Location: South suburbs of Moscow Map
Constructed: 1775 on the orders of Catherine the Great
Subway: Orechovo, Tsaritsyno
Tsaritsyno Palace with surrounding garden is situated in the South suburbs of Russia's capital of Moscow. Construction of Tsaritsyno Palace began in 1775 on the orders of Catherine the Great. Originally born in a small German kingdom she became the wife of Russian tsar Peter III. Subsequently with the help of her lover and his brothers she deposed him from the throne and ordered to murder him. From that point on she along with her favourites ruled the country for quarter of the century. The architects for this massive project were V. Bazhenov and M. Kazakov. Their statues stand in front of the main building of the palace. The whole ensemble is designed in neo- Gothic architecture with towers, cones, and fake ruins. Central two palaces are connected by a gallery. Behind them is a Bread House. Later the architect Kazakov added the Grand Palace and designed a large park. In the 19th century Tsaritsyno became a place for mass public festivals. In 1993 the palace in Tsaritsyno got a status of museum- reserve. It underwent a massive renovation and today houses the Museum of Decorative and Applied Art.
Arch gallery constructed by Bazhenov in the years 1784- 85
 Russian Orthodox Church "Source of Life" was constructed in 1722 on this site by previous owner Dmitry Kantemir. Its design stands out in a general pseudo- Gothic architecture of the Tsaritsyno ensemble. Bazhenov did not dare to destroy house of God even this meant breaking overall layout for tsarina's residence. |
Figured House Bread House (1784- 85)
The Great Bridge over Ravine also known as Gothic Bridge was constructed in 1778- 84 by architect Bazhenov.
 Grape Gates- one of the unique gates in Tsaritsyno Park |
 A. Burganov "Minerva"- This statue of Roman goddess Minerva or Greek version of Athena stands next to ancient burrows (Kurgan in Russian) of the Slavic tribe of Vyatichi. Miraculously the architects kept the burials intact. |