Terem Palace (Moscow)

Of all the monumental palaces in the Kremlin, the most fantastical and exuberant by far is the celebrated Terem Palace. Once the official residence of the Tsars, Terem Palace has an enchanting fairy-tale quality that defies architectural pigeonholing. While on cheap city breaks in Moscow, you will glimpse an exterior adorned with coloured tiling and painted in brilliant shades of red and yellow. Set over five floors, it has a vaguely pyramid shape which is topped off with a golden roofed tower chamber. Portals, cornices and window frames are all embellished with carved floral patterns of stone and relief tiles and makes for unique photo opportunities from every angle.

 

Unfortunately for history lovers on short breaks in Moscow, it is part of the official residence of the Russian President and closed to the public but its sheer architectural beauty deserves lingering over. It has been rebuilt and extended several times since its inception in 1636, but has retained much of its original splendour. Some of its most impressive additions include the famous Golden Staircase and the Boyar Platform and it incorporates part of the earlier 14th century Church of the Virgin's Nativity. 

 

Inside there are elegant state rooms such as the majestic Throne Hall, Chamber Room and Ballroom. In each of the main rooms, including the private royal apartments are brightly coloured stain glass windows and stone carved bas-reliefs depicting mythological birds and beasts. During weekend breaks in Moscow, sightseers should go to the Church of the Deposition of the Robe for unrestricted views of the Terem Palace. In fact, you can glimpse the sparkling 11 golden domes and its chequered roof from many spots close to the Kremlin.