse. which are known all over the world, are not always to the liking of lovers of active pastime.
The most courageous and courageous, who love thrills, can go to the mountains without hesitation and take a step into the void. At the highest point of Mont Blanc, the Aiguille du Midi, at an altitude of about 4 thousand meters above sea level, a glass cabin was built, called Pas dans le vide (“Step into the void”). This is the most beautiful observation deck in the world where you can enjoy the beautiful view of Mont Blanc.
The construction of the cabin lasted three years. For the construction, high quality materials and the most durable glass were used, resistant to the most difficult weather conditions and meeting safety standards. At the same time, the authors of the Pas dans le vide project made it possible for people suffering from acrophobia to make such an excursion. To get to the top of the Aiguille du Midi, you can use two lifts. Perhaps such a trip will help someone get rid of the fear of heights forever.
The cost of visiting is 55 euros.
Section 7. Tribute to modernity and scientific progress
The Futuroscope complex is located 400 km from Paris, not far from Poitiers. This is a virtual reality amusement park where, with the help of high-tech equipment, special effects and stereo films, you can witness the action taking place on huge screens. Everything here is dedicated to innovative discoveries and visual technologies. Huge cinemas equipped with movable chairs, 3D films, a museum of the history of cinema, unusual architecture - all this is the Futuroscope park of the future.
You can admire the beautiful view of the entertainment center from a 45-meter height on the La Gyrotour attraction. Inside the crystal of an unusual shape, a huge screen measuring 600 square meters is installed. m., having the height of a 7-storey building. Here is the only cinema in the world of the IMAX system, which uses 70 mm film for showing.
The dynamic cinema hall is designed for thrill-seekers. Armchairs connected to a hydraulic system and a selection of themed films create the effect of virtual reality. The Coulers Bresil pavilion, consisting of 9 screens and 9 projectors, is a 360-degree panorama. Here you can choose the image yourself, being in the center of the system.
For children, a separate playground with various attractions and entertainment is organized. However, "Futuroscope" is not only an entertainment complex. There are scientific and educational centers where IT specialists are trained and research is carried out. And in the Palace of Congresses of the park, business negotiations and teleconferences are held.
The park is open all year round. On its territory there is a network of eateries and cafes that offer their guests French cuisine.
And in conclusion, I would like to note that the famous sights of France - the Eiffel Tower, the Champs Elysees - will surely make you admire and amaze your imagination with their grandeur, however, those who really want to get to know the country are still advised to abandon stereotypes and rush deep into, away off the beaten tourist trails.
From the day of its foundation to the present day, Moscow has acquired many legends and interesting stories. Every day we learn more and more about it, adding more and more interesting facts to our treasury of knowledge.
1. According to most researchers and historians, Moscow got its name from the river that flows nearby. There are two versions of the origin of the name "Moscow". Supporters of the first version believe that the word "Moscow" is of Finnish origin, since once upon a time there were ancient settlements of Finnish tribes on the banks of the river. According to this version, "mosk" is translated as a bear, and "va" as water. Supporters of the second version believe that the ancient Slavs gave this name, and in the Old Slavonic "Moscow" means "wet", "dampness".
2. It is traditionally believed that the capital of our country was founded by Prince Yuri Dolgoruky in 1147. But then it was called not Moscow, but Moskov (which is consonant with the English Moscow). "Come to me, brother, in Moscow," - this is exactly what Yuri Dolgoruky wrote to the Chernigov prince Svyatoslav Olgovich. And this gives every reason to assume that in fact the city appeared much earlier than 1147.
3. The Church of the Nativity of the Virgin on Seny (Resurrection of Lazarus) is the oldest of the architectural monuments of Moscow that have partially survived to this day. It is located in the Moscow Kremlin and is part of the Grand Kremlin Palace complex. The church was erected in 1393 - 1394 by order of the widow of Dmitry Donskoy - Princess Evdokia. It was the home temple of the Grand Duchess. The building has been preserved up to half the height of the walls (up to the choir) with the main portal and part of the windows.
4. Until the 20th century, according to the established tradition, the walls of the Kremlin were whitewashed, so Moscow was “white stone”. And the spiers of the towers were crowned not by stars at all, as they are now, but by the heraldic eagles of the Russian Empire. After the revolution, Lenin repeatedly called for them to be removed, but this was done only in the 1930s.
5. The names of streets and squares in Moscow were given for a reason. For example, the Kremlin gates were called Borovitsky, because a real pine forest grew nearby, around the fortress wall. On the site of the river bank, overgrown with moss, Mokhovaya Street arose, and a small swamp - Bolotnaya Street.
Previously, representatives of various classes, professions and nationalities lived separately in Moscow. Many streets in the central part of the city were named according to who the inhabitants were and what they did. Cooks really lived on Povarskaya, and butchers lived on Myasnitskaya. In the area of Bolshaya Ordynka and Malaya Ordynka, immigrants from the Golden Horde, that is, the Tatars, settled. In the area of Malaya Gruzinskaya there was a Gruzinskaya Sloboda, and Khokhlovsky Lane and Maroseyka Street began to be called so due to the fact that Ukrainians (from Little Russia) settled here.
Myasnitskaya street 6. During its long history, Moscow has burned down countless times. Since the houses used to be built mostly of wood, the fire spread very quickly, and the fire engulfed the entire city in a short time. The Kremlin also burned frequently. The situation was aggravated by the fact that until the end of the 18th century there was no centralized water supply in Moscow. In 1737, during one of the strong fires, the newly cast Tsar Bell shattered.
7. In the very center of Moscow, a river flows that many generations of Muscovites have never seen live. This is the river Neglinka. Once it was a fairly full-flowing river, but at the beginning of the 19th century it was enclosed in a pipe, and now it flows underground in a collector. Neglinnaya Street completely repeats the riverbed.
8. In fact, they wanted to build a metro in Moscow even under the tsar. The first such ideas were expressed in 1875, in 1902 a similar project was considered by the City Duma. And in 1914, they even planned to start construction, but this was prevented by the outbreak of the First World War. As a result, the subway appeared only in 1935.
9. Today Moscow is a city-record holder and the leader of many ratings. It is one of the world's largest capitals and the most populous city in Europe. The Moscow Kremlin is the largest museum in the world, and the Ostankino TV tower is the highest TV tower in Europe.
10. Interestingly, Moscow is home to the most billionaires in the world. According to Forbes, 84 residents of the capital are so rich. Their combined wealth is $367 billion. New York, home to only 62 billionaires, ranks second in this ranking.
11. The Lenin Moscow Library is the largest in Europe.
12. Huge oaks in Kolomenskoye, standing for seven hundred years, are the oldest trees in Moscow.
Moscow- a city with a long history and, despite its outward pragmatism, is fraught with many secrets and mysticism. Some historians claim that the name of this legendary city comes from the river of the same name, others that the word comes from the Finnish words “mosk” (meaning bear) and “va” (water), while others are inclined to the version that “Moscow” is all but it has ancient Slavic roots and means “wet” or “dampness”.
In some literary sources, one can come across the expression "white-stone" Moscow. That is what it was almost until the end of the 19th century. Muscovites, observing the established tradition, whitewashed the Kremlin walls for 4 centuries. Such a tradition allowed not only to keep the memory of the white-stone Kremlin of Dmitry Donskoy, but also ensured the safety of the brick.
Many names of streets, squares or other objects are named for a reason, for example, earlier, near Mokhovaya Street, a river flowed, the banks of which were covered with moss, in the place of Bolotnaya, there was a swamp.
Moscow is interesting not only in terms of its history, architectural monuments, but also its cultural heritage. For many centuries, it has been like a light that attracts tourists, travelers, as well as those who wish to catch their luck. This is a city in which a huge number of nationalities live, which, of course, contribute to the history of its development. 
1. Moscow is the most important city in our country, the capital of the Russian Federation, the largest city in terms of population.
The city is located on the Moscow River. On the map, the capital can be found in the center of the East European Plain. The territory is 2511 km². The time zone of the capital according to the international standard is designated as Moscow Time Zone and has an offset relative to Coordinated Universal Time + 4:00.
2. Moscow has its own emblem, flag and anthem. The coat of arms depicts George the Victorious, piercing a mythical snake with a spear, which symbolizes victory over all enemies who decided to encroach on the city. The anthem of Moscow was created on the basis of the song "My Moscow"
3. The federal government bodies of the Russian Federation are located in the city. Local self-government bodies are also developed. Moscow is the largest financial center. Most of the economy is controlled by the capital. The largest banks and company offices are concentrated in the city.
4. Also, Moscow is the largest transport hub in Russia. Inside the city, many types of public transport are developed, while the city itself is located in the center of the plexus of railways and highways.
5. In 1851, a railway connection between Moscow and St. Petersburg was opened.
6. The Moscow metro is the main means of transportation within the city. 5th in terms of intensity of use (after the subways of Seoul, Beijing, Tokyo and Shanghai). It is known for the rich decoration of a number of stations with examples of art from the era of socialist realism.
The first line opened on May 15, 1935 and ran from the Sokolniki station to the Park Kultury station, since 1955 it has been named after V. I. Lenin. The system consists of 12 lines with a total length of 325.4 km in double-track terms. The Moscow metro has 194 stations, 44 of which are recognized as cultural heritage sites. Until 2020, according to the plans of the Moscow government, 62 more stations will be built, and the length of the subway will increase by 137 km.
7. There are a lot of rumors about the Moscow metro. Some of them are reliable. For example, there are actually four abandoned stations: Volokolamskaya (between Tushinskaya and Shchukinskaya), Sovetskaya (between Teatralnaya and Tverskaya), Pervomaiskaya (between Partizanskaya and Izmailovskaya - not confuse with modern names of the same name), "Kaluzhskaya" (between "New Cheryomushki" and modern "Kaluzhskaya"). Traces of these stations - poles and even vestibules - can be seen if you peer into the darkness while moving along the stage.
8. During the Patriotic War of 1812, Moscow was captured by Napoleon's troops and was badly damaged by fire. According to various estimates, up to 80% of the buildings burned down as a result of the Moscow fire. The process of restoration of Moscow lasted more than thirty years, the Cathedral of Christ the Savior was built. By the end of the 19th century, a tram appeared in Moscow.
9. Tram is a very old type of Moscow public transport, the first electric line opened in 1899. Therefore, some tram stops in Moscow are of a very respectable age. One pre-revolutionary pavilion is still pleasing to the eye on Krasnostudenchesky passage near the Dubki park. And tram number 3 is the oldest route in the capital (now it runs from Chistye Prudy to Balaklavsky Prospekt).
10. Several dozen rivers flow on the territory of Moscow and its environs. Large rivers are tributaries of the Moscow River - these are the Yauza, Neglinnaya, Skhodnya, Kotlovka, Khodynka, Setun. 
11. The largest zoo not only in Moscow, but throughout Russia was founded in 1864. At the moment, it is home to more than 3,000 animals of 550 species from all over the world.
12. The first water supply system in Moscow appeared in 1804, and sewerage in 1898.
13. The first telegraph was launched in 1872, and Muscovites began using telephones in 1882.
14. The first 10 electric lamps in Moscow were lit on the towers of the Kremlin and the Lefortovo Palace in 1856 during the coronation of Alexander II.
15. Bolshoy Kamenny has perhaps the longest history among Moscow bridges. In the 17th century, the first stone bridge in Moscow was built on this site. Later, two centuries later, a metal one was erected in its place, and only in 1938 a modern one appeared - made of reinforced concrete. At the same time, the name - Bolshoy Kamenny - has been preserved for him. And to justify it, the bridge was lined with granite. By the way, you can admire the Kremlin panorama depicted on the back cover of all Russian passports live from the middle of this particular bridge.
16. Moscow is surrounded by forests, it has a lot of park areas. One of the oldest plantations in Moscow is oaks in Kolomenskoye, which, according to legend, are about 700 years old.
17. Moscow is a pioneer in the development of higher education for women. Its beginning is associated with the opening of the Moscow Higher Women's Courses by Professor V. I. Guerrier in 1872. Today it is the Moscow State Pedagogical University.
18. Epiphany Cathedral (Elokhovskaya Church) is the only one in Moscow equipped with an elevator. The height of its shaft is 21 m, the elevator was made for Patriarch Pimen.
19. There is an anchor near the 35 mm cinema. There is a simple explanation for this: in Soviet times, the cinema was called Novorossiysk, and the anchor (as a symbol of the city) was specially brought from the Black Sea Fleet.
20. On the Yakimanskaya embankment (house 4, building 1), a mark of the 1908 flood has been preserved. The tablet hangs on the corner of the house at a height of 2 m above the level of the embankment - that April, boatmen carried residents through the streets and between houses. 
21. The expression "bird's milk" for a long time meant something unheard of, the ultimate desire. Until in 1975, the confectioner of the Prague restaurant on the Arbat, V. M. Guralnik, came up with a recipe for a new cake, which he gave the name Bird's Milk. Muscovites liked it so much that they “hunted” for it, stood in long queues, and invited guests to it.
22. In 1993, during earthworks on Pyatnitskaya Street, a clay pod was found with 726 silver kopecks and 21 gold coins, completely uncharacteristic of Russian coinage - they were minted for a short time at the beginning of the 17th century and were used to pay foreign mercenaries, Russian archers or as award insignia. According to numismatists, the treasure was buried in 1610 by one of the foreign mercenaries before the Smolensk campaign. By the way, this is not the only Moscow treasure. And how many of them have not yet been found ...
23. In 1910, rent in Moscow was 97.1 rubles per month for a large apartment (6 rooms), 33.7 rubles for a medium apartment (4-6 rooms), 19.8 for a small apartment (up to 4 rooms).
24. In 1910, there were 606 restaurants and taverns in Moscow; 933 taverns, snack bars, tea and coffee shops; 25 buffets and 905 beer shops and wineries. Today, according to the Department of Consumer Market and Services, there are 3,500 restaurants and cafes in Moscow.
25. In 1900, there were 36 recognized photographers in Moscow. Today, it seems, no less than 36 photographers live in every house in the most remote area of Moscow. And so many more journalists.
26. In 1902, a kilogram of bread cost 1 kopeck, caviar - 1 ruble, beef - 12-13 kopecks, butter - 12-13 kopecks, sturgeon - 20 kopecks. I note that the daily earnings of a worker (locksmith, blacksmith) averaged 1-2 rubles. At the same time, a skilled worker could receive about 50 rubles a month, and people in the state service and in ranks had a much higher salary.
27. The city is the custodian of the 2 most famous and famous diamonds. The first - "Shah" weighing 88 carats, it was presented by the Shah of Tehran to Emperor Nicholas I as a sign of reconciliation after the murder of Russian diplomat Griboedov A.S.
The second is the Orlov diamond, it was brought from India by Count Orlov, who bought it as a gift to Catherine II.
28. There are 500 libraries in the capital, and the largest, not only in Moscow, but in Europe, is the Russian State Library (former Lenin Library). It contains over 40 ml. books that are written in 247 different languages. In terms of the number of informative sources, it ranks 2nd in the world (on the first place is the National Library of Congress in Washington).
29. The capital of Russia is not only the largest industrial city, but also a cultural center. The Academy of Sciences is located here, which includes 78 research centers, as well as 90 other various departments.
30. Moscow has 72 theatres, 109 cinemas, 142 exhibition halls, 78 museums and 31 concert halls. 
31. The first public theater was built on Red Square near the Nicholas Tower in 1702-1703 at the behest of Tsar Peter I.
Among the theaters today, the most famous are: the Bolshoi and Maly theatres, the Sovremennik theater, the Satire Theater. Among the museums, the Museum of Anthropology (known to many as the Kunstkamera) and the Zoological Museum, as well as the Pushkin Museum, stand out.
32. Every guest of the capital must visit the Tretyakov Gallery. It exhibits the largest collection of Russian fine art. The collections that are in the Tretyakov Gallery and the Pushkin Museum can be envied even by the leading museums of the world.
33. Various exhibitions are held in the Central House of Artists (CHA).
If you are visiting the capital, it is impossible not to visit the All-Russian Exhibition Center fair. There are many architectural monuments on the territory of the exhibition center. Most of them are monuments of the Soviet era.
34. Of course, the most famous places in the capital are Red Square and the Moscow Kremlin. The Moscow Kremlin is the historical center of the capital and the official residence of the President of Russia. The walls and towers of the Kremlin were built in 1485–1516. They form an irregular triangle. The Kremlin is also the largest fortress in Europe.
35. Red Square is the main square of the city. Next to the Kremlin is the main post - post No. 1 of the guard of honor, next to the tomb of the unknown soldier.
In winter, a skating rink is opened on the square, which can accommodate up to 500 people at once. All major festivities take place on this square. On Victory Day, May 9, military parades are held here.
36. Near the Kremlin wall is the world-famous Lenin mausoleum. The Necropolis is also located there, where important political and military figures of the country are buried.
37. There are large film studios in the capital. The famous Mosfilm and Soyuzmultfilm, as well as the Gorky Film Studio. The city annually hosts an international film festival where a competition is held for debut and experimental works by various directors.
38. Also in Moscow are the famous Sparrow Hills. This is the high right bank of the Moskva River, where graduates annually meet their first dawn of adulthood.
39. Another attraction of Moscow is the Novodevichy Convent. It was founded in 1524. This is an Orthodox convent of the Russian Church. The monastery is active, is a branch of the State Historical Museum.
40. In one of the legends, it is indicated that the famous treasures of the Templars are hidden in Moscow, which were secretly taken out of Paris after the defeat of the order. 
41. In Moscow, there is the highest TV tower in Europe - the Ostankino tower. To climb to its very top, you will have to overcome 3544 steps. For 10 years, races have been organized on this ladder, the best result was the run time for all steps - 11 minutes. and 55s. 
42. The famous Kremlin chimes are the oldest clock in all of Russia. They are installed on the Spasskaya Tower of the Moscow Kremlin.
The dials of the chimes with a diameter of 6.12 m go out on the four sides of the tower. The height of the Roman numerals is 0.72 m, the length of the hour hand is 2.97 m, the minute hand is 3.27 m. The Kremlin clock is unique in its kind, being completely mechanical. The total weight of the chimes is 25 tons. The mechanism is driven by 3 weights weighing from 160 to 224 kilograms (thus, according to the principle of operation, the Kremlin chimes are huge clocks). Clock winding (lifting weights) is performed 2 times a day. Initially, weights were lifted manually, but since 1937 they have been lifted using three electric motors. 
At noon and midnight, 6 and 18 hours, the anthem of the Russian Federation is played, at 3, 9, 15 and 21 hours - the melody of the choir "Glory" from Glinka's opera "Life for the Tsar". The melodies themselves differ in the rhythm of performance, therefore, in the first case, one first line from the Alexandrov anthem is performed, in the second, two lines from the “Glory” choir are performed.
Interestingly, the vast majority of Russians believe that the New Year comes with the first or last bell. Whereas in fact, the new hour, day and year begin with the beginning of the chiming of the chimes, that is, 20 seconds before the first strike of the bell. And with the 12th bell, exactly a minute of the New Year has already passed. It is possible that such a misconception was due to the fact that the Russians confused the exact time signals transmitted by radio (where the beginning of the last signal meant the beginning of a new hour) with the chimes of the Spasskaya tower.
43. The largest clock in the world, a barometer and a thermometer are placed on the building of Moscow State University. They are installed on the towers of 18-storey buildings.
The year of birth of university chimes is considered to be 1953, when the main building of Moscow State University was erected. The watch dial diameter is 9 meters, the length of the hour hand is 3 m 70 cm (weight 50 kg), and the length of the minute hand is 4.20 meters (weight 39 kg). The height of the numbers is 70 cm. 
Until 1957, they were launched using a mechanism with a pendulum the size of a six-story building. For the plant of such a colossus, a huge staff was required, and it was replaced with an electric motor. University clocks look at all directions of the world, so each tower has two dials. Engineers call them that: Eastern hours, North, South and West.
On the building of Moscow University there is also the world's largest thermometer and barometer. The size and design of the instrument dial are the same as those of watches, so they are sometimes confused. 
44. In Moscow, there are the famous "7 Stalin skyscrapers" - seven tall buildings that were built in 1940-1950. In 1947, the Russian capital turned 800 years old. It was for this solemn event that the authorities decided to build seven high-rise buildings, which were supposed to personify the power of the Soviet people and the great country.
one). Building on Kudrinskaya Square.
The height of the building is 156 m, it was built in 1954. A.A. Mndoyants and M.V. Posokhin are architects.
The construction of the building lasted from 1948 to 1954. The building consists of 24 floors, 18 residential floors. Today there are 450 apartments in Stalinka. The building was nicknamed the "House of Aviators", as the apartments in it were provided to workers employed in the aviation industry. Now in the building, in addition to apartments, there is a bowling club, numerous shops, a cinema. 
2). The main building of Moscow State University.
Height 236 m, the building was built in 1953. Architects: P.V. Abrosimov. A.F. Khryakov, V.N. Nasonov, L.V. Rudnev, S.E. Chernyshev.
The main building of the university was built over 4 years, from 1949 to 1953. It took at least 40 thousand tons of steel to build the building, and 175 million bricks were used to build the walls. For such a large building, 68 elevators had to be made, as well as 68 high-speed cabins.
3). Hotel "Ukraine".
Located at the intersection of Novy Arbat and Kutuzovsky Prospekt. The height of the Stalinka is 206 m. The hotel includes 34 floors. The construction was carried out in 1953-1957, and it got its name in honor of the homeland of General Secretary N. Khrushchev.
Hotel "Ukraine" - one of the largest in Europe and includes about 500 rooms, a large number of restaurants and bars, as well as a large swimming pool. In 2000, the hotel was resold to Biscuit LLC. On April 28, 2010, the Stalin skyscraper was finally restored and put into operation. 
four). Building on Kotelnicheskaya embankment.
Height 176 m, built in 1952. A.K. Rostkovsky and D.N. Chechulin - architects.
Stalinka began to be built in 1938, the construction was completed after the Second World War in 1948-1952. The skyscraper has 32 floors. According to the plan of the authorities, Stalinka was to become not only a residential, but also a strategic facility.
5). The building of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation on Smolenskaya-Sennaya Square.
The height of the building is 172 m, built in 1953. M.A. Minkus and V.G. Gelfreich - architects.
It was built between 1948 and 1953. The ministries of foreign affairs, foreign economic relations and trade are located on 27 floors. The total area of internal premises is 65 thousand square meters. meters.
The skyscraper is equipped with 28 elevators, of which 18 are high-speed elevators. The building was built in a rather unusual way - from top to bottom, a full-length frame was originally built.
6). Hotel "Leningradskaya".
Height 136 m, built in 1954. A.B. Boretsky and L.M. Polyakov - architects.
The construction of the hotel went from 1949 to 1954. The hotel has 275 rooms, as well as shops, a beauty salon, restaurants and much more, typical of 5-star hotels. Despite major repairs, the building has retained its original image and interior. And the facades of the building were given additional luxury.
7). The building on the Red Gate Square.
Height 138 m, built in 1953. B.S. Mezentsev and A.N. Dushkin - architects.
The house combines both residential and administrative premises. The building was built from 1949 to 1953. In addition to the Ministry of Transport Engineering, the building also housed the Moscow Interbank Stock Exchange, Transstroy Corporation and a bank. The building was erected at the highest point of the Garden Ring. Despite the fact that the building has 24 floors, it can visually be compared with the 36-story Moscow State University.
45. On Mira Avenue is the highest monument in Moscow - the obelisk "Conquerors of Space" with a height of more than 100 meters.
46. The Lenin Library (now: the Russian State Library) is one of the most extensive in the world, in second place after the US Library of Congress. It contains 40 million books.
47. Since 1938, the sculpture “Border Guard with a Dog” at the metro station “Revolution Square” has been an object of worship for passengers. Even in the bustle, many do not forget to rub the dog's nose. At first it was the fun of the students: if you rub your nose - you pass the test, if you rub your paw - the exam. Everyone has long forgotten about this, and the dog's nose has become just a harbinger of good luck.
48. Along with the traditional monuments to Pushkin, Lermontov and many other worthy people in Moscow, there are outlandish monuments. For example, a stool (Taganskaya St.), Druzhba processed cheese (at the intersection of Rustaveli and Ogorodny Prospekt streets), a monument to a janitor (crossing of Bazhov and Malahitova streets) and a student (the sculpture adorns the entrance to the MIIT building, and was installed in honor of 110- th in terms of student enrollment).
49. In total, there are no more than 180 thousand people in Moscow (less than 2% of the total population). About half of those living in Moscow were born in other cities of the country. This is "guilty" not only of immigration, but also of emigration, since after the collapse of the USSR, more than 100,000 native Muscovites went abroad. By the way, as for visitors, in the last 20 years the number of residents from Georgia and Armenia has increased 3 times, and from Azerbaijan - 5 times.
50. Locals believe that a dozen famous ghosts live in the city, including Beria's limousine, Behemoth the cat, and the black monk. 
