Patriarch’s Ponds in Moscow
Patriarch’s Ponds is one of the most famous sights of Moscow, which is a favorite place for walks of the capital’s residents and its guests. Contrary to the name in the plural, there is only one pond here, surrounded by a fairly large public garden. Earlier there were two more ponds here, but they could not be saved. This place is located in the Central Administrative District of Moscow on the territory of Presnensky district. The complex is located on 2.2 hectares of land, one third of the area is allocated for green spaces. The depth of the reservoir is 2.5 meters.
The Master and Margarita: a conversation at Patriarch’s Ponds
Historical information
At the beginning of the XVII century this place appealed to Patriarch Hermogenes – he formed here Patriarch’s Sloboda. Then Patriarch Joachim dwelt here, who ordered to eliminate the swamps and make ponds in their place. They received their modern name in honor of the clergyman. Such ponds in those times were found in various districts of the city – in them there were numerous varieties of fish. Over time, the ponds of the Patriarch’s Sloboda were no longer monitored, so they turned into swamps. Until the beginning of the XIX century, only one pond survived, around it and was built a public garden.
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In 1974, a monument to I. A. Krylov was erected in the square near Patriarch’s Ponds. The famous author of fables is represented by masters A. A. Drevin and D. Yu Mitlyansky surrounded by twelve of the most famous characters. Here you can see a monkey in glasses, a crow with a piece of stolen cheese, barking moss and other characters of Krylov’s instructive works.
.Contemporary Events
Three years later, architect Sergei Tkachenko developed a plan to build the elite residential building “Patriarch”, which was then realized. The building is located within Patriarch’s Ponds – at the intersection of Malaya Bronnaya Street and Ermolaevsky Lane.
In 2003, the landmark was classified as a cultural heritage site, which requires constant monitoring of the public garden by the state. The city authorities carried out the reconstruction of the water body and recreational area. In the course of the work, the banks were strengthened, sidewalks were improved and trees were replanted. The pond was cleaned from accumulated mud and fish were launched there.
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Nowadays, the Patriarchie Ponds are a great place for recreation. In summer you can walk in the public garden with the whole family, and in winter there is an opportunity to skate on the icy surface of the water body. The best way to get here is from Mayakovskaya, Pushkinskaya or Tverskaya metro stations. In all cases the distance is approximately the same – the road will take no more than 15 minutes. All guests of the capital are recommended to visit here – the special atmosphere of this place will leave an unforgettable impression of a visit to Moscow.
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