I do not think that you have to visit the Grand Kremlin Palace every day. Therefore, we have a unique opportunity to see not only this building from the outside, but also to visit its beautiful halls. And I must say, it's amazing.

The Grand Kremlin Palace - a monumental yellow building with white architraves, a facade overlooking the Moscow River, stretching from west to east for 125 meters, was built by decree of Emperor Nicholas I, as a palace-monument of Russian history and the glory of the Russian army. In 1838-1849 it was built by Russian architects D.N. Chichalov, P.A. Gerasimov, A.N. Bakarev, F. Richter and others under the direction of K.A. Ton. The palace was the temporary residence of the imperial family during their stay in Moscow. From the outer facade, the palace looks like a three-story building, but actually consists of two floors. The first floor protrudes forward and forms an open terrace at the top. Arched windows separated by narrow walls give it the appearance of a closed gallery. The plinth is lined with natural stone. The two-tier facade of the second floor is dissected by pilasters and completely decorated with carved white-stone window frames in the style of Russian architecture of the 17th century. All photos and comments to them gborisova

Door portal of the Andreevsky Hall. Andrew's Order Order of St. Andrew the First-Called, the eldest of the Russian orders, established by Emperor Peter I in 1698 in the name of the Holy Apostle Andrew the First-Called, St. baptism originally limits our enlightened. The Imperial Order of St. Andrew the First-Called has only one degree. Its signs are as follows: 1) a blue cross in a two-headed eagle crowned with three crowns, representing St. Apostle Andrew and having Latin letters at the four ends: - S. A. P. R., meaning: Sanctus Andreas Patronus Russiae, and on the other side, in the middle of the eagle, a charter on which the motto of the order is written: "for faith and fidelity"; 2) a silver star, having in the middle, in a golden field, a double-headed eagle crowned with three crowns, and in the middle of the eagle is the St. Andrew's Cross; in a circle, in a blue field, at the top is the motto of the order in gold letters, and below are two connected laurel branches; the star is worn on the left side; 3) blue ribbon over the right shoulder; and on the order holiday and other days, when the highest orders will be given to the cavaliers to be in full dress, instead of a ribbon, an order cross on a gold chain.

When awarding the order to non-Christians, the image of St. The Apostle, his name and cross is replaced by the image of the Imperial Russian Eagle. The signs complained of for military exploits are joined by two crossed swords. Order attire consists of: 1) A long, green velvet coat, lined with white taffeta with silver-eyed cragens, tied with silver. laces, with the same tassels; on its left side a more ordinary star is embroidered; 2) superwest white eyelet, with gold lace, the same fringe and with a cross sewn on the chest; 3) a black velvet hat with a red feather and with the cross of St. Andrew the Apostle, sewn from a narrow blue ribbon. The cavaliers of this order are considered to be all in the third class, even if they were in the service below this class, and at the same time they are made cavaliers of St. Alexander Nevsky, the White Eagle and St. Anna of the 1st class, even if they did not have them before. - Cavaliers celebrate the day of the establishment of this order - November 30, and the order was given a cathedral named after him on Vasilyevsky Island. St. Petersburg are under special care and care of the cavaliers of this order. and Moscow. educational homes (St. Law vol. I, Uchr. Ord. Art. 291 et seq.). Encyclopedic Dictionary F.A. Brockhaus and I.A. Efron. - St. Petersburg: Brockhaus-Efron. 1890-1907.

Andreevsky hall from the moment of construction was the main one in the palace. In its eastern side there are three throne places under ermine canopies. All parts of the royal place: the canopy, the steps of the footstools and the thrones are covered with precious golden brocade. The canopy inside is upholstered with ermine fur (today the ermine on the royal mantle is artificial - the old mantle that covered the thrones was sold in 1925). There are three throne places. During the coronation of Emperor Nicholas II, they were intended for the emperor, empress and dowager empress - the mother of Nicholas.

The imperial throne is overshadowed by a tent, with an entrance of six steps. On the plafond of the tent is placed the state emblem of the Russian Empire - a double-headed eagle.

St. Andrew's Throne Hall On the days of the coronation celebrations, the Emperor and Empress received congratulations in the St. Andrew's Hall. Representatives of different nationalities, classes and religions were invited to Moscow from all over the country. The sovereign and empress greeted them standing. The throne room of Russian emperors impresses with its size and dazzling luxury. Cross vaults rest on 10 tetrahedral columns, forming three naves. The vaults, columns and pylons are covered with gilded stucco molding in the form of a floral pattern. And the capitals are decorated with the sign of the order - a double-headed eagle, against which there is a blue cross with the image of the crucified apostle. The walls are covered with silk moire, decorated with chains and the badge of the Order. On the frieze of the longitudinal walls are placed 48 titular coats of arms of Russian monarchs. "For Faith and Loyalty" is the motto of this order.

Dome of the Vladimir Hall. Vladimir Hall is named after the Order of St. Vladimir. Order of St. Vladimir was dedicated to the holy Prince Vladimir, popularly called the "Red Sun", who brought the light of Christ to Rus'. The order was established in 1782 as an award for outstanding service in the military and civil service, as well as for long service. The motto of the order is "Benefit, Honor and Glory". The octahedral double-height hall of St. Vladimir, in contrast to the Georgievsky hall, is illuminated by overhead light through the dome. The vault of the Vladimir Hall resembles tents, and the arches of the bypass side galleries seem to repeat the outlines of the ancient arches. The dome is crowned with a light lantern. In the evening, the hall is illuminated by a huge gilded bronze chandelier.

St. George's Hall is the largest ceremonial hall in the entire palace: length 61 m, width 20.5 m, height 17.5 m. The combination of white and gold creates a feeling of solemnity with its simplicity. Powerful pylons support the vaulted ceiling, decorated with stucco molding in the form of floral ornaments and rosettes. All eighteen pylons are crowned with marble statues (sculptor Ivan Vitali) - allegorically symbolizing the regions and kingdoms that make up the multinational state. Structurally, each pylon consists of a high hollow zinc column, decorated with stucco and crowned with a capital of the Corinthian order. On the southern and northern walls are bas-reliefs depicting St. George and the snake (sculptor Pavel Kladsh). The parquet floor resembles a gigantic patterned carpet. The floor is laid out with a pattern of more than 20 different types of wood - birch, ash, Indian rosewood, plane tree, plane trees, etc. In the evenings, the hall is illuminated by six bronze gilded openwork chandeliers. Each weighing 1300 kg. and 40 wall lamps. The signs of St. George were: a gold cross with white enamel depicting George slaying a snake, a black and orange ribbon and a gold star with the motto "For Service and Courage". The signs of the Order adorn the upper part of the walls of the St. George's Hall. The names of the Knights of St. George and the names of regular military formations awarded this order are inscribed in gold on the wall plaques. They were awarded to soldiers and officers for bravery and courage shown in battle, and for long service: 25 years in the army and 18 in the navy. Over 11,000 heroes have been awarded the order throughout its history. During the solemn consecration of the palace in April 1849, Metropolitan Filaret of Moscow said: "The hall of George the Victorious should become a temple of glory for the victorious Russian army." This hall has witnessed many historical events.

The signs of St. George were: a gold cross with white enamel depicting George slaying a snake, a black and orange ribbon and a gold star with the motto "For Service and Courage". The signs of the Order adorn the upper part of the walls of the St. George's Hall. During ceremonial receptions, officers gathered, on whose chest there were the same signs that adorn the walls of the hall. On the walls of the St. George Hall there are marble plaques with carved in gold letters the names of 545 regiments, naval crews and batteries and more than 10 thousand names of officers and generals who were awarded the St. George Order, among them such names as: Suvorov, Kutuzov, Ushakov, Nakhimov. During the solemn consecration of the palace in April 1849, Metropolitan Filaret of Moscow said: "The hall of George the Victorious should become a temple of glory for the victorious Russian army." The original parquet made in 1845 has been preserved in the Georgievsky Hall. More than 20 precious wood species from Southeast Asia and South America are used in its ornament. This hall hosts international conferences, diplomatic and government receptions, awarding ceremonies with orders and medals.

This is one of the most impressive halls of the Kremlin Palace. Large and solemn, it is named after the Order of St. George the Victorious, established in 1769 by Empress Catherine II and which became the highest award in the Russian army. The Holy Great Martyr has long been revered in Rus' as the personification of military prowess. Under Tsar Fyodor Ivanovich, there was even a certain prototype of this order. A coin with the image of George the Victorious was awarded to soldiers for bravery. At that time, it was worn on a sleeve or hat. George the Victorious, in addition, since ancient times was considered the patron saint of Moscow. From the time of its foundation, the image of the saint adorned the coat of arms of the ancient capital, and later became part of the coat of arms of Russia. During the solemn consecration of the palace in April 1849, Metropolitan Filaret of Moscow said: "The hall of George the Victorious should become a temple of glory for the victorious Russian army." On the walls of the St. George's Hall, gold stars and orders with the motto "For Service and Courage" are depicted. The names of 545 regiments, naval crews and batteries and more than 10 thousand names of officers and generals awarded the Order of St. George the Victorious are carved on marble slabs. Among them are the names of Field Marshals A. V. Suvorov, M. I. Kutuzov, General P. I. Bagration, Admirals F. F. Ushakov, P. S. Nakhimov. On both sides of the hall rise 18 twisted columns topped with allegorical statues of victories. The ceiling is decorated with stucco molding in the form of a floral ornament and rosettes. The parquet floor of the hall is exceptional in beauty and virtuosity. It is lined with a pattern of 20 different types of wood - birch, ash, Indian rosewood, plane tree, plane trees, etc. In the semicircles of the transverse walls there are high relief statues of St. George on a horse by the sculptor Peter Klodt.

The Alexander Hall, to which gilded doors lead from the St. George Hall, is huge: 31.5 meters long, 21 meters wide and 20 meters high. In the design of this hall, the architect Konstantin Ton used elements typical of Byzantine-Russian architecture. Prince Alexander of Novgorod, patron of the Order of St. Alexander Nevsky, a state award of the Russian Empire from 1725 to 1917, established by Catherine I, was famous for piety and courage.

The dome of the Alexander Hall is a hemisphere supported by massive pylons. In its stucco gilded cortuses, the signs of the Order are placed: a cross and a star with the monogram S.A. The state emblem is depicted on the sides - a two-headed eagle with a royal crown, scepter and orb. The house, like the world there is a surprise, ... the house is green red, pre-cunningly created The honesty of the kingdoms is splendidly prepared. Its beauty is powerfully equal to Solomon's beautiful dress ... Gold shines brightly everywhere, the Royal House of being is beauty. I always look at writings, I learn many strange stories... Four parts of the world are written, Aki are cunningly sculpted on copper... Buslaev F. I. Historical anthology of Church Slavonic and Old Russian languages. M., 1861. S. 1197.

Entrance to the Andreevsky throne room. The parquet in the halls of the palace was made in 1843 by Moscow craftsmen. His contemporaries called him beautiful, durable and elegant at the same time. The exquisite patterns and weaves of the parquet pattern resemble a real woven carpet. In March 1960, Petr Moller, professor at the Academy of Arts, offered to paint a picture on the theme of the life of St. Alexander Nevsky, patron of the Order. Six historical canvases were created and mounted in the upper niches of the end sides of the hall: on the western side - the military exploits of the prince, on the eastern side - scenes from his peaceful life: the builder of monasteries, an enlightened and wise ruler.

Ceiling vaults of the Alexander Hall Sail vaults, decorated with orders, carry a spherical dome with the same signs, framed by state emblems in triangular ornaments on four sides. The house, like the world there is a surprise, ... the house is green red, pre-cunningly created The honesty of the kingdoms is splendidly prepared. Its beauty is powerfully equal to Solomon's beautiful dress ... Gold shines brightly everywhere, the Royal House of being is beauty. I always look at writings, I learn many strange stories... Four parts of the world are written, Aki are cunningly sculpted on copper... Buslaev F. I. Historical anthology of Church Slavonic and Old Russian languages. M., 1861. S. 1197.

Huge, two-tiered windows of the Alexander Hall face south and literally flood all the rooms with light reflected in numerous mirrors. The walls are decorated with white and pink artificial marble. The furniture is upholstered in red velvet in the color of the sash. On the walls between the twisted columns are the coats of arms of the lands that were part of the Russian Empire.

Carved massive doors are decorated with order crosses. In the 19th century, the main hall of the Grand Kremlin Palace was the Andreevsky (throne) hall. In the mid-90s of the XX century, the Andreevsky Hall was restored to its original splendor. The hall is decorated with 10 gilded pylons and gilded doors with order crosses and chains of the St. Andrew's Order, established by Emperor Peter I. The walls are covered with blue, the colors of the St. Andrew's ribbon, silk moire, decorated with chains and signs of the order. The coats of arms of the provinces and regions of Russia are placed above the windows. The dome of the hall is noteworthy, in the complex stucco gilded patterns of which order signs with the motto “Benefit. Honor. Glory".

In addition, you have the opportunity to get acquainted with other halls of the Grand Kremlin Palace. Hall of the inauguration of the President of Russia! Red Porch. Proud of beauty, craftsmen, history and Russia!

"The earth begins
as you know, from the Kremlin"
(c) V. Mayakovsky.

How many palaces we visited in our travels. But the most important in his native city - the Grand Kremlin Palace remained completely unattainable for us. In the Kremlin, you can officially visit the Armory, the Diamond Fund, cathedrals, but for some reason the beautiful Grand Kremlin Palace is not included in the list of visits. Strange. Delegations of all kinds of foreigners and individual excursions for some organizations are led there, apparently to raise the level of patriotism. We have always dreamed of getting there, and as soon as we had the opportunity to visit the BKD, we took advantage of this opportunity with pleasure. Regime object. So here you can shoot, but here you can’t. With what it is connected, again, it is not clear. But those are the rules. As a result, it was possible to shoot in the ceremonial halls in the Faceted Chamber, but not on the first floor and in the Terem Palace. But still, what you see is amazing.
1. The Grand Kremlin Palace is one of the most massive buildings inside the Kremlin. The palace began to be built at the same time as the Cathedral of Christ the Savior. Its construction was completed in 1849. The palace was supposed to symbolize the new Moscow. However, the old buildings of the Kremlin were not lost as a result of the large construction. And as a result, the Grand Kremlin Palace is connected with the Terem Palace and the Palace of Facets and forms one whole with them.

2. Let's start with the Faceted Chamber. Here in the distance are the doors that lead to the Red Porch.

3. And this room itself is the Holy vestibule. By the way, the Faceted Chamber was restored in 2012 and now appears before visitors in all its splendor. By the way, does anyone know what the thing on the right on the wall is? Maybe it's the air ducts of the ventilation or heating system.

4. Beautiful painting and gilding around - looks very rich.

By the way, here is an archive photo. Here you can see that the current parquet is much more interesting than in the photo of the beginning of the last century.

5. Paintings in arches on religious themes. Surprisingly, during the time of Peter I, the murals were painted over and the vaults were covered with a rag depicting a double-headed eagle.

6. A little more parquet.

7. There are also very beautiful chandeliers.

8. And doorknobs.

9. Door portals are also very richly decorated.

10. Faceted Chamber. Here all the walls are painted. It can be seen, by the way, that the walls in the ward are quite thick.

11. In the middle of the chamber there is a pillar on which the vaults of the ceiling rest.

12. The vaults themselves are also richly painted.

13. Very beautiful. By the way, the carpet on the floor is also a restored authentic part of the interior.

Here is a reception in honor of the coronation of Alexander III. The royal place attracts attention. A kind of podium with a canopy.

Here's something else interesting. The interior before the restoration of the historical appearance. Draped walls, whitewashed vaults. Shelves with crockery around the post.

And here is the same interior after restoration. Even the royal place looks different.

14. Now there is no royal place in the interior, most likely it was lost in the Soviet era, since the chamber was used for receptions in modern times. But the lamps remained authentic.

15. In general, the Faceted Chamber is a special place. For example, the coronation of Alexander III was celebrated here, meetings of the boyar duma were held right there, the capture of Kazan in 1552 was also celebrated here. A place with great history.

16. The painting on the lower part of the walls also looks very cool, as if it is covered with a cloth.

17. Very, very beautiful authentic lamps. Fine work.

18. As I understand it, the paintings on the walls mostly tell stories from the royal life.

19. Another general view of the room. By the way, the hall is not that big. Many people now rent rooms and more to celebrate weddings.

20. However, as I said, this place is not simple, but with history. By the way, the pattern of the carpet is clearly visible here. In general, the Faceted Chamber looks very authentic... in old Russian, so to speak. Staying here was very interesting.

21. We leave the Palace of Facets and passing through the Holy vestibule we get to the Vladimir Hall.

22. The hall is very solemn and beautiful. In fact, it connects the main halls of the Grand Kremlin Palace, the Faceted Chamber and the old Terem Palace.

23. The hall is named after the Order of St. Vladimir. By the way, the upholstery of the banquettes here is just the same color as the ribbon of the order.

24. The stairs lead to the Terem Palace.

Interestingly, during the Russo-Japanese War, a sewing workshop was organized in the halls of the Kremlin Palace, where things were sewn to be sent to the front. And here in the Vladimirsky hall there was a packing of things.

25. Ceiling with a translucent lantern that allows light to pass through. The vaults are decorated with gilded ornaments and images of the orders of St. Vladimir. There is also a very beautiful gilded chandelier.

26. The doors leading to the Georgievsky Hall repeat their shape to the windows on the facade of the building.

27. On the glass, an ornament and an image of the Order of St. George.

28. The same goes for door handles.

29. The most pompous, the most beautiful of all halls is St. George's Hall.

30. There is a beautiful and complex pattern on the parquet. Huge gilded chandeliers. High ceilings.

31. The hall is huge. There are windows in two rows on two sides.

Here is an interesting shot from Soviet times. It looks like a Kremlin Christmas tree for Soviet pioneers.

32. In the niches there are tablets with the names of the knights of the order. The upholstery of the banquettes also repeats the colors of the St. George ribbon.

33. There is not as much gilding in the design of the Georgievsky Hall as in the rest of the BKD. Here everything is decided in white tones, stucco on the vaults and supporting columns. Gold here is only the image of St. George's stars.

34. Let's appreciate the awesome parquet again. A large number of varieties of wood, a complex pattern - this is a very delicate work.

35. Very beautiful. On the left side, the shape of the niches for the nameplates follows the shape of the windows, as well as the far wall with the doors. So the St. George Hall is designed in the spirit of symmetry.

36. parquet is protected and walking on it is not allowed. No wonder, such a beauty.

37. In the ceiling, camouflaged stucco ceiling waters are visible, I think, ventilation holes.

38. Another view. Pay attention to the sculptures standing on the columns between the windows.

39. Gorgeous bronze gilded chandelier.

40. The numbers are impressive. The hall is 61 meters long, 20.5 meters wide, and 17.5 meters high. The ceiling is supported by 18 pylons. The weight of one of the six chandeliers is 1.3 tons

41. The next hall is Alexandrovsky. Interestingly, in Soviet times, the Alexander and the next Andreevsky halls were merged, all the beauty was dismantled.

It looked like this. It was the meeting room of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR. Pretty sad.

42. In the mid-90s, it was decided to reconstruct the Alexander and Andreevsky halls in their original form. And from 1994 to 1998 they were restored. In fact, these are replicas of the original interiors.

43. There is much more gilding here, especially after the "modest" St. George's Hall. On the doors is an image of the Order of St. Alexander Nevsky. Even the chairs are decorated with his image.

44. A very elegant hall, and even curtains to match the sash.

45. Ttu is again full symmetry, the openings on the "blank" wall repeat the window ones. Mirrors also give the effect of light pouring from the windows.

And here again is a photo from the time of the Russo-Japanese War.

46. ​​There are also luxurious chandeliers and a richly decorated ceiling with images of orders woven into the ornament.

47. Gilded columns.

48. The view is very formal.

49. The image of the order is again on the door handle.

50. Next is another hall - Andreevsky. It was he who was the throne room of the Kremlin Palace. Accordingly, there is a throne, or rather three and above them the sign of the all-seeing eye.

51. Doors between the halls. Each is decorated with a ribbon with his order.

52. Wall decoration and curtains in the color of the ribbon of the Order of St. Andrew the First-Called - blue.

Here is a unique photo from the 90s. Restorers at work.

And here's another.

53. This is just painted miniatures on the columns at the top.

Restoring parquet. In general, it is very interesting to see how all this was done.

54. Above the first row of windows around the perimeter are the coats of arms of the Russian provinces.

55. The decoration is again stucco with gilding.

56. Above the three throne places canopy of ermine. They say that .... ermine is not real! The thrones are also not real - they are copies, but the real thrones have been preserved, now they are in the Armory.

57. The Order of St. Andrew the First-Called is the only one that is completed with a chain. That is, the ceremonial version of the holder of the order should include such a chain, which is depicted on the doors of the hall.

58. Let's take another look at the throne. Very festive.

59. By the way, the side windows of the Andreevsky and Alexander halls overlook the Moscow River, from here a beautiful view of Bolotny Island and Zamoskvorechye should open.

Other halls on the second floor are not available for visiting, as there are working premises of the President of Russia. And even in his absence, no one is allowed in there. We also visited the Malachite Hall, which runs parallel to the Andreevsky and Alexander Halls, the Terem Palace - a very beautiful, authentic place, as well as the living quarters of the emperor and his family on the first floor, but it was impossible to shoot in all these rooms, which is a pity, there is something look!

P.S.
I usually find all archival photos on

(Russian Grand Kremlin Palace; English Grand Kremlin Palace)

Opening hours: The palace is closed to the public. You can visit it only as part of organized excursions, upon prior request, with the submission of passport data and agreement on the date of the visit.

The Grand Kremlin Palace is one of the palaces of the Moscow Kremlin. It stands on a high Borovitsky hill. The palace was built in the period from 1838-1849. Previously, there was a palace on this site, built in the 18th century by the architect B.-F. Rastrelli, and before that - the Grand Duke's Palace of Ivan III. The first stone buildings of the Grand Kremlin Palace were built by the Italian architect Aleviz Fryazin in 1499-1508.

Historically, after the transfer of the capital from Moscow to St. Petersburg, the Kremlin palaces lost their former significance. During the reign of Tsarina Anna Ioannovna, who spent most of her time in Moscow, more attention was paid to palaces, but the large Kremlin Palace, of that time, was increasingly dilapidated. Under Anna Ioannovna, on the basements of the old palace, the new imperial apartments "Winter Annenhof" were erected - a wooden palace in the Baroque style (architect B.-F. Rastrelli).

Under Empress Elizabeth Petrovna, the imperial court again lived in St. Petersburg, but in the Kremlin, anyway, it was decided to build a new royal residence. The new building outwardly resembled the Great Peterhof Palace.

When Catherine II ascended the throne, this palace was recognized as not corresponding to the greatness of the Russian Empire, it was decided to replace it with a new building. The new palace was to be located throughout the riverside territory of the Kremlin, extending from the banks of the Moskva River to the entire Borovitsky Hill.

On June 1, 1773, a solemn laying of the new palace took place. However, it soon became clear that such a large-scale construction was inexpedient and work was stopped in 1774. The destroyed Kremlin wall and towers were restored, and instead of a grandiose palace, only a building was built for the Moscow branch of the Senate.

Until 1812, there were no new attempts to renovate the palace, but the beginning of the construction of the Cathedral of Christ the Savior again raised the question of building a new Kremlin palace, which would symbolize the renewal of Moscow.

The new residence was built on the initiative of Nicholas I. The design of the palace was entrusted to the famous architect Konstantin Ton, the author of the project of the Cathedral of Christ the Savior. As a model for the stylistic solution of the proposed palace, Ton was instructed to take the design solution of the Kolomna Palace (1836, architect Stackenschneider, the project was not implemented), which developed the composition of the Kremlin Terem Palace in monumental forms.

Initially, the Grand Kremlin Palace and the Armory were considered as a single complex, which was to be built simultaneously. In 1842, the construction was divided into two phases.

The palace building forms a rectangle with a courtyard. Externally, the palace is decorated in the style of previous centuries: its facades are decorated with carved white stone pediments, and the windows are carved platbands with double arches and a weight in the middle, as in the towers of the 17th century. From the main façade, the building appears to be three stories high, but it actually has only two floors. Arched windows separated by thin walls make this first floor of the palace look like a closed gallery. In the center of the palace above the roof is a tribune, completed with a gilded balustrade.

The length of the Kremlin Palace is 125 meters, the height is 47 meters, and the total area is 25,000 m². The palace complex, known as the Grand Kremlin Palace, in addition to the building of the palace itself, includes some buildings of the period of the 15th - 17th centuries, which in the past were part of the grand ducal, and then the royal residence (the Faceted Chamber, the Golden Tsaritsyna Chamber, the Terem Palace, palace churches) .

The total number of rooms in the palace complex reaches 700. Five halls of the palace (Georgievsky, Vladimirsky, Alexandrovsky, Andreevsky and Ekaterininsky), named after the orders of the Russian Empire, are currently used for state and diplomatic receptions and official ceremonies, and the palace itself is the main residence of the President of the Russian Federation.

Erecting the palace complex, Konstantin Ton, to some extent repeated the layout of the previous palace, and the architectural design echoes the legendary architectural structures of antiquity. For example, the arcade of the first tier of the palace is a remake of the basement of Aleviz; the terrace on top of the arcade repeats the old promenades and connects the ensemble in space; the winter garden, above the new passage, resembles the hanging gardens of antiquity; carved figured framing of window openings of the double-height second floor, profiled pilasters between them; the central elevated part with kokoshniks, covered with a dome, echoes the architecture of the Terem Palace. But Ton was not afraid to innovate in the construction of the palace - it was the first building in Russian architecture with large-span lightweight brick vaults and metal roof trusses.

P the front entrance of the Grand Kremlin Palace is inconspicuously located in the southern facade of the building, that is, from the side of the Moscow River, from where the visitor enters the marble lobby with monolithic columns made of Serdobol granite (Serdobol is a city on the shores of Lake Ladoga). On the left side of the vestibule is the so-called Own Half of Their Imperial Majesties, stretching in a long suite of rooms along the main facade. Four bronze floor lamps, cast and assembled in Moscow at the Krumbyugel factory, became a remarkable decoration of the main palace entrance.

A staircase consisting of sixty-six gentle steps leads to the second floor of the Grand Kremlin Palace, to the main halls. The main staircase is decorated with yellow Kolomna marble, which is used to line the columns along the flights and flights of stairs. The lancet arches of the main staircase are set on this marble colonnade. The flights of the stairs are illuminated by twelve bronze chandeliers, made in the same style as the floor lamps of the front lobby.

On the second floor, on both sides of the main staircase, ten pylons of yellow Kolomna marble frame side platforms - galleries. On the right hangs a painting depicting the battle of Dmitry Donskoy with the Tatars on the Kulikovo field in 1380. It was painted in 1850 by the French artist A. Yvon, a student of P. Delyaroche. The left platform leads to the Ceremonial Halls.

The magnificent interior decoration of the palace is made in different styles, from the Renaissance to the Byzantine-Russian style. The most beautiful hall is Georgievsky, named after the Order of St. George the Victorious - the highest and most revered order in the Russian army, established by Empress Catherine II in 1769 to reward officers and generals. The motto of the order is "For Service and Courage". It was the most honorable award for the military, the highest order of the Russian army. The appearance of the St. George Hall in the Grand Kremlin Palace thus turned the imperial residence into a monument to the feats of arms of Russian weapons. This hall does not impress with boundless luxury, but rather with rigor and scale.

The longitudinal walls of the hall are cut with deep niches. In the niches and on the walls there are marble boards on which the names of the famous military units and the names of the Knights of St. George are written in gold letters. Here are the names of 545 regiments, naval crews and batteries, and more than 10,000 names of officers and generals awarded this order. Among the Knights of the Order of St. George are such people as Alexander Suvorov, Mikhail Kutuzov, Pyotr Bagration, Fedor Ushakov, Pavel Nakhimov.

St. George's Hall is the largest room in the palace. It is 61 meters long, 20.5 meters wide and 17.5 meters high. White and gold are the main colors of the St. George's Hall, white are the vaults, walls and sculptures, gold is the names of the Knights of St. George and military formations on the boards and faces of the piols. The hall is decorated with 18 powerful twisted columns covered with ornaments and crowned with statues of victories with laurel wreaths and memorable dates. Marble statues on pylons allegorically symbolize the regions and kingdoms that make up the multinational state. On the southern and northern walls of the room there are bas-reliefs depicting St. George and a snake, their author is Pavel Kladsh. The signs of the order adorn the upper part of the walls of the snow-white St. George's Hall.

During ceremonial receptions, officers gathered in the hall, on whose uniforms the same signs sparkled that adorn the walls of the hall. In 1945, in the St. George Hall of the Grand Kremlin Palace, a solemn reception was held for the participants in the Victory Parade on Red Square. Here, the world's first cosmonaut, Yuri Gagarin, was greeted with honors.

To illuminate the hall, there are six openwork gilded bronze chandeliers, weighing 1,300 kilograms each, 40 wall sconces, and upholstered in silk, the colors of the St. George ribbon, gilded furniture. The ceiling is decorated with stucco molding in the form of a floral ornament. The original parquet, made in 1845, has been preserved in the St. George's Hall. It took 20 rare species of wood to complete it: Indian rosewood, African padouk, beech, ash, plane trees and many others.

The Alexander Hall was built in honor of the Order of the Holy Prince Alexander Nevsky, established on May 25, 1725 by Empress Catherine I. The order's motto is "For Labor and the Fatherland." Six historical canvases were created and mounted in the upper niches of the end sides of the hall. On the western side there are military exploits of the prince, on the eastern side there are scenes from his peaceful life, the builder of monasteries, an enlightened and just ruler.

The hall has a rectangular shape and occupies the central part of the second floor, along the southern facade of the Grand Kremlin Palace. In the central part of the hall there is a large elliptical dome resting on four powerful pylons. In the golden bas-reliefs of the dome, the signs of the order with the monogram S. A. - Sanctus Alexander - Saint Alexander are clearly distinguished. Two-headed eagles are located at the corners of the dome and above the massive gilded doors.

Huge two-tiered windows of the Alexander Hall face south and literally flood all the rooms with light reflected in numerous mirrors. The walls are decorated with white and pink artificial marble, red velvet, furniture is upholstered in the color of the sash. The luxurious gilded decoration of the hall is in harmony with the unique parquet floor made of 20 species of trees.

According to the project of Academician F.G. Solntsev, in the St. Petersburg workshop of Yegor Skvortsov, enfilade swing doors were made, covered with wooden carvings and gilding. An important decorative element of the decoration of the hall was made by Vasily Krumbyugel copper gilded and silver-plated coats of arms of the provinces and regions of the Russian Empire, painted with oil paints on gold and silver boards in the form of enamel.

Andreevsky Hall (throne room), which was the main hall of the Grand Kremlin Palace in the 19th century, has been recreated in its original splendor. Andreevsky Throne Hall was erected in honor of the highest order of Russia - the Order of St. Andrew the First-Called, established by Peter the Great on March 10, 1698. The motto of the order is "For Faith and Loyalty". St. Andrew's Hall - these are gilded doors with order crosses and chains of the St. Andrew's Order, 10 bronze chandeliers and 35 sconces, two unique fireplaces made of gray-violet jasper, as well as three thrones under an ermine and a unique parquet mosaic made of many precious woods. The walls of the hall are covered with blue silk fabric in the color of St. Andrew's ribbon.

This is one of the five ceremonial order halls of the Grand Kremlin Palace, located along the main ceremonial southern facade of the palace. Its huge space is strictly organized by five pairs of powerful pillars. They divide its entire volume into three naves - large, central and smaller side ones. With its gilded lancet vaults, two rows of majestic tetrahedral pylons, with the image of the All-Seeing Eye, in golden rays, above the imperial throne - the hall resembles a temple.

At its eastern wall, three throne places rise, under ermine canopies. During the coronation of Emperor Nicholas II, they were intended for the emperor, empress, and dowager empress - the mother of Nicholas II. The imperial throne is overshadowed by a tent, with an entrance of six steps, covered with golden brocade. The tent is decorated with a magnificent ermine mantle. On the plafond of the tent is placed the state emblem of the Russian Empire - a double-headed eagle. The wall above the tent is also decorated with the image of the state emblem, and on the sides of the tent there are double-headed eagles with the St. Andrew's cross on their chest.

Andreevsky Hall is illuminated through eighteen windows and two balcony doors to the south.oh the walls, cut through, in two tiers, strictly one above the other. On the opposite side are the doors leading to the Cavalry Guard Hall and the Anteroom. The Andreevsky Hall of the Grand Kremlin Palace hosts the most solemn events of national importance.

Mirrored doors in the northern wall of the Georgievsky Hall lead to the Vladimirsky Hall. Vladimir Hall conveys the history of the Order of St. Vladimir, one of the first Russian princes. It was founded in honor of Prince Vladimir of Kyiv, under whom Rus was baptized. The motto of the Order of St. Vladimir is "Benefit, Honor and Glory". Many honored citizens were awarded the order, including one of the creators of the Kremlin Palace, the architect Konstantin Ton.

This tall, octagonal hall of the 19th century links together the palaces of five centuries. The walls and pilasters of the Vladimir Hall are lined with pink marble. The Vladimir Hall impresses with its artistic design: pink marble walls and pilasters, stucco gilded ornaments of vaults and cornices give this hall a fabulous beauty. The vault of the Vladimir Hall resembles Russian tents, the arches of the bypass side galleries, as if repeating the outlines of ancient arches.

The wide arches of the first tier are replaced by triple, tighter arches of the second tier to move into the dome vaults covered with solid, gilded stucco. This stucco gilded ornament was made, as on the cornices, by the sculptors the Dylev brothers.

In this hall, during the day, light enters the glass lantern on the vault of the dome, and in the evening it is illuminated by a huge gilded bronze chandelier, which weighs about three tons. It is lowered to the height of the galleries of the second tier, and seems to be floating in the center of the space. The floor, according to the drawing of Academician F. G. Solntsev, is made of numerous precious woods. From the hall you can get to the Faceted Chamber, the St. George Hall, the Terem Palace and other rooms of the Grand Kremlin Palace.

Catherine's Hall is located on the front half of the palace - in the past it was the throne room of Russian empresses. It is located somewhat away from the suite of ceremonial order halls on the second floor of the Grand Kremlin Palace. The Order of St. Catherine was established by Peter I in 1714 - this is the only female order in Russia, its motto was "For love and fatherland." In the middle of the 19th century, it was here that the throne of Her Imperial Majesty was located.

Catherine's Hall is relatively small - its length is 21 meters. The splendor of this hall is successfully combined with the special sophistication of decoration, comfort and intimacy. The badges of the order with the motto "For Love and Fatherland", sprinkled with large artificial diamonds, are located on the walls and doors of the hall. The gilded image of the Order of St. Catherine, placed on a silver field, also adorns the doors of the throne room of the Empress.

The hall is illuminated by gilded bronze chandeliers and six crystal candelabra, unusual in design and beauty, made at the imperial glass factory in St. Petersburg. The walls are upholstered with gray moire, and with a scarlet sash. On massive pillars there are pilasters decorated with a pattern made of small pieces of malachite. The vaults and cornices of the hall are decorated with gilded stucco. The parquet of the Catherine Hall is of high artistic value.

The Green Living Room adjoins the Catherine's Throne Hall. It is designed to receive especially honored guests.

The ceiling of the semicircular hall is painted with floral ornaments, and the walls are upholstered with fabric (artist Giuseppe Colombo Artari). The arrangement of furniture here was thought out and coordinated with the architectural features of the living rooms.

The main decoration of the living room are richly inlaid furniture, bronze crystal chandeliers and floor lamps. In the front drawing room there are three huge chandeliers, two of which are made in the Chinese style and one is in the Japanese style. The furniture was upholstered in gold brocade with a green pattern. The same fabric was also used for wall upholstery.

Behind the Catherine's Hall, in the front half, there are the former royal front drawing room and front bedchamber. The interior of the Front Drawing Room (now the Red Living Room) is exceptionally ornate. It has an alcove with gray-green marble monolithic columns that are in perfect harmony with the bright crimson upholstery of the walls and furniture. For lining the fireplace, green-blue jasper is used with a beautiful wavy pattern, well presented by a Russian master stone cutter who managed to emphasize the advantages of the Ural ornamental stone.

The red living room is decorated in the Renaissance style. It is decorated with white, pinkish gray and green marble. In the 19th century, silver brocade with golden flowers covered the walls and "Gambsian" furniture. Pilasters, friezes and columns supporting the vaults were fully combined with them. Rosewood doors, inlaid with gilded bronze and boule-style mother-of-pearl, lead to the adjoining Green Room and the Catherine Hall of the Grand Kremlin Palace.

The private half, intended personally for the emperor and his family, is located on the ground floor of the palace. The enfilade of residential premises of the Own half is stretched along the main facade of the palace, and consists of seven main residential and four small passage rooms intended for duty and waiting for courtiers. The interiors of the Own Half correspond to the monumental architecture of the palace, and at the same time, they are characterized by intimacy and homeliness. In the design of these rooms, the decorators used the artistic methods of the Baroque, Rococo, Classicism styles.

The private half consists of seven rooms: the Dining Room, the Living Room, the Study of the Empress, the Boudoir, the Bedroom, the Study of the Emperor and the Reception Room. Despite the fact that each room is designed in its own style, all rooms together represent one whole. The own half is a museum of Russian residential palace interiors, almost completely preserved without significant alterations and additions.

The artists involved in the decoration of the palace paid great attention not only to architectural details, but also to the selection of furniture, candelabra, fireplaces, and chandeliers. Fireplaces are made of malachite and marble. Boudoir, Living Room, Study and Bedroom are decorated with a variety of porcelain products - these are vases, floor lamps, a chandelier that looks like a luxurious bouquet topped with a pineapple fruit. A significant place in the former living rooms of the palace is occupied by bronze items - clocks, candelabra. On the fireplaces made of malachite and marble are clocks of French work - they were ordered specifically for the Grand Kremlin Palace.

Lighting was essential. It was supposed to give even more splendor to the interiors, so each crystal chandelier in the palace is original, each has its own design and shape of pendants. Huge mirrors, as well as gilding, inlay, molding, carving, give the rooms of the palace an unusually solemn and pompous look. Interior doors made of precious wood, inlaid with mother-of-pearl, tortoise shell, made on spikes without a single nail. Patterns of doors, in the palace, are never repeated. For covering the walls, as well as for curtains and other things, a fabric of a certain color was used in each room. Those that were particularly dilapidated were made anew by craftsmen from Pavlovsky Posad.

The enfilade of the Own half opens with a huge Dining Hall. Its walls are lined with white and yellow artificial marble. Vaulted ceilings, with stucco decoration, rest on a massive central pillar, which visually connects the appearance of this room with the architectural design of the Faceted Chamber. The decorative principles of classicism are used in the decoration of the Dining Room. Here is a calm combination of tones of artificial marble, white marble statues of the mythological characters of Leda and Hymen, vases in the Borghese style.

The boudoir of the Empress is created in soothing colors, the walls and furniture are upholstered in pink silk. Boudoir furniture includes 24 pieces of various shapes: sofas, tables and chairs. The furniture is made of walnut wood.

In the boudoir there is also one of the most beautiful fireplaces of the palace, as if hewn from a single stone - the malachite plates are so tightly fitted and polished. The shape, proportions, gently curved lines of all its designs only emphasize its beauty, and the overlaid gilded decorations add a special sophistication. The mantel clock attracts attention with its intricate shape and bizarre mechanism. The enamel circle is a calendar that shows the months, days of the week and the phase of the moon (lower part of the clock). Above it is a vase-shaped clock with a fixed lizard-shaped hand and two rotating dials. Arabic numerals indicated minutes, while Roman numerals indicated hours. All this is in a bronze, gilded design.

Behind the Boudoir of the Empress is the Bedchamber. Blue-pearl tones, combined with white and gold, create the feeling of a clear night sky. The bedchamber is dominated by two colors - blue and gold. The bedchamber of the Empress is luxurious and refined at the same time. An atmosphere of peace and piety reigns here.

The entirely gilded furniture set was created in the Renaissance style. There are 31 items in this headset. The white Carrara marble fireplace is decorated with a clock called "Night".

Watch "Night" is a dial in the form of a dark blue ball with applied numbers, stars and two bronze figures of cupids on the sides, stands on a gilded stand, with cast gilded female figures.

The study of the Empress is emphatically decorative and decorated in the boule style. The dominant color is dark crimson, consonant with the spirit of the interior of French palaces of the late 17th - early 18th centuries. Huge mirrors, the manufacture of which was started in Russia at that time, and the chandelier repeatedly reflected in them increase the feeling of pomposity, fabulous luxury.

The elegance of the interior is given by gilded moldings of walls and vaults, doors, excellently made of precious wood, and inlaid with tortoise shell, bronze, and mother-of-pearl. Unknown craftsmen made them without a nail and glue, on spikes. The furniture here is upholstered in silk and gold fabric. Exquisite gilded clocks and vases complement the decoration of the Cabinet.

The drawing room of the Empress is snow-white and gold, eight gypsum bas-reliefs are symbols of the arts, four more depicting the seasons adorn it. The furniture set, in the style of Louis XV, made of turquoise wood, is also gilded and upholstered with patterned damask. The furniture, here, is of soft, curvaceous designs, rocael style, decorated with whimsical swirls and flowers in abundance.

The main decoration of the living room are porcelain products - vases and floor lamps. The ceiling is decorated with a large chandelier with stucco flowers, reminiscent of a lush bouquet topped with a pineapple. It was made by ceramists of the St. Petersburg Imperial Porcelain Factory, in a single copy, especially for the interiors of the Grand Kremlin Palace.

Currently, the entire complex of the Grand Kremlin Palace, except for the Armory, is the main residence of the President of the Russian Federation.

Andreevsky Hall impresses with its luxury and beauty, expensive decoration. And this is not surprising - the kings and queens of Russia sat in it, it has its own history and its own individuality.

The photo of the Andreevsky Hall of the Kremlin shows that a lot of work was invested in its construction.

Briefly about the main

St. Andrew's Throne Hall in the Kremlin was built by personal order of Nicholas I in honor of the Order of the Holy Apostle Andrew the First-Called. It became the throne room of a large palace and the main hall of the Moscow Kremlin. You can not even talk about the magnificent decoration of the room, which impresses everyone who enters, caused also by the fact that the walls of the hall are upholstered with moire fabric in the color of the St. Andrew's ribbon.

Hall description

Andreevsky Hall of the Kremlin is the most famous in the palace. The walls of this room are finished with pink artificial marble and gilded on top. Gilded chairs upholstered in velvet were lined up along them. Above the windows are the coats of arms of the Russian provinces.

Ten gilded pylons adorn the hall, as well as various symbols in the form of crosses and chains. Silk curtains are in perfect harmony with the rest of the decoration of the room. High gilded doors, decorated with order crosses, amaze the imagination. Above them are monograms of the names of the emperors of Russia - Peter the Great, Paul the First and Nicholas the First. Peter - as the founder of the order, Pavel - as the founder of the statute of the order, and Nikolai - as the builder of the hall.

At the far end of the hall are three chairs that were intended for the ruler, his wife and mother. This throne can still be seen in the Kremlin, upholstered in velvet and ermine fur. Above the throne hangs and above - a radiance with rays covered with gold leaf, in the center of which the All-Seeing Eye perched. Two-headed eagles with the image of the St. Andrew's Cross on the chest hang on the sides of the tent. Six steps lead to the tent. Earlier, back in Soviet times, there was a monument to Lenin at this place.

The floor, as in other halls, is made of multi-colored wood and delights all tourists with its beautiful pattern and the great work that has been invested in this work of art. It should be mentioned that the last restoration of the hall was carried out in 1994-1998, when it was restored to its original form. The architect of the Andreevsky Hall was Konstantin Ton.

History of the Andreevsky Hall of the Kremlin

The main throne room was built in 1838-1849 by the architect Konstantin Ton. This master created temple architecture, which became widespread during the reign of Nicholas I. From 1932 to 1934 the hall was destroyed. In its place, meetings of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR were held. Restoration work began in 1997. The leaders of this project were the leading architects of that time S. V. Demidova and E. V. Stepanova. The architects have done a huge labor-intensive work with archival materials in Russia and abroad. Using past photographs of the hall, with the help of the latest technologies, they managed to restore the hall in full, to the smallest detail, as it was during the reign of Emperor Nicholas I.

We cannot fail to mention such a restorer of the highest category as V. A. Ageychenko, who was a sculptor, an artist, and an engineer all rolled into one. For the throne room, he reproduced the coat of arms of the Russian Empire in bronze. He also created the coats of arms of the Russian provinces, which are located above the windows of the Andreevsky Hall. The floors were also recreated by him. Thanks to this, the hall was restored to the smallest detail.

Experts found that for complete identity, twenty-three types of wood should be used to restore the floor. It was brought from all over the world, even from Africa, but they did not change anything, doing everything strictly in accordance with the drawings of the nineteenth century. In total, about ninety-nine firms participated in the restoration work.

The huge room was constantly filled with workers, about 2.5 thousand people worked day and night for the benefit of the people. Some ornaments were not obtained immediately, for example, a double-headed eagle. The craftsmen first made a copper-colored eagle. After the establishment, the commission went to the opposite bank of the river to evaluate the result obtained from afar. They didn't like it because the eagle looked like a black spider. Therefore, we decided to make an eagle the color of "wild stone".

In the Andreevsky Hall, as well as in other rooms of the palace, various events are held, including a reception in honor of graduates of military universities. This tradition was started by President Yeltsin in 1999 and continues to this day.

Andreevsky Hall of the Kremlin before and after the revolution

In October-November 1917, due to an armed uprising, the Kremlin was seriously damaged, there were detachments of junkers in it. The troops of the revolutionaries carried out artillery shelling of the Kremlin. As a result, the walls of the palace, the clock, Nikolskaya, almost all the churches located on the territory of the Kremlin, and the Small Nikolaevsky Palace were damaged.

During the Soviet era, the capital moved to Moscow, and the Kremlin began to be used as a political center. In March 1918, the Soviet government moved into the building with V. I. Lenin. The leaders of the Soviet power began to live in the palaces and buildings of the Kremlin. Free access to the building was prohibited. Although earlier everyone could visit this famous place. The Petrograd Collegium for the Protection of Antiquities and Art Treasures tried to survive the Soviet government from the Kremlin. Their appeal was not even considered by the authorities. Before the revolution, there were three thrones in the hall. Later they were searched all over Russia. The first throne was found in Peterhof, the other two - in Gatchina. The Leningrad Museum did not want to give away the chairs, so they had to make copies.

During the Soviet era, the Moscow Kremlin was badly damaged. By order of Lenin in 1918, the monument to Prince Sergei Alexandrovich was demolished. In the same year, the memorial to Alexander II, which was built during the time of Nicholas the First, was also liquidated. In 1922, about 300 poods of silver, about 2 poods of gold, and a huge amount of precious stones were seized from church cathedrals and temples. Congresses of councils and congresses of the Third International began to be held in the Kremlin, a kitchen settled in the Golden Chamber, and a public dining room was made in the Granovitaya. In the Catherine's Church, they decided to arrange a sports hall. Such disrespect for an architectural work of art could not but be reflected in its original appearance. It is believed that at that time the Kremlin lost more than half of its sights.

In 1990, the Kremlin was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

All-seeing eye

Above the thrones is the All-Seeing Eye (in the Andreevsky Hall of the Kremlin), made of gold. The throne room was erected in honor of the highest order of Russia - the Masonic order. Some believe that the All-Seeing Eye means God in Christianity (in Hebrew, "master of the horde" is translated, one of the seventy-two secret names of the Jewish Lord God).

This sign is used in many Christian churches, in Freemasonry. One dollar bills also feature the All-Seeing Eye. Others believe that this biblical sign is a symbol of Divine Providence and the emblem of the Trinity. In Christianity, the All-Seeing Eye in a triangle means the Trinity and the meaning lies in these words: "Behold, the eye of the Lord is over those who fear Him and trust in His mercy."

Excursion to the Kremlin

In Russia, the Andreevsky Hall of the Kremlin, like other halls, is often visited by tourists. The palace is a specially protected area. Nothing extra can be brought to the Kremlin. It is forbidden to come drunk, in an inappropriate appearance, with a weapon that is dangerous to the surrounding people. If there are things that cannot be carried, then they must be handed over to the storage room in the Alexander Garden. You can also take pictures not everywhere, but only where it is allowed and where your guide will indicate. For example, it is forbidden to photograph the Catherine Hall of the Kremlin.

Sometimes it is forbidden to take pictures in the Front Hall, the Terem Palace and the Palace of Facets. Entrance to the Kremlin is allowed with a passport, children from the age of twelve can come with a passport. True, from the age of fourteen, children can attend excursions with a Russian passport. Since the halls of the Kremlin are used for official events, some other celebrations, it is possible that your tour can be rescheduled for a more suitable time for the palace.

Tour time

A tour of the Andreevsky Hall of the Kremlin is held every day, except for Thursday - this is a day off. From ten in the morning to three in the afternoon. The duration of the tour is two hours for groups of twenty people. The cost of such an excursion is 4,500 rubles, for foreign tourists - 5,500 rubles without the use of an interpreter.

During the restoration work, the Italian master was afraid that the workers would do the modeling incorrectly, so he slept for four days on the floor in the Andreevsky Hall.

Catherine the Second also wanted to build a palace on the southern slope of the Kremlin Hill, instead of a fortress wall, but her plans did not materialize.

Today solemn state events are held here - awarding orders, awarding prizes, conferring military and civil ranks, signing important state treaties.

Before we talk about the famous halls of the Grand Kremlin Palace, let's briefly recall the history of the latter.

The palace was built between 1838 and 1849. The decree on the start of construction was issued by Emperor Nicholas I. The best architects of the country were involved in the work, and the main leadership was entrusted to the architect Konstantin Andreevich Ton.

The impressive building of the Grand Kremlin Palace overlooks the Moscow River flowing behind the walls of the Kremlin, down the slope. The building was built as a temporary residence of Russian emperors during their visit to the Mother See of the capital.

Although from the outside the building looks like 3-level, in fact there are only two floors. The lower level protrudes somewhat beyond the plane of the upper floors, which made it possible to arrange an open terrace above it for walking.

In total, there are 5 main halls in the palace, which will be discussed in this article:

Andreevsky Hall of the Grand Kremlin Palace is also called the Throne Hall. It received its name from the order in honor of the Holy Apostle Andrew the First-Called. It was preserved in its original form from 1849 to 1932, after which, in Soviet times, it was merged with the neighboring Aleksandrovsky to create the Conference Hall of the USSR Armed Forces. It was restored in the period from 1994 to 1998 according to the project of S.V. Demidov.

Ten gilded pylons of the St. Andrew's Hall, as well as decorated doors, are decorated with chains and crosses from the paraphernalia of the Russian Order of St. Andrew the First-Called. Above the window openings there are coats of arms of provincial formations that existed in the Russian Empire.

At the end of the Andreevsky Hall of the Kremlin, there is a throne, equipped with seats for three stylized thrones for the reigning persons - Nicholas II, his wife Alexandra Feodorovna and mother Maria Feodorovna, as well as an impromptu canopy with a forgery of ermine. Real thrones and vestibules can be seen today in the halls of the Kremlin Armory.

Above the throne is placed the radiant All-Seeing Eye, made of gold.

Photo 1. Andreevsky Hall of the Kremlin and the Order of St. Andrew the First-Called

The Alexander Hall of the Grand Kremlin Palace is named after the Order of St. Alexander Nevsky, which was established in the Russian Empire in 1725 by decree of Empress Catherine the First.

Its wall planes are decorated with pinkish marble;

The look of the latter is repeated on the upholstery of the backs of the chairs, which is made of velvet to match the color of the sash.

On the walls of the Alexander Hall of the Kremlin there are paintings depicting episodes in the life of Prince Alexander Nevsky.

As mentioned above, together with the Andreevsky Hall during the Soviet era, it was destroyed and restored also in the 1990s.

Today, meetings of the State Council of the Russian Federation are periodically held in the Alexander Hall.

Photo 2. Alexander Hall of the Kremlin and the Order of Alexander Nevsky

The Vladimir Hall of the Grand Kremlin Palace is unusual in its layout. In principle, this is a square with sides of about 16 meters, but because of the arrangement of corner niches, it looks like an octahedron.

The colors inherent in the Russian order in honor of St. Vladimir are involved in the decorative design.

The tent vault in the form of a 16-hedron is made using ceramic pots, which made it possible to both lighten the structure itself and give the room excellent acoustic properties. Lighting of the Vladimir Hall of the Kremlin is carried out through a specially arranged opening at the top.

The flight of stairs takes visitors to the premises of the Terem Palace.

Photo 3. Vladimirsky Hall of the Kremlin and the Order of St. Vladimir

The Georgievsky Hall of the Grand Kremlin Palace is the main hall. It got its name from the Russian order in honor of St. George the Victorious, which was established by Empress Catherine II in 1769, after which it became the highest military order of the then Russia.

The room of the Georgievsky Hall of the Kremlin is made in white-blue with gold tones. The hall is rightfully a kind of temple of military prowess.

Gold stars are installed on the wall planes, as well as order armbands with the inscriptions "For Service and Courage".

The total length of the St. George Hall is about 61 meters, with a width of 20.5 and a height of 17.5 meters. On the walls there are panels with the names of military units and lists of St. George Knights. The top of the columns located near the walls is decorated with sculptures by Vitali, symbolizing the territories that were part of the Russian territory.

There are six gilded bronze chandeliers under the ceiling, and the flooring is made of 20 species of valuable trees, laid out in an original pattern.

During the years of Soviet power, government receptions, awards and meetings of top leadership with the people were held in the St. George Hall of the Grand Kremlin Palace. This tradition continues today.

It is worth noting that it was in the Georgievsky Hall of the Kremlin that the ceremony of signing the agreement on the admission of the Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol to the Russian Federation took place. It happened on March 18, 2014.

Photo 4. St. George's Hall of the Kremlin and the Order of St. George the Victorious

Catherine's Hall of the Grand Kremlin Palace is also one of the main halls. At the time of its creation, it was a throne room for Russian empresses.

The hall is named after the Order of St. Catherine, which was established by Peter I back in 1713 and, in fact, was the only female order in the Russian Empire.

The parquet floor is made with a stylized image of the Order of St. Catherine in the form of a gilded pattern. The image of the order framed by artificial diamonds and the inscription "For Love and Fatherland" is also present on the wall planes and front doors of the room.

The total length of the Catherine's Hall of the Kremlin is about 21 meters. The main noticeable element of the room are pilasters, decorated with malachite inserts, and fixed on powerful pillars at the doorways.

The walls and vaults are decorated with moire of a grayish hue with a frame made of material, to match the pattern of the sash. Also, gilded stucco made by Russian artisans is used as decoration.

The geometric pattern of the parquet in the Catherine's Hall of the Kremlin was designed by Academician Fyodor Grigoryevich Solntsev.

The lighting is gilded chandeliers, cast in bronze, with candelabra made of the finest crystal, made by special order at one of the imperial glass factories in St. Petersburg.

Photo 5. Catherine's Hall of the Kremlin and the Order of St. Catherine

We have completed our brief overview of the halls of the Grand Kremlin Palace. We hope that you liked this information and found something new for yourself in it.