Buildings in the style of classicism play a special role in the architectural appearance of Moscow. Almost each of them is a real monument of architecture and history.
How did Moscow classicism appear?
Classicism in Russian architecture appeared during the reign of Catherine the Great. For the first time in a long time, the authorities took care of decorating not only the new (Petersburg), but also the ancient capital. For several decades, Moscow, which had lost its status as a capital under Peter I and abandoned by the court under Anna Ioanovna, was almost abandoned.
Many buildings in the style of classicism, built in this era, were damaged during the Moscow fire of 1812. Emperor Alexander I ordered to rebuild the ancient capital in the same style - and the city became even more beautiful. However, in Moscow, classicism acquired its peculiar features. Unlike the Petersburg one, it is more intimate. And all because it was formed among the city estates, of which then Moscow consisted.
Features of the
By the end of the 18th century, several types of urban homesteads emerged. The building of the house was separated from the street by a ceremonial courtyard, and the building itself was located "peace". Or it was facing out, and the rest of the complex (garden, courtyard buildings) were hidden behind it. Also, the building could have an equivalent street and park facade. The main rectangular building was usually decorated with a portico entrance, subordinate to the central volume, wings-wings were directly adjacent to the center or connected to it by galleries. This three-part volume outlined an elongated rectangular or semi-oval front courtyard.
In addition, there was a specific scheme of a "corner" house, facing two streets and forming an angle between them. The architects transferred the same image of a "manor in the city" to public buildings, although, of course, they made them more significant. They are the most striking examples of Moscow classicism.
The most famous monuments of Moscow classicism
Senate Palace
The building is located on the territory of the Moscow Kremlin. It is against the background of this building that the Russian president writes down his New Year's address, because it is his residence. The Senate Palace was built from 1776 to 1787. Its author is the architect Matvey Kazakov. The austere facade of the building is decorated with pilasters and blades, which rest on a rusticated lower tier.
Pashkov's house
The building is considered a real pearl of Moscow classicism. It rises on a hill opposite the Kremlin. It is not known exactly who designed the building: Matvey Kazakov or Vasily Bazhenov. Pashkov's house was built in the mid-80s of the 18th century. It is named after its first owner.
big theater
The building was built in the early 20s of the 19th century. The Bolshoi Theater is designed to be the center of a classic urban ensemble. It must be admitted that the architects Bove and Kavos coped with this task.
Homesteads
The Lunins' estate, which is now occupied by the Museum of Oriental Art, is one of the creations of Domenico Gilardi. It was recognized as the benchmark. The same architect designed the estate of the Gagarin princes.
The Khrushchev-Seleznev estate was built by Gilardi's student, Afanasy Grigoriev. He also owns the project of the Lopukhins-Stanitsky estate.
