Kudrinskaya Square in Moscow is mentioned in modern guidebooks most often as the place of construction of one of the seven Stalinist “skyscrapers”. And, indeed, the magnificent skyscraper erected in the USSR can be seen in a few more quarters. What is the history of this place and unique home?
Historical reference
Kudrinskaya Square appeared on the map of Moscow at the end of the 18th century. It got its name from the village of Kudrino located earlier here. The place was named after the Lithuanian word kudra, which can be translated into Russian as “forest in a swamp”. According to another version, the area got its name from the surname Kudrin or the personal name of Kudra, Kudra. Initially, the area did not have a clear shape. It became square only after a fire in the capital, in 1812. Over its long history, the square has changed its name several times. At different times, it was called the Rebellion Square and the Eugene Potier Square. Until 1914, the import market was regularly located here. Then, in 1914, trade on Kudrinskaya was banned, and the well-stocked square with a fountain took the place of counters with all sorts of things.
"House of Aviators"
Kudrinskaya Square gains its modern look in the middle of the last century. In 1937, improvement was carried out. Within its framework, a number of buildings are demolished, including the Church of the Intercession in Kudrin, to expand the area. Asphalt is laid on the freed rectangle of the earth. For some time, Kudrinskaya is considered the largest area of the capital, it occupies 18 hectares. In 1948, construction began on a multi-storey residential building designed by M.V. Posokhin, M.N. Vokhomsky, A. A. Mndoyants. The skyscraper on Kudrinskaya Square is a very beautiful and unique building. For its time, it is a symbol of the progress of Soviet science. The house consists of a central and two side buildings. The height of the tower with a spire is 156 meters. In the central building there are 24 floors, in symmetrical lateral on 18 floors. The skyscraper is rich in decoration: the facade is decorated with bas-reliefs and sculptural groups, the porches are decorated with marble and illuminated by massive crystal chandeliers. The people quickly called the building "The House of Aviators", as apartments here were given out to test pilots, astronauts and aviation industry workers.
Sights and interesting monuments of architecture
Stalin's skyscraper is the most colorful building on Kudrinskaya Square. And yet there are other interesting and noteworthy structures. Opposite the Soviet skyscraper is the building of the city estate of the 19th century. The museum of P. I. Tchaikovsky is functioning in it today. Along Barrikadnaya Street stands the historically significant Widow House, built to support wives and children of military personnel. The building was rebuilt many times and changed its appearance. Another architectural attraction on Kudrinskaya Square is the estate of A.K. Koptev / N. A. Meyendorf. The old house stands on Bolshaya Nikitskaya street, its facades were restored several years ago.
Kudrinskaya Square today
Nowadays, at the foot of the Stalinist skyscraper is a landscaped square. In 2016, the asphalt pavement was replaced with paving stones. On Kudrinskaya Square there are benches, urns and lighting. The fountain is invariably the center of the composition. In the warm season, decorative flower beds are broken in the square. The building of the skyscraper contains various entertainment venues. For tourists, visiting this place is an opportunity to take beautiful photographs against the backdrop of the Aviator’s House, to relax in the shade of trees. Today, Kudrinskaya Square in Moscow is a well-maintained recreation area for residents and visitors of the city, which has its own history.