One of the cult sights of Moscow, which has become a must-see point on the maps of tourists coming to the capital. It is from here that the widest panorama of the city opens, accessible all year round, at any time of the day or night - and, by the way, absolutely free.

Height observation deck- about 80 meters above the Moscow River (200 meters above sea level).

The high altitude is due to the features of the relief: the site is located in the very high point Sparrow Hills - a steep cliff of the Teplostan Upland, which forms the high right bank of the Moscow River. Thereby Sparrow Hills perceptibly rise above the city, and visitors to the observation deck are literally on the edge of the cliff, which offers a magnificent view of central part Moscow.

Observation deck on Sparrow Hills, September 2018

It should be noted that Sparrow Hills are popular not only among tourists. Following a long-standing city tradition, newlyweds often come here, and in the evenings, Moscow bikers and street racers gather on the site.

Panorama of Moscow

The observation deck of the Sparrow Hills is rightfully considered the main observation deck of Moscow: this is the only public place from which you can really feel the scale of the city.

Due to its favorable location in the center of Moscow, it boasts the widest and most diverse panorama of the capital: no other observation deck has so many visible sights.

Panorama of Moscow from Sparrow Hills, September 2018

From here you can see almost all the iconic skyscrapers of the capital, 6 out of 7 Stalinist skyscrapers (including the Moscow State University building behind the site), a number of architectural sights in the central part of the city (and even the Kremlin!), As well as the embankments of the Moscow River. And if you look closely at the construction cranes on the horizon, you can even look a little into the future of Moscow and imagine how the urban landscape will change in the future. The panorama of the city is rapidly changing, and in a few years it will be noticeably different from what can be seen today (as well as today's panorama is different from what it was a few years ago).

At the same time, the view that opens up is very dynamic: if you look closely, you can see how cars drive along the Third Transport Ring and the bright red Lastochka trains along the MCC.

And to make it even more interesting to admire the view of Moscow from the Sparrow Hills, free observation binoculars are installed on the site, thanks to which some buildings can be seen literally in detail.

Exactly opposite the observation deck is a conspicuous round structure, the Luzhniki Grand Sports Arena. The Olympic Stadium, opened in 1956, is a very convenient starting point for viewing views of the city.

To the left of the Luzhniki

At the leftmost point relative to Luzhniki, eyes meet with views of modern Moscow and the highest Moscow skyscrapers: the Mirax Plaza business center, as well as residential complexes and the House on Begovaya. The Nordstar Tower business center on Begovaya Street is clearly visible on Krasnopresnenskaya Embankment.

A little to the right -, unexpectedly adjacent to the Ostankino TV tower and the pipes of CHPP-12, ("White House") and. In addition to the hotel "Ukraine", to the left of the "Luzhniki" you can see two more Stalinist skyscrapers: and. The view of the high-rise of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is impressive: from here it looks like a giant rock towering over the city. Between the Stalinist skyscrapers, book houses lined up in a row, and in front of them is the Novodevichy Convent and various residential buildings.

If you look a little more closely, you can also notice a 165-meter skyscraper, the silhouette of which tourists sometimes confuse with Stalin's skyscrapers.

You can clearly see the Vorobyovskaya and Luzhnetskaya embankments of the Moskva River, as well as the Berezhkovsky bridge connecting Novodevichya embankment with Berezhkovskaya, and the Luzhnetsky railway bridge.

Center - "Luzhniki"

The Olympic sports complex "Luzhniki" is the undoubted dominant of local views: located exactly opposite the observation deck, the Big Sports Arena cannot be confused with anything or not seen.

Behind the dome of the arena you can see a number of iconic Moscow sights and simply noticeable places: St. Basil's Cathedral and the bell towers of the Kremlin cathedrals, the buildings of the Moscow State Medical University named after Sechenov, the Stalinist skyscraper on the Red Gates and the giant ("In commemoration of the 300th anniversary Russian fleet") by Zurab Tsereteli. Especially the eye clings to the monument to Peter I - this is the most tall monument in Russia and one of the highest in the world, its height is 98 meters.

Another interesting detail was cable car, stretching between Sparrow Hills and Luzhniki over the Moscow River: from the observation deck you can see its stations and cabins moving above the water.

To the right of the Luzhniki

On the right side of the panorama you can see another Stalinist skyscraper -. Not far from the skyscraper is the building of the hotel "Swissotel Krasnye Holmy", noticeable due to the design of its upper part: it looks like a flying saucer is parked on the roof. The Shukhov Radio Tower (Shabolovskaya Tower) stands apart: a unique hyperboloid structure peeks out from behind a green massif. The construction, erected in 1920-1922, is a recognized masterpiece of engineering thought, in no way inferior to eiffel tower in Paris.

To the right of other noticeable objects is the 22-storey building of the Presidium of the Russian Academy of Sciences, opened in the early 1990s. Muscovites liked the building of the Russian Academy of Sciences: for its unusual architectural forms on the roof, they dubbed it "golden brains" and immediately invented many fantastic stories about their purpose - they say, these are antennas for communicating with extraterrestrial intelligence. "Golden Brains" has become one of the city's mysteries - perhaps it was for this building that Muscovites fell in love.

In front of the building of the Presidium of the Russian Academy of Sciences, you can see a unique structure - a 2-level Luzhnetsky metro bridge, thrown over the Moskva River between Luzhnetskaya and Vorobyovskaya / Andreevskaya embankments. On the lower tier is the Vorobyovy Gory metro station (until 1999 - " Lenin's mountains") is the world's first metro station located above the river: it was opened in 1959. The upper tier of the bridge is given over to cars - a busy highway passes through it. In addition, on both sides of the bridge there are open pedestrian crossings along which you can cross the Moscow River without entering the station.

History of the observation deck

The observation deck was equipped simultaneously with the construction of the complex of the Moscow state university in 1949-1953.

The place for it was dictated by the relief itself: Vorobyovy Gory - the high right bank of the Moskva River, a steep cliff of the Teplostan Upland, washed away by the current. Construction over the cliff was unsafe because of the danger of a landslide: initially, they wanted to build the main building of Moscow State University closer to the river, but this turned out to be impossible. The skyscraper was built away from the cliff, and an observation deck was equipped on its edge. Since the construction, the observation deck has changed little: today, viewing binoculars have been installed on it, and an illuminated diagram of Moscow with the Moscow River has been built into the paving, but otherwise it has remained the same.

Various organizations repeatedly had plans to build or install monuments on the observation deck of the Sparrow Hills (in particular, the city authorities considered the possibility of installing here), but none of them, fortunately, came true.

According to urban legends, in the past Vorobyovy Gory more than once became an observation platform for conquerors: they say that the Crimean Khan Kazy Giray II (Gazy II Gerai) and the Lithuanian hetman Khodkevich looked at Moscow from here during their campaigns.

How to get there

You can get to the observation deck on Sparrow Hills on foot from the metro station "Sparrow Hills" Sokolnicheskaya line, it is located on Kosygin Street near University Square.

However, the path from the metro is not so obvious: to go from the station to the platform, you need to exit the lobby towards Kosygin Street, then go under the bridge to the end of the alley under it and turn right - there, an equipped path with steps and a log climbs up the slope of Sparrow Hills. parapet. The trail ascends to Kosygin Street, where there are signs towards the site (one of them is located just at the end of the trail).

Trail to the observation deck of Sparrow Hills

The observation deck on Sparrow Hills is available around the clock and free of charge.

We know at least seven opportunities to have a great vacation in Moscow in the winter of 2020. And we are happy to share addresses and life hacks with you.

It is far from always necessary to go to the other side of the world to enjoy the journey, a lot of bright and unexpected emotions and unique experiences. Start from Moscow. Next winter, the capital is ready to offer you a whole bunch of amazing entertainment.

Go to Sparrow Hills

It is from here that the famous high-rise building, the main building of Moscow State University, is within easy reach, and the views of the city from the Sparrow Hills are the best. The fabulously beautiful winter is impressive, but people come here not only for admiring city views and Stalinist skyscrapers. The park on Vorobyovy Gory will appeal to lovers of quiet leisurely walks along beautiful snow-covered alleys, and fans of winter sports will also appreciate it - the local ski track is very popular.

Don't forget to visit Red Square

Otherwise, it will be possible to say that you have not seen the very heart of Moscow - a huge pedestrian space, really beautiful (the square was called Red for a reason). Over the centuries, the square has managed to be a huge market, a venue for coronations, parades and rock concerts. In recent years, the winter Red Square is also one of the most popular ice skating rinks in the country. Do not forget to take a picture in skates against the backdrop of the famous brick wall and towers!

See Moscow churches and monasteries

Of course, you definitely will not miss this building. Carved colorful Basil's Cathedral domes- like the top of a bright wedding cake. There is even a legend that Ivan the Terrible ordered to deprive the creators of this architectural masterpiece so that none of them could ever repeat such beauty. The temple consists of ten churches, in the center is the Church of the Intercession, the remaining nine surround it. Be sure to go inside, walk through the narrow galleries, carefully examine the frescoes and icons, immerse yourself in this unique atmosphere, and be sure to be glad that the temple has survived to our times, becoming one of the main decorations of the winter capital.

Must go and to the walls of the Novodevichy Convent, which has been delighting viewers with the beauty of its white stone walls, carved towers and golden domes for almost half a millennium. The place where Sophia once languished in confinement is now classified as an object world heritage. Although even now the monastery in the snow is very similar to fairytale castle, where the fairytale princess is waiting for release.

Option winter holiday in Moscow - excursion to the Izmailovsky Kremlin

A completely different impression is made by the grandiose building of the Cathedral of Christ the Savior. A giant golden dome seems to crown a huge ice palace. The knowledge that the temple was rebuilt in just three years cannot but impress. The fate of the temple is complicated - it began to be built after the victory over Napoleon, and then demolished in 1931 to build a giant Palace of the Soviets. But in the end, an outdoor pool first appeared on this site (the largest in the world at that time), and then the famous temple was built again.

Have fun in Gorky Park

If you are planning a family vacation in Moscow, with children, then skipping this place would be a big mistake. Attractions, a huge skating rink, chess, ping-pong and running competitions, the opportunity to take dance lessons or just spend time in great cafes - a trip to Moscow will be unforgettable.

Panorama of winter Moscow

Winter holidays in Moscow are impossible without walks in the parks!

What to do in Moscow in winter - outdoor activities!

Go to the Museum of Modern Art

If you are a fan of extraordinary exhibitions and museums, then go to Garage immediately upon arrival in Moscow. There are as many as five large exhibition areas, a lecture hall, a project room and a children's hall. Also a shop and cafe. "Garage" is one of the most technologically advanced and advanced museums in the capital.

Plunge into the romance of the Hermitage Garden

If you are passing through winter Moscow and you have little time, go to the Hermitage Garden. Although the park space is small, interesting places enough in the garden. Three theaters, cozy cafes, an excellent playground, and also a stage for concerts and music festivals. Apart from musical events, the Hermitage also hosts culinary and children's shows and festivals. Well, the main entertainment in the garden is ice skating. Although the local ice rink is very popular, there is enough space for everyone, and the atmosphere is very friendly.

Try new entertainment in Moscow

If classic ice rinks are boring for you, you can go to the 86th floor of the Oko skyscraper in the famous Moscow City district of the capital. Already from December 1, a unique high-altitude skating rink with an area of ​​more than 700 sq. m. Sokolniki Park does not lag behind. Its visitors will find an ice building set for children, a 1.5-kilometer forest ice skating trail and several ski themed races with a humorous twist. Music lovers will appreciate the original playful duel of jazz and classical music at the Novaya Opera Theatre.

Fans of the genre can continue their acquaintance with jazz masterpieces at the Moscow Conservatory - there a Christmas program "Chatushki in Jazz Style" has been prepared for them.

Snow-covered landscape of Moscow City

Vorobyovy Gory is big park on a slope, in a bend along the banks of the Moscow River. Its territory is 137.5 hectares. In 1987 Sparrow Hills became a natural monument, since 1998 it has been a state nature reserve, created in order to preserve the historical, cultural and natural environment, broad-leaved forest, located in close proximity to the city center. In 2013, the Vorobyovy Gory reserve was included in the composition.

In the east, the territory of the Vorobyovy Gory begins from the Novoandreevsky railway and road bridges across the Moscow River. From the south and from the west, the territory of the Sparrow Hills is limited by the area adjacent to Kosygin Street. In the north, the border of the Sparrow Hills is the mouth of the Setun River.

Vorobyovy Gory is a spur of the Teplostan Upland, rising 80 meters above the level of the Moscow River. Large oaks, ash-trees, maples, lindens, birches, alders, willows, herbaceous plants of deciduous forests grow on the slope to the river. Small animals and birds, rare for Moscow, live here.

The territory of the park is crossed by the Luzhnetsky (Luzhnikovsky) metro bridge with the Vorobyovy Gory metro station (until 1999 - Leninskiye Gory) on it. The Luzhnetsky Bridge was opened on January 12, 1959. Due to errors in the design and construction of the bridge, it had to be completely rebuilt. The reconstruction of the bridge was completed in 2002.

Vorobyovy Gory got its name from the village of Vorobyov, first mentioned in 1453 in the will of Grand Duchess Sofia Vitovtovna. since 1473 the village was owned by Ivan III. Since that time, it has not left the hands of the grand duke. Vasily III, who fell ill, returned to Moscow through Vorobyovo on the eve of his death. He spent several days in the village, entered the city and the next day, December 3, 1533, he died. In the Vorobyov Palace, Ivan the Terrible waited out the grand fire in June 1547. Then about a third of the city burned down.

At the end of the 17th century, during the reign of Princess Sophia, a new Vorobyov Palace was built, about 80 sazhens (about 160 meters) long, wooden on stone foundations. It was replaced by the palace of the architect I. Michurin, built in 1732-1735. There were about 250 large and small halls on two floors of the palace.

In 1776, the wooden Prechistensky Palace of Matvey Kazakov was moved to Vorobyovo. It was built as a temporary one on Prechistenka in 1774-1776. The palace burned down in 1812. After him, palace construction in Vorobyov was not resumed. By the beginning of the 20th century, it was a village with a Trinity Church built in 1811-1813, which was common for the middle lane. The village survived until 1956, when it was demolished. There was no place for him next to the new building of the University. Today, only the name and on the edge above the river reminds of Vorobyov.

On October 12, 1817, the solemn laying of the Cathedral of Christ the Savior took place on Sparrow Hills in memory of the Patriotic War of 1812. It was assumed that a temple about 170 meters high would be built with a staircase to the river, with an underground temple - a crypt. But due to changes in the outlook on the construction program and because of the complexity of the soil in the chosen place, work was stopped in 1826.

Few people know that the Vorobyovsky reservoir of the Moscow water supply is located on the Sparrow Hills. This large building with a capacity of 170,000 cubic meters of water was built in 1902 by the architect M.K. Geppener. A beautiful pavilion with an observation deck and a square was erected above the reservoir. During commissioning and filling the tank with water, plumbing engineers poured a bottle of champagne into it, bought at the nearby Krynkin restaurant, so that all Muscovites would celebrate this event. Today, the reservoir is located on the territory of Mosvodokanal, there is no access to its pavilion.

Vorobyovy Gory has always been used as a place of rest. In the summer, people came here for the whole day, families, large companies, with their own samovars, food, and drinks. Skiing here in winter. A continuation of this pre-revolutionary tradition was the construction in 1953 of a ski jump. Arranged near the springboard ski slope and there is a chair lift.

In 1948, on a site 850 meters away from the crest of the Sparrow Hills, on reliable ground, construction work began. The building with a height of 182 meters, and with a spire - 240 meters, was built according to the project of a group of architects headed by L.V. Rudnev. September 1, 1953 University - the temple of science was opened. From the University to the edge of the hill, on which the observation deck is located, there is a wide boulevard with flower beds, fountains, cast-iron lanterns and busts of prominent scientists.

At the end of 2014, the observation deck of the Sparrow Hills was reconstructed. It contains an interactive granite map of Moscow. It is assumed that in 2015 a monument to the baptist of Rus', Prince Vladimir, will be erected on the Sparrow Hills.

Sparrow Hills are located on one of the seven hills of the city of Moscow.

They rise at a height of 80 meters above the Moskva River and are the most distant place from the Kremlin, where crowds of tourists tend to go. After all, it is beautiful here both in winter and summer, there is where to walk, what to see, and it’s easy to get here - you can get there by metro (the station of the same name is nearby) or by bus. In order not to get lost, advanced youth are guided by a navigator, and those who are used to using paper information carriers will be helped by a map or diagram found and downloaded on the Internet: it is easy to find on the map, for example, the address of the observation deck, from where simply fantastic panoramas of Moscow, shining in the evening, open up. colorful lights.

In contact with

History woven into the area

Why the Vorobyov Mountains? It turns out that a priest named Sparrow lived here. The village of Vorobyovo attracted Princess Sofya, the wife of Prince Vasily I, who bought the village from the priest.

A wooden palace Basil III built in this place. The building was useful to many kings, for example, Grozny himself took refuge there from the great fire of Moscow, and Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich brought his whole family and the young Tsarevich Peter to the palace for the summer.

After a while, under the leadership of Peter's daughter, wooden churches were built here, a garden, a park were placed and ennobled, alleys were laid. The reconstruction of the royal chambers belonged to Catherine the Great.

Interesting fact: Alexander I dreamed of building the Cathedral of Christ the Savior on the Sparrow Hills, but abandoned this idea due to the high cost of the project.

The observation deck remembers many conquerors who encroached on Moscow. From here, Khan Girey, Hetman Khotkevich and others looked at the capital, which opened before their eyes in all its beauty, from here they turned back, slurping unsalted.

The decline of the described area falls on the 19th century, when a prison was organized here, as mentioned by A.I. Herzen. From here, the Bolsheviks fired on the Kremlin with guns during the October Revolution. But after their victory, they became interested in this great place seriously.

The height of Moscow State University is 182 meters (with a spire - 240 m)

The complex of mansions for the highest workers of the party and the entire nomenklatura under the name "Village of Ilyich" fully met the requirements of party bosses and the ideals of communism. The cleanest air, space, beautiful view, what else is required for the well-being of senior employees. Today there is a Kremlin hospital.

In the difficult post-war period, a beautiful high-rise building was erected here as another response to the bourgeois countries. In total, 8 skyscrapers were built in the capital. The largest building in Moscow at that time was the building of the Moscow State University.

Attractions

Despite all the efforts of Kaganovich, another name did not stick to the Sparrow Hills. They were stubbornly called Leninsky, but the people, following M.A. Bulgakov, called the Vorobyov mountains.

View of the Sparrow Hills from the observation deck

The love of Muscovites and guests of the city for the area can be called great. It is good to walk here, wander around on your own or with a guided tour, admire the stunning beauty of the capital, which opens from the observation deck.

There are many attractions worth seeing here:

1. The building of Moscow State University.
2. Observation deck.
3. Stone embankment.
4. Armchair.
5. Tramplin restaurant is located right on the famous ski jump, built for the Olympics-80.
6. Springs.
7. Pier.
8. Ecological trail.
9. Borodino alley.
10. Monuments.
11. Churches.

Here is the famous Dacha Mamontov, where Kapitsa worked in Soviet times, Landau are other outstanding figures of Soviet science.

One of the most beautiful places awaits you

Being in the capital city, you must definitely visit Sparrow Hills. Here you will find vivid impressions, interesting views, the opportunity to take wonderful photos and videos.


Sparrow pictures of extraordinary beauty can be left as a keepsake, as well as to give to friends and acquaintances.

If you are by car, then go to Kosygin Street, leave your car in the parking lot and go up on the chair.

When walking along Zlatoglavaya, guests will not interfere with a map that will tell you directions and interesting routes.

The card will allow tourists to see all the sights of the Mother See, to make an exciting journey along the high bank of the Moscow Coast, which will remain in memory forever.

Watch the video which describes Interesting Facts associated with Sparrow Hills:

Vorobyovy Gory is not easy mountain ski resort in the center of Moscow, it is a full-fledged sports complex, equipped for training both beginners and professional athletes. The ski slope of Vorobyovy Gory is located on the high bank of the Moskva River, near the old building of Moscow State University. If you are worried about how to get to Sparrow Hills, then there is nothing easier. The location of the institution can be called universal. It can be reached by car or public transport(from the metro station Kyiv, Leninsky Prospekt or Oktyabrskaya, take any type of transport to Kosygin St. and walk a little to the Vorobyovy Gory station).

Initially, this sports complex was engaged exclusively in the training of professional athletes and was inaccessible to mere mortals, however, starting from November 2013, it became part of Gorky Park and is now available to everyone.

A detailed map of the Sparrow Hills in Russia is shown in the diagram below.

When is the best time to relax? The climate in the described region is rather mild. average temperature air fluctuates within -3 - -10 degrees. Periodically, there are quite severe frosts, but they usually last no more than 2-3 weeks.

Rates

The cost of skiing depends on the time you choose and the day of the week. So, a sleep pass for a lift on weekdays will cost you from 150 rubles. for 5 lifts (or 250 for 10 lifts) and 250 rubles. for 5 lifts on weekends and holidays (and, accordingly, 450 rubles for 10 lifts). The institution has a system of discounts, plus you can use a reduced group rate (when riding in a group of at least 12 people).

If you decide to rent skis and snowboards on Sparrow Hills, then each unit will cost you 400 rubles. at one o'clock. Plus, at the box office, you will need to leave a security deposit in the amount of 3000 rubles. The services of a personal instructor cost 1,500 rubles, and a ski school - 1,000 rubles.

Trails, slopes, lifts

Ski slope Sparrow Hills accommodates 3 ski slopes suitable for snowboarding or skiing. The length of the longest route is 225 m, the height of the drop varies within 45 m.

Among other things, there is a snowboard park in Sparrow Hills, equipped with figures for jibbing, two running tracks, 800 and 3000 meters long, and a tubing track. For beginners, a separate track is equipped.

All tracks are equipped with high-quality light, so if you wish, you can ride not only during the day, but also in the evening.

The ski slopes are served by three ski lifts. And do not forget about the local attraction - the funicular on Sparrow Hills.

Plus, directly on the spot you can use the services of a rental, a personal instructor or a ski school.

Where to stay

Near the slope is the hotel "Korston". The establishment offers business class rooms with all necessary furnishings, parking and internet. The price includes breakfast at the hotel. If necessary, you can use the laundry service, visit the gym, spa, bar or restaurant at the hotel. The cost of the room is highly dependent on the season you choose and the day of the week. On average, a night's stay will cost you from 5200 rubles.

Also a good option would be to stay at the Universitetskaya Hotel. It is located close to ski slopes and offers much more affordable rooms. So, the hotel has rooms from economy class to modern suites. The highlight of the institution is the Temple of Princess Olga, located on the 15th floor, which is recognized as the highest in the capital.

Naturally, if logistics is not of great importance to you, then you can stay at any other hotel or hotel in Moscow.

Things to do

In addition to skiing, there are many other entertainment options in Sparrow Hills.

Apres-ski

You can ride on ice slides, do curling, zorbing, visit all kinds of cafes and restaurants. The nearby observation deck deserves attention, from where you can enjoy an amazing view of the Moskva River and its environs.

And here's a video of the ride:

In the near future, it is planned to build a special pipe suitable for year-round skiing in Vorobyovy Gory. With the help of specialized equipment, a snow floor suitable for skiing will be created inside it. The length of such a route is planned at the level of 800 m, the width is 40 m, and the height is about 6 m.

In addition, skiing and snowboarding competitions are held annually on the territory of the sports complex, both among beginners and professional athletes.

The famous Moscow landmark Vorobyovy Gory turns into a real ski resort in winter. The sports complex, located near the old building of Moscow State University, opens its doors to everyone who spends time in active recreation. Plus, you can always go to one of the local cafes.