Palace of Facets
Palace Ceremonial hall in the Moscow Kremlin with faceted exterior
The Palace of Facets sits within the Moscow Kremlin as a 15th‑century ceremonial chamber displaying state regalia and frescoed halls; it’s included on Kremlin tours for its role in Russian royal ceremony.
The Palace of Facets (Granovitaya Palata) is a late 15th-century ceremonial chamber within the Moscow Kremlin, constructed as the principal reception and state hall for Muscovite grand princes and tsars.
The building dates from 1487-1491 and was built by Italian architects as part of a broader programme of Kremlin construction under Ivan III. Its façade features faceted stonework and the interior historically served for state ceremonies and receptions.
Located on Cathedral Square within the Kremlin walls, the Palace of Facets is part of the ensemble of historic government and ecclesiastical buildings at the heart of Moscow.
It sits in the Moscow Kremlin, adjacent to the cathedral complex and overlooking Cathedral Square in central Moscow.
- Date and use: Built between 1487 and 1491 by Italian architects under the reign of Ivan III, it historically served as a grand ceremonial and reception hall within the Kremlin.
How to Get to Palace of Facets #
The Palace of Facets is within the Moscow Kremlin complex, adjacent to Red Square. Access is via the Kremlin ticketing entrances; the nearest metro stations are Okhotny Ryad (Ploshchad Revolyutsii) and Alexandrovsky Sad. Purchase Kremlin tickets online in advance where possible.
Tips for Visiting Palace of Facets #
- Buy Kremlin and Armoury tickets in advance online through the official Kremlin ticketing site to avoid long queues.
- Time the visit for late afternoon light on the facades of the Palace of Facets for better photos; security checks can add time, so allow buffer.
Best Time to Visit Palace of Facets #
Late spring through early autumn provides the best combination of weather and visiting hours; always check official Kremlin scheduling.
Weather & Climate near Palace of Facets #
Palace of Facets's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -10°C to 23°C. Moderate rainfall (721 mm/year).
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -5°C and lows of -10°C. Moderate rainfall (46 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
February
February is freezing with highs of -4°C and lows of -10°C. Moderate rainfall (36 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
March
March is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (36 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
April
April is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (45 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
May
May is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
June
June is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 12°C. Regular rainfall (86 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is the warmest month with highs of 23°C and lows of 14°C. The wettest month with 93 mm of rain and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
August
August is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (79 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
September
September is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (69 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (70 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
November
November is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
December
December is freezing with highs of -3°C and lows of -8°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
.JPG?width=600)
