Tsaritsino

Tsaritsino palace

Tsaritsino is a landscape park and an impressive royal residence of the 18th century. It was constructed between 1775 and 1796. Tsaritsino means "Tsarina's" ("Queen's"). The unique architectural complex was designed for Catherine the Great.

Don't miss the opportunity to visit Tsaritsino, this royal estate looks really different from what you have seen before. The elegant red and white palace, festive and airy pavilions are constructed in romantic "Gothic style". It's a blend of European and Russian traditions transformed by the fantasy of two genius Russian architects.

Near the palace are a number of pavilions, pergolas, artificial grottoes, decorative bridges. They are scattered around a picturesque romantic park and the trees overlook the waters of quiet ponds.
It's hard to imagine that no one has ever lived here.
In 1776-85 the architect Vasili Bazhenov built a new palace for the Empress here. A huge amount of money and energy was spent but suddenly Catherine changed her mind. She didn't like it any more and ordered to pull down part of the complex. Until 1797 another architect, Matvey Kazakov was working on the construction, but the palace remained unfinished. Catherine soon lost her interest and after she died the architectural idea was not completed. The palatial ensemble turned into majestic ruins.

The large bridge over the ravine

There might be some mystery hidden behind the story of Tsaritsino. We can only guess why Catherine didn't like the residence of such beauty, why any other monarchs after her didn't want to live here.

The palace and pavilions were ruined and in the 20th century alpinists used them for training. The palace construction was finished only several years ago. But today it's not meant for living. It's a museum of the history of Tsaritsino and all visitors are welcomed inside.

You can walk around Tsaritsino on your own, enjoy the beauty of its parks or even have a picnic. If you're also interested in history or architecture come here with your Moscow tour guide.