Perhaps you are wondering what a “Sukhoi prud” is. It translates to “dry pond”. Moscow once boasted around 850 ponds. These ponds served varied purposes. They were used for fish breeding. They supplied water to extinguish fires. People washed clothes in them. Now only around 300 ponds remain.
Over the past centuries, approximately 700 ponds in Moscow disappeared. Most survive only in documents. They exist in historical records. They also appear in fictional works.
Once upon a time, on the territory of modern Yaroslavsky railway station in Moscow was the Krasny Prud. It was also known as Krasnoselsky or Veliky. This was one of Moscow’s oldest ponds. It was mentioned in chronicles as early as 1423 under the name “Veliky”. Later, it became Tsar’s village Krasnoselsky. The pond then changed its name to Krasnoselsky. Its area initially covered 23 hectares. Over time it decreased in size. In the 19th century, Krasnoselsky Prud became polluted with waste. By 1910, it was drained.
Many Moscow ponds have historical names. Examples include Presnensky. Others are Oleniy. Still more are Lefortovsky. Izmailovsky is another example. Near the Simonov Monastery in Moscow was the Lisin Prud. This body of water became famous in the late 18th century. This is thanks to N.M. Karamzin’s story “Poor Liza”. Its main character drowned herself in the pond.
The most famous ponds in Moscow are Patriarch Ponds and Clean Ponds. Of course there were once more than one Patriarch pond. The novel “The Master and Margarita” is associated with the ponds. The action takes place at Patriarch Ponds.
Most modern ponds lie on the outskirts of Moscow. Only Patriarch Ponds and Clean Ponds are in the historical center. Today these ponds are popular recreation spots. City authorities prepare the ponds for the summer. They clean the bottom. If a pond is used for swimming they equip beaches.
Lists of Moscow ponds suitable for swimming appear in newspapers. Many city ponds are stocked with fish. Birds nest along the banks. Animals rarely found within the city limits live in wooded areas. Not far from the metro station Konkovo are Bolshoi and Maly Konkovsky Ponds. Only two of five ponds have survived from the 18th century. A summer stage is installed on the shore of Bolshoi Konkovsky Pond. The district administration uses this stage for concerts. They also show films at night.