“Forbidden to talk to strangers” a sign once warned here. This is the story of Patriarch’s Ponds. Patriarch’s Ponds is a famous Moscow landmark. It is a favorite place for locals and tourists alike. Despite its name, there is only one pond. It is surrounded by a large public garden.
Once, there were three ponds. The other two could not be saved. Patriarch’s Ponds is in Moscow’s Presnensky district. The complex covers 2.2 hectares. Green spaces make up one-third of the area. The pond is 2.5 meters deep.
In the 17th century, Patriarch Hermogenes liked this area. He created Patriarch’s Sloboda here. Later, Patriarch Joachim ordered the swamps drained. He had ponds built instead. The ponds got their name from the clergyman. In those times, such ponds were common in the city. Many kinds of fish lived in them.
Over time, the ponds were neglected. They turned back into swamps. By the 19th century, only one pond remained. A public garden was built around it. The pond acquired its present shape between 1830 and 1831. This was part of a plan to rebuild Moscow after the Fire of 1812.
In 1974, a monument to I.A. Krylov was erected. Krylov was a famous fable author. The monument shows Krylov surrounded by characters from his fables. You can see a monkey with glasses. Also, there is a crow with stolen cheese.
In winter, the pond freezes over. People can skate here. In 2003, Patriarch’s Ponds became a cultural heritage site. This means the state monitors the public garden. The city improved the pond and surrounding area. Banks were strengthened. Sidewalks were improved. New trees were planted. The pond was cleaned and restocked with fish.
Patriarch’s Ponds is now a great place to relax. In summer, families walk in the garden. In winter, people skate on the ice. The best way to get here is from Mayakovskaya. Pushkinskaya or Tverskaya metro stations are also close. The walk takes about 15 minutes. The special atmosphere leaves an unforgettable impression.
Patriarch’s Ponds has a rich history. In the 17th century, the area was known as the Patriarch’s Goat Sloboda. There was also the Goat Marsh. People considered the swamp an anomalous zone. There was even a proverb about getting stuck in Patriarshy.
At the turn of the century, students occupied cheap rental buildings. During December 1905, left-wing militia held the area. It became a war zone. The Ponds also housed Moscow’s first children’s hospital.
After the revolution, wealthy apartments became communal apartments. The author Mikhail Bulgakov lived here in the 1930s. The area is one of the main settings of Mikhail Bulgakov’s novel The Master and Margarita. Monuments to Bulgakov and Ivan Krylov stand near the pond. The novel begins with a tram accident. There was never regular tram service here. But in the 1930s, a temporary track was used for night storage.
Today, Patriarch’s Ponds is an elite neighborhood. It has preserved its historical charm. The pond is a hub of activity year-round. In winter, it becomes an enchanting skating rink. The area is popular for its scenery. Also, there are excellent cafes, restaurants, and boutiques. The atmosphere captures the intrigue of Bulgakov’s novel.
So, take a stroll around Patriarch’s Ponds. Enjoy the history and beauty of this special place.