Beneath our feet lies a story etched in time the story of Fili-Davydkovo. This district of Moscow whispers tales of villages past and a city’s relentless growth. We are standing at the edge of what was once two distinct villages. They were Fili and Davydkovo. Now they are united as one of Moscow’s 125 districts.
Fili-Davydkovo is part of the Western Administrative Okrug. This area has seen Moscow evolve. From quiet settlements to a bustling urban landscape. The district’s name itself is a nod to its origins. It is a reminder of the villages that time has woven together.
Let’s journey back to understand Fili’s story. The first written record of Fili dates back to 1627. It was a time when Moscow was expanding its reach. Later Fili became the property of Lev Naryshkin. He was the brother of Tsaritsa Natalia Naryshkina.
Naryshkin’s influence shaped Fili. By 1694 he completed the Intercession Church. Peter I supported the construction. This church showcases the Naryshkin Baroque style. Naryshkin also established a new Fili village. It was closer to what is now Kutuzovsky Prospekt. The old Fili was transformed into his personal estate.
The Battle of Borodino in 1812 echoes through Fili’s history. The Russian army retreated and camped near Fili. General Kutuzov convened a military council in a wooden hut. He made the difficult decision to abandon Moscow. This saved the Russian army.
Fili transformed during the 20th century. Industrialization took hold between the 1900s and 1930s. By 1926 Fili had 396 households. It housed 1342 residents. Moscow annexed the territory in 1935.
One notable feature is the Khrunichev aerospace plant. It started before World War I. It was built by Roman Klein. In the 1920s it became State Aircraft Plant No. 7. They acquired German technology. They produced copies of Junkers K30 bomber. Andrei Tupolev’s aircraft were developed here.
Today Fili-Davydkovo covers roughly 7 square kilometers. It officially became a district on July 5 1995. Fili-Davydkovo represents Moscow’s dynamic history. From its humble beginnings as separate villages. It became an integral part of a global city. As we move on consider how the past shapes the present. Remember the names Fili and Davydkovo. They are more than just names. They are echoes of Moscow’s enduring story.