History and Development of Patriarch's Pond

Patriarch's Pond, located between Malaya Bronnaya Street and the alleys of Malaya Patriarshaya, Yermolaevsky, and Bolshaya Patriarshaya, has a rich history. In the late 16th century, this area was known as the Kozye Swamp or Kozikha, likely due to the large number of goats. During this time, the Church of Spyridon, the patron saint of shepherds, was built here.

After the Time of Troubles, the lands passed into the possession of the patriarchs and became known as the Patriarch's Kozya Sloboda. In the early 1680s, by the order of Patriarch Joachim, cascading ponds were created here, fed by underground springs and maintained in cleanliness. There were three ponds in total, which gave the name to Three-Pond Alley.

After the fire of 1812, two of these ponds were filled in, leaving only the Large Patriarch's Pond.

The question of preserving the pond arose in 1897 due to spring flooding and pollution of the water body. The Duma discussed the possibility of filling it in, as its existence in a densely populated area was considered unnecessary. However, the pond was preserved, drained, and filled with fresh water from Mytishchi.

With the growing popularity of ice skating in Moscow, many ponds turned into ice rinks in winter. Patriarch's Pond became especially popular among the youth from the 1870s. Leo Tolstoy also brought his daughters here. In summer, people rowed boats, and concerts and performances were held.

In 1983-85, a new stone pavilion was built on the site of the old wooden pavilion from 1938, which served as a changing room for the ice rink, preserving the stylistic features of the previous one.

Patriarch's Pond is often mentioned in literature, but it became most famous thanks to M. Bulgakov, who began his novel "The Master and Margarita" with a description of this place.