Izmaylovsky Park or Izmaylovo Park is one of the largest parks in

Moscow Moscow is the Capital city, capital and List of cities and towns in Russia by population, largest city of Russia, standing on the Moskva (river), Moskva River in Central Russia. It has a population estimated at over 13 million residents with ...

Russia Russia, or the Russian Federation, is a country spanning Eastern Europe and North Asia. It is the list of countries and dependencies by area, largest country in the world, and extends across Time in Russia, eleven time zones, sharing Borders ...

. The park consists of two areas: Izmaylovsky

forest A forest is an ecosystem characterized by a dense ecological community, community of trees. Hundreds of definitions of forest are used throughout the world, incorporating factors such as tree density, tree height, land use, legal standing, ...

and Izmaylovsky Park for recreation. It is situated in the

Izmaylovo District Izmaylovo District () is a administrative divisions of Moscow, district in the Eastern Administrative Okrug of the federal cities of Russia, federal city of Moscow, Russia. Population: History The history of the village of Izmaylovo goes back ...

in the northeast of the city. The northern border of the park is the tram line alongside the Izmailovskaya station of the

Moscow Metro The Moscow Metro) is a rapid transit system in the Moscow Oblast of Russia. It serves the capital city of Moscow and the neighbouring cities of Krasnogorsk, Moscow Oblast, Krasnogorsk, Reutov, Lyubertsy, and Kotelniki. Opened in 1935 with one l ...

that serves the park, the southern border of the park is the Entuziastov Highway. To the east, the park is limited by the main alley and to the west by and 1st and 2nd streets of the Izmaylovo menagerie. Izmaylovsky Park, officially known as Izmaylovo Natural and Historical Park, stands as one of Moscow's largest and most historically significant green spaces.¹ Located in the Izmaylovo District in the northeast of the city, this expansive park spans over 300 hectares, comprising both dense forest and dedicated recreational areas.² Its enduring appeal to Muscovites and tourists alike lies in its blend of natural beauty, historical depth, and diverse modern attractions.

History of the park

In 1571-1585 the park was a country estate of a Muscovite

boyar A boyar or bolyar was a member of the highest rank of the feudal nobility in many Eastern European states, including Bulgaria, Kievan Rus' (and later Russia), Moldavia and Wallachia (and later Romania), Lithuania and among Baltic Germans. C ...

Zakharyin-Yuriev. After 1585, the ownership of the park was passed to the

House of Romanov The House of Romanov (also transliterated as Romanoff; , ) was the reigning dynasty, imperial house of Russia from 1613 to 1917. They achieved prominence after Anastasia Romanovna married Ivan the Terrible, the first crowned tsar of all Russi ...

. In 1663, it became the official countryside residence of Tsar Aleksey Mikhailovich. This occurred as the construction and redesign of the estate had been initiated. At first, a dam was constructed on Serebryanka River which resulted in formation of several ponds, namely Lebedyansky, Vinogradny and Serebryany ponds. An artificial island was situated in the middle of the Serebryany Pond. Later, the

Izmaylovo Estate Izmaylovo Estate () was a country residence of the House of Romanov built in the reign of Alexis I of Russia. Originally located 7 kilometres east of Moscow's city limits, it became part of the expanding city in the 20th century. Its territory s ...

was built on the artificial island which existed up until 1855. Christmas church was also built on the Serebryany Island in 1676, which became the cathedral in 1679. There were a lot of gardens with exotic plants and trees, cherished under personal supervision of the tsar. The household buildings also included greenhouses, mills, breweries and other facilities. The organization of the household was so efficient that it alone could fully satisfy the needs of the tsar’s court. One of the biggest

zoo A zoo (short for zoological garden; also called an animal park or menagerie) is a facility where animals are kept within enclosures for public exhibition and often bred for conservation purposes. The term ''zoological garden'' refers to zoology, ...

s in Europe at that time could also be found in the Izmaylovo Manor. After the death of Aleksey Mikhailovich the estates were abandoned and a lot of the buildings and facilities fell into decline. When he was a child,

Peter the Great Peter I (, ; – ), better known as Peter the Great, was the Sovereign, Tsar and Grand Prince of all Russia, Tsar of all Russia from 1682 and the first Emperor of Russia, Emperor of all Russia from 1721 until his death in 1725. He reigned j ...

used the territory and the gardens for his war games; the remains of the

redoubt A redoubt (historically redout) is a Fortification, fort or fort system usually consisting of an enclosed defensive emplacement outside a larger fort, usually relying on Earthworks (engineering), earthworks, although some are constructed of ston ...

s he built are still partially preserved. He also constructed a Prosyansky (Zhukovski) dam on the Serebryanka river to form a pond, which was later used for the trial sails of the botik “St. Nicholas” that

discovered in Izmaylovo. In 1839, the mansion was used as a hospice and a house for the veterans of the war with Napoleon, as well as a shelter for the widows and a small school for their children. In 19th century a big effort was put into recovery and restoration of the forests and gardens on the territory of the future Izmaylovsky park that continued over the decades. In 1930, Izmaylovo was given an official status of the

park A park is an area of natural, semi-natural or planted space set aside for human enjoyment and recreation or for the protection of wildlife or natural habitats. Urban parks are urban green space, green spaces set aside for recreation inside t ...

and in 1939 it was renamed after

J.V. Stalin Joseph Vissarionovich Stalin (born Dzhugashvili; 5 March 1953) was a Soviet politician and revolutionary who led the Soviet Union from 1924 until Death and state funeral of Joseph Stalin, his death in 1953. He held power as General Secret ...

. It was one of the best parks in

USSR The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. (USSR), commonly known as the Soviet Union, was a List of former transcontinental countries#Since 1700, transcontinental country that spanned much of Eurasia from 1922 until Dissolution of the Soviet ...

, with a lot of facilities, including a theatre and a cinema. The park’s giant territory allowed for more objects to be installed, thus a pond was to be created in the middle of the park, and a

in the eastern part of it. A giant central stadium also named after Stalin was supposed to be the highlight of the park infrastructure and the biggest stadium in the country. The construction, although started, was haltered by the

Second World War World War II or the Second World War (1 September 1939 – 2 September 1945) was a World war, global conflict between two coalitions: the Allies of World War II, Allies and the Axis powers. World War II by country, Nearly all of the wo ...

and never finished. In 1944, an

underground Underground most commonly refers to: * Subterranea (geography), the regions beneath the surface of the Earth Underground may also refer to: Places * Buenos Aires Underground, a rapid transit system * London Underground, a rapid transit system * ...

station “

Izmaylovsky park Izmaylovsky Park or Izmaylovo Park is one of the largest parks in Moscow, Russia. The park consists of two areas: Izmaylovsky urban forest, forest and Izmaylovsky Park for recreation. It is situated in the Izmaylovo District in the northeast of ...

” was built to allow good transportation links with the other parts of the city. In 1961 the park was renamed to Izmaylovsky park, falling in line with the general direction of the party against

Stalin's cult of personality Joseph Stalin's cult of personality became a prominent feature of Soviet popular culture. Historian Archie Brown sets the celebration of Stalin's 50th birthday on 21 December 1929 as the starting point for his cult of personality. For the res ...

. The underground station was renamed in 2005 into Partizanskaya. The history of Izmaylovsky Park traces back to the 14th century, with the first mention of the village of Izmaylovo in chronicles from 1389. The area gained prominence when it became a country estate of the powerful Zakharyin-Yuriev boyar family between 1571 and 1585. Following this, ownership passed to the esteemed House of Romanov after 1585, marking a significant turning point in its development. In 1663, Izmaylovo was elevated to the status of an official countryside residence for Tsar Aleksey Mikhailovich. This era saw extensive construction and redesign. A major undertaking was the creation of a dam on the Serebryanka River, which led to the formation of several picturesque ponds, including Lebedyansky, Vinogradny, and Serebryany Ponds.³ An artificial island, the Serebryany Island, was meticulously constructed in the middle of the Serebryany Pond, upon which the magnificent Izmaylovo Estate was built, standing until 1855.⁴ The historical and architectural significance of this period is further underscored by the construction of the Christmas Church on Serebryany Island in 1676, which became a cathedral by 1679. The estate boasted elaborate gardens filled with exotic plants and trees, cultivated under the Tsar's personal supervision, alongside essential household buildings such as greenhouses, mills, and breweries.⁵ After Tsar Aleksey Mikhailovich's death, the estate faced a period of decline. However, its historical importance continued through the childhood of Peter the Great, who used the expansive grounds for his early military games.⁶ Remnants of the redoubts he built can still be partially observed today. Peter the Great also constructed the Prosyansky (Zhukovski) dam on the Serebryanka River, creating a pond that was instrumental in the trial sails of his famous botik "St. Nicholas," a small boat he discovered in Izmaylovo, which is now considered the "grandfather of the Russian Navy" and is preserved in the Central Naval Museum in St. Petersburg. In 1839, the mansion on the estate was repurposed as a hospice and a home for veterans of the Napoleonic Wars, providing shelter for widows and a small school for their children. The 19th century witnessed significant efforts towards the recovery and restoration of the forests and gardens, a process that continued for decades.⁷ Izmaylovo received its official designation as a park in 1930. In 1939, it was renamed after J.V. Stalin, becoming one of the premier parks in the USSR, featuring a theatre and a cinema. Ambitious plans were conceived for the park's expansion, including the creation of a large central pond and a zoo in its eastern part. A monumental "Stalin Stadium," intended to be the largest in the country, was also initiated, but construction was halted by World War II and never completed. In 1944, the "Izmaylovsky Park" underground station was built, improving accessibility to the park. In 1961, in line with the de-Stalinization movement, the park was renamed back to Izmaylovsky Park. In 1998, the Government of Moscow further recognized its importance by granting it the status of a "specially protected natural area"

Available activities

* Bavarian curling *

Shuffleboard Shuffleboard (Deck shuffleboard) is a game in which players use cues to push weighted discs, sending them gliding down a narrow court, with the purpose of having them come to rest within a marked scoring area. As a more generic term, it refers t ...

* two

Ferris wheel A Ferris wheel (also called a big wheel, giant wheel or an observation wheel) is an amusement ride consisting of a rotating upright wheel with multiple passenger-carrying components (commonly referred to as passenger cars, cabins, tubs, gondola ...

s *children's playground *

amusement park An amusement park is a park that features various attractions, such as rides and games, and events for entertainment purposes. A theme park is a type of amusement park that bases its structures and attractions around a central theme, often fea ...

and rides *5D cinema *

swimming pool A swimming pool, swimming bath, wading pool, paddling pool, or simply pool, is a structure designed to hold water to enable Human swimming, swimming and associated activities. Pools can be built into the ground (in-ground pools) or built abo ...

dolphinarium A dolphinarium is an aquarium for dolphins. The dolphins are usually kept in a pool, though occasionally they may be kept in pens in the open sea, either for research or public performances. Some dolphinariums (sometimes called dolphinaria in plu ...

adventure park An adventure park is a place which can contain a wide variety of elements, including but not limited to, rope climbing exercises, obstacle courses, bouldering, rock climbing, target oriented activities, and zip-lines. They are usually intended for ...

"PandaPark" *equipment hiring *skaters area *boat hiring Also, throughout the year free outdoor classes and courses are free to the public, including general work-out, yoga, dancing and aerobics for children. For children, there is also a small zoo with

rabbit Rabbits are small mammals in the family Leporidae (which also includes the hares), which is in the order Lagomorpha (which also includes pikas). They are familiar throughout the world as a small herbivore, a prey animal, a domesticated ...

rat Rats are various medium-sized, long-tailed rodents. Species of rats are found throughout the order Rodentia, but stereotypical rats are found in the genus ''Rattus''. Other rat genera include '' Neotoma'' (pack rats), '' Bandicota'' (bandicoo ...

hedgehog A hedgehog is a spiny mammal of the subfamily Erinaceinae, in the eulipotyphlan family Erinaceidae. There are 17 species of hedgehog in five genera found throughout parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa, and in New Zealand by introduction. The ...

s and

Guinea pig The guinea pig or domestic guinea pig (''Cavia porcellus''), also known as the cavy or domestic cavy ( ), is a species of rodent belonging to the genus ''Cavia'', family Caviidae. Animal fancy, Breeders tend to use the name "cavy" for the ani ...

s. In winter a skating rink is open.

Izmaylovsky forest

Izmaylovsky forest has a territory of 1608.1

hectares The hectare (; SI symbol: ha) is a non-SI metric unit of area equal to a square with 100-metre sides (1 hm2), that is, square metres (), and is primarily used in the measurement of land. There are 100 hectares in one square kilometre. A ...

. The forest has a big diversity of plant species, including those that are endangered and are monitored by the Preservation agencies (almost 50 species). Rarely observed in urban areas, the

transitional bog A fen is a type of peat-accumulating wetland fed by mineral-rich ground or surface water. It is one of the main types of wetland along with marshes, swamps, and bogs. Bogs and fens, both peat-forming ecosystems, are also known as mires. Th ...

of the forest has originated from growing of the

sphagnum moss ''Sphagnum'' is a genus of approximately 380 accepted species of mosses, commonly known as sphagnum moss, also bog moss and quacker moss (although that term is also sometimes used for peat). Accumulations of ''Sphagnum'' can store water, since ...

. There are more than 25 species of

lichen A lichen ( , ) is a hybrid colony (biology), colony of algae or cyanobacteria living symbiotically among hypha, filaments of multiple fungus species, along with yeasts and bacteria embedded in the cortex or "skin", in a mutualism (biology), m ...

s and 75 species of

moss Mosses are small, non-vascular plant, non-vascular flowerless plants in the taxonomic phylum, division Bryophyta (, ) ''sensu stricto''. Bryophyta (''sensu lato'', Wilhelm Philippe Schimper, Schimp. 1879) may also refer to the parent group bryo ...

. The major part of the forest consists of

deciduous trees In the fields of horticulture and botany, the term deciduous () means "falling off at maturity" and "tending to fall off", in reference to trees and shrubs that seasonally shed leaves, usually in the autumn; to the shedding of petals, after flo ...

, such as

linden tree ''Tilia'' is a genus of about 30 species of trees or bushes, native throughout most of the temperateness, temperate Northern Hemisphere. The tree is known as linden for the European species, and basswood for North American species. In Great Bri ...

oak An oak is a hardwood tree or shrub in the genus ''Quercus'' of the beech family. They have spirally arranged leaves, often with lobed edges, and a nut called an acorn, borne within a cup. The genus is widely distributed in the Northern Hemisp ...

birch A birch is a thin-leaved deciduous hardwood tree of the genus ''Betula'' (), in the family Betulaceae, which also includes alders, hazels, and hornbeams. It is closely related to the beech- oak family Fagaceae. The genus ''Betula'' contains 3 ...

maple ''Acer'' is a genus of trees and shrubs commonly known as maples. The genus is placed in the soapberry family Sapindaceae.Stevens, P. F. (2001 onwards). Angiosperm Phylogeny Website. Version 9, June 2008 nd more or less continuously updated si ...

. The Eastern part of the forest is constituted mainly by

pine A pine is any conifer tree or shrub in the genus ''Pinus'' () of the family Pinaceae. ''Pinus'' is the sole genus in the subfamily Pinoideae. ''World Flora Online'' accepts 134 species-rank taxa (119 species and 15 nothospecies) of pines as cu ...

s and

fir Firs are evergreen coniferous trees belonging to the genus ''Abies'' () in the family Pinaceae. There are approximately 48–65 extant species, found on mountains throughout much of North and Central America, Eurasia, and North Africa. The genu ...

s that are more than hundred years old and were planted in the middle of 19th century as a part of the

forest restoration Forest restoration is defined as "actions to re-instate ecological processes, which accelerate recovery of forest structure, ecological functioning and biodiversity levels towards those typical of climax forest", i.e. the end-stage of natural ...

effort. In total, more than 500 species are presented within the biological diversity of the forest. Some flowering plants are also preserved: various species of

lilies ''Lilium'' ( ) is a genus of herbaceous flowering plants growing from bulbs, all with large and often prominent flowers. Lilies are a group of flowering plants which are important in culture and literature in much of the world. Most species are ...

, including

Turk's cap lily Turk's cap lily is a common name for several plants and may refer to: * '' Lilium martagon'', a species native to a wide area from central Europe east to Mongolia and Korea * '' Lilium michauxii'', a species native to southeastern North America * ' ...

orchid Orchids are plants that belong to the family Orchidaceae (), a diverse and widespread group of flowering plants with blooms that are often colourful and fragrant. Orchids are cosmopolitan plants that are found in almost every habitat on Eart ...

s, etc. Many species are registered medicinal plants and are listed in the Russian

Pharmacopoeia A pharmacopoeia, pharmacopeia, or pharmacopoea (or the typographically obsolete rendering, ''pharmacopœia''), meaning "drug-making", in its modern technical sense, is a reference work containing directions for the identification of compound med ...

(The State Pharmacopoeia of the Russian Federation), such as bistort

Bistorta officinalis ''Bistorta officinalis'' (synonym ''Persicaria bistorta''), known as bistort, common bistort, European bistort, or meadow bistort, is a species of flowering plant in the dock family Polygonaceae native to Europe and northern and western Asia. Ot ...

Interesting facts

*In November 1995, Chechen terrorists planted, but did not detonate, a radiological dispersal device (commonly known as a dirty bomb) in Izmailovo Park. The bomb consisted of dynamite and

caesium Caesium (IUPAC spelling; also spelled cesium in American English) is a chemical element; it has Symbol (chemistry), symbol Cs and atomic number 55. It is a soft, silvery-golden alkali metal with a melting point of , which makes it one of only f ...

-137 removed from cancer treatment equipment. Reporters were tipped off about its location and it was defused. *There is also a

stand-up comedy Stand-up comedy is a performance directed to a live audience, where the performer stands on a stage (theatre), stage and delivers humour, humorous and satire, satirical monologues sometimes incorporating physical comedy, physical acts. These ...

show in Russian television with the same name (Izmaylovsky Park), starring Russian comedian Lion Izmailov. The name is based on a

word play Word play or wordplay (also: play-on-words) is a literary technique and a form of wit in which words used become the main subject of the work, primarily for the purpose of intended effect or amusement. Examples of word play include puns, ph ...

, where Izmaylovsky belongs both to the park (where people get together for recreation) and to the surname of the show host.

Ecological significance

Izmaylovsky Park is not only a cultural and recreational hub but also an ecologically vital area.⁸ With a vast territory, particularly the Izmaylovsky forest spanning 1608.1 hectares, the park boasts a rich diversity of plant and animal species.⁹ It is considered one of the most environmentally friendly parks in Russia and even in Europe

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¹⁰ The forest area is characterized by a mix of deciduous trees such as linden, oak, birch, and maple, while the eastern part features centenarian pines and firs, planted during 19th-century restoration efforts.¹¹ The park's unique ecosystems include a transitional bog, rarely found in urban environments, which has developed from the growth of sphagnum moss.¹² Over 500 plant species thrive within the park, with nearly 50 of them being endangered and under the care of preservation agencies. Notable flowering plants include various lilies, such as the Turk's cap lily, and several orchid species.¹³ Many plants found here are also recognized medicinal plants, listed in the Russian Pharmacopoeia.¹⁴ The park is a vibrant habitat for diverse animal life. Mammals such as hares, rodents, weasels, and hedgehogs are residents ¹⁵ Birdwatching enthusiasts can observe over a hundred species, including the Eurasian Pygmy Owl, White-backed Woodpecker, Wood Warbler, Blyth's Reed Warbler, River Warbler, Eurasian Siskin, Eurasian Bullfinch, Hawfinch, Common Rosefinch, Thrush Nightingale, Spotted Flycatcher, Common Raven, Sparrowhawk,¹⁶ Common Teal, Tufted Duck, Common Goldeneye, Great Crested Grebe, and Common Tern

Attractions and facilities

Izmaylovsky Park offers a wide array of attractions and facilities, catering to visitors of all ages and interests throughout the year.¹⁷ Amusement and Recreation: The park features an amusement park with various rides and attractions, including one of Moscow's oldest and largest Ferris wheels, offering panoramic views of the city

, 5 The comma is a punctuation mark that appears in several variants in different languages. Some typefaces render it as a small line, slightly curved or straight, but inclined from the vertical; others give it the appearance of a miniature fille ...

18 There are dedicated children's play areas and family zones.19 For those seeking active recreation, the park provides courts for tennis, volleyball, basketball, streetball, and badminton, as well as mini-football fields

20 Sports equipment, such as bicycles and roller skates, can be rented

21 An archery and crossbow range allows visitors to hone their shooting skills, and the "Panda Park" rope town offers an adventurous experience

22 Nature and Relaxation: The park's vast green spaces, including pine and birch groves, are perfect for leisurely strolls, cycling, and picnicking.23 The Round Pond, with its man-made island, is a popular spot, where visitors can rent boats and enjoy the serene waters

Quiet recreation areas are also available for those seeking tranquility. Cultural and Educational Aspects: Izmaylovsky Park is rich in historical monuments, such as the Church of Intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos on Silver Island, which was originally the royal family's church and is now a distinct cultural heritage object 24 The "Courage Square" is an open-air museum showcasing military equipment, offering a glimpse into Russia's military history

25 Throughout the park, visitors can find numerous cafes, pizzerias, and noodle shops, ensuring a comfortable visit 26 Seasonal Activities: Izmaylovsky Park transforms with the seasons, offering unique experiences. In summer, open-air cinemas and live music performances add to the vibrant atmosphere During winter, the park becomes a snowy wonderland, with a large ice-skating rink (the Silver ice rink), large ice slides, and sledding opportunities

27 Year-round, free outdoor classes and courses in activities like yoga and dance are often available Cultural Events and Festivals: The park is a frequent venue for various festivals, concerts, theatrical performances, exhibitions, and dance parties 28 Seasonal events like Maslenitsa (celebrating the end of winter) and the Russian Winter Festival often take place here, showcasing traditional Russian customs and culture Art exhibitions, such as the "Wonderful Plants" exhibition featuring works by students of the Moscow Architectural Institute, also find a home in the park's pavilions Adjacent to Izmaylovsky Park is the Izmaylovo Kremlin, a unique cultural and entertainment complex designed to emulate the fairy-tale architecture of ancient Russia.²⁹ It features colorful wooden structures inspired by 14th-17th century Moscow and Russian fairy tales. The Izmaylovo Kremlin houses museums (including a Vodka Museum and a Museum of Bread), art galleries, workshops where visitors can learn traditional Russian crafts like Matryoshka doll painting, and hosts various cultural performances and seasonal festivals ³⁰ Next to the Kremlin is the sprawling Izmaylovo Market, a large open flea market known for its Russian crafts, souvenirs, antiques, and traditional food.³¹ This area has been a market since the 17th century

³² Izmaylovsky Park, with its deep historical roots, significant ecological value, and diverse range of attractions, continues to be a cherished destination, offering both recreation and a connection to Russia's rich past and vibrant natural world.

References

* Izmaylovsky Park - Wikipedia. (n.d.). Retrieved May 24, 2025, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Izmaylovsky_Park * Izmailovsky Park , Sightseeing , Moscow - In Your Pocket. (n.d.). Retrieved May 24, 2025, from https://www.inyourpocket.com/moscow/izmailovsky-park_37779v * Izmailovsky Park , Birdingplaces. (n.d.). Retrieved May 24, 2025, from https://www.birdingplaces.eu/en/birdingplaces/russia/izmailovsky-park * Comprehensive Guide to Visiting Кремль в Измайлово, Moscow, Russia - Audiala. (n.d.). Retrieved May 24, 2025, from https://audiala.com/en/russia/moscow/kremlin-in-izmailovo * Enjoy a full day outdoors in the beautiful Izmaylovsky Park , Liden & Denz Russia. (n.d.). Retrieved May 24, 2025, from https://www.russiancourses.com/blog/enjoy-a-full-day-in-the-beautiful-izmaylovsky-park/ {{coord, 55.777, N, 37.789, E, display=title, source:dewiki Parks and gardens in Moscow Urban forests in Russia