Photo by © Margarita Fedina

TSARITSYNO The museum-reserve Tsaritsyno is located in the south of and was created as a suburb residence of . The palace was designed and built by the famous architect . Later the new Grand Palace by Matvey Kazakov became the center of composition. Now the Tsaritsyno park boasts not only historical architectural ensemble, but picturesque ponds, musical fountains, scenic landscapes and timeless atmosphere.

KOLOMENSKOYE A residence of Moscow Grand Princes and Russian Tsars first mentioned in the XIV century. It is here that the Church of the Ascension, built in 1532 and one of the first tent-roof stone churches in , is located. Among natural attractions of Park are apple orchards. The orchards, reconstructing the Tsar’s 17th century gardens and covering a vast part of the park, are ideal picnicking spots. In winter there are far fewer visitors in the park and it looks even more impressive being dressed in white.

KUSKOVO park is one of the oldest country estates in Moscow. It was given to General Sheremetev by in 1715. Nowadays the estate has been restored to its former glory and is a good example of Russian 18th Century imperial architecture. Within the estate there’s a large pink cake of a palace looking onto a lake surrounded by many smaller pavilions. One of the most interesting pavilions houses the . On the other side of the lake is a large wood popular with local cyclists and joggers.