Krasnogorsk

The Krasnogorsk Mechanical Plant, or KMZ, was once a hive of activity, its factories bustling with workers. It was here, under the watchful eye of the Soviet Union, that the famous “Zenit” cameras were born. Today, the factory grounds are a little quieter, reminders of its past glory. A city named for “red mountains”, Krasnogorsk is a place of contrasts. This small city in the Moscow Oblast boasts a rich history dating back to the 15th century, when it was just a few scattered villages along the Moskva River. The city, however, officially came to be in 1932, when the once small village of Banki transformed into the working village of Krasnogorsk. The change was brought on by the establishment of the Krasnogorsk Mechanical Plant, which played a vital role in the Soviet Union’s industrial development. The factory produced optical and optoelectronic devices for both military and civilian use. During WWII, Krasnogorsk housed a camp for German and Japanese prisoners. Their work, under the watchful eyes of guards, included not only the construction of Krasnogorsk itself but also the rebuilding of Moscow after the devastation of war. One notable prisoner was the Austrian physician Konrad Lorenz, a future Nobel laureate. The city’s history is intertwined with the fate of the Plant, which was the heart of the city and the main benefactor. Despite its industrial heritage, Krasnogorsk also possesses a surprisingly charming side. The manor park of Znamenskoye-Gubaylovo, with its ponds and squares dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries, stands as a testament to the city’s past splendor. Just a stone’s throw away, in the Opalikha neighborhood, remnants of the grand estate of Prince Yusupov stand as silent witnesses of the city’s turbulent past. Krasnogorsk boasts two historic villages, Pavshino and Chernevo. Within them stand several Orthodox churches, each with its own unique story. The Znamenskaya Church, built in the 17th century, echoes with tales of faith and devotion in the city center. A little further, the St. Nicholas Church in Pavshino, erected in 1821, boasts a unique architecture. The city is also a hotbed of sporting activities, with its Zorky Stadium, which has hosted international events in bandy and speedway. The stadium is a source of pride for Krasnogorsk, with the Zorky Band team claiming both national and international titles. More recently, in 2019, the Ice Hockey Academy named after Vladimir Petrov was opened, adding another layer of sporting fame to Krasnogorsk. The city even boasts the first indoor ski resort in Russia in the Pavshinskaya Poyma neighborhood. Krasnogorsk is a city of stories, secrets, and change. From its industrial beginnings to its present-day charm, it stands as a unique blend of the old and the new. It is a place where history meets modernity, and where the echoes of the past are whispered in every corner of the city.