The Palace of Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich in Kolomenskoye

The wooden palace of Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich is an example of 17th-century Russian architecture, combining the best features of Russian and Western European styles. The tsar spent summers here and conducted important state affairs. Historically the palace stood two kilometers from its current location. In the 18th century the palace fell into disrepair, and Catherine II ordered it dismantled. In 2010 an exact full-scale replica of the palace was erected on the grounds of the Kolomenskoye museum-reserve. The palace consists of 26 terems and 270 rooms, connected by galleries and passages, and is crowned with multi-tiered towers reaching up to 30 meters in height.

The main entrance to the palace was the Red or Parade Porch; from here the sovereign would appear before his subjects and could grant brief audiences. The Duma Chamber served as the reception room. The Prestolnaya Chamber functioned as the Throne Hall: on a podium stood the tsar's throne upholstered in red cloth, and on either side were figures of mechanical lions that could roar. They were made by the clockmaker Pyotr Vysotsky. The ceiling was decorated with paintings of biblical scenes. Frescoes depicting kings Solomon and David emphasized Alexei Mikhailovich's connection to great rulers and highlighted his wisdom and piety. The interior of the original building has been carefully recreated in the modern replica of the palace.

Behind the state rooms are the tsar's private bedchambers. The study of Alexei Mikhailovich, where he worked, read, and discussed state affairs with a small circle of close aides, is preserved. Next is the bedroom, where the sovereign rested and regained his strength. The tsareviches' chambers have also been reconstructed, and the personal apartments of Tsarina Sophia Alekseyevna have been recreated.

In tsarist times the grounds of today's Kolomenskoye museum-reserve were flooded meadows that hosted large numbers of waterfowl, so Russian tsars and Muscovite princes enjoyed falconry. In 2007 a falconry yard was recreated in Kolomenskoye, home to balobans (saker falcons). During Alexei Mikhailovich's reign these birds were used in hunting and lived in a large courtyard at the royal palace. The main purpose of the modern falconry yard is to preserve traditions and demonstrate elements of tsarist hunting. Guided tours and museum programs here include flight demonstrations of balobans (saker falcons), the goshawk, and the common buzzard. In addition, a friendly and photogenic guest favorite—the eagle owl Varya—lives here.

Photo: official museum group on VKontakte

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