Presnensky baths in Moscow: address, photos, reviews

2024 Author: Henry Conors | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-12 02:44

Historically, Krasnaya Presnya in Moscow was famous for its clean water obtained from the Studenets well. The well pavilion, designed by D. Gilardi, still exists on the territory of the estate of the same name. Also, this Moscow region is known for the Presnensky baths, which are very popular. At the beginning of the 19th century, a park with a garden for festivities was created, and all the places adjacent to it were ennobled. Public baths have been built. About the Presnensky baths in Moscow, their history and features will be discussed later in the article.

History

As mentioned earlier, the city baths were built at the beginning of the 19th century. About half a century later, the merchant of the 2nd guild P. F. Biryukov bought the Presnensky baths from the city. Initially, he worked as a coachman, and then he started selling goods for horses (saddlery trade) - harnesses, saddles, bridles and whips. Thanks to this, he earned a lot of money, later joined the guild of merchants and began acquiring buildings in Moscow.

Presnensky baths brought great fame to Biryukov. In addition to them, he opened baths in other parts of the city. This business brought the merchant a high and stable income. For some time, Biryukov also owned the famous Sandunovsky baths. The people called the merchant the "Bath King", and his baths were respectfully called Biryukovsky, which meant a high level of establishments.

The development of the bath business

Due to the fact that the bath business was going very well, Biryukov decided to expand the Presnensky baths. For the construction of new buildings, he invited the then-famous architect I. Mashkov, who created the project.

In 1903, at the corner of Bolshaya Presnenskaya and Prudovaya streets, a new one-story building was erected in the popular Art Nouveau style. The building was decorated with superbly executed stucco, carvings and forged elements were present on the doors. The main entrance was decorated in a horseshoe shape above the doors, and in the niche itself, the famous artist M. Vrubel created a mosaic panel called “Swans”.

Description of new bathhouses

In the new Presnensky baths, the photo of which is presented in the article, the distribution of bath rooms was made. There was a branch "Noble", where the rich and titled public rested. They also created the People's Department. For all visitors to the institution there was a buffet, a billiard room, a tea room and, surprisingly, a library. For the comfort of customers, it was decided to create a winter garden, which was done some time later.

P. F. Biryukov, referred to as the "king of baths", lived for almost 80 years. He, in addition to the bath business, was a representative frommerchants in the Orphan's Court, as well as in the Council of Orphanages. After his death, his business passed to his wife. It is worth noting that K. P. Biryukova did not let things take their course, but continued her husband's initiative.

After some time, the Presnensky baths and establishments located in other parts of Moscow were connected to the water supply network. Drinking water was supplied from artesian wells.

Reconstruction

During the December uprising in 1905, a hospital was organized by combatants in the building of the baths. And the steam rooms worked exclusively for the soldiers. The Presnensky baths were at the center of the battles, they were badly damaged, mainly due to shelling by government troops.

Three years later, thanks to engineer B. Nilus and architect I. Mashkov, the affected buildings were reconstructed, all the destroyed elements were restored, and the baths took on a decent look.

Baths in the Soviet period

After the Great October Revolution, the baths were declared the property of the state, and then renamed Krasnopresnensky. This did not affect the popularity of the institution.

But after some time the building of the baths fell into disrepair, and the panel created by Vrubel was lost. On the eve of the XXII Olympic Games, the Moscow government decided to widen the street, and the baths had to be demolished. However, even before the start of dismantling work, the construction of new Presnensky baths began near the Ulitsa 1905 Goda metro station. The authors of the project were A. Taranov, M. Filippov and V. Ginzburg. The baths opened in 1979, a year beforestart of the Olympics.

Modern period

New address of the Presnensky baths: Stolyarny lane, building 1. Despite the fact that the institution has changed its location, it has remained just as popular among the people. The baths are currently one of the best establishments in the area.

In the 90s of the XX century, the Presnensky baths became famous due to the murder of one of the Moscow crime bosses. For some time, investigations were carried out here, and the baths were closed.

Architecture and interiors

The new building is stylized as Art Nouveau, the project contained many references to the old building. Some elements were made in the image of the old Presnensky baths. A new building was erected on two floors, with a beautiful arch made of a special “Kremlin brick”, which was crowned with a white stone edging. We repeated the mosaic of M. Vrubel and the horseshoe-shaped niche in front of the entrance.

An interesting fact is that at that time the "Kremlin brick" was rare, and in this area only two buildings were erected from it - these are the baths themselves and the famous Taganka Theater. All communications were carried out in the bathhouse, special stoves were installed. The appearance of the building turned out to be moderately pompous and at the same time majestic.

Inside, the architects almost repeated the first project. Massage rooms, lounges, a beer bar, a tearoom and a hairdresser's were made. The new baths almost immediately became popular with Muscovites.

Reviews

Presnensky baths, according to visitors, for many have becomeone of my favorite vacation spots. In addition to the aesthetic external and internal beauty, there is an opportunity to relax both soul and body. Lovely steam rooms and a comfortable layout are conducive to relaxation.

Those who have visited the Presnensky baths note the excellent quality of service and a wide range of services. In this institution you can inexpensively relax and put yourself in order. After the steam room, you can go to a tea room or beer bar. Here you will be offered a large assortment of beer or exquisite and rare varieties of tea.

Once in the Presnensky baths, people seem to fall into another world, with its unusual and pleasant atmosphere. After visiting the bath, you immediately feel a surge of strength. If desired, you can visit the massage room, which offers various types of massage. Here, any visitor can choose the type of recreation that he needs.

Presnensky baths - this is the place that you should definitely visit. Here you will learn the history of this place, as well as relax in the institution itself. After visiting the baths, you will have a lot of unforgettable pleasant memories that will pull you back to this unique place.