Kolomenskoye is one of the most beautiful places in Moscow. I’d recommend that you spend a day here so that you can fully discover this wonderful green space and its rich cultural and artistic heritage, with religious buildings of unique beauty.
Founded in 1237, the village became famous in 1532 when the Church of the Ascension, designed by Italian architect Pietro Annibale, was built to celebrate the birth of Ivan IV, the future tsar of Russia, who later became known as Ivan the Terrible.
The beautiful Church of the Ascension is the park’s main attraction, made truly exceptional by the mix of different architectural styles, including clear references to Italian influences. The building’s innovative architecture diverges from the Byzantine tradition of the time. The ground floor is in the shape of a cross, which then becomes a tower that is initially octagonal before being topped by a pyramid that reaches 28 meters high.
This temple is an important milestone in Russian architecture thanks to details such as the narrow pillars that line the sides, the arrow-shaped windows, the three rows of cut arches and the stairs.
Nearby, you’ll spot the Church of Saint George which has an independent bell tower, but as you continue to walk through the park, you can see many other monuments throughout this green setting. The sixteenth-century Church of John the Baptist, on the Dyakovo hill, has five tent-shaped structures and was built around 1547, presumably by the architect Postnik Yakovlev, who perhaps also designed St. Basil’s Cathedral. I’d also recommend that you visit the unusual Church of Our Lady of Kazan, characterized by bright blue domes and an array of gold decorative features. Another interesting building, surrounded by an ancient cemetery, is the Church of the Beheading of St. John the Baptist, built by Ivan the Terrible to celebrate his coronation.
Let me leave you with an interesting fact: if you're a fan of apples and happen to have come to the village of Kolomenskoye in the right season, in the garden of the Church of the Ascension you’ll find a number of different varieties of apples that you’re free to pick. Don’t forget to bring a basket with you!
