Archive page, 2019
ROUTES
A Walk with Pushkin and Goncharova
Duration 80 minutes*
*time at the museum not included
Pushkin and Goncharova were the most legendary couple of the Russian culture. The beautiful Natalia was born in the Tambov Governorate; soon after their wedding the newlyweds moved to St. Petersburg. Moscow, however, was the place where A Pushkin and Goncharova first met each other and started their relationship. Let us have a walk around the most fascinating places related to the splendid couple.
1. Groteskovy Bridge
After getting engaged, Pushkin and Goncharova went to Neskuchny Garden. The Groteskovy Bridge where in July 1830 the poet was taking a stroll with his wife-to-be, survived to the present day. Now there is a belief among the Muscovites that the lovers who walk over the bridge holding hands will be happy in marriage.
1. Groteskovy Bridge
After getting engaged, Pushkin and Goncharova went to Neskuchny Garden. The Groteskovy Bridge where in July 1830 the poet was taking a stroll with his wife-to-be, survived to the present day. Now there is a belief among the Muscovites that the lovers who walk over the bridge holding hands will be happy in marriage.
2. The Great Ascension Temple at Nikitskiye Gates
Pushkin’s confessor, Filaret, the Metropolitan of Moscow and Kolomna, suggested the Great Ascension Temple at Nikitskiye Gates to the poet. The wedding took place there on February 18 (March 2), 1831.
3. Natalia and Aleksandr, the Rotund Fountain
The Rotund Fountain named Natalia and Aleksandr was unveiled near the Great Ascension Temple at Nikitskiye Gates in 1999, to celebrate 200th anniversary of Pushkin’s birthday. The young Pushkins, husband and wife, are depicted standing under its dome. By the way, the fountain water is safe to drink. There are very few such fountains in Moscow.
3. Natalia and Aleksandr, the Rotund Fountain
The Rotund Fountain named Natalia and Aleksandr was unveiled near the Great Ascension Temple at Nikitskiye Gates in 1999, to celebrate 200th anniversary of Pushkin’s birthday. The young Pushkins, husband and wife, are depicted standing under its dome. By the way, the fountain water is safe to drink. There are very few such fountains in Moscow.
4. The Pushkin Memorial Flat at the Arbat Street
This flat was where Pushkin brought his young wife immediately after their wedding. That was where they spent the first few months of their married lives, inviting their friends over and holding balls. Three months after the wedding the couple left for St. Petersburg. The museum at Arbat opened its doors in 1986.
5. The Monument to Alexander Pushkin and Natalia Goncharova
A monument to Alexander Pushkin and Natalia Goncharova was created in 1999 opposite the poet’s memorial flat. The monument depicts the young couple as they are getting married in the church. There is a belief about the monument among the Muscovites: many think that if you make a wish while rubbing Natalia’s right hand, the wish will surely come true.
5. The Monument to Alexander Pushkin and Natalia Goncharova
A monument to Alexander Pushkin and Natalia Goncharova was created in 1999 opposite the poet's memorial flat. The monument depicts the young couple as they are getting married in the church. There is a belief about the monument among the Muscovites: many think that if you make a wish while rubbing Natalia's right hand, the wish will surely come true.