Tsaritsynsky Great Palace: a brief description

Tsaritsynsky Grand Palace is one of the main parts of the ensemble, created in the 18th century. Unfortunately, this building was never used for its intended purpose, but its architectural merits are unquestionable, which makes it possible to include the building in the list of the most significant monuments of the era, the more so that it is executed in two different styles. Construction was conducted for quite a long time: from 1785 to 1796.

History of creation

The original project of the building belonged to V. Bazhenov, however, the empress who inspected the building remained dissatisfied, and therefore the author was removed from the leadership. Instead, his friend and assistant, M. Kazakov, was appointed, who completed the construction. Tsaritsynsky great palace was made in the style of pseudo-Gothic, but with obvious features of classicism, which by the end of the century gained popularity and eventually became a model for buildings.

The original version of the building assumed the construction of a small-sized structure, but the new author, following the tastes of Catherine II, changed the proportions. The construction became more voluminous, but most importantly, it acquired some weight in the design.

In 1790 the construction was suspended due to financial difficulties due to the Russian-Turkish war. Three years later the process resumed. However, now the Tsaritsynsky Grand Palace underwent new changes: its proportions were reduced, which in principle violated the architect's plan. But soon the Empress died, and the new ruler Paul I ordered the completion of the work. Thus, the structure was never used for its intended purpose.

Architecture

The construction is interesting because it combines various styles - pseudo-Gothic and classicism. From this point of view, the building can be conditionally called the one belonging to the transition period in the history of architectural construction.

Tsaritsynsky Grand Palace consists of two wings, within which there are two quiescent: for the empress and her son. The middle part from the outside looks particularly majestic and monumental, but in terms of it it is evident that this part, in fact, represents a narrow transition between the two main chambers. Two towers made in the style of pseudo-goths give special grace to the structure. The latter direction also includes lancet arches, although in their form the windows are actually rectangular.

Additional Items

Matvey Kazakov gave the construction austerity and harmony of forms. The building has three facades, half-columns and columns that adorn the front door. Some parts give the structure a heaviness: powerful shells, arcade, arches. In general, the external appearance is intended to demonstrate the imperial power of the authorities, while the original project assumed greater chamberiness and compactness of the forms.

It should also be mentioned that Matvei Kazakov originally planned to build three floors in the palace plus a separate basement, but several years later, at the request of the empress, he was forced to reduce his height at the expense of one floor. As a result, the structure became squat and somewhat vague in appearance.

The reaction of contemporaries

So, the author of the Great Tsaritsyn Palace during the construction was forced to make many changes, which led to the lack of unity and integrity in the appearance of the building. In 1796, a black roof was installed over it, which caused criticism of the then Russian society. Many artists noted that it produces a rather gloomy impression, despite the presence of jewelry in the building.

In the second half of the 19th century, many began to celebrate the undoubted architectural merits of the building: it was said that its exterior is festive, and therefore many suggested removing the black roof.

Reconstruction

One of the largest palace and park ensembles of the capital is a complex in Tsaritsyno. The Grand Palace, the description of which is the subject of this review, was rebuilt and reconstructed in 2005-2006, which caused criticism of many experts. First of all, the builders replaced the black roof with a more beautiful and graceful roof with ornaments, which, in fact, became a violation of the architect's intention. Secondly, they trimmed the interior, which in the original version was never completed. But the floors were covered with expensive material from valuable wood species. In addition, there are two halls in the palace - "Ekaterininsky" and "Tavrichesky", in which exhibitions are held. The interior was decorated with sculpture and hung crystal chandeliers. In addition, there is the famous monument to the Empress by A. Opekushin.

So, now in the building is located a whole museum complex, which is dedicated to the reign of Catherine II. Despite the fact that the palace was never used for its intended purpose, it nevertheless occupies an important place in the history of Russian architecture, since it marked the transition from Gothic and traditional Moscow baroque to classicism.