The heart of my Motherland: the National Centre RUSSIA congratulates Moscow on its 878th anniversary

This September weekend marks another anniversary of Moscow’s foundation — a symbol of Russian statehood, the spiritual, economic, cultural and innovative centre of our country. The National Centre RUSSIA congratulates the capital and its residents on City Day and is proud to be located here — in the heart of the great state.

"Dear Muscovites, I congratulate you on City Day. Today Moscow turns 878. Moscow is the heart of Russian lands, an ancient and forever young capital. Moscow is a working city, a heroic city, where much of the intellectual and economic power of our country is created. Moscow is a Hero City, at whose walls the fate of the Fatherland was decided more than once. Many severe trials befell the capital, but each time it prevailed and grew stronger. It will be so in our time as well, when Russia is once again fighting for sovereignty and security," said Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin.

He stressed that Moscow is one of the largest and strongest cities, competing with the best capitals of the world. But above all, Moscow is a native home, tied to many personal events.

"Meeting a loved one and the birth of children, successes in study and achievements at work, victories of favourite sports teams, the joy of returning after travelling to distant places. Cherished places, streets, boulevards and parks. Moscow generously shares its wide soul with everyone. And our task is to love and cherish our city. To wish it only the best. And not only to wish, but to create. To gratefully give our talents, knowledge, skills and work to the city. Congratulations, dear friends! Happy birthday, Moscow!" he added.

Founded by Prince Yuri Dolgorukiy, Moscow was first mentioned in chronicle sources of the 12th century, and the city’s history is considered to date back to 1147. This was the time of the decline of Kievan Rus' and the beginning of the period of fragmentation, when separate principalities arose in place of a united state. Rostov-Suzdal Prince Yuri Dolgorukiy (1090–1157) actively worked to strengthen and expand his lands — Pereslavl-Zalessky, Yuryev-Polsky, Dmitrov and other settlements were founded during his reign. And on the site of scattered villages along the Moskva River, a wooden kremlin was built to protect the locals. Over time, the settlement came to be called Moscow — the same as the river on whose banks it grew.

Today, opposite the Moscow Mayor’s office on Tverskaya Street, stands a monument to Yuri Dolgorukiy depicted as a medieval warrior on horseback. Although no authentic images of the prince have survived, this monument, like many other sights of the capital, has become part of its history, in which folk legends are intertwined with real events, destinies and eras.

Modern Moscow is one of the largest metropolises in the world and a promising financial centre, while the echoes of its cultural events are heard across all continents.

On this day, festive events are held all over the city: concerts, festivals, shows, tours, workshops and lectures taking place in the city centre, at VDNH, in parks, museums and other cultural spaces. The city is decorated with thousands of flags and decorative installations.

The National Centre RUSSIA, for its part, invites visitors to the "Journey Across Russia" exposition, where the capital holds a special place. Guests will be able to learn more about the history and modern achievements of Moscow through digital installations, interactive games and striking displays that reveal the soul of the capital.