Built on the former historic Zaryadye district, between the Kremlin and the Moskva River, this Moscow urban park was inaugurated on September 9, 2017, marking the 870^th anniversary of the Russian capital. It brings to life the great landscapes of Russie just steps from Red Square and stands as one of the most discussed urban planning projects of the 2010s.

Why visit Zaryadye Park

• A landscaped park that recreates four Russian ecosystems (tundra, forest, steppe, wetlands) in the heart of Moscow.
• A cantilevered floating footbridge without pillars above the Moskva River, which has become one of the city's visual symbols.
• Perfectly positioned directly across from Red Square, ideal for extending a visit to the Kremlin or Saint Basil's Cathedral.
• A site selected in 2018 by American magazine Time in its list of the 100 most beautiful places in the world.
• Free admission, making it an accessible stop for all budgets.

History: a site long searching for its purpose

The park's history is inseparable from that of the district that preceded it. Zaryadye literally means "beyond the merchant galleries": the area once served as the back courtyard of the Red Square markets, a maze of commercial alleys nestled against the Kremlin walls.

In the 1930s, on Stalin's orders, the district was entirely razed to make way for a monumental skyscraper intended to dominate Red Square. The Stalinist project never came to fruition. The land remained vacant for several years before a new major construction project was launched.

In the 1960s, the Hotel Rossiya was built there: a massive complex with approximately 3,000 rooms, long promoted as one of Europe's largest hotels. In 1994, Moscow Mayor Yuri Luzhkov decided to demolish it in favor of a new complex, which also remained just a project. The district became a vast vacant lot in the heart of the city.

In 2010, Sergei Sobyanin became Mayor of Moscow. A year later, he proposed building a structure for the Russian Parliament there, an idea criticized because it would have extended the closed-off zone around the Kremlin. Vladimir Putin ultimately proposed transforming the site into public space. The park was inaugurated by Vladimir Putin on September 9, 2017.

What to see in the park

Four Russian ecosystems

The park's landscaping concept involves recreating, on a reduced scale, four zones of the Russian ecosystem: tundra, forest, steppe, and wetlands. The plant species, terrain features, and water elements were chosen to evoke these environments. Your walk becomes more meaningful if you take time to observe the transitions between zones rather than rushing directly to the viewpoints.

The floating footbridge

It's the most photographed element on site: a cantilevered floating footbridge without pillars above the Moskva River, extending over the water without support. It offers views of the Kremlin, Saint Basil's Cathedral, and the quays. It's notably this structure that earned the park its place in Time magazine's 2018 ranking.

The ice cave and concert hall

The park houses an underground concert hall and an ice cave, used for installations and events. These facilities make it an active venue year-round, beyond its function as a promenade.

According to Pavel Trekhlebov, director of the park: "The park was designed as a living organism that constantly develops and offers visitors new perspectives and many opportunities for rest and enrichment."

Practical information

• Location: between the Moskva River and Red Square, accessible on foot from the square by passing in front of Saint Basil the Blessed Cathedral.
• Opening: daily except Tuesday and the first Monday of each month.
• Cost: free admission to the park. Certain facilities (concert hall, media library, ice cave) are paid.
• Duration of visit: allow 1 to 2 hours for a leisurely discovery, longer if you attend an event.

When to visit

The park can be visited year-round, but the experience varies significantly by season. From late May to September, the vegetation is in full bloom and the terraces above the Moskva River come into their own. Autumn, though brief, showcases the woodland areas with vibrant colors. Moscow's long, cold winter transforms the site entirely: the snow-covered footbridge and year-end lighting create a very different atmosphere. Plan to arrive late morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds around the floating footbridge.

Nearby

• Red Square: just a few minutes' walk away, the natural entry point to the historic center.
• Saint Basil the Blessed Cathedral: between Red Square and the park, on the most direct route.
• The Kremlin and its museums: best combined over a half-day visit.
• A Radisson River Cruise on the Moskva: embarkation points on nearby quays, a natural complement to viewing the park from the river.
• The Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts: approximately 20 minutes' walk to the west.

Frequently asked questions

Incorporating Zaryadye Park into your trip

Zaryadye Park fits naturally into a day dedicated to Moscow's historic center, as a complement to Red Square and the Kremlin. To build a complete itinerary across Russie, consult our custom trips to Russie.