Pavilion "Grotto"

Moscow, Kuskovo Estate

Among the architectural "undertakings" of the ancient estate of Count PB Sheremetev Kuskovo, the Grotto pavilion occupies a special place. Such pavilions have adorned gardens and parks in Europe since the 16th century. They first appeared in Italy and were used as baths. Later, in other countries, they began to serve as kunstkammers and a place of solemn gatherings, refined rest and entertainment on hot summer days. They got their name from the Italian grotta, which means \ "cave \". Shells, mirrors, colored tuff, sea stones, imitating a natural cave, were used in the decorative decoration of the interiors. In Russia, grottoes began to be erected in royal residences and noble estates from the beginning of the 18th century.