Moscow is a very ancient city, as evidenced by the presence of many old buildings within its borders dating back to the 12-16 centuries. One of these is the Krutitsy courtyard with its cobbled streets, wooden houses, chic churches. It just breathes a rich history and allows guests to plunge into the amazing atmosphere of the Middle Ages.
History of the Krutitsy courtyard
According to official data, this landmark appeared in the 13th century. They say that in 1272 Prince Daniel of Moscow ordered to establish a monastery here. There is also other information, according to which the initiator of the construction was allegedly a certain old man from Byzantium - Barlaam. When the Golden Horde ruled on the territory of Muscovy, this place was given as a courtyard for the bishops of Podonsk and Sarsk.
In the Middle Ages, active construction work was carried out here. The existing buildings were supplemented by two-story metropolitan chambers and the Assumption Cathedral. Until 1920, services were held here and pilgrims from different parts of the country were received. Several times the churches were plundered and set on fire by the French and the Poles. After the end of the October Revolution, they stopped working altogether, and everything of value that still remained in them was taken out.
In 1921, a military hostel was equipped in the Assumption Cathedral, and 13 years later it was transferred to the housing stock. The old cemetery, located on the territory of this museum complex, was filled up, and a football field was laid out in its place. It was only after the collapse of the Soviet Union, in 1992, that the Krutitsy Compound acquired the status of a museum and again began to receive pilgrims.
Description of the main buildings
Krutitskoe courtyard belongs to the architectural monuments of the 17th century. This ensemble includes the following attractions:
- The terem with the holy gates, which in tsarist times was badly damaged by fire and was later reconstructed. Its façade is lavishly decorated with glazed tiles, making the building look fabulous. According to some reports, the bishops gave alms to the poor from the windows of this house.
- Metropolitan Chambers. They are located in a 2-storey brick building. The entrance is through the porch on the south side. It is adjoined by a massive staircase with over 100 steps, white ceramic balusters and handrails. The thickness of the walls of this building is more than a meter. At one time, the first floor housed living rooms, utility and office premises.
- Assumption Cathedral. This is the brightest and most valuable building in the ensemble of the Krutitsy courtyard. It has a height of more than 20 m and is crowned with the classic five-domed, associated with the Savior. The material for it was red brick. In front of the entrance to the front door there is a covered staircase hidden behind massive pillars. On one side, the building adjoins the hipped bell tower. In the 19th century, powerful bells rang here regularly. The walls are decorated with three images dedicated to the feast of the Baptism of the Lord, the Annunciation of the Virgin and the Nativity of Christ. At the beginning of the 20th century, old wooden crosses were replaced with gilded ones, and the domes of the cathedral were covered with copper.
- Resurrection Church. It consists of three tiers of a basement, basement, second floor and several side towers. The local metropolitans rest on the lower level. Until 1812, the walls of the temple were decorated with paintings, from which almost nothing remained after the fire. Several years later, the dismantling of the building began, during which the crypts were partially destroyed. In the 19th century, a small reconstruction took place here. Of particular interest are the renovated stepped window niches below the gallery. This makes the Resurrection Church similar to the neighboring Novospassky Monastery.
- Covered passages from the chambers of the metropolitans to the Assumption Cathedral. Their total length is about 15 m. They were built at the Krutitsky compound between 1693 and 1694. A beautiful view of the patio is available from the windows of a fairly long open corridor.
- Lower Peter and Paul Church. A cross with the image of Christ is installed at the entrance to it. The building itself comprises two floors. Inside, in the center of the main hall, there is a renewed iconostasis with numerous icons of the Virgin Mary and other saints.
The surrounding buildings are also of interest. In 2008, the outer courtyard near the Assumption Cathedral was reconstructed. Now guests are greeted by cobbled streets. On the other side of the building, the square is covered with grass and trees, among which narrow paths wind. Near the main ensemble there are several old wooden houses with shutters and lanterns typical of the 19th century.
Where is the courtyard?
You can find the Krutitskoye compound in Moscow, at the address: st. Krutitskaya, house 13/1, index - 109044. This attraction is located in the southeast of the city, on the left bank of the river of the same name. Nearby is the metro station "Proletarskaya". From there you need to take tram number 35 from the Paveletskaya stop or walk. Here's how to get there in 5-15 minutes! The phone number of the museum is (495) 676-30-93.
Helpful information
- Opening hours: visit is not possible on weekends, which fall on Tuesday and the first Monday of the month. On other days, the entrance to the territory is available from 7 am to 8:30 pm.
- Schedule of services - the morning service starts on weekdays from 9:00, and on weekends from 8:00. Two liturgies are held during Lent. Every evening at 17:00 an akathist is performed in the temples.
- The entrance to the patriarchal courtyard is free, free.
- You can get to the territory of the museum complex from the side of Krutitsky lane or the street of the same name.
- Smoking and drinking alcoholic beverages are prohibited near temples.
- Taking photos is only allowed by agreement with the clergy.
The territory of the Krutitsky courtyard is not very large, it is better to examine it slowly and independently. An individual or group excursion is also possible. Its duration is approximately 1.5 hours. During this time, the guide will tell you about various legends associated with this place, about all its secrets and secrets, and a difficult history. It is necessary to register in advance, 1-2 days in advance.
Some interesting facts
Krutitsy courtyard is not just an unusual architectural monument, but also an important cultural object. An Orthodox Sunday school operates at the Assumption Church, where children are taught the law of God. Persons with disabilities, including wheelchair users, find understanding here. Every month charitable meetings are held here, the participants of which are supervised by a permanent spiritual mentor.
The furnishings of the local churches are rather modest; their architectural appearance is of primary interest. The only valuable relic on the balance sheet of the Krutitsky Compound is a copy of the Feodorovskaya Icon of the Mother of God. Other noteworthy objects include an ark with the relics of some saints.
Every year on St. George's Day (Great Martyr George the Victorious) scout parades are held here. Also, on the first or second Saturday of September, the day of the city of Moscow, students and Orthodox youth gather at the "Found Generation" festival. Rumor has it that the famous Russian revolutionary Lavrenty Beria was once held in one of the cellars.
We advise you to look at the Sistine Chapel.
It is better to visit the Krutitskoye Compound on weekdays, when there is almost no one there. This way you can take a close look at all the sights, take vivid photos and enjoy the privacy.
