Grand Kremlin Palace

The Great Kremlin Palace covers 25,000 square meters with a facade length of 125 meters. Its white stone walls are decorated with gold accents that reflect 19th-century Russian palace architecture.

Nicholas I ordered its construction from architect Konstantin Thon in 1838 to replace the old baroque Kremlin palace. The works were completed in 1849, creating an imperial residence that combined Byzantine forms with Russian architectural traditions. The building was inaugurated on Easter 1849, marking the completion of a project that transformed the heart of the Kremlin into a modern official residence while preserving the medieval fortification.

This palace hosts presidential inaugurations in the Georgievsky Hall, decorated with military ornamentation. The five rooms dedicated to Russian knightly orders reflect the honor system established by the tsars. Each room bears the name of an order: Saint George, Saint Andrew, Saint Alexander Nevsky, Saint Catherine, and Saint Vladimir, forming a ceremonial ensemble that continues the Russian protocol tradition since the 19th century.

Access to the palace requires prior authorization issued by the Kremlin administration. Photography is prohibited in the ceremonial halls but permitted in certain public areas under specific conditions.

Each ceremonial hall has the name of all recipients of its respective order engraved on its marble walls, transforming the protocol spaces into living memorials of Russian military history.

Location: Tverskoy District

Inception: 1838

Founders: Nicholas I of Russia

Architects: Konstantin Thon

Official opening: 1849

Architectural style: Byzantine Revival architecture, Russian Revival architecture

Part of: Kremlin

Website: http://kreml.ru/en/main/kremlin/buildings/BKD

GPS coordinates: 55.75000,37.61583

Latest update: November 20, 2025 18:15