World
Nations in Moscow

Lots of Polish traces in Moscow date back to the war of the 17th century. Yet, the following centuries saw notable contributions of dozens of famous Polish people, men of art, and military commanders into the history and image of the Russian capital, too.

Museums, architecture—the British trace is everywhere in Moscow, even in the famous image of the Spasskaya (‘Saviour’) Tower of the Kremlin constructed with the participation of a British architect. There is also an Anglican church in Moscow. Besides, the myriads of English and Irish pubs are the most frequented ones in the capital.

The first Dutch merchants settled down in the city as far back as in the 16th century, during the reign of Ivan the Terrible. Trade and political relations with the Netherlands have played an important role in Russia since then. Their impact was especially noticeable in the era of Peter the Great’s reforms.

French influence has a special place in the history of Moscow. France evokes bitter memories of the 1812 Fire and bloody battles at the city’s door in a Muscovite’s mind.

The diaspora of Moscow Germans is over five centuries old and has been one of the largest expat communities in the Russian capital. The history of the city keeps traces lefts by lawyer Caspar von Elferfeldt, founder Hans Falk, doctor Friedrich Joseph Haass, architect Fyodor Schechtel, and many others.

Russian-Italian relationships have a centuries-old history. The first documented visit of Russian ambassadors to Francesco I Sforza, the Duke of Milan, took place in 1461 and was followed by an exchange of numerous visits and messages between the two countries.

Moscow is home to people of many nationalities. Muscovites of Jewish origin have greatly contributed to the development of the city they live in.