Moskva River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Moskva |
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The Moskva River at the Kremlin in Moscow
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Map of the Volga watershed with the Moskva River highlighted
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| Native name | Москва |
| Country | Russia |
| Physical characteristics | |
| River mouth | Oka 55°04′31″N 38°50′43″E / 55.0753°N 38.8453°E |
| Length | 473 km (294 mi) |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 17,600 km2 (6,800 sq mi) |
The Moskva River (in Russian: Moskva-reka) is an important river in Russia. It's the river that gives the capital city of Russia, Moscow, its name! It flows right through the heart of Moscow, making it a very famous and busy waterway.
The Moskva River is a tributary of the Oka River. This means it flows into the Oka River, adding its water to it. The Oka River then flows into the mighty Volga River, which is one of the longest rivers in Europe. Finally, the Volga River empties into the Caspian Sea. So, the Moskva River's water travels a long way to reach the sea!
Contents
The Moskva River: Moscow's Lifeline
The Moskva River is super important to the city of Moscow. It has been a key part of the city's history and development for centuries. People have used it for travel, trade, and even just for fun.
Where Does the River Start and End?
The Moskva River begins its journey in the Smolensk Oblast, a region west of Moscow. It then flows through the Moscow Oblast and directly through the city of Moscow itself. After flowing for many kilometers, it joins the Oka River near the city of Kolomna.
How Long is the Moskva River?
The Moskva River is about 473 km (294 mi) (around 294 miles) long. That's a pretty long river! The area of land that drains into the Moskva River, called its basin, is about 17,600 km2 (6,800 sq mi) (about 6,800 square miles). This huge area includes many smaller streams and rivers that feed into the Moskva.
Life on the River: Boats and Bridges
The Moskva River is a busy place! You can often see many different kinds of boats on its waters, from small pleasure boats to larger ships carrying goods. It's a popular spot for boat tours, especially in Moscow, where you can see famous landmarks like the Moscow Kremlin and Saint Basil's Cathedral from the water.
Many beautiful bridges cross the Moskva River, connecting different parts of Moscow. These bridges are not just for cars and people; they are also important landmarks themselves.
The River Through the Seasons
Like many rivers in Russia, the Moskva River freezes over during the cold winter months, usually from November to March or April. When spring arrives and the weather gets warmer, the ice melts, and the river flows freely again. This change of seasons brings different activities to the river, from ice skating when it's frozen to boating when it's thawed.
Images for kids
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River pusher with barge on Moskva river (2020)
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Moskva River in Kolomna, just upstream from its confluence with the Oka River
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Moskva River in central Moscow, view towards the Kremlin
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Boats on the Moskva River near the Luzhniki area of Moscow, with Novodevichy Convent at right
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January 2012 Sunset near the Moskva River
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Moscow River near the Kremlin walls
See also
In Spanish: Río Moscova para niños
