Красные казармы, Military architecture complex in Lefortovo, Russia
The Red Barracks is a military complex in Lefortovo composed of multiple symmetrical buildings with red brick facades and generous window arrangements. The structures display classical architectural features including columned porticoes and regularly spaced openings that create a formal, ordered appearance.
The complex was built in the 1780s as service buildings for Catherine Palace and was substantially rebuilt after the 1812 fire under architect Osip Bove. This reconstruction transformed it into a major military institution that determined its subsequent role.
From 1866 onward, the compound served as a training ground for Moscow Infantry cadets and shaped generations of Russian military officers. The buildings still carry this educational legacy visible in their orderly layout and institutional character.
The site is located near Baumanskaya metro station, making it accessible by public transport. Keep in mind that the complex remains active as a military facility, which may limit visitor access to certain areas.
During restoration work in 2001, workers discovered the original brick color beneath centuries of paint layers and restored it to its authentic shade. This finding revealed that the entire color scheme was deliberately designed to create a unified visual impact across the compound.
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