Gostiny Dvor Moscow – Old merchant court

I am aware of its two faces. In ordinary life it reflects its historical side– being a merchant yard. But during fashion shows or grand parties it turns into a gorgeous castle. I like the second change very much, when a fairy touches magnificent details with her wand and Gostiny dvor changes its face by 180 degrees and turns into something extraordinary and unrecognizable. And it is so close to the Red Square and surrounded by small ancient Moscow streets, like Varvarka and Ilyinka. Just imagine, it was the heart of trade life, the central place for central events! People met here, cut deals, made acquaintances, merchants brought their goods here, surprising and satisfying Moscowite tastes.

As for me, I adore the corporate events when the huge hall with glass roof (a 20th century innovation) turns into a giant palace and the marble staircase into a pompous one when it is covered by a red carpet. The entire space is then full of tents for stars - artists, singers, actors. The stage and hundreds of tables, covered with white tablecloths, are arranged everywhere...

Anyway, it was built during Catherine the Great's reign, so it has great history. I like the monastery cafeteria close to this place where I buy tasty pirozhki with tea.

In its ordinary life Gostinny dvor contains different buros and small shops. You can enter through any entrance any day.