The Main Building of Petrovsky Travelling Palace

With a unique history that dates back to the late 18th century, Petrovsky Travelling Palace is regarded as one of the city’s most beautiful architectural jewels. It was built for Catherine the Great and designed by the famous Russian architect Matvei Kazakov in 1775-82. From that time the palace became the last overnight station of royal journeys from St. Petersburg to Moscow, where tsarina or trar had a chance to rest before entering Moscow. It was from here that Russian tsars began their journeys to the Kremlin for their coronation.

In Soviet times, since 1923 until early 1990s, Petrovsky Palace housed Zhukovsky Military-Engineering Academy of Aviation. Among the famous graduates are Yury Gagarin, Valentina Tereshkova, great aircraft designers Sergey Ilushin, Alexander Yakovlev, Artem Mikoyan.

After long reconstruction started in late 1990s the palace was officially reopened in 2009 as the House of Receptions of the Government of Moscow. In present time they use it as a hotel for visiting dignitaries to Moscow and host official receptions. It's not possible to get into the palace without special organized tour, but you can see the building on your way from/to Sheremetevo airport.

Photo #008 taken on July 05, 2014