Tsaritsino

Tsaritsino, an architectural and landscape ensemble in Moscow's southeast, a specimen of the neo-Gothic style. At first, in the 17th century, it belonged to the Streshnevs, a boyar family and when, from the year 1712, to the Kantemir princes. Later, in the 18th century, Empress Catherina II acquired the estate for her country residence. The complex includes the Large Palace, The Small Palace. They linked by a gallery with a tracery archway of the gate, and the Grand Cavalry Stables form an architectural focus of the complex. The bread House stands back of these palatial structures. The ponds add to the charm, next to one of them, on a steep ground slope, stands the Opera House. The concerts are arranged in the Hall of Opera regulary. The scene is further enhanced by the ornamental bridge over the road to Kolomenskoye, the Smaller Palace of Catherine the Great, and the figures gate at the turn of the alley.