Description - Printable Version +- The First Age (https://thefirstage.org/forums) +-- Forum: Moscow (https://thefirstage.org/forums/forum-1.html) +--- Forum: Greater Moscow and the Golden Ring (https://thefirstage.org/forums/forum-14.html) +--- Thread: Description (/thread-377.html)

Description - Ascendancy - 06-25-2013 See full writeup on Moscow at the wiki page here. This massive metropolis captures the CCD at its most extreme: its authoritarian austerity and its capitalist indulgence; its devout orthodoxy and its uninhibited displays of wealth and power; its enigmatic ancient history and its dazzling contemporary culture. Moscow is the seat of political power in the world, but it is also the cultural and commercial center of the Central Dominance. From the storied streets surrounding the Red Square to the modern, new Moscow-City, the CCD capital is crammed with artistic, historic, and otherwise sacred sites. Sometimes intellectual and inspiring, sometimes debauched and depraved, it is always eye-opening. With a mind-bending 100 recently constructed new skyscrapers and focus on futuristic design, Moscow trumps the emirate’s superlative cityscape and established itself as the 21st century’s pinnacle of luxury.  Most of the main sites in Moscow are situated north of the Moscow River which winds its way through the metropolis.  The city is further defined by 'Ring Roads' - enormous highways up to 10 lanes in width, that circle the city, roughly following the outlines of the walls that used to surround Moscow.  The Red Square, Kremlin, and much of the central district are all located within the innermost ring road called the Boulevard Ring.  The next ring road is the Garden Ring, so named as landowners were once obligated to maintain lavish gardens to make the road attractive.  There is also the Third Ring and finally, at the outermost edge of the city, is the great Moscow Ring Road, 100 km in circumference.  Beyond this road lies the area of towns, which collectively are referred to as the Golden Ring. The central district, a thousand years old, is that part of the city located within the inner most ring is the heart of downtown Moscow.  The main sections of the Central District consist of the following: Arbatskaya Divided into the pedestrian-only Old-Arbatskaya and more updated-New Arbatskaya, both areas are pierced by the main thoroughfare, Arbat street, the main artery from the Kremlin out of the city.  The affluent areas in this section of Moscow attracts the new aristocracy, investors, intellectuals and artists. Tverskaya At its heart, this section of Moscow is a commercial and industrial district. Writers, artists, and actors contribute to the tranquil atmosphere. Zamoskvoreche Most is south of the Moscow River, hence the meaning of the name ("beyond the river"). It consists of the old, twisting streets of the city opposite the Kremlin.  This is a very typical urban setting. Kitay Gorod A bit flashier than the other parts of the central district, this area is adjacent to the Red Square and contains a steep range of landmarks.  From the financial district and supreme courts, opulent theaters and hotels to the city's most notorious red light district.  Moscow City Though not delineated as an independent city, this area west of the Kremlin is home to the International Business Center - a very Manhattan-like combination of business, residences, and entertainment in one location.  Situated along the Moscow River, the glittering lights of these modern and futuristic buildings make for a beautiful skyline. Outward from the central district is the sprawling metropolis of greater Moscow.  Beyond the outer most highway, nearly 200 km in circumference, is the collection of towns known as the Golden Ring.  This ring of ancient towns surround Moscow and played a significant role in the formation of the Orthodox Church, and preserved the memory of the most important and significant events in history. The towns have been called "open air museums" and feature unique monuments of architecture of the 12th–18th centuries, including fortresses, monasteries, cathedrals, and churches. These towns are among the most picturesque in the area and prominently feature the famous onion domes.