Rostokinsky Aqueduct

Rostokinsky Aqueduct, also known as the Millionny Bridge, is an outstanding architectural monument with a history spanning more than two centuries. It is the only surviving structure of the legendary Mytishchi Water Conduit, built at the end of the 18th century to supply Moscow with clean drinking water. The name “Millionny Bridge” became associated with the aqueduct due to the enormous costs of constructing the entire water supply system—nearly two million rubles by the standards of that time.

History of the Creation of the Mytishchi Water Conduit

Prerequisites for Construction

The need for centralized water supply in Moscow became particularly acute in the second half of the 18th century. The Moskva River, which traditionally supplied the city with water, no longer met sanitary requirements due to the intensive development of manufacturing. Wastewater polluted the river, making it unfit for drinking. The critical point was the plague epidemic of 1771, after which providing the capital with high-quality drinking water became a priority.

Imperial Decree and the Start of Work

On July 28, 1779, Empress Catherine II signed a historic decree on the construction of Moscow's first centralized water supply system. She entrusted the implementation of the grandiose project to Lieutenant General Fyodor Vilimovich Bauer, an outstanding engineer and hydraulic technician of the time. In the same year, Bauer developed and presented to the Empress a detailed design for the Mytishchi gravity-flow water conduit. In 1780, under the leadership of Fyodor Bauer and military engineer Ivan Gerard, construction began, which stretched over nearly a quarter of a century. The work was completed on October 28, 1804—this date is considered the birthday of the Moscow water supply system and the beginning of centralized water supply in the city.

Technical Characteristics and Architectural Features

Engineering Solution

The Mytishchi water conduit was a unique engineering structure for its time, with a length of 26 kilometers. Its main feature was the gravity-flow system—water flowed solely due to the natural difference in elevation, without any mechanical intervention. The designed capacity was 3,500 cubic meters of water per day.

Water Source and Operating Principle

The source of clean water was underground springs in the upper reaches of the Yauza River, located near the village of Bolshiye Mytishchi. The system worked as follows:

1. Water from the Mytishchi springs was collected in special brick basins
2. It then entered an underground gravity-flow gallery-conduit
3. It crossed the Yauza River via a brick trough located in the upper part of the aqueduct
4. The trough was lined with lead for tightness
5. Further, the water was directed to Samotychnaya and Trubnaya Squares

Architecture of the Rostokinsky Aqueduct

The Rostokinsky Aqueduct is a majestic twelve-arched white-stone bridge over the Yauza River. Its technical parameters are impressive:

• Length of the structure: 356 meters
• Height of the piers: up to 15 meters
• Width of the water conduit channel: 0.9 meters
• Height of the channel: 1.2 meters

In the 18th century, it was the largest stone bridge in Russia and one of the most grandiose engineering structures of the era. In 1785, Empress Catherine II herself called the aqueduct the best structure in Moscow, noting that “it looks as light as a feather and is very strong.”

Modernization and Development of the Water Conduit

19th-Century Reconstruction

As Moscow grew, an increase in the water conduit's capacity was required. By 1830, the first large-scale modernization was carried out:

• The brick conduit was replaced with cast iron
• The gravity-flow system was converted to a pressure system
• A pumping station was built in the village of Alekseyevskoye

The next significant reconstruction took place in 1853–1858 under the leadership of military engineer Alexander Ivanovich Delvig, cousin of A.S. Pushkin's friend. Thanks to this work, water supply increased to 6,000 cubic meters per day.

Late 19th-Century Modernization

In 1880–1892, engineer Nikolay Petrovich Zimin carried out a large-scale reconstruction of the conduit. The result was an impressive increase in the capacity of the Mytishchi water conduit to 43 thousand cubic meters per day. Of the five aqueducts that were part of the Mytishchi water conduit system, only the Rostokinsky has survived to this day, making it an invaluable historical monument.

Origin of the Names and Legends

Why “Rostokinsky”?

The name “Rostokinsky Aqueduct” comes from the ancient village of Rostokino. The toponym means “bifurcation into two streams”—the settlement was located on both banks of the Yauza and on the right bank of the Goryachka stream, which flowed into the Yauza at this point.

Legend of the “Millionny Bridge”

The popular nickname “Millionny Bridge” was given to the aqueduct due to the huge costs of building the entire water supply system—1 million 648 thousand rubles. For those times, this was an astronomical sum, causing surprise and admiration among contemporaries.

Soviet Period and Threats of Destruction

For a century and a half, the Mytishchi water conduit faithfully performed its function but gradually gave way to modern water supply systems. In Soviet times, a heating main was laid along the aqueduct, and accidents on it contributed to the destruction of the historical structure. In the 1990s–2000s, the architectural monument attracted the attention of climbers and graffiti artists. Cracks and drawings appeared on the white-stone walls, roots of overgrown plants destroyed the surface of the structure, threatening the existence of the unique monument.

Modern Restoration and New Life of the Monument

Restoration Work of 2007–2008

In 2007–2008, a major overhaul of the site was carried out. Restorers not only restored the historical architecture but also adapted the structure for tourist visits:

• Safe railings were installed
• An observation gallery with weather protection was created
• A pedestrian zone was organized
• A demonstration trough with a transparent cover was arranged to visualize the operation of the old water conduit

After the reconstruction, the aqueduct became open to visitors on weekends and holidays from 11:00 to 19:00.

Status as a Cultural Heritage Site

The Rostokinsky Aqueduct is recognized as a federal cultural heritage site of Russia. Built under Catherine II and preserving its original design since 1804, it is a unique monument to the engineering thought of the Russian Empire. The image of the aqueduct adorns the coats of arms of the North-Eastern Administrative District of Moscow and the Rostokino district.

How to Get to the Rostokinsky Aqueduct

Address and Transport Accessibility

Address: Moscow, Prospekt Mira, 186–188 Nearest metro station: VDNKh

Routes from the Metro

1. First option: From the VDNKh metro station, exit toward the Kosmos Hotel, walk along Prospekt Kosmonavtov to the intersection with Yaroslavskaya Street, turn left and follow Yaroslavskaya Street to the aqueduct
2. Second option: Walk along Prospekt Mira to the intersection with the Yauza River

“Rostokinsky Aqueduct” Park — a Modern Recreation Space

Park Infrastructure and Attractions

The area around the aqueduct has been transformed into a well-maintained park, becoming a popular recreation spot for Muscovites. Here you can find:

• Monument to the Moscow Janitor — a three-meter iron sculpture dedicated to Viktor Kollegin
• Monument to the Heroes of the 13th Rostokino People's Militia Division — a memorial to the defenders of Moscow in 1941
• Stele for the 400th Anniversary of Moscow's Liberation — a monument to the events of 1612 with bronze bas-reliefs
• Commemorative stone marking the 200th anniversary of the Moscow water supply
• Chapel commemorating the 400th anniversary of Moscow's liberation by the militia of Minin and Pozharsky

Religious Structures

The park features two churches:

• Wooden Church of the Icon of the Mother of God “Inexhaustible Chalice” — a cozy church with characteristic wooden architecture
• Stone Church of Cyril and Methodius — a majestic structure attracting believers and architecture enthusiasts

Entertainment and Active Recreation

The park offers a variety of recreation opportunities:

• Well-maintained Yauza embankment with picturesque river views
• “Yauza” sports complex for physical activities
• Large children's playground with play structures and attractions
• “Tree of Life” — a decorative structure with a “lovers' bench” where newlyweds hang padlocks
• “Insta-frame” for creative photo sessions

Winter Entertainment

In the cold season, the park transforms:

• Free ice rink with warm changing rooms and lockers
• Tubing hill for sliding on tubes with a rental point
• Alley of leaning fir trees with illumination and huge stars
• “Polar Bears” — giant glowing figures

Panoramic Views and Surroundings

What Can Be Seen from the Aqueduct

From the pedestrian gallery of the aqueduct and the adjacent park, breathtaking views open up:

• To the southwest: the house of architect Zholtovsky, the famous sculpture “Worker and Kolkhoz Woman,” Ostankino TV Tower, the Ferris wheel, and the VDNKh pavilions
• In the other direction: tree-covered picturesque banks of the Yauza, transitioning into the thicket of Losiny Ostrov
• Nearby: two 58-story skyscrapers with bright multicolored floors

In the evenings, the monuments, the aqueduct itself, and Mukhina's sculpture are beautifully illuminated, creating a romantic atmosphere.

Interesting Facts about the Rostokinsky Aqueduct

1. The aqueduct consists of 21 arches (according to some sources—12), with a total length of almost 300 meters
2. The width of each arch is 4 sazhens (approximately 8.5 meters)
3. The structure is built from white limestone
4. In the 18th century, it was the largest stone bridge in the Russian Empire
5. The name of the village Rostokino comes from “bifurcation into two streams”
6. Empress Catherine II personally inspected the construction
7. The water conduit operated solely by gravity without pumps
8. The endpoints of the water conduit were two fountains on Neglinnaya Street

Practical Information for Visitors

Opening Hours

The Rostokinsky Aqueduct is open to visitors on weekends and holidays from 11:00 to 19:00.

What to See Nearby

After visiting the aqueduct, you can:

• Visit the museum under the “Worker and Kolkhoz Woman” sculpture
• Ride the monorail
• Stroll through the VDNKh territory
• Walk along the parks and squares on the Yauza banks
• Visit Losiny Ostrov—one of Moscow's largest forest parks

Recommendations for Photographers

The best views of the aqueduct open from:

• The west and northwest from Prospekt Mira
• The Yauza riverbank
• The 2nd Rostokinsky Bridge
• The “Aqueduct” park

Conclusion: A Symbol of Engineering Genius and Historical Memory

The Rostokinsky Aqueduct is not just an architectural monument but a living testament to the engineering genius of the Enlightenment era. Built by decree of Catherine II and serving Moscow for a century and a half, it remains an important part of the city's landscape and Russia's cultural heritage. Today, the Millionny Bridge continues to amaze visitors with its monumentality and elegance, offering a unique opportunity to touch the history of Russian engineering thought. A walk along the aqueduct and the surrounding park is a journey through time, connecting the grandeur of the past with the comfort of the present. Visiting the Rostokinsky Aqueduct allows one not only to enjoy the beauty of historical architecture but also to understand the scale of 18th-century engineering achievements, when structures were created without modern technology that still serve more than two centuries later.