Zaryadye Park

Zaryadye Park, located in the heart of Moscow, next to the Kremlin walls and Red Square, is not just a place for walks but a true symbol of the modern capital. Opened in 2017, it became a vivid example of a harmonious blend of natural landscapes, innovative architectural solutions, and rich historical heritage. Zaryadye is a unique "landscape of the future" where every visitor can take an exciting journey through Russia's climatic zones, dive into history, and enjoy panoramic views of the city's main landmarks.

History of the Place: From Ancient Times to the Present

The history of Zaryadye dates back to ancient times. Archaeological excavations indicate that life in this area flourished as early as the 8th-9th centuries. In the 12th century, a bustling trade settlement was located here, and in the 16th-17th centuries, Zaryadye became a prestigious district where craftsmen, merchants, and foreign ambassadors lived. It was here, on Varvarka Street, that the English Court was located, which has survived to this day and is now a branch of the Moscow Museum. During the Soviet era, the "Russia" hotel—the world's largest at the time—was built on the site of Zaryadye. However, in the early 21st century, a decision was made to demolish the hotel and create a park in its place. In 2012, Vladimir Putin proposed that Sergey Sobyanin create a park here, which was implemented in 2017.

Park Concept: A Journey Through Climatic Zones

The uniqueness of Zaryadye lies in its "landscape of the future" concept, which represents a miniature model of Russia with its diverse climatic zones. On the park's more than 13-hectare area, four characteristic zones have been recreated:

• Forest: A birch grove, coniferous forest, and mixed forest with typical plants of the central region.
• Steppe: Vast expanses with feather grass, fescue, and other steppe grasses.
• Tundra: Dwarf birches, mosses, and lichens transport visitors to the harsh conditions of the northern latitudes.
• Meadow grasses: Ponds with aquatic plants and meadow grasses reminiscent of floodplain meadows.

Each park zone has its own microclimate, maintained by modern engineering systems, including temperature regulation, wind control, and artificial lighting simulation.

Main Attractions of Zaryadye

Zaryadye offers its visitors many interesting objects and attractions:

• Hanging Bridge: A unique engineering structure, this cantilevered bridge hangs over the Moskva River. From the bridge, there are breathtaking views of the Kremlin, St. Basil's Cathedral, and other historical buildings. It is one of the most popular photo spots in Moscow.
• Media Center: An interactive complex where visitors can learn about the history of Moscow and Russia, take a virtual "Flight over Russia," and visit other educational exhibitions.
• Ice Cave: An artificially created cave with sub-zero temperatures, covered with ice and frost.
• "Nature Embassy": An educational center with laboratories offering classes and workshops for both children and adults.
• Underground Museum: An archaeological museum showcasing artifacts found in the Zaryadye area. Visitors can see fragments of the 16th-century Kitay-Gorod Wall.
• Floralarium: A greenhouse with plants from various climatic zones, where a special microclimate is maintained.
• Old Churches: Several old churches remain on the park's grounds, including the Church of St. Barbara the Great Martyr and the Church of the Holy Trinity in Nikitniki.
• Zaryadye Concert Hall: A modern concert hall with two halls: large and small. Classical and contemporary music concerts are held here.
• The Romanov Boyar Chambers: A museum dedicated to the history of the Romanov boyar family.
• Gastronomic Center: Restaurants and cafes where visitors can try dishes from various regions of Russia.

Zaryadye in Different Seasons

The park is beautiful at any time of the year. In winter, you can warm up under the "Glass Bark" – a unique dome structure that maintains a comfortable temperature. In spring and summer, the park is lush with greenery and flowers.

How to Get to Zaryadye Park

• By Metro: The nearest metro stations are "Okhotny Ryad," "Teatralnaya," "Ploshchad Revolyutsii," and "Kitai-Gorod."
• By Car: There is paid underground parking available.
• By Bus: Various bus routes stop near the "Okhotny Ryad" and "Kitai-Gorod" metro stations.
• By Taxi: Use the taxi app to enter the park's address: Varvarka St, 6, Bldg. 1.
• By Boat: There is a dock near the Hanging Bridge, from where you can take a river cruise.

Working Hours and Tickets

The park's territory is open 24/7. The operating hours of specific attractions such as museums and the concert hall should be checked on the official website. Admission to the park is free, but some attractions may have an entrance fee.

Visitor Tips

• It is recommended to wear warm clothing when visiting the Ice Cave.
• The Hanging Bridge can be crowded, especially on weekends and holidays.
• Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the park.
• The park hosts various events and tours, information about which can be found on the official website.

Zaryadye is a unique place where you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city, enjoy nature, and learn a lot about Russia's history and culture. It is a must-visit spot for everyone coming to Moscow.

Additional Information:

• Official website of the park: welcome.zaryadyepark.ru
• Address: Moscow, Varvarka St, 6, Bldg. 1
• Coordinates: 55.751261, 37.627749