The Moscow Kremlin, An Incredible Fortress

The Kremlin is one of the icons of the Russian capital. A magnificent set of religious buildings and palaces surrounded by a wall with several towers and which is a symbol of the Russian government. We are going to visit one of the most spectacular places in Moscow. Do you want to join us?

The Kremlin , the citadel of Moscow

Did you know that there are almost 20 Kremlin in Russia (5 of them World Heritage Sites)? But without a doubt, the best known is that of its capital, Moscow.

The history of this citadel (translation of “Kremlin”) begins between the 11th and 12th centuries, when the area was a Slavic settlement. From 1156 the changes took place: a moat was dug and the walled fort was built.

In the 14th century, when Moscow was already the capital, a stone fortress, a new wall and a new moat were erected in the Kremlin. In addition, it is chosen as the place of residence for the royal family and three temples are built: the Cathedral of the Assumption, that of San Miguel and the Church of Nuestro Salvador.

Shortly after he would build a new fortress with nine towers, and later the Kremlin became the cultural center of the city. Between the 15th and 17th centuries the main monuments of the citadel were erected. Many are still preserved.

With the invasions of Russia and a great fire many of the houses were destroyed. In 1713 the Kremlin was the temporary residence of the Tsarist court and in 1776 it functioned as a Senate. New restoration works followed Napoleon’s invasion and after the October Revolution of 1917 it was closed for visits (until 1955).

During the 20th century there were restoration works and old monasteries were demolished to raise the government building. In addition, cathedrals and palaces were remodeled. In the complex are the three establishments used by the President of the Russian Federation : the Grand Kremlin Palace, the Senate and the Military School.

What to see in the Moscow Kremlin

In the vast territory of the Kremlin (about 27 hectares) most of the buildings and constructions are accessible to tourists. Cathedrals, palaces and the entire architectural complex will leave you in awe. On your walk do not miss these attractions:

1. Cathedral of the Dormition or Assumption

It is one of the oldest temples in the complex, built in white stone between 1475 and 1479 by Ivan III where an old temple previously ordered to be erected by Ivan I.

The ancient cathedral of the city of Vladimir was used as a model and was embellished by frescoes related to Old Russia. This temple served as a pantheon for various patriarchs of the city until the year 1700.

2. Cathedral of the Archangel Michael

It was built between 1505 and 1508 on the remains of an old church. Its frescoes were painted between the 16th and 17th centuries. It was the place chosen to celebrate the victories of the Russian army.

It was used as a pantheon for tsars and princes. In total there are 54 graves and 46 headstones. Among the great monarchs buried here are Ivan I, Ivan II the Glorious, Ivan III the Great, and Ivan IV the Terrible.

3. Belfry of Ivan the Great

It is one of the most admirable works in the entire Kremlin, it was built in the 16th century and unifies all buildings regardless of age and architectural style. The bell tower served as a model for many temples in Old Russia.

It is made up of three sections and the third floor houses a church. In the galleries are the bells, the largest being the one that weighs 64 tons.

4. Tsar Pushka Canyon

It was in service in 1856, weighs almost 40 tons and is 5 meters long. It is the largest caliber cannon in the world. It is believed that it was never used and that it was built to demonstrate Russian military might.

Next to the cannon is the Tsar Kolokol bell, the largest on the planet, commissioned by Empress Anne. It broke in 1737, but was placed with a support in the middle of the Kremlin.

Another must-see in the Kremlin is the Grand Palace and its interconnected buildings, which can be admired from the outside or paid a good amount of money for a private visit.