Russia is famous for its brilliant monuments of architecture. On the territory of the Moscow Kremlin there is a whole collection of samples of mature classicism, one of which is the Senate Palace. The ingenious Russian architect M.F.Kazakov designed and began its construction in 1776. For 11 years, the majestic main object of the "Cossack" times was built. The classical proportion in the form of a triangle, the presence of two domed monumental ceilings give the Senate Palace grandeur and grandeur.
The furnishings and decor of the interior, rooms and galleries recreated during the restoration make an unforgettable impression.
Senate Palace: Description
Under the construction of the palace was allocated a plot of land, which determined its unusual layout. The building is made in the shape of a triangle, the courtyard is divided by two buildings into three equal parts.
In front of the arch is the domed central part of the palace. The rotunda is surrounded by a colonnade and crowned with a huge dome. 24 windows give it a resemblance to a temple. The Senate Palace rises above the walls of the Kremlin and is a complement to the unique ensemble of Red Square.
A bit of history
When was the Senate Palace built? The Moscow Kremlin was supplemented by this project at the direction of Empress Catherine II "to glorify the Russian state." Initially, the building was intended for administrative purposes. At first, government agencies were located here and celebrations were held for the nobility and nobility.
In the 19th century, the palace was called the “building of public places”, since it housed the city’s administration and the judiciary.
After the October Revolution, it housed the cabinet of V.I. Lenin. Later, the Senate Palace of the Kremlin was the residence of the Ministries of the SSR.
Since the end of 1991, the residence of the Russian government has been located here, and in 1995, for the first time in 200 years, the general restoration of the building began, which lasted more than two years. Painstakingly restored the decoration of rooms and rooms, furniture upholstery, candelabra, lamps, chandeliers.
After restoration, the dome of the palace, as in the old days, again began to adorn the statue of St. George the Victorious, piercing the serpent with a spear.
We walk through the most famous halls and rooms of this magnificent monument of architecture.
Catherine Hall
The rotunda hall or the Catherine’s hall immediately amazes with its size. It has more than twenty meters in diameter and almost thirty meters in height.
“Huge”, “majestic”, “monumental” - as soon as it was not called. The very idea of the performance of the hall - scale, triple lighting, proportionality and commensurability of individual parts - makes a striking impression. The construction of a huge rounded arch emphasizes the aesthetics of classicism.
White and blue colors harmoniously resonate with gilded fragments, are the classic completion of the integrity of the picture.
Oval hall
It has been preserved since the "Cossack" time, it is also called the Representative Office. During the restoration, the masters completely preserved the historical setting and restored the original color background.
White colors and light green shades prevail in the hall, which gives it rigor and solidity.
Huge malachite fireplace - the pearl of the Oval Hall. Bronze watches, products and candelabra attract the eye. Stacked rich parquet is an imitation of a carpet, it is made of valuable and rare species of wood.
Cabinet and Presidential Library
In the northern part of the Senate Palace are administrative government premises, as well as the office of the president. Its appearance underwent a little change during the restoration.
The cabinet is relatively small. During the reconstruction, the workers tried to reproduce the original spatial and volumetric trends of the room, which were laid down by the architect.
Perfectly sanded oak panels are professionally fitted. The walls have a deep golden hue. Convenient and effective furniture set is also made of oak. A strict-looking ornament flaunts on the ceiling, which gives the cabinet a formal look.
The library cabinet follows the good traditions of classical Russian construction. The shelves of the cabinets are made of dark wood. Bright shades and chandeliers set off dark shelves and white walls. The general atmosphere in the room is very solemn.
Blue Living Room and Audience Hall
The living room is next to the office. The upholstery is harmoniously complemented by curtains, they are made in dark blue tones. Golden brushes fit perfectly into the design of the room and emphasize the white-golden wood of the furniture. Mirrored drops of candelabra give the room a calm and grandeur.
Next to the Blue living room is the Audience Hall. Its walls are hung with manuscript portraits of the emperors of Russia, the floor is magnificent and refined. A light marble marble fireplace is an interesting detail in the interior. It is decorated with candelabra with exquisite sculptural groups. The light arched ceiling and the shade of the walls are in harmony with the decorated gilding of furniture. Upholstery "Bordeaux" dilutes the interior and gives it formality and solemnity.
The masters during the restoration did their best to recreate the original Senate Palace to the smallest detail. Moscow is proud of this ancient monument, which is the pearl of a holistic ensemble of the city.