Envision a bustling crossroads where history echoes. This is Alexander Nevsky Square. It links Nevsky Prospekt to the Alexander Nevsky Lavra. This square bears the name of the medieval Russian Prince Alexander Nevsky.
Alexander Nevsky Square’s story began in the late 18th century. It was part of the monastery’s development. By 1784, the square was named. The 1790s saw the Gate Church’s construction. A stone wall marked the boundary. Apartment buildings and an almshouse were built. They faced the square and Nevsky Prospekt.
Did you know that Alexander Nevsky Square was once called Red Square? During the early Soviet period, it was renamed. But in 1952, its original name was restored.
Let’s rewind to the square’s less glorious days. Imagine walking through Alexander Nevsky Square at night in the early 20th century. Urban legends told of voracious rats. It was considered unsafe.
The square got a makeover in the 1960s. The Alexander Nevsky Bridge was completed. The Hotel Moscow opened. Also, the Ploshchad Alexandra Nevskogo metro station opened. Another station, Ploshchad Alexandra Nevskogo-2, arrived in the 1980s.
But there is more. Plans for a monument to Alexander Nevsky finally happened. In 2002, a bronze equestrian sculpture was installed.
Peter the Great established the Alexander Nevsky Monastery in the 1710s. He marked the spot where Alexander Nevsky defeated the Swedes in 1240. This battle is known as the Battle of the Neva.
Ivan Starov likely designed the square. He provided access from Nevsky Prospekt to the monastery complex. Starov also worked on the Holy Trinity Cathedral and the Gate Church. His assistant built a semi-circular stone wall. By 1784, it was known as Alexander Nevsky Square.
In the 19th and early 20th centuries, the square declined. It housed grain barns and tram tracks. Urban legends circulated about giant rats. One story said rats devoured a cab driver and his horse overnight.
On December 15, 1923, the square became Red Square. This was part of an anti-religious campaign. In 1936, the first trolley bus line used the square. On December 15, 1952, it was renamed Alexander Nevsky Square.
After the Alexander Nevsky Bridge opened in 1965, the area was redeveloped. Older buildings were torn down. The metro station and Hotel Moscow were built.
On May 9, 2002, the equestrian statue of Alexander Nevsky was unveiled. It was part of the city’s 300th-anniversary celebrations. Architects Vladimir Popov and Gennadiy Peychev designed it. Sculptors Valentin Kozenyuk and Aleksandr Palmin created it. Albert Charkin assisted them. Patriarch Alexy II of Moscow consecrated it.
In 2005, bronze bas-reliefs were added. They depict the Battle of the Neva. They also show the installation of Alexander Nevsky’s relics in the monastery.
Alexander Nevsky Square is now a major traffic hub. It also provides access to the Alexander Nevsky Lavra. As you stand here, remember its evolution. From a neglected space to a symbol of history and faith.