Arbat

The Arbat is one of the most famous and oldest streets in the Russian capital — it has existed since the 15th century. Originally the street was a part of an important trade route. Then a large number of craftsmen set up their stores there. In the 18th century, Arbat became the most prestigious living area in Moscow. In 1812, during Napoleon's occupation of Moscow, the street was destroyed by the great fire and then rebuilt. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, the Arbat was home to residences of Russian nobility. In 1993 this famous pedestrian street of Moscow marked its 500th birthday. Nowadays the Arbat Street is one of the most expensive and desirable places to live. The Old Arbat Street is one of the symbols of old Moscow, which was celebrated in poems, novels, songs, and movies.