Guidebook
Moskva River
Pages of History 2 Embankments 4 Bridges 8 Boat trips and cruises 14
River route Kievsky Railroad Station – 18 Novospassky Bridge Moskva River
Pages of History Yauza, Gorodyanki, and others. And starting from the XII century, we as- sociate its history with the life of the Archaeologists have known about the town being founded here. settlements on the banks of the Mosk- Moskva river and its tributary, Neglin- va River existing already during Bronze naya river, were defending the Kremlin and Iron Ages. More information about from enemies, and when the ancient this can be found, for example, in fortress lost its defensive function, the State Museum-Reserve “Kolom- Neglinka was “hidden” in an under- enskoye”, where the “Milestones in ground pond. the history of Kolomna” exhibition is But not always was Moskva river an open, adequately reflecting lifestyle of assistant and nurturer; sometimes, it our ancestors. brought misery and destruction to the Starting from the VIIIth century, Slavic city inhabitants. Its capricious nature, settlements begin appearing here. manifesting itself especially during Vyatichi have chosen to live alongside seasonal fluctuations in water level, the Moscow river sides as well as along or upon heavy rains, caused severe its tributaries, Neglinnaya (Samoteka), flooding. 2 Guidebook
In order to combat the elements, the risen to nine meters! The streets, the Vodootvodny channel was established lower floors of buildings– everything in the years 1783-1786, changing not was hidden under water. People had just water but land geography of the to escape to the rooftops. capital as well. Now, the river and the To finally an end to these natural channel jointly form the Baltschug is- disasters, the Channel of Moscow was land. Interestingly, on its territory it is created in 1937, and it really helped. always a little warmer than everywhere Presently, some constraints are put else in Moscow. on the river character by locks and dam-ponds which regulate the drain- But even the channel did not fully age and prevent the water from rising tame the Moskva river, which has too high. flooded its banks in the XIX as well as in the early twentieth century. Last Because of its rivers and channels as time, it flooded the city in 1931. And well as highly developed boat traffic the flood of 1908 was the largest ever. here, Moscow is rightfully called the Then, water was covering about one- “port of five seas”, i.e., of the White, fifth of city’s total area. The river has Baltic, Caspian, Azov and Black seas. 3 Moskva River
Embankments
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Presently, Moskva river has 37 em- bankments, and if you add to them the embankments of the Vodootvodny channel, Yauza, and other water bod- ies flowing through the city, the list would be quite impressive. Choos- ing a place to walk depends only on your preferences. We will be telling you about the five most popular city embankments.
1 From Kremlevskaya, as well as from Sofijskaya embankment, located on the opposite bank of the river, you may enjoy the most spectacular view of the Kremlin. Stunningly beautiful pictures may be taken here anytime and in any weather, for it is impossible to spoil this classic look. The downside of such a walk, however, would be 5 Moskva River
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stone by the design of M. Kazakov, as well as beautiful stairways leading to the water, comfortable benches, and much more. At the point where the river goes down Titovsky parkway, several attractions are gathered at once. From the Gorky 2 Park side, there is a pedestrian Push- kinsky bridge, and also the Olivkovy high air pollution, since car traffic is beach with sun beds and umbrellas, very lively here. just like on a real seaside resort. 2 Pushkinkaya embankment. The Unfortunately, taking a plunge here is name of the great Russian poet is not allowed, but one can do a little proudly worn by one of the most en- pretending, and simply dream about it. joyable and romantic embankments in And from side of Neskuchnyi garden, Moscow. It meanders along the Central there are open-air discos. Nearby you Park of Culture and Relaxation named after Gorki, and along Neskuchnyi gar- den. Both of these places are proven recreation areas for people of all ages and interests. There is plenty of entertainment as well as enough cozy nooks. At the embankment itself, you shall see two gazebos made of white 6 Guidebook
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can see the famous Zeleny theater as well as a pier for river cruisers. 5 3 Vorobyevsky embankment is part of Vorobyevy Gory nature reserve. This place will attract primarily those who seek a quiet place for silent medita- tion, or a quiet conversation with a friend. After all, Vorobyevy Gory went down in history as the place where, looking at Moscow, people have been making their most important and serious decisions. Therefore, you can especially nicely seen. In addition, begin by admiring the beautiful pano- a river cruiser departs regularly from rama of the river and city from the Kolomenskoye pier, offering a small observation deck, and then go down river journey to everyone. to the waterfront. 5 Taras Shevchenko embankment. 4 Embankment in Kolomenskoye. This place is recommended for fans Museum-Reserve Kolomenskoye is of all things new and unusual, since known for its many attractions. This it is a perfect viewing opportunity for place owes its special charm to a spe- modern high-rise buildings of Moscow cific geographical relief, allowing you City. Here, you can often see photog- to walk at the waterside as well raphers, for whom this kind of a view, as enjoying the river views from above, especially combined with evening where, coincidentally, its gateways are lighting, is a great gift. 7 Moskva River
Bridges
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If there is a river in the city, all bridges over it soon become tourist 2 attractions. Well, what bridges in Moscow are the most interesting ones? 1 Bolshoy Kamennyi Bridge. This bridge may be called the most important one. And although it was built only in 1938, a river crossing at this area is believed to exist here from the very beginning of Moscow. The most “classical” view of the Kremlin is also from here. Do you remember the scene from the “Meeting point is still the same” TV series, when Zheglov and Sharapov meet with a veteran who is sorry that he had seen all capitals Kremlin may also be viewed from it, of the European countries, but not and since this bridge is a pedestrian Moscow? Well, he admires the Kremlin one, taking a walk on it is much more precisely from this bridge. pleasant. In addition, it begins at one 2 Recently, however, Bolshoy of the main attractions of the capital Kamennyi Bridge got a worthy – the Cathedral of Christ the Savior. competitor – a Patriarshy bridge. Standing precisely on this bridge, Built in 2004, this bridge has already D.A. Medvedev was recording his New achieved well-deserved popularity. Year greetings. 9 Moskva River
3 Luzhkov bridge over Vodootvodny 3 channel. Also a relatively new pedestrian bridge, built in 1994, it has already become one of the most famous, due to the fact that the newlyweds and lovers are legally allowed to hang their symbolic locks here. The tradition of “securing” faithful relationships with a lock attached to the railing of the bridge appeared not so long ago, but somehow became very popular among 4 the young people around the world. Moscow, too, was not spared by this fashionable fad. Public utility workers were relentlessly cutting down the locks, but they kept reappearing. Then, a compromise solution was found. A tree-shaped frame was “planted” on the bridge especially for locks. Presently, a whole alley of those metal trees has “walked over” the bridge and began “moving” along the embankment. This little bridge has also another attraction: the bench of reconciliation. This bench, shaped like a bowl, reconciles anyone sitting on it, no matter how far away the scoot, because they all would slide to its middle, anyway. 4 Borodinsky bridge across Moskva river. This bridge is part of the historic road to Smolensk, so a crossing has been here, too, since long ago. Previously, it was called Dorogomilovsky, because it was located near the Dorogomilovskaya watchtower. On occasion of the 25th anniversary of victory over Napoleon, it was renamed Borodinsky. The events 10 Guidebook
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of the war of 1812 are reminiscent in the design of the bridge: military 6 paraphernalia abound here, along with symbols of triumph and memorable writings. 5 Bagration Bridge – this trade and pedestrian bridge across the Moskva river was opened in 1997. Named in honor of P.I. Bagration, a general, and a hero of the War of 1812. This bridge is part of the Moscow City complex, it has open viewing platforms and shopping pavilions. 6 Pushkinsky bridge over the 7 The Krimsky bridge over the Moskva river. This pedestrian Moskva river. This wonderful bridge, bridge, built in 2000, connects the opened in 1938, is by no coincidence Pushkinskaya and the Frunzenskaya one of the hallmarks of Moscow. By embankments. Just like the design, this is a suspension bridge, Bagration bridge, it is a favorite of and such structures are rare. From the photographers and newlyweds. Krimsky bridge, interesting views open, 11 Moskva River
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and it is often showcased in movies as 7 one of the symbols of the capital. 8 The Zhivopisny bridge over the Moskva river. If you look at this bridge from above, like it is located on the map, you may not help but wonder how it goes not across the river, but somewhat alongside it, going to the opposite shore not as we would expect, at a right angle, but much sharper. This unusual task required an unusual solution. And this is how Zhivopisny cable bridge came to be in Moscow, with its pylon as an arched structure. According to the authors idea, at the top of the arch a viewing platform should have been placed. This project is presently still at the stage of implementation. 12 Guidebook
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9 Rostokinskiy Aqueduct across and on the upper part of it is a traffic Yauza. This remarkable construction is road. As if all of this were not enough, called the Millionny Bridge, as the cost the bridge also has a pedestrian part, of its erection was quite expensive. and a walk there shall leave wonderful However, the goal was very important, memories. too, namely, creating a public water supply system, which This is by far not an exhaustive list was launched in 1804. Nevertheless, of interesting bridges in Moscow. the construction of the aqueduct Do not forget the small pedestrian began much earlier, in the late XVIII bridges over the Yauza and century. Now, this “grandfather” of our Vodootvodny channel, and bridges water supply system is not directly on in the parks, such as Tsaritsyno or duty anymore, but it still pleases the Serebryany Bor. There are bridges over eye and helps us to imagine what the rivers which by now are flowing the technology of the past was like. in underground tunnels, there are 10 Luzhnetsky metro bridge overpasses over major roads, and across the Moskva river. This bridge there is even an entire street which is is completely unique in its design, still called by its old-fashioned name, because it contains a subway station, Kuznetsky bridge ... 13 Moskva River
Boat trips and cruises
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A river cruise on a comfortable boat Regular travel on the Moskva river is is an entertainment which is hard to available in the period from April to refuse. You climb aboard, get a place October on Capital shipping company on the open deck or stay in a glass- cruisers, or year-round, on icebreaker ceiling cabin from where you can see boats from the Radisson Royal yacht all the beauty of Moscow, and begin fleet. gliding along the smooth river surface. Capital Shipping Company exists since From here, the view of the city is quite 1933. “Water trams” cover the route in different, so even those who are quite the city center every 20 minutes. They familiar with Moscow will be able to usually have two decks: the upper one see it in a new light. is open, and the lower one has glass In the center of the city, there are 7 windows. The cruisers have bars where piers on the Moskva river, and one on food and drinks may be purchased. Vodootvodny channel. To take a river If you would like to disembark and visit cruise, all you have to do is to come to some of the city hallmarks which will any of them and select the appropriate be abundant on your way, it might be time and route. All piers are located better to buy a day ticket. This type of close to bridges, subway stations, and ticket entitles its bearer to an unlim- historic attractions. The longest route ited number of trips, embarking and is between Kievsky railway station and disembarking the company cruisers as the Novospassky bridge. often as you please. 15 Moskva River
A novelty of this season is the “Stoli- From the North River Station, there chny” sightseeing cruiser. It is a spe- are regular long-distance cruises to the cial boat with a high draft allowing it Radosti Bay, and to the Khimkinskoye to maneuver within the Vodootvodny Reservoir. This includes trips on those channel. Its panoramic windows and famous “Raketa” speed boats. audio system will prevent you from los- ing sight of any of Moscow hallmarks. To see schedules, routes and other relevant information, as well For instance, the “Golden Island” as to purchase tickets, please visit the route, which starts at the Luzhkov Stolichnaya shipping company: www. bridge pier, includes a cruise of Vo- cck-ship.ru or by the multi-channel dootvodny channel with access to the telephone: Moskva river, and offers you the most +7 (495) 225-60-70. renown sights of the capital, such as Christ the Savior Cathedral, Kremlin, St. Good news for fans of river trips was Basil’s Cathedral, etc. also presented by the Radisson Royal Among regular trips, we would like to fleet. Now, you do not need to wait highlight the route Kolomenskoye-Mar- until spring to enjoy a river cruise. jino which will introduce you to inter- Year-round passengers are provided esting places in the south of Moscow. with regular flights, restaurant menus, And on the Klenovy boulevard pier, audio tours, free internet access, equip- tourist groups to the Nikolo-Ugreshsky ment for people with disabilities, and monastery are gathering. Tickets for it much more. may be purchased in advance, or imme- Inquiries about route specifics, menus, diately before the trip – the tours begin purchasing tickets and gift certificates every Saturday and Sunday at 10 am. (tickets with open date) of Radisson 16 Guidebook
Royal Fleet can be made on this site: these ancient cities and interesting www.radisson-cruise.ru or by calling: places, such as Kizhi, Valaam, and So- +7 (495) 228-55-55. lovetsky monastery.
For those who want more, there are An integral part of the cultural life of river cruises that provide long trips to any Russian, or even tourist, having other cities. Presently, there are no enough time to explore the main at- regular long-distance cruises from Mos- tractions of the country, is a trip to cow, but there are companies that offer the Golden Ring of Russia, a circle their own river cruises. of ancient cities which managed to Tickets for such trips may be purchased preserve their uniqueness through the from travel companies Mosturflot (Len- centuries. ingradskoye highway, 59. There are also cruises to other cit- Tel.: +7 (495) 22-17-222, +7 (499) 65- ies in Russia, for example, to Nizhny 29-444. www.mosturflot.ru), Vodochod Novgorod, Astrakhan, Kostroma, Samara, (Leningradskoye highway 57/1. Tel.: +7 Rostov-on-Don, Azov, Kazan, and many (495) 730-58-85. www.vodohod.com) others. or from travel agencies. Ships depart from the North or South Interesting and convenient are week- River stations. end cruises. As a rule, they are offered North River Station to such ancient cities of Russia as Leningradskoye highway house 51, Uglich, Tver, and Myshkin, and include building 2. Metro “Rechnoy Vokzal” sightseeing tours. Another very popu- South River Station lar destination is St. Petersburg. These Andropov avenue, 11, room 2. trips may include visits to some of Metro “Kolomenskoye”. 17 Moskva River
River route Kiev – Novospassky Bridge
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Among the vast variety of river trips, railway station, and in front of you, we have chosen a route that allows the pedestrian Bogdan Khmelnitsky you to see the main attractions of the bridge. capital. So, you begin your route from The cruiser begins to move forward, the 1 “Kievsky railway station” and soon you will see on your left pier. Do not forget to look around. some temples of 5 the Novodevichy Behind you is 2 Borodinsky bridge, Convent. On your right, you will
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a remarkable monument to commemo- see another one of the skyscrapers, rate victory over Napoleon, 3 the 6 the building of Moscow State “White House”, or the House of the University. If you turn back, from this Government of Russian Federation, perspective some presently construct- and one of Stalin‘s skyscrapers, the ed buildings of the business center of 4 “Ukraina” hotel. To your right, 7 Moscow City and the House on there is the building of the Kievsky Mosfilmovskaya street will be visible. 19 Moskva River
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The building of Moscow State Uni- Pushkinsky bridge, and soon see a versity and the Luzhniki Stadium go beautiful bright church on your right, slowly by, and here, is our first stop, 12 the church of St. Nicholas in the Vorobyevy Gory. A beautiful nature Khamovniki. It was built in the late reserve is located here. Here, you may XVII century, and represents the Rus- also see 8 the unique Luzhnetsky sian ornamental style quite popular metro bridge. in Moscow. Incidentally, the area that Ahead is a noteworthy 9 building you pass is called Khamovniki not of the Presidium of the Russian because being inhabited by poorly Academy of Sciences, which is well educated people. In the old days, marked by its crowning golden feature khamovniki were weavers, and this of an original design, nicknamed by profession gave its name to the area locals as “golden brains.” where they settled. There are several You pass under the bridge, and your places named after craftsmen in Mos- next stop shall be Frunzenskaya em- cow, such as Textilshiki, Kozhevniki, bankment. On the right side, Neskuch- Pechatniki, etc. niy garden and an approaching pier Here, in front of you, is one of the are visible. most famous bridges of Moscow, – 13 10 The Central Park of Culture and Krimsky bridge, with same name pier Relaxation named after Gorky. It is right in front of it. If you leave here always very lively here. If you have and go across the bridge, you can visit time, you can get off at this stop and the Central House of Artists, a branch take a walk at the newly landscaped of the State Tretyakov Gallery on Krim- park. sky Val, and Museon Park of Arts. Disembarking again from this pier, Directly in front of you is one of the you will be floating under 11 the most criticized Moscow‘s monuments, 21 Moskva River
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squadron, and now, this house is the 15 16 residence of French Ambassador, as indicated by the flags of France and the European Union. A little further, there is another build- ing (Kursovoy side street, 1), made by mixing two seemingly not combin- able architectural trends: modernism and neo-Russian style. However, the 14 a monument to Peter the Great. building has turned out wonderfully And on your left, you already see the harmonious and very beautiful. golden dome of the Christ the Savior Cathedral. But first, do pay attention Majestically swims past you 16 Christ to the two buildings which will appear the Savior Cathedral, or Cathedral of in front of you a little earlier. the Nativity. The current building was 15 The first house (Prechistenskaya created between 1994-1997, on the embankment, 29), a red brick building site of the church demolished in 1937. looking like a gingerbread house, was The old church was erected in honor of built in 1901 to the design of the the victory over Napoleon‘s army, and famous Russian artist V.M. Vasnetsov. was being built for almost 44 years. During World War II, there was the Now, this is where the main celebra- headquarters of the Normandie-Niemen tions worship services are held. 22 Guidebook
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Vodootvodny channel moves to the right and you continue your journey 18 on the Moskva river. The next pier, the Estrada Theater, is located behind the Patriarshy bridge. Between two Bolshoy bridges, the Kamenny and Zamoskvoretsky, you will see a panorama of 17 Kremlin. Ancient walls and towers, churches, Zayaitskoye. Its name has long been glittering domes, gold-sparkling giving a cause for pondering to the Grand Kremlin Palace, all parts of this toponymy specialists. Indeed, the fact panorama is symbolic of Moscow and that Ural river was formerly called Russia. Following the Moskvoretskaya Yaik is known to all, so, obviously, corner tower, a Red Square view opens Zayaitsky means located across the up. river Yaik, which is also clear. But Then, almost opposite to each other, what is the connection between are two architectural monuments. On the Urals and Zamoskvorechye? The the left is 18 the building of the explanation is most often found in Imperial Orphanage, which was built the fact that people migrated from in 1764, and reinforced and rebuilt those places came to settle here. This up until 1960, and on the right is church was built in the years 1749- 19 the church of St. Nicholas in 1759 in Baroque style. 23 Moskva River
Now you are floating under Bolshoy and many others. The cruiser makes Ustinsky bridge, so note that the the penultimate stop here. left side of Moskva river branches On the right, you will soon see off as a lesser stream – this is another beautiful building with col- Yauza. There on the left is one more umns – 21 the building of the New “Stalin‘s” skyscraper, 20 the house Krigskomissariat (institution for the on Kotelnicheskaya embankment. At supply of the army). It was built in various times, there lived many fa- 1776-1780. mous people, including actress Faina And on the Bolshoy Krasnokholmsky Ranevskaya, ballerina Galina bridge, on the right, a glass building Ulanova, director Yuri Lyubimov, with a treble clef sign on the roof will be seen. This is 22 Moscow International House of Music. 20 The last, and, for non-looping routes, the final stop of this way is called Novospassky bridge. It was named after the nearby 23 Novospassky monastery. If you choose to see it, do not forget that there is another monument, 24 Krutitskoe Podvorye, nearby. 24