Museum-Reserve Kolomenskoye

Having travelled four stops by metro from the Kremlin to the station «Kolomenskoe», you will find yourself near an amazing place – a former residence of Moscow Grand Princes and Russian Tsars.

History

The first mention of Kolomenskoye estate relates to the XIV century. Kolomenskoye achieved its prosperity during the reign of Tsar Alexis Romanov. Kolomenskoye cherishes the true spirit of the Middle Ages: beyond the walls of the Tsar’s Courtyard there is a home church of the royal family, built in the middle of the XVII century; an ice-house of the same period; the Sinty Yard, where beverages for the Tsar's table were prepared; the Fryazhskiy Cellar for wines imported from abroad; the Prikaznaya Chamder – analogue of modern ministry. The Saviour Gate and the Front Gate, leading to the Tsar’s Courtyard from the west and the east, are of particular interest. And beyond its bounds, on the high bank of the Moskva River, there is striking complex of architectural landmarks of the XVI-XIX centuries, built for various purposes: from the magnificent stone Church of the Ascencion with tent-like roof to the Water Tower, supplying the Tsar’s courtyard with water in the XVII century.

Another interesting page in the history of Kolomenskoye as a royal residence, and in the history of the whole Russian state was recreated on the left bank of the Zhuzha River. This is the story of falconry that reached its zenith during the reign of Tsar Àlexis Romanov – the father of Peter the Great. The exposition created on the territory of the modern Falconry Yard tell us about ancient methods of hunting, training of falcons and life of royal falconers.
Nearby, on the picturesque bank there is a weir, and the sound of turning mill wheel invites us to the Water Mill. People in Russia always say: “Bread is the staff of life”. On the mill you can see how ?our is made from rye and wheat grains to bake a fragrant loaf of bread.

Not far away there is a replica of Gerrit Cyst’s House in Zaandam – the house where young Tsar Peter I lived during his trip to Europe as a member of the “Grand Embassy” delegation. By making the transition from medieval Russia to Russia of Peter’s time, our guests turn over the pages of history, which are recreated and restored to life in Kolomenskoye.

Architecture

On the right steep bank of the Moscow River there is a 62 meter tent-roofed church – the first Russian stone church built “like the wooden one". This masterpiece of architecture, the monument protected by UNESCO, for several centuries it catches imagination of specialists, historians and just tourists. People from all over the world visit Kolomenskoye to see the Church of the Ascension. Enjoy this ancient limestone miracle and learn the detailed history of its construction directed by Russian and Italian architects.

In the north-east of Kolomenskoye along the banks of the Zhuzha River, there are saved medieval monuments of wooden architecture, recreated Falconry Yard and a Water Mill. Dilapidated by time and turbulences of national history wooden buildings of the XVII century from Siberia and the Russian North were transported to Kolomenskoye in the 1930s. Each of them is not only a hymn to Russian skillful builders, but also a source of knowledge about Russian history – both civilian and military. All these monuments convey the unique atmosphere of the Russian Middle Ages and illustrated the rich Russian history of the XVII century.

Perks of visiting Museum-Reserve Kolomenskoye  with CityPass

With the Moscow CityPass you can visit the Church of the Ascension, a monument of ancient architecture included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, the Romanov dynasty’s monarchic court, Wooden House of Peter the Great. The museum collection includes coins, rare ancient books, examples of ancient Russian paintings and household items made of glass, leather and faience.

Please note!

If you decided to go to the Kolomenskoye estate by metro, it would be better to get in the first wagon of a train (from center of the city). Like an orienteer use Orbita Cinema Center, if it is on your left — you are moving in the right direction.

Entrance to the park is open from April till September: 07:00 – 00:00 and from October till March: 08:00 – 21:00.

What else does Moscow CityPass include

Moscow CityPass is a single electronic card for tourists, which include visits to the best museums and excursions, the best deals and discounts.