Overview:

Great Gostiny Dvor is one of the oldest shopping malls in the world and one of the major tourist attractions in Russia. It is located in the city centre of Moscow, next to the Kremlin. The shopping mall was built in 1786 by the supervision of two architects called Matvey Kazakov and Vasily Bazhenov. It is a vast shopping arcade with over 200 stores that sell all sorts of goods, from food stuffs to clothes and souvenirs. The mall is also known for its restaurants and cafes, art galleries and a cinema. As well as its shops, the arcade also houses the State Historical Museum and the State Children’s Museum. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Russia
Prominent Features:

1. Great Gostiny Dvor is an imposing 18th century shopping arcade located in the heart of Moscow. 2. It was built by architect Matvey Kazakov in 1786 and is considered to be the largest mall in Moscow. 3. The building is made of of neoclassical architectural style with plenty of columns and stone carvings. 4. It is three stories high and covers an area of 67,000 square meters, with almost 500 stores and restaurants inside. 5. Great Gostiny Dvor houses various shops ranging from boutiques, to groceries, to jewelry stores. 6. The mall also includes a theater and a number of amusement areas for children. 7. This place is a popular destination for tourists looking for souvenirs, traditional products and great Russian food. 8. Great Gostiny Dvor remains a centerpiece of Moscow’s shopping culture, and is set to remain so for generations to come. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Russia.

History:

The Great Gostiny Dvor in St. Petersburg, Russia is one of the world’s oldest shopping centers, dating back as far as 1757 when it was founded by Catherine The Great. The building was built in a Baroque style and was a marvel for its time, encompassing an entire city block and comprising of 60 individual stores. From the start, the Great Gostiny Dvor attracted a wide range of customers, ranging from the everyday shopper to international customers seeking Russian-made goods for export. For over 200 years, it remained the largest indoor marketplace in St. Petersburg, its popularity due to its vast selection of goods and services, the affordability of the goods, and the convenience of being able to find all shopping needs in one place. In 1945, the Great Gostiny Dvor closed due to German bombardment. Sadly, much of the structure was destroyed during the attack and while the building suffered extensive cosmetic damage, it was still structurally sound. In 1946, the decision was made to renovate the building and bring it back to its former glory. The restoration process was completed in 1953 and it was once again the most renowned shopping centre in St. Petersburg. Today, the Great Gostiny Dvor is still an iconic shopping destination in the city, offering customers a vast selection of goods and services. The building is also home to several restaurants, cafes, banks, beauty salons, and entertainment venues. It remains one of the most popular tourist attractions in St. Petersburg and a symbol of the city's rich history. Visit one of the famous monuments of Russia with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. Great Gostiny Dvor is the largest functioning shopping center in Russia. It covers an area of about 54,000 square meters and contains more than 1,000 outlets. 2. The building dates back to 1757 when Tsarina Elizabeth ordered its construction. The original design was based on the Royal Exchange from London. 3. The shopping mall remained closed for nearly 40 years in the mid-20th century, but it was reopened in 1995 after extensive renovation. 4. Great Gostiny Dvor is a popular tourist destination, and features shops, restaurants, cafes, banks, post offices, and currency exchange services. 5. It is also the home of the Museum of Russian Antiquities, where visitors can find paintings, sculptures, icons and other works of art. 6. The shopping mall has hosted numerous events such as opera and music concerts, as well as fashion shows and other activities. 7. A KFC restaurant located in the mall is said to have the longest service counter in the world. One of the historical monuments of Russia, it tells the story of a bygone era