Europe Square in Moscow is located almost in the center of the city, on Berezhkovskaya Embankment. If you go in a straight line, then to Red Square is only 3.5 km.
The history of the creation of Europe Square in Moscow
Seeking in an architectural form to express the unity of Russia and Europe, in September 2001 the metropolitan government laid the square with a fountain on the site of Borodino Square. A year later, in Russia in Moscow, the area of Europe was opened.
The architectural composition was created as a joint Russian-Belgian project. Worked on it by a domestic architect, member of the RAS Yuri Platonov and Belgian sculptor Olivier Strebel.
The complex of Europe’s square is located on 3 thousand m 2 and represents a single composition, in which are organically inscribed:
- colonnade;
- fountain;
- observation platforms;
- EU emblem;
- terraces;
- restaurant "Europe".
The colonnade consists of 48 flagpoles placed in a circle and crowned with flags of all European countries. A little away is the striking emblem of the European Union. It is made in the shape of a globe with a diameter of about 5 m.
Observation decks and terraces are actively used, especially in the warm season: tourists and Muscovites relax on them, take beautiful photos, make appointments.
Fountain in the center of the square
The fountain on Europe Square in Moscow is the semantic center of the composition, immediately attracting attention to itself.
The round bowl of the fountain has a diameter of 50 m. Water escaping from 354 specially calibrated holes creates intricately interwoven jets in the air. In the evenings, water cascades are beautifully illuminated by a multitude of LED lamps.
In the center of the fountain is a sculpture by Olivier Strebel, which the author called "The Abduction of Europe." The sculpture reminds the audience of an ancient Greek myth, according to which the thunderer Zeus, having fallen in love, stole beautiful Europe and, turning into a bull, transported it across the sea.
If you take a closer look and go around the fountain more than once, you can see the horns of a bull and the girl lying on them in the interweaving of huge steel pipes. However, the sculptural group is so abstract that few manage to immediately discern mythical characters in it. But the largest abstract sculpture in the capital nonetheless makes a lasting impression.
Attractions nearby
Of course, the area of Europe in itself is a significant place in the capital. However, next to it are no less interesting objects, which are also worth paying attention to.
- The building of the Kiev railway station, built more than a hundred years ago by the architect I. Rerberg. The first train departed from him in February 1918 to Kiev. The facade is decorated with monumental sculptures and watches. Another attraction of the Kiev railway station is a glass arched canopy above the platform, sheltering passengers from the weather. The height of the structure is about 30 m, length 321 m, while the landing stage looks easy and elegant.
- The bridge of Bogdan Khmelnitsky. In 2001, the arch of the Krasnoluga Bridge was moved closer to Europe Square in Moscow, and then glazed. Now the bridge is a favorite place for photographing, because special observation platforms are made over the river, from where an excellent view opens.
- Be sure to take a look at the Borodino bridge, one of the most beautiful in the capital. In addition, this bridge is also one of the oldest. After all, it has existed since the 18th century. The bridge is decorated with monuments, obelisks, colonnades dedicated to the heroes who fought against the French troops of Napoleon.
Shopping centers
On the Europe Square in Moscow there are also large shopping centers:
- "European". At the malls that are named after European capitals, there are about five hundred stores.
- "Kitezh". The building of unusual architecture immediately catches the eye. It houses both shops and offices.
Boat trips from the square along the Moscow River
Exactly motor ships of various companies depart or make a stop precisely from the river pier near the Kiev station. This is a convenient route that is in demand among tourists.
Departing from Europe Square, along the Moscow River, you can swim past the main attractions of the capital and land in the immediate vicinity of Red Square. The Novodevichy Convent, the Vorobyovy Gory, the renewed Luzhniki Stadium, the New Tretyakov Gallery, the monument to Peter I, the Cathedral of Christ the Savior and the amazing panorama of the Kremlin are all conveniently viewed from the ship’s cabin in the rain or from the open deck on a clear day. Good photos and unforgettable impressions are sure to be.
Hotels nearby
There are hotels in Moscow in Europe Square. The largest - "Radisson Slavyanskaya" 4 stars.
In addition to its convenient location near the historic center of the capital, Radisson offers classic-style spacious rooms with panoramic windows. For those who chose Radisson, there are 3 restaurants, a fitness center and spa, parking and many boutiques.
Here, on Europe Square, the Ibis Hotel is located - it is an inexpensive hostel with a minimum of services, but in the immediate vicinity of the station.
