The oldest house in Moscow
What is the age of the oldest house of Moscow?The oldest preserved secular building in Moscow is the Palace of Facets in Moscow Kremlin. It was built in 1487 — 1491 during the reign of the Grand Duke Ivan III so now it's over 500 years old.
The palace was built by the Italian architects Marco Ruffo and Pietro Solario and served as the most important reception hall for royal feasts, coronation celebrations, and other state ceremonies. The eastern façade is faced with sharp-edged stones. This decoration typical for the Renaissance architecture gives the Palace its name.
The palace looked a bit different in the 15th century. The building had a look of the palace-fortress: the lower tier had no doors and the palace was surrounded by an outer wall. No surprise that foreign ambassadors used to call the palace "the castle of the Grand Duke". What we can see today is the result of the reconstruction in 1684.
The walls and vaulted ceiling are painted with unique frescoes. But unfortunately, it's not possible to go inside. The building is still used for state receptions including the visit of Queen Elizabeth II in 1994.
You can have a look at this unique building during your Moscow tour in the Kremlin.
Moscow Curious Facts
Moscow population
Today Moscow is the biggest city in Europe. The population of Moscow is 10,5 million people.
Moscow parks
Moscow is a very green city. More than 40 percent of its territory consists of parks, gardens and forests.
Moscow metro
Moscow metro is the most frequently used public transport in Moscow both for Muscovites and tourists.
Moscow subway
The deepest station of the Moscow metro is "Park Pobedy", 84 meters, the height of a 28 storey building
Metro announcements
While navigating Moscow metro you can always determine the direction of the train by the gender of the announcer.
Summer 2010 beat all temperature records
Summer 2010 will be remembered by Muscovites and Moscow guests with abnormal high temperatures.
Moscow fountain with drinking water
There are more than 700 fountains in Moscow, but there is only one with drinking water.
Moscow winters
The coldest temperature ever recorded in Moscow was −42В°C. It happened in January 1940.
What unusual monuments can Moscow boast of?
Have you heard of such monuments as "Give way to the ducklings",a crow and a fox with melted cheese "Friendship" or Children are the victims of adults' vices?
Unusual Moscow trains
Moscow metro is famous not only for its exquisite design and interior but also for its unique trains.
Moscow McDonalds
Would you agree to stay in line for 6 hours to get to McDonalds? This is what many Muscovites did in 1990.
Monument to Saints Cyril and Methodius
What monument in Moscow has 5 spelling mistakes in the inscription?
Organ evenings in Kuskovo
"Organ evenings in Kuskovo" is a series of concerts that is held on weekends in one of the most beautiful old estates in Moscow
Naughty bell
A very old political prisoner aged 300 lives in Moscow Kremlin. Who could it be?
7 curious facts and legends about 7 sisters.
What facts and legends have you heard about Stalin Sisters?
What does a number of cupolas on a church signify?
Have you ever questioned yourself, why some churches have 3 domes while other – five or even more?
Be careful, the house is moving!
Have you ever seen a house moving? Can you imagine a multi-storey building with tenants being moved tens of meters away?
