The Krestovsky Viaduct on Mira Avenue stands out because it hosts two active fountains at its ends. Most passersby treat them as ordinary decor, never realizing these features are live streams of water. From 1937 until 2015 they served a decorative role, and then pumps and electric systems were added to make them truly functional fountains.
Today, the setup draws about seven tons of water to each bowl in circulation, and the supply is replenished two to three times weekly. Dry spells or windy weather can increase the frequency of watering, and on some days water overflows or evaporates rather than returning to the bowls.
Some sources suggest these fountains were meant to beautify the road toward VDNKh, complementing the famed “Friendship of Peoples” and “Stone Flower” fountains that anchor the area. Before the metro era, most visitors to the exhibition arrived by land transport, so the fountains likely served as a welcoming landmark along that route.
Mikhail Kolodochkin has long collected unusual facts from the history of technology. A notable curiosity is that Russia houses a road tunnel about 900 meters deep, an example of the country’s engineering ambition.
If there are questions, they are welcome in the dialogue that continues around urban infrastructure and public art.
- The smallest drawbridge in Europe once allowed fishing boats through and is now a noted tourist stop.
- To keep up with new developments, information and updates can be found on recent social channels and official city communications.