{"id":666448,"date":"2022-01-29T18:32:00","date_gmt":"2022-01-29T15:32:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tourism.com.de\/?p=666448"},"modified":"2022-01-31T04:42:52","modified_gmt":"2022-01-31T01:42:52","slug":"gostiny-dvor-in-moscow-history-photo-description-how-to-get-there-map","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tourism.com.de\/en\/gostiny-dvor-in-moscow-history-photo-description-how-to-get-there-map\/","title":{"rendered":"Gostiny Dvor in Moscow – history, photo, description, how to get there, map"},"content":{"rendered":"

Gostiny Dvor is an architectural monument, an object of the cultural heritage of Russia. It is located in the very center of Moscow, in close proximity to the Kremlin and Red Square<\/a>. Its original purpose was a place for temporary housing of merchants from other cities, storage of goods and trading shops. Today Moscow's Gostiny Dvor is considered the most prestigious and largest shopping complex in Russia, and one of the largest European exhibition centers. It is located in the Kitay-gorod quarter, between Ilyinka and Varvarka streets, and its side windows look at Rybny and Khrustalny lanes.<\/p>\n

Story<\/h2>\n

\"Gostiny<\/a><\/p>\n

The first data about Gostiny Dvor are found in the works of historians as early as the 15th century. In the place where the current Gostiny Dvor is now located, there was a large wooden house surrounded by stone walls. Merchants who traded in the Kremlin lived there and stored their stock of goods. In historical documents, it is referred to as the “courtyard of the gentlemen of the merchants.” This is where the history<\/a> of modern Gostiny Dvor begins. In those days, the word guest was interpreted somewhat differently than now. Foreign merchants who traded in Russia were called guests. Hence the name “Gostiny Dvor” came from.<\/p>\n

As time went on, trade gained momentum. More and more merchants and artisans traveled to the capital, both from Russia<\/a>n cities and from abroad. And under Ivan the Terrible, the wooden building of the Gostiny Dvor was rebuilt into a stone one. After the fire in the Kremlin, a decree was issued banning the sale of goods in the Kremlin and the adjacent territory, and the merchants moved the trade to Gostiny Dvor. In this regard, the reconstruction and expansion of the building began.<\/p>\n

Construction management was entrusted to one of the richest merchants in Moscow<\/a>, Averky Kirillov. The building looked very rich, it was surrounded by high walls with large painted gates. The facade was decorated with tiles, and on the peak of the tower sat a huge gilded eagle. Notable was the opening of the first pharmacy in Gostiny Dvor in 1673. According to foreign merchants, Gostiny Dvor was “the most beautiful building in Moscow.”<\/p>\n

In the 17th century, this old shopping center had more than 30 shopping arcades. It was at this time that the first division of goods into groups took place, based on hygienic and sanitary principles. This is evidenced by the names of the shopping malls: crystal, caftan, fish, honey, icon, etc.<\/p>\n

Building<\/h2>\n

Market relations developed at a rapid pace, many foreign merchants came to the capital. And by the end of the 18th century, the question of reconstructing the building again arose. After a long period of rain, one of the walls of the building collapsed, destroying some of the shops. The roof and towers were in disrepair. Catherine the Great advocated the development of trade relations within the empire, and understood the need for the reconstruction of Gostiny Dvor. But there were no funds for the construction.<\/p>\n

\"Gostiny<\/a><\/p>\n

In 1786, Catherine issued a decree that dealt with the sale in parts of the old building and the land under it to merchants and shop owners. With the condition that they will be the collective owners of Gostiny Dvor. And the proceeds went to the construction of a new commercial building. The construction project was developed by the architect Karin, but the empress approved the project of Giacomo Quarenghi, an architect from Italy. And in 1789, construction began. Quarenghi's project was thought out to the smallest detail. Rationally organized internal structure of the premises – more than 700 shops and a spacious courtyard were planned, which the building divided into 2 parts. Along the perimeter of the building there were arches and semi-columns, and the arcades in the courtyards were decorated with rich pilasters. To smooth out the external bulkiness of the building and unload traffic on narrow streets, at rounded corners, according to the project,<\/p>\n

But the Italian architect did not take into account the nuances of the area – clay soil and the height difference between Varvarka and Ilyinka streets. Therefore, the project had to be finalized by Russian architects. The construction of Gostiny Dvor was completed in 1805. It became a very popular public place, there were many shops, offices, and taverns. Many visited Gostiny Dvor simply to exchange news. It is believed that discounts<\/a> on leftover goods, which are so popular now, began in Moscow<\/a>‘s Gostiny Dvor. In 1923, the building of this famous Moscow shopping complex was converted into offices, and during the Great Patriotic War it was used as a bomb shelter. Throughout the 20th century, Gostiny Dvor was slowly decaying, and by the 90s it had completely fallen into decay. The leadership of the capital decided to restore the historical monument.<\/p>\n

Gostiny Dvor today<\/h2>\n

\"Gostiny<\/a><\/p>\n

Today, this huge mansion, with an area of \u200b\u200b82 thousand square meters, is the center of cultural and business life in Moscow. The architectural design of Gostiny Dvor is unique. Artistic vaults and stucco columns made in the style of classicism, three-tier galleries, a large amphitheater surprise Muscovites and guests of the capital with their luxury. Under the dome of the building is the Atrium. This is a huge yard, paved with granite, with an area of \u200b\u200b12 thousand square meters, covered with a unique unsupported transparent coating. The building of Gostiny Dvor is equipped with modern European systems of climatology, communication, collection and removal of condensate. State and city events, concerts, shows, children's matinees are held in the most beautiful premises of the Atrium. The annual New Year's ball of the mayor has already become a tradition.<\/p>\n

\"Gostiny<\/a><\/p>\n

Moscow Gostiny Dvor is a popular exhibition center in Europe. Every year Fashion Week is held here, with the show of new collections of popular fashion designers. There is an interesting museum<\/a> and exhibition complex “Museum of Fashion”, which presents clothes, shoes, and various accessories of the 19th century. From year to year Gostiny Dvor hosts exhibitions Education and Career, Tour<\/a>ism and Leisure, Orthodox Russia, Weapons and Hunting.<\/p>\n

How to get there<\/h2>\n

Gostiny Dvor is located in the very heart of the capital, in close proximity to the Kremlin, along Ilyinka Street. It is very easy to find it – on the Moscow metro station Ploshchad Revolyutsii or Kitay-Gorod are an 8-minute walk from Gostiny Dvor.<\/p>\n

Gostiny Dvor in Moscow on the map<\/a><\/h2>\n