Kolomenskoye – is a former village in the South-East of Moscow, on the high right bank of the Moscow River. The area has been known since the 14th century, and in the 15th-17th century it was a country estate of Russian tsars. At the moment reconstruction works are held in the estate, along with building of attractions and infrastructure maintenance.

Kolomenskoye, a museum-reserve, is situated on a comparably small territory and is a unique complex of architecture, archaeology, and geology. Here there have preserved huge boulders of the Ice Age, but the main peculiarity of the park is monuments of the hip architecture, which attract more and more tourists to Kolomenskoye.

Tourists can order excursions in a special bureau located at the entrance to the country estate. Guides wearing costumes of the times of the tsar Ivan the Terrible give tourists the introduction to the history of the country estate. On the territory of the park one will find a unique historical-architectural ensemble. Walking excursions also let tourists see such famous churches as the Kazan Church built in the 1660`s, the Ascension Church built in 1532, the bell-tower church of St. George, the Church of Beheading of St. John the Forerunner surrounded by a small cemetery with graves dated the 14th-19th centuries.

Peter the Great was also known to visit Kolomenskoye, and according to a legend, the park’s oaks which now are 400 years old, were planted by the Russian emperor. Walking by the Front Gates leading to the river, park visitors now cannot see the mechanical lions which earlier greeted guests by rolling their eyes and roaring. Tired and hungry visitors of the country estate will find small cosy cafes with a pleasant atmosphere and home-like surrounding, with Russian nature and churches` pictures hanging on the walls, and with the menu of the traditional Russian cuisine.

One more kind of activity available for tourists in Kolomenskoye is horse riding with the opportunity to order any route a guest likes. In summer and autumn guests are also offered motor-ship walks. On the river bank there is a stage for role plays` organization. During holidays and celebrations Kolomenskoye turns into a ground for mass promenade, fairs, and concerts with the traditional Russian dancing. Guests are usually offered tea with bliny, honey and other Russian sweets.

Kolomenskoye is also famous for its clear underground springs with water considered curative and miraculous. Many people ask whether it is possible to swim in the river in Kolomenskoye – swimming in the river is actually prohibited, but there are two ponds where one can swim without fear.

In recent years the country estate Kolomenskoye attracts more and more visitors. It is admitted to be one of the best leisure zones in the city and the region. Some talk about a special atmosphere and clean air of Kolomenskoye. One will find what to do and how to have a nice time in the park in any season of the year. Monuments of Kolomenskoye are registered in the list of the objects guarded by UNESCO.  

Source:     www.rostur.ru

Translation: Lavrentyeva Natalya