Arbat Street
Arbat Street (Russian ⓘ), mainly referred to in English as the Arbat, is a pedestrian street about one kilometer long in the historical centre of Moscow, Russia. The Arbat has existed since at least the 15th century, which makes it one of the oldest surviving streets of the Russian capital. It forms the heart of the Arbat District of Moscow. Originally the street formed part of an important trade-route and was home to many craftsmen.
The Arbat in January 2016 | |
| Native name | Арбат (Russian) |
|---|---|
| Former name(s) | Orbat (1493) Smolenskaya Street (middle of the 17th century.) |
| Location | Moscow Central Administrative Okrug Arbat District |
| Postal code | 119019, 119002 |
| Nearest metro station | Arbatskaya Arbatskaya Smolenskaya Smolenskaya |
| Coordinates | 55°45′4″N 37°35′46″E |
In the 18th century, the Russian nobility came to regard the Arbat as the most prestigious living area in Moscow. Almost completely destroyed by the great fire of 1812 associated with Napoleon's occupation of Moscow, the street required rebuilding. In the 19th and early 20th centuries it became known as a place where petty nobility, artists, and academics lived. In the Soviet period, it housed many high-ranking government officials.
As of 2016, the street and its surroundings are undergoing gentrification, and it is considered a desirable place to live. Because of the many historic buildings, and due to the numerous artists who have lived and worked in the street, the Arbat has also become an important tourist attraction.