Park "Bitsevsky Forest" is a rather large green spot on the map of the capital, a favorite place for recreation of many Muscovites. The nature of this territory is very diverse: there are tender birch trees, and wise ancient oaks, and fragrant pine forests with cool springs.
Where is the forest located?
The natural park "Bitsevsky Forest" is located in the southern part of the Russian capital. It occupies a significant area - over 2200 hectares. This is the second largest green area located within the city called Moscow.
"Bitsevsky Forest" stretched for almost ten kilometers from north to south, occupying the sector between Varshavskoye Highway and Sevastopolsky Prospekt. Several metropolitan areas adjoin directly to the park, in particular Konkovo, Yasenevo, Chertanovo South, Central and North.
The forest got its name from the Bitsa River, which flows in the southern part of the natural park. In addition to it, other watercourses also flow within it: the rivers Gorodnya, Chertanovka, Dubinkinskaya, as well as the Derevlevsky stream.
History of the forest
Man has long chosen these places: at first, the Finno-Ugric peoples lived here, later, at the beginning of the 11th century, they were replaced by the Vyatichi. The latter, by the way, left behind several mounds in the forest. It is known that village settlements existed here already in the 13th century.
Research of mounds in "Bitsevsky forest" gave a very important result. Thanks to archaeological finds, historians were able to establish that Moscow was originally inhabited by the Vyatichi tribes. It is worth noting that out of 70 mounds that have survived on the territory of Moscow, seven are located right here, on the banks of the Bitsa. This only confirms the fact that "Bitsevsky Forest" has been inhabited since ancient times.
Park Attractions
In "Bitsevsky Park" there is something to see both in terms of natural beauties and in terms of objects created by man. First of all, these are ancient burial mounds, which are about a thousand years old, as well as the most beautiful manor complexes. Three of them have survived on the territory of the park - the estates "Yasenevo", "Uzkoye" and "Znamenskoye-Sadki".
Another unique monument located in the forest is the so-called Boundary Post. It was established in 1909 in honor of the Stolypin reform. In general, a large number of such pillars were installed, but few of them "survived" to this day.
In the "Bitsevsky Forest" there is also a spring with healing and very tasty water. It is located on the banks of the Chertanovka River, and to itmany residents from neighboring areas come for water.
Bald Mountain and a pagan temple
What else can you see in Bitsevsky Park?
You should definitely go to the local Bald Mountain, which, in fact, is a dry meadow (by the way, the largest within Moscow). Here you can find several rare species of herbaceous vegetation. And in some years, nesting goshawks were even recorded near Lysaya Gora.
A Slavic temple is also located on Bald Mountain - a gathering place for the capital's pagans. It was equipped in 2000: wooden sculptures were installed here and a sanctuary was organized. Pagans come to this "temple" in the bosom of nature to meet or see off the Sun. In the center of the sanctuary there is a ritual stone, on which people leave grain and coins, often put cottage cheese or pour milk over it.
It should be noted that the pagans are always very careful in the process of choosing a place for their temples. It should have positive energy, there should be a river, springs and old oak forests nearby.
"Bitsevsky forest" for outdoor activities
The territory of the park is ideal for active and he althy recreation. In particular, "Bitsevsky Forest" is very popular with cyclists.
And this is no coincidence, because a wonderful bike path has been laid in the natural park. On it you can cross the entire "Bitsevsky Forest". The path begins in the area of the Belyaevo metro station, and endsnear the Yuzhnaya station, which is on the gray metro line. In this regard, there have been a lot of cyclists in Bitsevsky Park lately.
In conclusion…
"Bitsevsky Forest" is a great place to relax in Moscow. Here you can take long recreational walks, ride a bike, explore old estates, or simply enjoy the beautiful Russian nature.
