Moscow is famously built on seven hills, a topographical echo of Rome. Situated within the broad basin of the Moskva River, the city's terrain is characterized by gentle undulations rather than dramatic verticality.
The highest point in Moscow is located in the southwest on the Teplostanskaya Upland, reaching approximately 255 meters (837 feet) above sea level. The lowest points are found along the banks of the Moskva River as it exits the city to the southeast, dropping to roughly 114 meters (374 feet).
The city's topography also features several notable valleys and minor tributaries, such as the Yauza River, which carve through the urban landscape. Floodplains exist along the riverbanks, though extensive embankments and water management systems have long stabilized the shorelines.