Why is Moscow a city of rings? In short, Moscow historically expanded in concentric rings: first, merchants and artisans settled around the Kremlin, then these neighborhoods were also enclosed by fortifications; and, later, the neighborhoods that sprang up around them were fortified, as well. By the end of the 16th century, Moscow had already become a major merchant city. The so-called ‘White Wall’ surrounded the settlements. At the end of the 18th century, wide tree‑lined streets took its place – the Boulevard Ring. Later, neighbouring villages joined Moscow and the boundary of the new territories was marked by an earthen rampart. After the Great Fire of Moscow of 1812, plans were made to build a wide street lined with front gardens on the site of the former fortifications. Over time, it grew into the Garden Ring. Until the mid‑19th century, the third ring around Moscow marked the city’s legal borders. Nowadays, the modern Third Transport Ring runs through these territories. Moscow actually has two whole circle subway lines and a railway ring. The motorway ring around Moscow was opened in 1962. Until the 1980s, the MKAD was considered the city’s official border – today, however, many districts of Moscow extend beyond it. 📷 Sergey Ryzhikov/Roscosmos, Mikhail Uspensky / Sputnik, Albert Garnelis / TASS, mosmetro.ru 🔔 Gateway to Russia