Who designed the big Kremlin Palace. Interiors of the Own half. State Kremlin Palace
The museum-apartment of Nikolai Semenovich Golovanov (1891–1953), the great conductor, composer and pianist, traces its history back to 1969, when, after the death of the musician’s sister, this apartment became part of the Russian national museum music.
The basis of the funds was the rich heritage of the musician: his
collections of paintings, sculptures, applied arts, a library, an archive and a music library. Over the years, the value of this legacy has steadily grown.
The very status of Golovanov as a conductor and composer has changed: now this master is recognized as a great one. The amazing concentration of spirituality, creative energy, the true scope of his work is striking. His personality also attracts, first of all, loyalty to the high moral principles laid down since childhood and uncompromising, selfless service to art.
The memorial apartment of the conductor with its various rarities is also amazing in terms of the concentration of spiritual values. The house itself in Bryusov Lane, in which it is located, is a cultural monument. It belonged to the Bolshoi Theatre. Since 1935, such luminaries of Moscow vocal art as A. V. Nezhdanova, N. A. Obukhova, I. S. Kozlovsky, A. S. Pirogov, M. P. Maksakova lived here. Golovanov lived here for about twenty years (1935–1953). It was during these years, heading the orchestra of the All-Union Radio and later the Bolshoi Theater, that he became a leading figure in the musical life of Moscow. Three rooms of this apartment (study, living room, dining room) are memorial. Almost every subject here remembers Golovanov. And in the former bedroom, archive materials are concentrated, allowing you to trace the path of the musician.
The initial stage was the study at the Synodal School of Church Singing (1900–1909), which took place under the guidance of such masters as choirmasters V. S. Orlov, N. M. Danilin, composers P. G. Chesnokov, A. D. Kastalsky, Vikt. S. Kalinnikov. Golovanov wrote in his declining years: “The Synodal School gave me everything: moral principles, life principles, iron discipline, the ability to work hard and systematically, instilled in me a sacred love for work.”
The next stage is studying at the Moscow Conservatory in the class of composition and theory with S. N. Vasilenko and A. A. Ilyinsky. At the same time, Golovanov did not lose touch with the Synodal School, becoming its teacher and assistant regent of the famous Synodal Choir. From 1915 and almost to last days- work at the Bolshoi Theater (though with three forced breaks). These were the culminating years in the life of the theatre. Under the direction of Golovanov and his eminent "team" (artist F. F. Fedorovsky, directors L. V. Baratov, B. A. Pokrovsky and other outstanding masters), such masterpieces as the productions of "Boris Godunov", "Sadko", " Khovanshchina" 1948-1950.
No less effective is Golovanov's leadership of the Big Radio Symphony Orchestra. His work in Moscow during the Great Patriotic War was especially important. Live broadcasts of the orchestra's performances lifted the spirits of even people far from music. In the photograph of 1943, we see the conductor during the first performance in the USSR of the Third Symphony by S. V. Rachmaninov. The exposition also reflects Golovanov's composing work. different years, starting with piano variations of childhood, ending with spiritual chants of the 1940s.
A special section is devoted to Golovanov's long-term union with A. V. Nezhdanova: the musician was an accompanist and husband of the great singer. Entering the memorial rooms of the Museum, visitors are immediately immersed in the world of art. Pictures of first-class artists (I. I. Levitan, M. V. Nesterov, K. A. Korovin and many others), sculptural portraits, antique furniture in the Empire style, stucco on the ceilings - everything creates a unique atmosphere. At the same time, Golovanov's "handwriting" is felt. Already in the layout of the apartment, theatrical features are visible: the living room corresponds to the study, like a theater hall and stage. The doors with bronze mythological figures are also remarkable. Although the genres, themes of paintings and sculptures presented in the memorial rooms are diverse, each room has its own dominants. The office is the most “musical” room. There are many portraits of composers, conductors, as well as figures of art and literature. In the living room, a significant place is occupied by images related to religious themes, and images embodying the ideals of female beauty. In the dining room, the thematic dominant is travel in time and space: Russia and England, Italy and Egypt, India and the fabulous Berendey kingdom, deep antiquity and the 20th century. On picturesque canvases come to life architectural masterpieces world - the Taj Mahal mausoleum by V. V. Vereshchagin, Pskov Kremlin V. V. Meshkov, the Venetian Doge's Palace in the painting by I. K. Aivazovsky.
And one more attraction of the Museum is its visitors in the past and in the present. After all, Golovanov was visited by many outstanding musicians and artists. The owner of the apartment liked to arrange a feast on holidays and memorable days. The regulars were singers of the Bolshoi Theater who lived in the same house - Obukhova, Maksakova, Pirogov, Kozlovsky ... And after the opening of the Museum (1974), conductors B. E. Khaikin, K. P. Kondrashin, G. N. Rozhdestvensky, F. Sh. Mansurov, Yu. I. Simonov. Among the concert visitors are the composer V. A. Gavrilin, the ballerina E. S. Maksimova, the singer Z. A. Dolukhanova. And at the present time, the Museum has a lot of things that attract both conductors, professional musicians, and connoisseurs of painting, and music lovers, and a wide range of people who seek to touch the world of beauty.
The building was erected at the initiative of Emperor Nicholas I at the end of the 19th century on the site of the ancient grand ducal palace of Ivan III and the palace of Empress Elizabeth Petrovna built on its basis in the 18th century.
The beginning of the reign of NicholasIwas overshadowed by the Decembrist uprising in December 1825, and therefore, more than his predecessors, he needed external attributes of power. The ruler wanted to build new spacious ceremonial halls for holding palace ceremonies, and in addition, the Grand Kremlin Palace had, firstly, to demonstrate historical continuity power, and, secondly, to show its brilliance and strength.
That is why elements of the Byzantine-Russian style are used in the design of the building (to show the dynastic connection with the Byzantine emperors), and five main halls of the Grand Kremlin Palace are dedicated to the highest awards of the Russian army.
In accordance with its ceremonial function, the Grand Kremlin Palace is not so much a building as a monument that tells Russian history and glorifying the Russian army.
Grand Kremlin Palace - brief description
The main task of the architects was to solve the problem of unity architectural ensemble ancient Kremlin and a new palace. The construction was carried out according to the project of Konstantin Ton. The palace complex included ancient buildings - the Faceted Chamber and the Golden Tsaritsyna Chamber, the Terem Palace and palace churches.
At the same time, the tendency towards gigantism, characteristic of Ton and his time, was clearly manifested in the architecture of the building. A large-scale two-story yellow building with high arched windows stretches along the Moskva River for 125 meters, and its height is 37 meters and it looks like a three-story building, although the building has two floors.
Entering the palace from the main entrance, you will find yourself in the front lobby, the vault of which is supported by four gray columns made of granite brought from Karelia, from the city of Serdobol (now the city of Sortavala). The lobby is illuminated by four bronze floor lamps, each with 13 Carcel lamps (invented by the Swiss craftsman Carcel).
The guests went up to the second floor front staircase, its steps (there are 66 in total) are low and wide, so that ladies in elegant evening dresses can comfortably climb and the procession takes on a particularly solemn look. The walls of the lobby are decorated with yellow marble brought from Kolomna near Moscow.
St George's Hall
This is one of the most monumental and beautiful halls dedicated to the highest order Russian Empire- Order of George the Victorious. The badge of the order is a gold cross covered with white enamel depicting George slaying a snake.
The order has four degrees of distinction. They were awarded to officers and military units for courage and courage shown in battle, as well as for long service. In total, this honorary military title was awarded to about 11 thousand gentlemen and regular military formations. You will see their names on the wall boards of the hall.
Each of the pylons of the hall ends with a twisted column and a sculpture by Ivan Vitali, symbolizing the region or kingdom of the Russian Empire.
The flooring is an authentic parquet made in 1845, made of 20 precious woods brought from South-East Asia And South America. One of the decorations of the hall is a copy of the monument to the great Novgorod heroes Kuzma Minin and Dmitry Pozharsky, installed on Red Square.
The main colors of the hall are white and gold: the vault trimmed with stucco and the sculptures of the hall are white, the names of the Cavaliers of St. George and military formations are gold on the boards. Six chandeliers cast in bronze are also gilded.
St. George's Hall surprises with its severity and scale. This is a temple of Russian valor, a monument to the feats of arms of Russian weapons. As before, government receptions and meetings are held here, awards are presented.
Alexander Hall
The Alexander Hall is dedicated to the Order of the Holy Prince Alexander Nevsky. Prince Alexander was known for his piety and courage. The order in his honor was established by Catherine I in 1725, and the motto of the award is "For Labor and Fatherland".
The Alexander Hall is also huge, 31 meters long, 21 meters wide and 20 meters high. Konstantin Ton used elements of the Byzantine-Russian style in its design. The intricate floral parquet, created in 1843, looks like a fabric carpet that glistens under a layer of lacquer.
Under the dome are the signs of the order - a cross and a star with the monogram of St. Alexander, in the corners - images of a double-headed eagle.
Historical canvases, created by Fyodor Moller, professor of historical painting at the Academy of Arts, tell about the life of St. Alexander Nevsky. The paintings on the western side of the hall tell about the military exploits of the prince, and on the eastern side we see scenes from his peaceful life.
The light from the high windows, reflected in numerous mirrors, fills the entire space. The walls are decorated with white and pink marble, and the red velvet in the furniture upholstery matches the color of the sash. Between the twisted gilded columns are the coats of arms of the lands of the Russian Empire.
Andrew's Hall
Andreevsky Hall (Throne) was the main hall of the Kremlin Palace. It is dedicated to the Order of St. Andrew the First-Called, established by Peter in 1698. The motto of the order is "For Faith and Loyalty".
The tetrahedral columns of St. Andrew's Hall form three naves. In the eastern side of the room there is a throne, consisting of three thrones, one of them was intended for Nicholas II, the second - for his wife Alexandra Feodorovna, and the third - for the Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna, the emperor's mother. Above the throne place is a canopy made of ermine fur. The vault depicts the all-seeing eye in radiance - the Orthodox symbol of the Trinity.
During the days of the coronation, guests from all the lands of the Russian Empire gathered in the Andreevsky Hall to congratulate the emperor.
St. Andrew's Hall impresses with its luxury - vaults, columns and pylons are covered with gilded stucco, and the capitals (the upper parts of the columns and pylons) are decorated with signs of the order - the image of a double-headed eagle, against which is St. Andrew crucified on the cross.
Vladimir Hall
The Vladimir Hall is dedicated to another high military award - the Order of St. Vladimir, established in honor of Prince Vladimir of Kyiv, under whom Rus' was baptized.
The motto of the order is "Benefit, honor and glory", and its sign is a golden cross covered with red enamel. The creator of the Grand Kremlin Palace, Konstantin Ton, was also awarded this order.
In its form, this is an unusual room. In plan, it is a square with a side of 16 meters, but niches are made at its corners, and as a result, the Vladimir Hall looks more like an octagon.
The dome of the hall reminds ancient tent, daylight into which penetrates through a round lantern, and in the evening the hall is illuminated by a magnificent bronze chandelier. One of the decorations of the hall is the arches decorating the side galleries.
Vladimir Hall connects the main halls of the Grand Kremlin Palace with the Palace of Facets and the Terem Palace.
Ceremonial order halls can be viewed during the tour. Only the Catherine Hall, where the President of Russia holds official meetings and negotiations, is not accessible.
Catherine's Hall
The Catherine Hall is dedicated to the Order of St. Catherine, established by Peter the Great. The motto of the order is "For love and fatherland". The award had two degrees. The Order of Catherine of the first degree was awarded to princesses by birthright, and the second degree to court ladies. The first lady to be awarded this order was Peter's wife, Catherine I.
Unusually beautiful candelabra appeared here in 1856, when the coronation of Alexander II took place. Two crystal candlesticks were brought from the Winter Palace of St. Petersburg, and four others were taken from the Museum of the Imperial Glass Factory.
own half
The residential part of the building is located in the southern part of the Kremlin Palace. Here, in the so-called "Private Half", were the chambers of the emperor and empress. The enfilade consists of six main rooms:
- The bedchamber of the Empress with luxurious furniture and exquisite decoration. In the design, mainly two colors are used - blue and gold. An atmosphere of peace and piety prevails here.
- In the boudoir of the Empress (lady's morning room) there is one of the most beautiful fireplaces of the palace, decorated with polished malachite plates. Overhead gilded details in the form of beads, garlands and rosettes give it a special sophistication
- The Empress's study was decorated at the request of its first mistress, Empress Alexandra Feodorovna, in the Boule style (named after a furniture maker of the 17th century). Here, in the decoration of furniture and doors, a special type of inlay was used, when plates of tortoise shell and copper were superimposed on a wooden base. Also gorgeous upholstery fabric with gold thread
- The living room of the Empress is snow-white with gold trim. Eight plaster bas-reliefs are symbols of the arts, four more depict the seasons. The main decoration of the room is a unique pineapple chandelier, a symbol of hospitality and cordiality.
- The dining room is decorated in a traditional classic style. Stucco ornamentation on the vault, white and yellow marble in the decoration of the walls, in the niches - marble vases with antique scenes, sculptures of Leda, the beloved of Zeus and the god of marriage Hymineus.
Excursions to the Grand Kremlin Palace
The Grand Kremlin Palace and the Palace of Facets can only be visited as part of an excursion by appointment. The cost of the tour is from 4 thousand rubles (2019), duration is about 1.5 hours. You must be prepared for the fact that the date and time of the tour may be postponed due to official events. It is recommended to take as few personal items as possible on the tour. Before visiting, several inspections are carried out as at the airport. Photography is only allowed in a few front rooms.
Big Kremlin Palace It was erected by Konstantin Ton at the direction of Nicholas I for more than ten years - from 1838 to 1849. As the great creators intended, grand building became reliable and corresponding to the status of the capital city.
Address: Russia, Moscow, Moscow Kremlin
Start of construction: 1838
Completion of construction: 1849
Architect: K. A. Ton
Palace halls: Andreevsky, Alexandrovsky, Vladimirsky, Georgievsky, Ekaterininsky
Coordinates: 55°44"59.4"N 37°36"57.2"E
An object cultural heritage Russian Federation
The Grand Kremlin Palace is a building of extraordinary beauty, and the look and decoration of all its premises is literally breathtaking! Unfortunately this building is government agency and a sensitive object, so it is almost impossible to get there on an excursion.
The story about the Grand Kremlin Palace should begin with the history of its construction, which has more than a dozen years and many events.
However, the next empress, Catherine II, did not like the new palace - in her opinion, it was too modest and did not fully correspond to the greatness of the Russian Empire. Therefore, once again it was decided to rebuild the Moscow imperial residence. Architect Bazhenov V.I. a project for a new palace was developed.
View of the southern facade of the Palace
The scale of the construction was assumed to be considerable - the palace was supposed to occupy the entire near-river territory of the Kremlin, starting from Borovitsky Hill and to the very bank of the Moscow River. To implement this project, several objects were destroyed on the territory of the Kremlin. For example, orders were demolished, located east of the Archangel Cathedral. A part of the Kremlin wall between the First, Second and Petrovsky Nameless Towers and the Tainitsky Gates was also destroyed. The official laying of the new palace was carried out in 1773. But, what is most interesting, already in 1774, a year after the solemn ceremony, the project was recognized as too large-scale and inappropriate for the tasks that it was supposed to meet. As a result, almost all the destroyed objects were restored, and one building was erected on the prepared site - the Moscow branch of the Senate. At the same time, they did not forget about the old palace - they decided to renovate it and rebuild it a bit.
The history of the construction of the large Kremlin Palace does not end there. When the construction of the Cathedral of Christ the Savior began in Moscow, the idea to renovate it once again came up. The reason was the idea that the new Kremlin Palace should have symbolized the renewal of the city.
The initiator of the creation of a new palace on the site of the old branch of the Senate was the Russian Emperor Nicholas I. The architect Konstantin Ton began developing a new project in 1837. It should be noted that the same Konstantin Ton designed and built the Cathedral of Christ the Savior.
Grand Kremlin Palace and new building technologies
Konstantin Ton for the construction of the large Moscow Palace decided to apply a number of innovations that were revolutionary for that time. Lightweight large-span vaults made of bricks and truss structures of metal roofs were truly a new word in the building technologies of that time. In addition, cement was used for the first time in the construction of the large Moscow Palace.
About decoration and halls of the Kremlin Palace
Mix of styles used in interior decoration large Kremlin Palace, made with impeccable taste and includes both Renaissance elements and fragments of Russian-Byzantine styles. The palace includes several halls, each of which is worth talking about separately.
Meeting Hall - the largest hall of the Kremlin Palace
Next to the St. George's Hall is the most Big hall Kremlin Palace - meeting room. The fact is that the hall turned out to be the largest as a result of the unification in 1933-1934 by architect Ivanov of two halls at once - Alexander and Andreevsky.
During the Soviet era, the Conference Hall had a longer name: the Conference Hall of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR. In the period from 1994 to 1998, reconstruction work was carried out to restore the interiors of the combined halls, which were damaged during the redevelopment. The Meeting Room has an area of 1615 sq. m, with 18-meter ceilings, and the maximum capacity of the hall is 3000 people.
Georgievsky Hall of the Grand Kremlin Palace
Perhaps the most beautiful of all. The hall was given the name in honor of the Order of St. George the Victorious. For those who do not know, this is the highest award for officers Russian army, which was established in 1769. The hall is dedicated to the heroes of Russia's military glory. In the halls there are several marble boards on which the names of regiments, batteries and naval crews are imprinted. The names of more than 10 thousand holders of the Order of St. George the Victorious are also carved. By the way, among those proudly wearing this order are famous people like Alexander Suvorov, Fedor Ushakov, Mikhail Kutuzov, Pavel Nakhimov and Pyotr Bagration.
The dimensions of the St. George's Hall are as follows: length - 61 m, width 20.5 m, and height 17.5 m. The main colors are white and gold. The 18 pylons that support the ceiling are made in the form of marble statues by I. Vitali.
Fragment of the facade of the Palace
The lighting elements of the hall also look impressive - which are 6 gilded openwork bronze chandeliers (each weighing 1.3 tons) and 40 stylish lamps located on the walls along the perimeter of the hall.
Significant events that took place within the walls of the St. George Hall include the reception of participants in the Victory Parade in 1945 and the meeting of the first cosmonaut on Earth - Yuri Gagarin.
Vladimir Hall of the Grand Kremlin Palace
The Order of St. Vladimir is the award after which the Vladimir Hall is named. The hall is made very interestingly - in the form of an octahedron, the lighting of the hall is natural, through a glass dome on the ceiling. In fact, this hall is the key architectural element Big Kremlin Palace. From it you can get to Georgievsky Hall, the Palace of Facets, the Terem Palace and many other rooms. For lighting at night, the hall has a chandelier, also made of gilded bronze. The most beautiful floor, the parquet of which is made of several noble types of wood, also attracts attention. The hall is made in pink tones, mainly due to the lining of the walls of pink marble.
The new imperial palace was built on the initiative of Nicholas I in 1838-1850. on the site of the dismantled ancient grand ducal palace of Ivan III and erected on its basis in the 18th century. Palace of Empress Elizabeth Petrovna. Design and construction were carried out by a group of architects consisting of: N.I. Chichagov, V.A. Bakarev, F.F. Richter, P.A. Gerasimov, F.G. recognized as the founder of the “Byzantine-Russian style”.
The palace complex, later called the “Great Kremlin Palace”, in addition to the newly built building, included a part of the surviving buildings of the late 15th-17th centuries, which were previously part of the ancient grand ducal, and later the royal residence. These are the Faceted Chamber, the Golden Tsaritsyna Chamber, the Terem Palace and palace churches. After the construction of the Armory in 1851 and the building of the Apartments adjacent to it from the north, connected by an air passage with palace complex, a single ensemble of the Grand Kremlin Palace was formed, related compositionally and stylistically.
By setting up new buildings, K.A. Ton, to a certain extent, reproduced the layout of the ancient ensemble, and the design of the facades developed the architectural theme old buildings. The arcade of the first tier of the palace is a remake of the basement of Aleviz; the terrace on top of the arcade repeats the old promenades and connects the ensemble in space; the winter garden over the new passage resembles the hanging gardens of antiquity; the carved figured frame of the window openings of the double-height second floor, profiled pilasters between them, the central raised part with kokoshniks, covered by a dome, echo the architecture of the Terem Palace. However, the dryness and monotony of the facades deprives the building of the picturesqueness inherent in Terems.
Nevertheless, the work of K.A. Ton is marked by innovation: long-span lightweight brick vaults, unique for Russian architecture, metal roof truss structures, the use of new building materials, in particular cement for figured castings, were highly appreciated by contemporaries.
Internal layout imperial palace, numbering about seven hundred rooms, includes the main lobby with a staircase; five ceremonial order halls; reception front rooms of the Empress; living quarters of the imperial family, the so-called "Own half" and office space located on the ground floor. Luxurious interior decoration in the spirit of the times is made in different styles- from "Renaissance" to "Byzantine-Russian" and is distinguished by elegance, delicate taste and high quality of work. The palace is rightly called a museum of Russian palace interiors.
In 1933-1934. The Alexander and Andreevsky halls of the palace were rebuilt into the meeting room of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR, having lost the splendor of their interiors for many years. In 1994-1998 halls, by decision of the President of the Russian Federation, were restored.
At present, the entire complex of the Grand Kremlin Palace, except for the Armory, is main residence President of the Russian Federation.
View of the palace from the Moskva River
The long 125-meter facade of the palace stretches along the embankment of the Moscow River. His appearance almost all Russians will recognize it, even those who have never been to the capital. The huge palace appeared in the Kremlin in the middle of the 19th century, during the reign of Emperor Nicholas I. And the author architectural project The famous Russian architect Konstantin Andreevich Ton became the palace building.
The idea to build a new palace in Moscow was born after the victory of Russia in Patriotic War 1812. The burnt city was rebuilt, and the Russian tsar wanted a new building to appear in it, which could emphasize the connection of Moscow with folk traditions. Nicholas I dreamed that the palace would turn into a monument to all Russian soldiers. In accordance with the wishes of the sovereign, the architect prepared a project for the building in the so-called pseudo-Russian style. Construction took 10 years and was completed in 1849.
The majestic palace rises to 47 m, and total area its premises is 25 thousand square meters. m. This is not a single building, but a whole architectural complex, which includes nine temples and chambers of the 16th-17th centuries, the Terem Palace, 700 halls and rooms, as well as a long vestibule.
The main palace halls are named after Russian orders. State awards and credentials are presented in the five most luxuriously decorated halls. In addition, official celebrations are held here.
Although today this palace is considered the residence of the President of the country, you can get inside it. Tours of the palace premises are allowed for organized groups, subject to prior booking.
Terem Palace
View of the southern facade of the palace
The complex of the Grand Kremlin Palace includes a unique five-story building that appeared in the heart of the city at the beginning of the 16th century. This is an unusual Terem Palace, the author of the initial project of which was the famous Italian master of architecture Aleviz Fryazin. The building received its final appearance in the 1630s, when Tsar Mikhail Fedorovich ruled Russia.
In the first half of the 17th century, most city buildings were wooden. When a stone five-story building was erected in the Kremlin, Muscovites perceived it as a real miracle! The inhabitants were especially impressed by the uppermost floor - the golden-domed Teremok, in which the Boyar Duma then met.
The Terem Palace is made of stone in the traditions of the Russian wooden architecture and its interiors are richly decorated with colorful wall paintings. Colored glass is inserted into the palace windows, and there are tiled stoves and carved wooden furniture in the rooms.
Arsenal
Arsenal building
The first building of the arsenal was built at the beginning of the 18th century. In 1737, the so-called Great or Trinity Fire took place in Moscow, as a result of which the city center was almost completely burned out. Strongly got from the fire and the Kremlin arsenal.
At the end of the 18th century, the arsenal was restored under the guidance of the famous architect Matvey Kazakov. However, during the war of 1812 the building was damaged again. French troops retreating from Moscow blew up the Kremlin storehouse. That two-story building, which has survived to this day, was erected in the traditions of classicism in 1815-1828.
The square building stands near the Nikolskaya Tower. You can't get inside it. Today, the historical building houses the services of the commandant's office and the premises where the military personnel of the Presidential Regiment live. These are the soldiers who guard the Kremlin and take part in the guard of honor at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and near the Eternal Flame.
State Kremlin Palace
View of the Kremlin Palace from Senate Square
The "youngest" palace building on the Kremlin territory appeared in 1961. Before the collapse of the USSR, it was called the "Kremlin Palace of Congresses". A new spacious palace was built for public and official events. Its light facades are impressive. They are lined with beautiful Ural marble and anodized aluminum.
In the 1960s-1980s, participants of party congresses came here. Nowadays in big building show performances and theatrical productions, and on New Year the palace gathers children for main tree countries.
Senate Palace
View of the domed hall of the Senate from the courtyard
A beautiful palace for meetings of the Governing Senate was erected by order of Catherine II in the 1770s-1780s. The Russian Empress entrusted the construction of the palace to Matvey Kazakov, and the eminent architect prepared a brilliant project of a triangular building in the best traditions of classicism.
Many well-known statesmen of Russia have visited this palace, and various bodies of Russian power have sat in it. In the 1920s, V.I. Lenin, and later in the majestic building of Kazakov, the government of the USSR held its meetings.
The rounded dome of the Senate Palace is perfectly visible from Red Square. Below it is a spacious Catherine Hall, where all major events are held with the participation of the President of the country. A richly decorated marble staircase leads to the entrance to the hall.
The dome rises 29 meters above the floor of Catherine's Hall. Sections of the walls between the window openings look very solemn. They are decorated with bas-reliefs depicting portraits of Russian princes and tsars. Today, the Senate Palace houses the working and representative offices of the President, as well as the presidential library.
Faceted Chamber
View of the Palace of Facets from Cathedral Square
The expressive building of the Faceted Chamber belongs to the ancient Kremlin palaces. It was built at the end of the 15th century by Marco Ruffo and Pietro Antonio Solari (Peter Fryazin), Italian architects who worked for Tsar John III.
The palace got its name because of the decoration of the facade on the eastern side with faceted or “diamond” rustication. This is how rich Italian palaces were decorated during the Renaissance. The Faceted Chamber played the role of the reception rooms of the Grand Dukes. The Boyar Duma met in it and the Zemsky Sobors were held. The victories of the Russian army were celebrated in this palace more than once. And along the Red Porch, the sovereigns passed to the coronation ceremony at the Assumption Cathedral.
