Ekaterininsky Park: An Afternoon Stroll Through Soviet Military History
A departure from the unconventional, wild, and expansive, Moscow’s Ekaterininsky Park serves as the perfect next destination on a tour through the city.
When compared to the urban giant that is the VDNKh, this park is a quaint, beautiful, green space lined with ponds, perfect as a place of respite. It’s a local favorite, and not necessarily frequented by tourists, making it the perfect spot to enjoy some time reveling in the feel of Moscow at its finest. And Moscovian, it sure is: the park is bustling with many activities, where visitors can row boats, partake in impromptu salsa dancing, visit a Chapel for a look into ancient Russian history, gawk at gorgeous architecture, and really take in an old, Soviet feeling that still lingers here. [1]
Above: A great video from YouTube user Igor Levitan showing all the beautiful parts of the park.
Yet, this gorgeous, tiny park (actually one of the smallest in all of Moscow!) is more than just green space: the famous The Museum of the Soviet Army actually sits right in this park. The museum is a monumental cultural treasure, especially considering the complicated, vast history of the Soviet Army. It’s overflowing with a host of war memorabilia from WWII, from army outfits and artillery. Here, you’ll also find the victory banner that flew over the Berlin Reichstag in 1945, signaling the Soviet takeover of the city during the war. Beyond this, a great host of items from the past rest here, from arms to war plans.
And if these incredible historical landmarks aren’t enough--it’s the perfect place whether you’re a history buff looking for a look at Soviet military history, a salsa dancing aficionado, or just looking for a place to rent a boat or spend a quiet afternoon. Ekaterininsky Park, much like VDNHk, reminds us that public parks are more than just “parks”: they are often sorts of “museums” in their own right, acting as a window into historical and cultural insights. Here, we get a literal museum in the park, and a look into one of the most interesting and relevant parts of Soviet history.
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[1] Things to do in Ekaterininsky Park. Friendly Local Guides, Oct. 7, 2013.
[2] The Central Museum of the Armed Forces. Moscow.info, accessed Oct. 23, 2016.