Starting a journey through the cities of Russia, not a single person can get around the capital of a great power - Moscow. Where else can you get real pleasure from visiting monasteries, temples, museums, art exhibitions. But there is an interesting narrow topic that travel agencies almost never offer - the squares of the ancient city. Their stories are closely connected with events that played a significant role in the life of the capital. How many travelers know about Manezhnaya or Theater Square, the majestic Red, unique Ivanovo and Cathedral, Vasilievsky descent? The last name, widely known today, back in the 80s of the 20th century, could not be heard either in spoken language or in written.
Appearance story
About Vasilievsky descent, we can say that it is an inclined passage, which was named so only in 1995. This place became a square after the fire during the Patriotic War of 1812. And the last buildings were demolished only in 1936. This was due to the construction of the Bolshoi Moskvoretsky bridge.
This part of Moscow is unique because of the inclined section, which is limited on one side of the embankment, on the other it is limited by Red Square. Vasilievsky descent is architecturally united with it.
If you go from the Moscow River
It is difficult to name the place of descent from the Church of the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, better known as St. Basil’s Cathedral, to the Bolshoi Moskvoretsky Bridge in the usual sense. And the story is interesting not only about Vasilievsky descent, but also about everything that surrounds it. And if you become your back to the river, then tourists will first of all have a view of the Church of the Protection of the Holy Virgin. In its place until 1554 a modest church towered, bearing the name of the Holy Trinity. But after the victory of the Russian people over the Kazan Khanate, Ivan the Terrible ordered the construction of a cathedral in a prominent place in memory of this event for all ages. The construction of 9 picturesque churches of different heights was entrusted to the masters Postnik and Barma. And in 1561, the Vasilyevsky Descent in Moscow was crowned with a unique cathedral. It is simply amazing that over the centuries of its existence the temple not only did not lose its greatness, but thanks to the churches completed to it, it became even more beautiful.
The miracle created by human hands
Speaking of Vasilyevsky Descent, one cannot fail to mention the Bolshoi Moskvoretsky Bridge. From the end of the 15th century to the present day, this building has undergone more than just restructuring. Initially, the crossing was a floating structure and only in 1829 did three wooden spans acquire stone foundations. Two authors gave us the familiar look of the bridge: engineer Kirillov and architect Schusov. It happened in 1937. The monolithic reinforced concrete structure, lined with pink granite, harmoniously fits into the architectural ensemble of the center of the capital.
And, of course, the history of the bridge attracts the attention of tourists. At the end of the 20th century, the German pilot Matthias Rust dispelled the myth of the inviolability of the borders of the Soviet Union. It was the Bolshoi Moskvoretsky bridge that became the landing site for the pilot-adventurer airplane.
About Vasilievsky descent today
If for a long time the area was used only for the parking of tourist buses, then over the past three decades, the situation has changed a lot. This wonderful place hosts a lot of sports, cultural and artistic events. So, since 1996, the start point of the international world marathon was Vasilievsky descent. Moscow opened the door to Red Square through a unique adjoining square to rock musicians.
A separate line is worth mentioning about fashion shows on Vasilievsky Descent. These are grandiose performances taking place in pavilions on three squares of the capital. Fashion weeks pass in early spring. But no weather conditions can interfere with an amazing celebration of style and taste. The pavilions are equipped with all necessary equipment so that guests and participants can comfortably and enjoy watching and working.
New Year's festivities on Vasilyevsky Spusk will not only remain long in memory, this celebration will be one of the most vivid memories in life. The show starts an hour before midnight. Trained animals, magicians, clowns, acrobats entertain Muscovites and guests of the capital. A fantastic beauty fireworks under the chiming clock concludes the holiday.
A little bit about sad
Not only positive emotions are caused by Vasilievsky descent among contemporaries. The strikes of miners and rallies of various political parties are still fresh in memory. But since 2012, by the decree of Dmitry Anatolyevich Medvedev on Vasilyevsky Spusk, a mass meeting of people can be organized only with the personal permission of the President of the Russian Federation.
Each trip in Russia must necessarily begin with a visit to Moscow. The history of its streets, alleys and squares is an interesting book that every self-respecting tourist should read.