Patriarch's Palace, Religious residence in Moscow Kremlin, Russia.

The Patriarch's Palace is a structure in the Moscow Kremlin with colorful tiles that served as the residence of the Russian Orthodox Church's leader in the 17th century. The central hall with its ornate decorations shows how important this site was for religious and state events.

The palace was built between 1642 and 1655 on the orders of Patriarch Nikon, within the Moscow Kremlin enclosure. Its design was likely inspired by the Palace of the Terems, and it expressed Nikon's wish to bring back the severe, monumental style of Vladimir-Suzdal to Moscow. Its portal is topped by the Church of the Twelve Apostles.

The palace takes its name from the patriarchs of the Russian Orthodox Church, whose residence it was; its gateway carries the Church of the Twelve Apostles, built on the site of an older church destroyed during the Time of Troubles. The cross-shaped hall, covered in glazed tiles, now serves as a museum hall displaying applied art of the 17th century.

The palace is part of the Kremlin complex and can be visited with combination tickets that include several buildings. Guided tours in different languages are available, but it helps to check ahead for the best times to visit.

The Krestovsky Chamber has an unusual roof design that creates the impression the ceiling floats unsupported by visible columns. This architectural feature was a notable technical achievement for the 17th century.