The Krutitskoye Patriarchal Compound in Moscow is the former residence of bishops, the name comes from the word denoting the elevated left banks of Moscow. It can be called one of the oldest sights of Moscow, which is very popular with tourists and city residents.
Krutitskoe Podvorie is not included in the tourist routes offered by excursion bureaus, but it can be called popular. The courtyard is one of the most famous sights of the city, which tourists visit on their own.
Why is the courtyard so popular? There can be several answers to this question.
First, the courtyard looks like an old small town. It has a special atmosphere, peace and quiet. Films are shot here, so it can be called a film set.
Visitors must follow the rules, it is forbidden to take photos and videos that violate religious canons.
Secondly, visitors are attracted by the unusual architecture. The buildings are made of old bricks, they are very old. All of them are protected by the state, but do not belong to architectural monuments.
Thirdly, the courtyard has a rich history. It appeared in the XI century. on the site of the princely village of Krutitsy. In 1262 a monastery was erected in honor of Saints Peter and Paul. The emergence of a monastery on the site of a princely village can be called a mystery. Historians are still arguing over its construction.
According to one version, the construction of the monastery is associated with the name of Prince Daniel of Moscow, who wished to build a house in Krutitsy (he liked the picturesque place). In addition to the house, it was necessary to build a temple and bishops' chambers, so the prince decided to build a monastery.
Another version is based on the arrival of the Sarsk bishops and Barlaam, the monastery was built for them. It is impossible to determine which building was built first. Historians have suggested that the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (approximately in the 13th century), walls were built around it.
For several centuries it was financed by the Moscow princes, some bequeathed to the courtyard a contribution "to their memory."
Twice the courtyard suffered from wars, they ruined it and tried to dismantle it. In 1612 it was desecrated and destroyed by retreating Polish mercenaries. In 1812 it suffered from a fire, in 1816 it was restored by order of Alexander I.
In the 17th century, the main cathedral of the Moscow Kremlin was captured, so the Uspensky cathedral of the courtyard became the main religious symbol of Russia. It was here that Minin and Pozharsky vowed to free Moscow from foreign invaders. Eight unique buildings have survived in the courtyard; the painting in the church was restored at the end of the 20th century.
The entrance to the courtyard is free, but you must follow the rules. You can get there on foot from the Proletarskaya metro station (the distance to the courtyard is 790 m.), Or from the Paveletskaya station by tram 38, A to the Dinamovskaya street station, then on foot, on foot from the Krestyanskaya Zastava metro station (distance 1 km.).
