Sobachy Pond, reservoir in Moscow, Russia
Sobachy Pond is a small reservoir in central Moscow surrounded by trees and open grass areas. Still water attracts ducks and swans, with walking paths circling the basin and benches placed for sitting and watching the water.
The area was originally swampland known as Poganoye Boloto, meaning 'filthy swamp,' before the city developed around it. Water was cleaned and the land transformed into a park that has remained a quiet neighborhood feature for generations.
The name Sobachy Pond comes from Russian and means 'dog pond,' a reference to the local practice of walking dogs along its banks. Today it remains a gathering place where residents spend time watching birds and enjoying the vegetation that frames the water.
The site is easily reached by subway at the Chistye Prudy station. Access to the park is free, and early morning or late afternoon visits offer the best conditions for observing birds and enjoying quiet moments without crowds.
A short walk away is the restaurant Shatyor, meaning 'tent' in Russian, where visitors can enjoy traditional food with views of the water. The nearby metro station was renamed after the pond in 1991 following political changes in the Soviet Union.
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