Kitay-gorod

Welcome, observant travelers, to Kitay-gorod, the second oldest district in Moscow, surpassed in seniority only by the Kremlin itself. As we stand near the iconic Tretyakov Drive, you can feel the distinct pulse of this…

We enter the district through the stunning arches of Tretyakov Drive. In eighteen seventy-one, the wealthy merchant brothers Pavel and Sergei Tretyakov commissioned the architect Alexander Kamensky to punch this small, elegant…

Navigating through the bustling alleys, we arrive at the Bogoyavlensky, or Epiphany, Monastery, the oldest of the four monasteries that once anchored Kitay-gorod. Founded in the late thirteenth century by Prince Daniel, it holds…

Leaving the spiritual quiet of the monastery, we turn onto Ilyinka Street, historically the 'Wall Street' of the Russian Empire. The transition in atmosphere is distinct. …

Dominating a massive section of the district between Ilyinka and Varvarka streets is the colossal Old Gostiny Dvor, or Merchant Court. The concept of a 'Gostiny Dvor' dates back centuries, providing designated areas for foreign…

We now descend to Varvarka Street, perhaps the most historically concentrated and fascinating street in Kitay-gorod. Varvarka is unique: the right side is dominated by a sheer line of churches and monasteries, while the left…

Continuing along Varvarka, we encounter a stout, white stone building with incredibly small windows: the Old English Court. Its history is a thrilling tale of global exploration and architectural resurrection. …

As the sun begins to set over Kitay-gorod, casting long shadows across the ancient cobblestones of Varvarka and the modern glass pavilions of Zaryadye Park, we conclude our journey through the mercantile soul of Moscow. We have…