Moscow Trivia Quiz Questions and Answers

What was the approximate population of Moscow in 1500, a time when the city was one of the largest in the world?

• 100,000
• 200,000
• 300,000
• 500,000

Correct Answer: 100,000

Correct Answer Explanation: By the year 1500, Moscow had grown to a population of approximately 100,000, making it one of the largest cities in the world at that time. This growth was fueled by various factors, including its strategic location, economic development, and political influence.

Which of these buildings is NOT one of the “Seven Sisters” skyscrapers built in Moscow during the Stalinist era?

• Moscow State University
• Kotelnicheskaya Embankment Building
• Hotel Ukraina
• Ostankino Tower

Correct Answer: Ostankino Tower

Correct Answer Explanation: The “Seven Sisters” are a group of seven massive skyscrapers built in Moscow during the Stalinist era. While all of these buildings are prominent landmarks, only the first three are considered part of the “Seven Sisters”. The Ostankino Tower, a television tower, is separate from the group.

What city did Peter the Great move the Russian capital to in 1712, leading to a decrease in Moscow’s influence?

• Saint Petersburg
• Kyiv
• Nizhny Novgorod
• Kazan

Correct Answer: Saint Petersburg

Correct Answer Explanation: Peter the Great moved the Russian capital to the newly founded city of Saint Petersburg in 1712, hoping to create a new center of power and culture that would be more open to Western influences. This move led to a decrease in Moscow’s influence for a significant period.

Which of the following is the name of Moscow’s oldest park?

• Gorky Park
• Izmaylovsky Park
• Bauman Garden
• Sokolniki Park

Correct Answer: Neskuchny Garden

Correct Answer Explanation: While Gorky Park is a well-known park in Moscow, the Neskuchny Garden is the oldest park in the city, dating back to the 18th century.

The Moscow Metro is known for its elaborate and beautiful designs. What is one of the most iconic features of many stations?

• Glass domes
• Modernist murals
• Socialist realist mosaics
• Art Deco chandeliers

Correct Answer: Socialist realist mosaics

Correct Answer Explanation: The Moscow Metro is renowned for its artistic features, and among them are the iconic socialist realist mosaics that adorn many of its stations. These mosaics often depict themes of labor, industry, and the achievements of the Soviet Union.

What is the name of the largest indoor theme park in Europe, located in Moscow?

• Dream Island
• Gorky Park
• VDNKh
• Sokolniki Park

Correct Answer: Dream Island

Correct Answer Explanation: Dream Island, opened in 2020, is the largest indoor theme park in Europe, featuring a variety of rides, entertainment, and attractions.

What is the name of the famous Russian oil giant that has its headquarters in Moscow?

• Gazprom
• Lukoil
• Rosneft
• Sibur

Correct Answer: Rosneft

Correct Answer Explanation: Rosneft is a Russian oil and gas company headquartered in Moscow, and it is known as one of the largest oil companies in the world.

Which of these major international airports is the busiest in Russia and is a hub for Aeroflot airlines?

• Sheremetyevo
• Domodedovo
• Vnukovo
• Zhukovsky

Correct Answer: Sheremetyevo

Correct Answer Explanation: Sheremetyevo International Airport is the busiest airport in Russia and serves as a hub for Aeroflot, the country’s national airline.

In what year did the USSR dissolve, leaving Moscow as the capital of the newly established Russian Federation?

• 1990
• 1991
• 1992
• 1993

Correct Answer: 1991

Correct Answer Explanation: The Soviet Union dissolved in 1991, with Moscow remaining the capital of the newly formed Russian Federation. This event marked a significant turning point in the history of both Russia and Moscow.

What is the name of the “Greenbelt” area that surrounds Moscow, created in the 1930s to control and regulate urban growth?

• Moscow Ring Road
• Garden Ring
• Third Transport Ring
• Green Moscow Zone

Correct Answer: Green Moscow Zone

Correct Answer Explanation: The Green Moscow Zone, or simply the “Greenbelt,” is an area surrounding Moscow that was established in the 1930s to control urban sprawl and create a buffer zone between the city and surrounding areas. It’s a vital part of the city’s environmental infrastructure.

What is the name of the national library of Russia, located in Moscow, home to over 275 kilometers of bookshelves and 42 million items?

• The Russian State Library
• The Moscow Public Library
• The Lenin State Library
• The Tretyakov Gallery

Correct Answer: The Russian State Library

Correct Answer Explanation: The Russian State Library, founded in 1862, is the national library of Russia and one of the largest libraries in the world. It houses an extensive collection of books, journals, manuscripts, and other materials.

Which of these historical events took place in 1812, resulting in the destruction of much of Moscow but also contributing to the defeat of Napoleon’s army in Russia?

• The Great Moscow Fire
• The Mongol Invasion
• The Polish-Lithuanian Occupation
• The Crimean War

Correct Answer: The Great Moscow Fire

Correct Answer Explanation: The Great Moscow Fire of 1812, caused by both Russian sabotage and accidental fires, devastated much of the city during Napoleon’s invasion. Although devastating for Moscow, the fire weakened Napoleon’s army and contributed to their eventual retreat from Russia.

Which of these institutions is NOT located in Moscow?

• The Russian Academy of Sciences
• The Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation
• The State Duma
• The Supreme Court of the Russian Federation

Correct Answer: The Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation

Correct Answer Explanation: While Moscow is the location of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the State Duma, and the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation, the Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation has been located in Saint Petersburg since 2008.

What is the name of the major university in Moscow, founded in 1755, with a main building that was once the tallest building on the European continent?

• Bauman Moscow State Technical University
• Moscow State University
• Moscow Conservatory
• The Russian State Institute of Cinematography

Correct Answer: Moscow State University

Correct Answer Explanation: Moscow State University, founded in 1755, is one of Russia’s most prestigious universities and is known for its impressive main building, which was once the tallest building in Europe. It has played a crucial role in Russian academia and scientific development.

Moscow is a prominent center for the performing arts in Russia. What is the name of its famous ballet and opera theater?

• The Malyi Theatre
• The Vakhtangov Theatre
• The Moscow Art Theatre
• The Bolshoi Theatre

Correct Answer: The Bolshoi Theatre

Correct Answer Explanation: The Bolshoi Theatre, one of the most famous theaters in the world, is renowned for its ballet and opera productions. It’s considered a symbol of Russian culture and has hosted some of the greatest performances in the history of the performing arts.

What is the name of the world’s oldest educational institution in cinematography, located in Moscow?

• Moscow State University
• Bauman Moscow State Technical University
• The Russian State Institute of Cinematography
• Moscow Conservatory

Correct Answer: The Russian State Institute of Cinematography

Correct Answer Explanation: The Russian State Institute of Cinematography, or VGIK, is the oldest film school in the world, founded in 1919. It has played a significant role in the development of Russian and international cinema.

Which of these organizations is NOT one of the major football teams based in Moscow?

• FC Spartak Moscow
• PFC CSKA Moscow
• FC Lokomotiv Moscow
• HC Dynamo Moscow

Correct Answer: HC Dynamo Moscow

Correct Answer Explanation: While FC Spartak Moscow, PFC CSKA Moscow, and FC Lokomotiv Moscow are prominent football teams based in Moscow, HC Dynamo Moscow is a well-known ice hockey team from the city.

What is the name of the famous square in Moscow that is home to the Kremlin and Saint Basil’s Cathedral?

• Red Square
• Revolution Square
• Pushkin Square
• Lubyanka Square

Correct Answer: Red Square

Correct Answer Explanation: Red Square, located in the heart of Moscow, is one of the most iconic squares in the world. It is home to the Kremlin, Saint Basil’s Cathedral, and other significant historical landmarks.

Which of these features is NOT part of the Moscow Central Circle (MCC), a railway that opened in 2016?

• It runs in a circle, encircling the historical center of Moscow
• It is fully integrated with the Moscow Metro system
• It uses modern, high-speed trains
• It is primarily a long-distance train service connecting Moscow with other major cities in Russia

Correct Answer: It is primarily a long-distance train service connecting Moscow with other major cities in Russia

Correct Answer Explanation: The Moscow Central Circle (MCC) is an urban railway line that encircles Moscow, serving as a commuter and transit line, not a long-distance train service. It’s designed to provide a fast and convenient way to travel around the city.

What is the name of the iconic, 16th-century wall that once encompassed part of Moscow, now marked by the Garden Ring?

• The Kremlin Wall
• The Zemlyanoy Gorod Wall
• The Kamer-Kollezhsky Rampart
• The White Town Wall

Correct Answer: The White Town Wall

Correct Answer Explanation: The Garden Ring follows the path of the 16th-century White Town Wall, which once marked a section of Moscow’s defensive boundaries. The Garden Ring is now a major thoroughfare in the city.

What is the name of the government building on Krasnopresnenskaya Embankment in Moscow, where the Government of the Russian Federation is located?

• The Kremlin
• The Senate Palace
• The White House
• The State Duma

Correct Answer: The White House

Correct Answer Explanation: The White House, located on Krasnopresnenskaya Embankment, is the official seat of the Government of the Russian Federation. It’s a prominent building in Moscow’s political landscape.

What is the name of the largest extractor of natural gas in the world, with its headquarters in Moscow?

• Rosneft
• Lukoil
• Gazprom
• Sibur

Correct Answer: Gazprom

Correct Answer Explanation: Gazprom is the largest extractor of natural gas in the world and is a major player in the global energy market. It has its headquarters in Moscow.

In what year did Moscow host the Summer Olympic Games, which were boycotted by the United States and other Western countries?

• 1976
• 1980
• 1984
• 1988

Correct Answer: 1980

Correct Answer Explanation: The 1980 Summer Olympics, held in Moscow, were boycotted by the United States and many other Western nations in response to the Soviet Union’s invasion of Afghanistan. This event marked a significant period of political tension between the Soviet Union and the West.

What is the name of the tallest freestanding structure in Europe, located in Moscow?

• The Federation Tower
• The Moscow State University Main Building
• The Ostankino Tower
• The Shukhov Tower

Correct Answer: The Ostankino Tower

Correct Answer Explanation: The Ostankino Tower, a television tower completed in 1967, is the tallest freestanding structure in Europe. It’s a prominent landmark in Moscow and is also one of the tallest structures in the world.

What is the name of the modern urban redevelopment program launched in Moscow in the 2010s, focused on improving streets and public spaces?

• “Green Moscow”
• “My City”
• “My Street”
• “Moscow City”

Correct Answer: “My Street”

Correct Answer Explanation: “My Street,” or “Moja Ulitsa” in Russian, is a major urban redevelopment program launched in Moscow in the 2010s to improve the city’s streets, sidewalks, and public spaces. It’s part of a broader effort to revitalize and modernize the city’s infrastructure.

What is the name of the Moscow-based tech company that is testing self-driving taxis in the city?

• Yandex
• Google
• Uber
• Apple

Correct Answer: Yandex

Correct Answer Explanation: Yandex, a Russian tech company, is actively testing self-driving taxis in Moscow, aiming to introduce this technology to the city’s transportation system.

What is the name of the ancient, pre-Slavic tribe that may have formed the majority of Moscow’s indigenous population?

• Vyatichi
• Krivichi
• Merya
• Muroma

Correct Answer: Vyatichi

Correct Answer Explanation: The Vyatichi, a Slavic tribe that settled in the Moscow area around 950 AD, are believed to have constituted a significant portion of the indigenous population of Moscow before the city’s later development.

Which of these events did NOT contribute to the growth of Moscow’s population in the 18th century?

• The relocation of the Russian capital to Saint Petersburg
• The expansion of trade and commerce
• The rebuilding of the city after the Great Moscow Fire
• The influx of refugees from other parts of Russia

Correct Answer: The relocation of the Russian capital to Saint Petersburg

Correct Answer Explanation: While the other options all contributed to Moscow’s population growth, the relocation of the capital to Saint Petersburg in 1712 initially led to a decrease in Moscow’s population as the city lost its status as the political and economic center.

What is the name of the oldest distillery in Russia, located in Moscow, which produces vodka brands including “Stolichnaya”?

• Kristall
• Moscow Interrepublican Vinery
• The Moscow Jewelry Factory
• Jewellerprom

Correct Answer: Kristall

Correct Answer Explanation: The Kristall distillery, located in Moscow, is the oldest distillery in Russia and is known for producing vodka brands, including the famous “Stolichnaya”. It has a long history of producing alcoholic beverages in the country.

In what year did the Moscow government launch the “Our City” geo-information portal, designed to facilitate communication between residents and city authorities?

• 2005
• 2010
• 2011
• 2015

Correct Answer: 2011

Correct Answer Explanation: “Our City” is a geo-information portal launched by the Moscow government in 2011 to enhance communication between residents and city authorities, enabling them to exchange information, report issues, and engage in dialogue about the city’s development.

In what year did Moscow annex a part of the Moscow Oblast, expanding the city’s territory and population significantly?

• 2005
• 2010
• 2012
• 2015

Correct Answer: 2012

Correct Answer Explanation: In 2012, Moscow annexed a significant portion of the Moscow Oblast, doubling its land area and adding a substantial population. This expansion has had a significant impact on the city’s geography and development.

What is the name of the prominent river that flows through Moscow, giving the city its name?

• The Volga River
• The Dnieper River
• The Moskva River
• The Don River

Correct Answer: The Moskva River

Correct Answer Explanation: The Moskva River, named after the city, flows through the heart of Moscow and has played a crucial role in its history, transportation, and development.

What is the name of the famous monument in Moscow that commemorates the victory in the Patriotic War of 1812 over Napoleon’s army?

• The Kremlin
• Saint Basil’s Cathedral
• The Victory Park on Poklonnaya Hill
• The Cathedral of Christ the Saviour

Correct Answer: The Victory Park on Poklonnaya Hill

Correct Answer Explanation: The Victory Park on Poklonnaya Hill, a large historical memorial complex, commemorates the Russian victory over Napoleon’s army in the Patriotic War of 1812. It includes a triumphal arch, a museum, and various monuments.

What is the name of the district in Moscow where the Moscow International Business Center (MIBC) is being developed, located near the Third Ring?

• Presnensky District
• Tverskoy District
• Zamoskvorechye District
• Arbat District

Correct Answer: Presnensky District

Correct Answer Explanation: The Moscow International Business Center (MIBC) is being developed in the Presnensky District of Moscow, located near the Third Ring. It’s a key area for business activity and development in the city.

What is the name of the railway that connects the Moscow International Business Center with Sheremetyevo International Airport, which is under development?

• Moscow Central Circle
• Moscow Central Diameters
• Aeroexpress
• The Trans-Siberian Railway

Correct Answer: Aeroexpress

Correct Answer Explanation: Aeroexpress is a high-speed rail service that connects Moscow’s major airports, including Sheremetyevo International Airport, with the city center. It’s a convenient and efficient way for travelers to get to and from the airport.

What is the name of the new sharing system in Moscow that provides electric scooters?

• Velobike
• Delisamokat
• Yandex.Taxi
• Uber

Correct Answer: Delisamokat

Correct Answer Explanation: Delisamokat is a new sharing system in Moscow that provides electric scooters, offering a convenient and eco-friendly way to get around the city.

Which of these locations is NOT a popular shopping street in Moscow?

• Tverskaya Street
• Nikolskaya Street
• Arbat Street
• Red Square

Correct Answer: Red Square

Correct Answer Explanation: While Red Square is a famous and iconic landmark, it is primarily a historical and cultural space, not a major shopping street. The other options are known for their shopping areas and retail stores.

What is the name of the museum in Moscow dedicated to Russian history, located between Red Square and Manege Square?

• The Tretyakov Gallery
• The Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts
• The State Historical Museum of Russia
• The Polytechnical Museum

Correct Answer: The State Historical Museum of Russia

Correct Answer Explanation: The State Historical Museum of Russia is a prominent museum dedicated to Russian history, located between Red Square and Manege Square. It houses a vast collection of artifacts and exhibits that showcase the country’s rich past.

Which of these buildings is NOT located in the Kremlin?

• The Senate Palace
• The Grand Kremlin Palace
• The Cathedral of Christ the Saviour
• The Tsar Cannon

Correct Answer: The Cathedral of Christ the Saviour

Correct Answer Explanation: The Cathedral of Christ the Saviour is located on a separate site in Moscow, not within the Kremlin. The other options are all located within the Kremlin complex.

What is the name of the largest urban park in the world, located in Moscow, with an area six times greater than Central Park in New York?

• Gorky Park
• Izmaylovsky Park
• Sokolniki Park
• Bauman Garden

Correct Answer: Izmaylovsky Park

Correct Answer Explanation: Izmaylovsky Park, established in 1931, is one of the largest urban parks in the world, covering a vast area that’s six times larger than Central Park in New York. It offers a range of recreational activities and green spaces for residents and visitors alike.

What is the name of the street in Moscow that was once a bohemian area and still retains much of its historical charm?

• Tverskaya Street
• Nikolskaya Street
• Arbat Street
• Red Square

Correct Answer: Arbat Street

Correct Answer Explanation: Arbat Street, located in the historical center of Moscow, was once a hub for artists, musicians, and writers. It still retains its distinctive character and is a popular tourist destination.

What is the name of the largest financial center in Europe, located in Moscow?

• The Moscow International Business Center
• The Kremlin
• The Hermitage Museum
• The Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts

Correct Answer: The Moscow International Business Center

Correct Answer Explanation: The Moscow International Business Center (MIBC), located in the Presnensky District, is one of the largest financial centers in Europe. It features numerous skyscrapers, offices, and commercial spaces.

Which of these languages is NOT offered as an audio guide in the cable car that connects Luzhniki sports complex with Sparrow Hills?

• English
• German
• Chinese
• French

Correct Answer: French

Correct Answer Explanation: While English, German, and Chinese are offered as audio guide options, French is not currently available in the cable car.

What is the name of the Russian university that is known for its research in nuclear physics?

• Moscow State University
• Bauman Moscow State Technical University
• Moscow Engineering Physics Institute
• The Russian State Institute of Cinematography

Correct Answer: Moscow Engineering Physics Institute

Correct Answer Explanation: The Moscow Engineering Physics Institute, also known as MEPhI, is renowned for its research and development in nuclear physics and has made significant contributions to the field.

Which of these types of public transport is NOT available in Moscow?

• Metro
• Monorail
• Tram
• Ferry

Correct Answer: Ferry

Correct Answer Explanation: While Moscow has a robust public transport system, including metro, monorail, and tram, ferry service is not currently available in the city. However, Moscow does have river cruise and passenger boat services on the Moskva and Oka rivers.

Which of these is NOT a distinctive feature of the Moscow Metro?

• Deep tunnels
• Elaborate artistic designs
• Socialist realist mosaics
• High-speed bullet trains

Correct Answer: High-speed bullet trains

Correct Answer Explanation: The Moscow Metro is known for its deep tunnels, artistic designs, and socialist realist mosaics. However, it does not use high-speed bullet trains; the metro system is designed for urban transportation and is not built for high-speed intercity travel.

What is the name of the museum in Moscow that displays sculptures of the former Soviet Union, sometimes referred to as the “graveyard of fallen monuments”?

• The Tretyakov Gallery
• The Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts
• The State Historical Museum of Russia
• Museon

Correct Answer: Museon

Correct Answer Explanation: Museon is a sculpture garden in Moscow that displays statues of the former Soviet Union, often referred to as the “graveyard of fallen monuments”. It’s a unique and thought-provoking museum that offers a glimpse into the past of the Soviet era.

What is the name of the largest botanical garden in Europe, located in Moscow?

• The Tsytsin Main Botanical Garden of Academy of Sciences
• Gorky Park
• Izmaylovsky Park
• Sokolniki Park

Correct Answer: The Tsytsin Main Botanical Garden of Academy of Sciences

Correct Answer Explanation: The Tsytsin Main Botanical Garden of Academy of Sciences is the largest botanical garden in Europe, located in Moscow. It features a vast collection of plant species from around the world, making it a significant center for botanical research and education.

What is the name of the prominent building in Moscow, originally built as a transmission tower for a Russian broadcasting company?

• The Federation Tower
• The Shukhov Tower
• The Ostankino Tower
• The Moscow State University Main Building

Correct Answer: The Shukhov Tower

Correct Answer Explanation: The Shukhov Tower, a unique hyperboloid structure, was originally built as a transmission tower for a Russian broadcasting company. It’s a striking example of early Soviet architecture and engineering.

What is the name of the street in Moscow that is home to high-end boutiques, including Bulgari, Tiffany & Co., Armani, Prada, and Bentley?

• Tverskaya Street
• Nikolskaya Street
• Arbat Street
• Red Square

Correct Answer: Tretyakovsky Proyezd

Correct Answer Explanation: Tretyakovsky Proyezd, located in Kitai-gorod, is a street known for its upscale boutiques, including brands like Bulgari, Tiffany & Co., Armani, Prada, and Bentley.

What is the name of the first nuclear reactor in Europe, built in Moscow?

• The Kurchatov Institute
• The Landau Institute for Theoretical Physics
• The Institute for Theoretical and Experimental Physics
• The Kapitza Institute for Physical Problems

Correct Answer: The Kurchatov Institute

Correct Answer Explanation: The Kurchatov Institute, located in Moscow, was the site of the first nuclear reactor in Europe, built in 1946. It played a crucial role in the development of nuclear technology and research in the Soviet Union.

What is the name of the famous square in Moscow, known for its landmark buildings, including the GUM department store and Lenin’s Mausoleum?

• Red Square
• Revolution Square
• Pushkin Square
• Lubyanka Square

Correct Answer: Red Square

Correct Answer Explanation: Red Square is one of the most iconic squares in the world, known for its historical significance and landmark buildings, including the GUM department store and Lenin’s Mausoleum.

Which of these is NOT a major professional sports team based in Moscow?

• HC CSKA Moscow
• PBC CSKA Moscow
• FC Dynamo Moscow
• FC Bayern Munich

Correct Answer: FC Bayern Munich

Correct Answer Explanation: While HC CSKA Moscow, PBC CSKA Moscow, and FC Dynamo Moscow are all prominent professional sports teams based in Moscow, FC Bayern Munich is a famous German football team, not a Moscow-based team.

What is the name of the district in Moscow where the All-Russia Exhibition Center (VDNKh) is located?

• Presnensky District
• Tverskoy District
• Zamoskvorechye District
• Ostankinsky District

Correct Answer: Ostankinsky District

Correct Answer Explanation: The All-Russia Exhibition Center (VDNKh) is located in the Ostankinsky District of Moscow, known for its sprawling park and iconic pavilions.

What is the name of the official residence of the President of the Russian Federation in Moscow?

• The White House
• The Senate Palace
• The Grand Kremlin Palace
• The House of the Government of the Russian Federation

Correct Answer: The Senate Palace

Correct Answer Explanation: While the Kremlin is the official residence of the President, the Senate Palace is the specific building within the Kremlin where the president’s working residence is located.

Which of these is NOT a major cultural institution located in Moscow?

• The Tretyakov Gallery
• The Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts
• The Bolshoi Theatre
• The Louvre Museum

Correct Answer: The Louvre Museum

Correct Answer Explanation: While the Tretyakov Gallery, the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts, and the Bolshoi Theatre are all major cultural institutions in Moscow, the Louvre Museum is a world-renowned museum located in Paris, France.

What is the name of the large sports complex in Moscow that hosted the 1980 Summer Olympics and the 2018 FIFA World Cup Final?

• The VTB Arena
• The Luzhniki Stadium
• The Olympic Stadium
• The CSKA Arena

Correct Answer: The Luzhniki Stadium

Correct Answer Explanation: The Luzhniki Stadium, located in Moscow, is a massive sports complex that hosted the 1980 Summer Olympics and the 2018 FIFA World Cup Final, making it a significant venue for international sporting events.

Which of these is NOT a major university located in Moscow?

• Moscow State University
• Bauman Moscow State Technical University
• Moscow Conservatory
• The University of Oxford

Correct Answer: The University of Oxford

Correct Answer Explanation: While Moscow State University, Bauman Moscow State Technical University, and Moscow Conservatory are all prominent universities in Moscow, the University of Oxford is a renowned university located in Oxford, England.

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