Front Gates Ensemble

About museum

The gates of the Kolomenskoye estate were built in 1673 during the reign of Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich. They were the main gates of the summer residence, since the ceremonial entrance to Kolomenskoye was from the Moscow River. The gates were executed in the style of the time: the central part of the ensemble was the complex building of the Front Gates. On the lower tier there were two vaulted openings of different heights, while the second tier housed the Organ Chamber with a "lion's roar" mechanism. The third tier contained a clock mechanism, and atop the solid tented roof a two-headed eagle with a crown was installed. Adjoining the gates were the stone chambers of the Prikaznaya Izba (administrative office), the Colonel's Chambers, and the icehouse. In 2002–2003, after scientific research was carried out, the original layout and architectural appearance of the Front Gates were restored. The gates still remain the calling card of the Kolomenskoye estate.