While exploring the grounds of Troitse-Sergiyeva Lavra, it is impossible to pass by the beautiful building of Tsarskie Chertogi. This two-story palace is located in the northern part of the monastery courtyard and draws attention with its multicolored walls covered with ceramic tiles. The paired windows are decorated with ornamental columns and relief wimpergs.
Tsarskie Chertogi were built in the 17th century for visits to the monastery by Russian tsars and members of their families. The interior of the building is even richer than the exterior decor, since the chambers received the highest-ranking guests. The rooms are finished with magnificent stucco, and in particular, stucco medallions with episodes from the life of Peter I, preserved since 1745, can be seen here. Two ceramic stoves with painted tiles and numerous ornate elements look like true works of art.
From 1814, the building housed the Moscow Theological Academy, which had both its advantages and disadvantages. The best students of the icon-painting school created stunning paintings in the churches and chambers of the Lavra, but when the building was given over to students, it was rebuilt and altered, with two beautiful grand staircases demolished and the colorful facade painted over. Fortunately, drawings and documentary descriptions of the building were preserved, according to which its former appearance was restored.
Today, Tsarskie Chertogi house the museum of the Church-Archaeological Cabinet, with an exhibition of 20 thousand items of church utensils and vestments, priceless icons and books, sacred relics, and unique antiques.
