The Moscow's major attraction and heart is the fortified enclosure of the Kremlin (Russian Kreml), the symbol of both Russian and (for a time) Soviet power and authority. Several capitals of Russian principalities (e.g., Moscow, Pskov, Novgorod, Smolensk, Rostov, Suzdal, Yaroslavl, Vladimir, and Nizhny Novgorod) were built around old kremlins, which generally contained cathedrals, palaces for princes and bishops, governmental offices, and munitions stores.

The Moscow Kremlin (1156) lost its importance as a fortress in the 1620s but was used as the centre of Russian government until 1712, when St.Petersburg replaced Moscow as the capital of the Russian empire, and again after 1918, when Moscow became the capital of the Soviet Russia. After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, it became the executive headquarters of the Russian federation.

Originally constructed of wood, it was rebuilt in brick in the 14th century by Italian architects, who arrived in Moscow at the invitation of Ivan III the Great, and later repaired and altered on numerous occasions. Its architecture thus reflects a variety of styles, including Byzantine, Russian Baroque, and classical.

The Kremlin's east side faces Red Square, and it has four gateways and a back gate, concealing a secret passage to the Moskva River. Of the most important towers (totally there are 20, 19 with spires) is the Saviour (Spasskaya) Tower leading to Red Square. It was built in 1491 by Pietro Solario, who designed most of the main towers, and its belfry was added in 1624-25. The chimes of its clock made by the English master Christopher Halloway in 1851-52 are broadcast by radio as a time signal to the whole nation.

Also on the Red Square front is the St. Nicholas (Nikolskaya) Tower, built originally in 1491 and rebuilt in 1806. The two other principal gate towers-the Trinity (Troitskaya) Tower, with a bridge, and the Borovitskaya Tower-lie on the western wall. Within the Kremlin walls is one of the world's most striking and beautiful architectural ensembles: a unique combination of many beautiful churches and palaces (see also our 'Moscow's museums, and Moscow's cathedrals folders ).

The centerpiece of the ensemble is the Cathedral Square (Sobornaya Ploshchad) with three magnificent cathedrals located in it: the Cathedral of the Assumption, the Cathedral of the Annunciation, and the Archangel Cathedral.

Just off the square stands the splendid white bell tower of Ivan the Great. Built in the 16th century, the tower is 81 meters high, and it has 328 steps leading to the dome. The tower was damaged in 1812 during the Napoleonic Wars, and it was restored a few years later.

At its foot is the enormous Tsar Bell (Russian Tsar-Kolokol). The bell is 6.14 meters high and weighs 200 tons. Cast in 1733-35, the world's largest bell never rung. During the great fire of 1737 in the Kremlin, the bell became red-hot and had to be overcooled with cold water. As a result, large and small cracks appeared on it, and a large piece broke off.

Nearby is another miracle: the Tsar Cannon ( Russian Tsar-Pushka), a fortress gun with a caliber of 890 mm. Cast in 1586, it weighs 40 tons.

Beside the gun are located the mid-17th-century Cathedral of the Twelve Apostles and the adjoining Patriarchal Palace.

On the west of Cathedral Square is a group of palaces (see also our 'Moscow's museums' folder): the Palace of Facets (1487-91), the Terem Palace (1635-36), and the Kremlin Great Palace, built as a royal residence in 1838-49 and formerly used for sessions of the Supreme Soviet of the U.S.S.R.

The latter is connected to the Armoury Palace (Oruzheynaya Palata), built in 1844-51 and now the Armoury Museum.

Along the northeast wall of the Kremlin are the Arsenal (1702-36), the former Senate building (1776-88), and the School for Red Commanders (1932-34). The only other Soviet-period building within the Kremlin is the Palace of Congresses (1960-61), with a vast auditorium used for political gatherings and as a theatre.

Open: 10:00 - 17:00
          
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Address: The Moscow Kremlin

Nearest metro station: Alexandrovsky Sad

Tel.: +7 (495) 202 37 76