Reception of Peter I in Cross Chamber
2022 marks the 350th anniversary of the birth of Peter the Great and the 320th anniversary of his visit to Vologda in 1702. It is considered that Peter I came to the Vologda region 6 times and during three visits he was received in the Cross Chamber of the Archbishop’s Residence. The Archbishop’s Residence, known as the Vologda Kremlin now, consists of churches, chambers, household structures and walls. The first stone chambers - Simon Building - were named after Archbishop Simon under whom they were constructed in the 17th century. It was a three-storeyed structure with cells, a small house church and formal rooms. But the building was famous for the Cross Chamber used as a ceremonial reception room. It was an enormous hall with a vaulted ceiling, beautiful icons and a copper chandelier. In the Cross Chamber the archbishops of Vologda received noble guests, including Peter I. In May 1702, the tsar came to Vologda at the heigh of the Great Northern War. He stayed there only several days and then left for Archangelsk. Peter I worried about a possible attack of the Swedes on the White Sea port. Over 300 ships had been built in Vologda by his arrival. They were to carry soldiers and arms to Archangelsk along northern rivers and lakes. Peter I was given a great reception by Archbishop Garviil in the Cross Chamber. To dine and wine the tsar, fishermen were sent to the Sheksna River and Lake Kubenskoye to catch sterlet, white salmon and whitefish. Besides, fresh local cucumbers and mushrooms were served. At present the Cross Chamber is an exhibition hall of the Vologda State Museum-Preserve for History, Architecture and Art. Soon, after its restoration, a new exhibition about Peter I will be opened there.