Arbat Street, Pedestrian street in central Moscow, Russia.
Arbat Street is a one-kilometer pedestrian zone in Moscow's historic center featuring buildings from different architectural periods. Shops, restaurants and cafés line both sides of the cobblestone pathway.
The pathway emerged in the 15th century as a trade route and evolved into a noble residential district after the great fire of 1812. During Soviet times it was converted into a pedestrian zone and used for cultural purposes.
Street musicians perform daily while portrait artists sketch passersby along the path. Small souvenir shops sell traditional matryoshka dolls alongside hand-painted lacquer miniatures.
Visitors can reach the pathway through Arbatskaya metro station at the eastern end or Smolenskaya station at the western terminus. The pedestrian zone is freely accessible and busy throughout the day, with evening hours drawing more crowds.
A memorial wall at number 37 displays messages and paintings honoring Viktor Tsoi, frontman of the influential Russian rock band Kino. Fans regularly leave new texts and drawings there as tribute to the deceased musician.
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