Museum-Reserve "Kolomenskoye"

The Museum-Reserve "Kolomenskoye" is a unique historical and architectural complex located in the south of Moscow. This former royal residence, covering 256 hectares, preserves centuries of Russian history and is one of the most significant cultural sites of the capital.

History of Kolomenskoye

First Mentions and Origin of the Name

The first documentary mentions of Kolomenskoye date back to the 14th century, when the village was listed in the spiritual charter of Ivan Kalita in 1339. There are several versions of the origin of its name:

• According to one version, the village was founded by residents of Kolomna fleeing the Mongol-Tatar invasion
• Another theory links the name to the Finno-Ugric term "kolomishche," meaning a mass burial site

Becoming a Tsar’s Residence

In the 16th century, under Vasily III, Kolomenskoye gained the status of a grand-ducal residence. In 1532, the famous Church of the Ascension was laid here in honor of the birth of his heir – the future Ivan the Terrible. This church became the first stone tent-roofed structure in Russia and is now included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The 17th century was the golden age of Kolomenskoye. Under Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich, a grand wooden palace was built here, consisting of 270 rooms and 26 towers. Contemporaries called it the "Eighth Wonder of the World."

Main Architectural Landmarks

Church of the Ascension – a UNESCO Gem

The main attraction of Kolomenskoye is the Church of the Ascension, built in 1532. This unique monument of architecture is distinguished by several features:

• The first stone tent-roofed church in Russia, 62 meters high
• Built on oak piles that over time became as strong as iron
• Combines elements of Russian and Western European architecture
• Interior space measures only 8.5 by 8.5 meters

The architect was presumably the Italian master Pietro Francesco Annibale, known in Russia as Petrok Maly.

Palace of Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich

Recreated in 2010, the palace is an exact copy of the 17th-century royal residence. The original building was dismantled under Catherine II due to dilapidation. The modern reconstruction includes:

• 26 towers of various heights
• 270 richly decorated rooms
• More than 3000 windows with carved frames
• Division into male and female quarters

Church Monuments of the Complex

Church of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God

A stone church of the 1650s, built in the Russian ornamental style. It houses the miraculous Derzhavnaya Icon of the Mother of God from the 18th century, discovered in 1917 among old boards.

Church of the Beheading of John the Baptist

One of the oldest churches in Moscow, presumably built in 1529. Its architects may have been Barma and Postnik, creators of St. Basil’s Cathedral. According to legend, the library of Ivan the Terrible may be hidden beneath the church.

Wooden Architecture Monuments

Kolomenskoye contains the only collection in Moscow of wooden architectural monuments:

Moss Tower of the Sumy Fortress

A 16th-century battle tower, transported from the shores of the White Sea. Its design features include:

• The top ring of the tower wider than the base
• A special gap for dropping stones on enemies
• Traces of grapeshot preserved on the original logs
• Three levels: residential, defensive, and observation

Peter I’s Cabin

A wooden building from 1702 in the Arkhangelsk region, where the young tsar lived for two months while supervising the construction of Novodvinsk Fortress. The exhibition includes:

• The emperor’s work desk with ship drawings
• A nail marking Peter I’s height (2 meters 4 centimeters)
• An imprint of the sovereign’s right hand

Dutch House of Peter I

An exact copy of the house in the Dutch city of Zaandam, gifted by the Netherlands to Russia in 2013. It recreates the environment in which Peter I lived while studying shipbuilding, including the famous sleeping closet.

Natural and Mystical Attractions

Golosov Ravine – a Place of Legends

The most mysterious location in Kolomenskoye, surrounded by mystical legends. Here lie two legendary stones:

• Maiden’s Stone – believed to help with infertility
• Goose Stone – thought to restore male strength

According to legend, the stones are parts of St. George the Victorious’s horse, cut apart after defeating the dragon.

Ascension Garden

A historic fruit orchard with 800 apple trees of various varieties. Garden features:

• Especially beautiful in May during blossom
• Apple picking is allowed in late August – early September
• The fruits were once supplied to the tsar’s table

Practical Information for Visitors

Opening Hours and Admission

Park grounds:

• May 1 – September 30: 05:30 to 00:00
• October 1 – April 30: 05:30 to 22:00
• Admission to the grounds is free

Museum exhibitions:

• Tuesday–Thursday, Sunday: 10:00 to 18:00
• Friday–Saturday: 10:00 to 20:00
• Monday: closed
• Ticket prices: from 100 to 400 rubles

How to Get There

Metro stations:

• "Kolomenskaya" – to the central part of the reserve
• "Kashirskaya" – to the palace of Alexei Mikhailovich
• "Klenovy Boulevard" – to the northern part

Surface transport:

• Buses: № 899, e80, m19, c820, c951, n13
• Trolleybuses: № 47, 49

Modern Significance of Kolomenskoye

Today, the Kolomenskoye Museum-Reserve is not just a historical monument but a living cultural space, hosting:

• Folk festivals and fairs
• Educational programs and guided tours
• Horseback rides and interactive events
• Russia’s largest honey fairs

Kolomenskoye remains a place where every visitor can touch centuries of Russian history, admire the beauty of ancient Russian architecture, and feel the special atmosphere of the tsar’s residence preserved through the ages.