Bolshaya Sukharevskaya Sq

Look at this magnificent square. It’s named after Colonel Lavrenti Sukharev, a man who played a crucial role in the 1689 coup attempt by Tsar Peter the Great’s sister Sofia. It’s hard to believe that such a vibrant place, now known as Bolshaya Sukharevskaya Sq, was once the site of Sukharev’s barracks. The name actually echoes both the man and a vanished structure. In gratitude for Sukharev’s actions, Peter I erected a monument to his victory near the site of the barracks, and named it the Sukharev Tower. The Tower was a remarkable blend of ceremony and practicality, as Peter used it to locate his new Moscow School of Mathematics and Navigation. Unfortunately, the tower was demolished in the 1930s to make way for the Garden Ring. The site is now marked by a metro station, also named Sukharevskaya, which offers a poignant reminder of its history. So, when strolling through the bustling Bolshaya Sukharevskaya Sq, take a moment to visualize the grand Sukharev Tower from the past. It’s a testament to the lasting impact of Peter the Great on this incredible city.