Gostiny Dvor is an architectural monument, a cultural heritage site of Russia. It is located in the very center of Moscow, in close proximity to the Kremlin and Red Square. Its original purpose - a place for temporary housing for merchants from other cities, storage of goods and shops. Today the Moscow Gostiny Dvor is considered the most prestigious and largest shopping center in Russia, and one of the largest European exhibition centers. It is located in the Kitay-gorod quarter, between Ilyinka and Varvarka streets, and overlooks Rybny and Khrustalny lanes from its side windows.
History
The first data about Gostiny Dvor are found in the works of historians back in the 15th century. In the place where the present Gostiny Dvor is now located, there was a large house made of wood, surrounded by stone walls. The merchants who traded in the Kremlin lived there and dumped their stock of goods. In historical documents, it is called "the courtyard of the gentlemen of the merchants." It is with him that the history of the modern Gostiny Dvor begins. In those days, the word guest was interpreted somewhat differently than it is now. Foreign merchants who traded in Russia were called guests. Hence the name "Gostiny Dvor" originated.
As time went on, trade was gaining momentum. More and more merchants and artisans both from Russian cities and from abroad were traveling to the capital. And under Ivan the Terrible, the wooden building of the Gostiny Dvor was rebuilt into a stone one. After the fire in the Kremlin, a decree was issued banning the sale of goods in the Kremlin and the surrounding area, and the merchants moved the trade to Gostiny Dvor. In this regard, the reconstruction and expansion of the building began.
The construction management was entrusted to one of the richest merchants in Moscow, Averky Kirillov. The building looked very rich, it was surrounded by high walls with large painted gates. The façade was decorated with tiles, and a gilded eagle of enormous size sat at the peak of the tower. Notable was the opening of the first pharmacy in Gostiny Dvor in 1673. In the opinion of foreign merchants, Gostin Dvor was “the most beautiful building in Moscow”.
In the 17th century, this old shopping center already consisted of more than 30 shopping malls. It was at this time that the first division of goods into groups took place, based on hygienic and sanitary principles. This is evidenced by the names of the shopping malls: crystal, caftan, fish, honey, icon, etc.
Building
Market relations developed at a rapid pace; many foreign merchants came to the capital. And by the end of the 18th century, the question of building reconstruction was again raised. After a long period of rains, one of the walls of the building collapsed, destroying part of the shops. The roof and towers were in disrepair. Catherine the Great advocated the development of trade relations within the empire, and understood the need to reconstruct Gostiny Dvor. But there were no funds for construction.
In 1786, Catherine issued a decree stating the sale of parts of the old building and the land under it to merchants and shop owners. On the condition that they will be the collective owners of Gostiny Dvor. And the proceeds went to the construction of a new commercial building. The project for the construction was developed by the architect Karin, but the empress approved the project by Giacomo Quarenghi, an architect from Italy. And in 1789 construction began. Quarenghi's project was thought out to the smallest detail. Rationally organized internal structure of the premises - more than 700 shops and a spacious courtyard were planned, which the building was divided into 2 parts. Arches and semi-columns ran along the perimeter of the building, and the arcades in the courtyards were decorated with rich pilasters. In order to smooth out the external bulkiness of the building and relieve traffic along narrow streets, wide staircases were prescribed at rounded corners, according to the project.
But the Italian architect did not take into account the nuances of the area - the clay soil and the height difference between Varvarka and Ilyinka streets. Therefore, the project had to be finalized by Russian architects. The construction of the Gostiny Dvor was completed in 1805. It became a very popular public place, there were many shops, offices, inns. Many visited Gostiny Dvor simply to exchange news. It is believed that discounts on product leftovers, which are so popular now, began precisely in the Moscow Gostiny Dvor. In 1923, the building of this famous Moscow shopping complex was converted into offices, and during the Great Patriotic War it was used as a bomb shelter. Throughout the 20th century, Gostiny Dvor was slowly decaying, and by the 90s it completely fell into decay. The leadership of the capital decided to restore the historical monument.
Gostiny Dvor today
Today this huge mansion, with an area of 82 thousand square meters, is the center of the cultural and business life of Moscow. The architectural solution of Gostiny Dvor is unique. Artistic vaults and stucco columns made in the style of classicism, three-tiered galleries, a large amphitheater surprise Muscovites and guests of the capital with their luxury. The Atrium is located under the dome of the building. This is a huge granite-paved courtyard with an area of 12 thousand square meters, covered with a unique unsupported transparent coating. The Gostiny Dvor building is equipped with modern European systems of climatology, communication, collection and removal of condensate. State and city events, concerts, shows, children's parties are held in the beautiful premises of the Atrium. It has already become traditional to hold the Mayor's New Year's ball annually.
Moscow Gostiny Dvor is a popular exhibition center in Europe. Every year Fashion Week is held here, with a show of new collections of popular fashion designers. There is an interesting museum and exhibition complex "Museum of Fashion", which presents clothes, shoes, and various accessories of the 19th century. From year to year Gostiny Dvor hosts exhibitions Education and Career, Tourism and Recreation, Orthodox Russia, Weapons and Hunting.
How to get there
Gostiny Dvor is located in the very heart of the capital, in the immediate vicinity of the Kremlin, along Ilyinka Street. It is very easy to find it - on the Moscow metro station Ploshchad Revolyutsii or Kitay-Gorod are within an 8-minute walk from Gostiny Dvor.
