Have you ever heard the saying: “All roads lead to Rome”? Well, in Moscow the same can be said about Skver Devichego polya. It’s a beautiful green space located right in the heart of the capital. The Virgin’s Field Square, as it is called in English, is a testament to the rich history and culture of Moscow. It is named after the Virgin’s Field Monastery, which stood on this spot for centuries, and served as one of the city’s most important religious centers. The monastery was considered a sacred haven for the faithful, and it bore witness to many significant events in Moscow history.
Imagine you’re taking a stroll through the square, the air is filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers, and the gentle rustling of leaves. As you walk through, you can almost feel the ghosts of the past whispering through the trees. They tell tales of pious monks, devoted nuns, and powerful rulers. In the 17th century, the monastery played a vital role in the defense of Moscow against invaders. The monastery’s walls were used as a defensive point, and its monks and nuns helped to protect the city. But the Virgin’s Field Monastery eventually faced a different kind of threat: the will of Russian rulers. In the 18th century, because of a wave of secularization of monasteries, the monastery was closed by decree, and later even demolished. And then came the Soviet Union, and even the memory of this sacred place became a thing of the past. Only the name, “Virgin’s Field”, and the legend of this place remained.
Today, Skver Devichego polya is a public park, and you can see how its history is still alive. The square is a place of relaxation and enjoyment, and it is home to a variety of trees, flowers, and sculptures. There are bench seats set across the square for people to relax, and there are pedestrian paths leading to the centre. Skver Devichego polya is a special place where history and nature interweave. Despite being a public park now, you can find more than a few hints of the Virgin’s Field Monastery’s spiritual presence. Just take a look at the remaining walls of a building, which once was just a part of the monastery. It’s an important reminder of what once stood on this site, a place of faith and resilience that continues to hold a special place in the hearts of Muscovites.