
Princess Turandot Fountain-Monument, Moscow
Walking past the Vakhtangov State Academic Theater on Arbat, one of the top theaters in Moscow much loved by many generations of the locals, you can't help noticing a fountain crowned with a bronze sculpture. This fountain-monument, consistent with the Old Arbat atmosphere, was built in the late 1990s by sculptor Alexander Burganov to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Vakhtangov production of Turandot play by Carlo Gozzi. A legendary success from the outset, this show has been on since 1922 and its main heroine, a wayward Princess Turandot, has become a true symbol of the theater.
In the central part of the fountain is a large oval bowl fitted with an installation – a throne on a dais inside a small alcove upon which sits the princess clad in the sparkling gilt under an openwork canopy. The surrounding long stone bench invites many a stroller to sit down and relax in its cool on a hot summer day. At night, the monument is illuminated, creating a romantic setting for couples.
Back in the early 2000s, though, the monument drew rather unfortunate attention when the vandals, attracted by the gilded metal of the statue, sawed off the princess's hand. Luckily, it was soon completely restored and been carefully guarded ever since.
In the central part of the fountain is a large oval bowl fitted with an installation – a throne on a dais inside a small alcove upon which sits the princess clad in the sparkling gilt under an openwork canopy. The surrounding long stone bench invites many a stroller to sit down and relax in its cool on a hot summer day. At night, the monument is illuminated, creating a romantic setting for couples.
Back in the early 2000s, though, the monument drew rather unfortunate attention when the vandals, attracted by the gilded metal of the statue, sawed off the princess's hand. Luckily, it was soon completely restored and been carefully guarded ever since.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Moscow. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from iTunes App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Princess Turandot Fountain-Monument on Map
Sight Name: Princess Turandot Fountain-Monument
Sight Location: Moscow, Russia (See walking tours in Moscow)
Sight Type: Statue/Public Art
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Moscow, Russia (See walking tours in Moscow)
Sight Type: Statue/Public Art
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Moscow, Russia
Create Your Own Walk in Moscow
Creating your own self-guided walk in Moscow is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Moscow Introduction Walking Tour
Moscow (Russian: Moskva) is the capital and the largest city in Russia. Cosmopolitan as such, it is the nation’s political, economic, cultural, scientific and religious center. The city's name is thought to have derived from that of the Moskva River upon which it stands.
The first known reference to Moscow dates from 1147 and is associated with Prince Yuri Dolgoruky, the city's... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
The first known reference to Moscow dates from 1147 and is associated with Prince Yuri Dolgoruky, the city's... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
Arbat Street Walking Tour
The historic center of Moscow is primarily associated with the Arbat, one of the oldest surviving streets in the city, dating back to the early 15th century. The origin of the name “Arbat” is subject to numerous hypotheses referring to the Russian, Tatar, Persian and even Arabic words, meaning "bumpy" or "cart" road, "suburb" or "outskirts", etc.
A... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.3 Km or 0.8 Miles
A... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.3 Km or 0.8 Miles
Red Square Walking Tour
There's hardly a place in Russia more popular than Moscow's Red Square. Situated in the center of the city, Red Square indeed represents in many ways the very heart of the Russian capital and the whole country. Built in the late 15th century, it has since been a focal point in Russia's social and political life, witnessing many historic events: executions, demonstrations, and... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Communist Moscow Tour
The arrival of Communist ideology left indelible imprint in the history of the 20th century, largely affecting the lives of people, arts and architecture. Having been at the heart of the Soviet empire for almost 70 years, Moscow is a great destination for everyone interested in the Soviet heritage, the traces of which are found all over the city.
Some colorful, like the famous Metro stations... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Some colorful, like the famous Metro stations... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
16 Best Russian Things to Buy as Souvenirs in Moscow
While it's easier to list the riches Russia does not have, if there are such, the variety of authentic Russian stuff available in Moscow is truly mind-blowing. Some items are obscenely expensive, others - affordable, but both can make a memorable gift from the largest country in the world. To...