The Kremlin of Moscow: history and attractions
The first Kremlin on this site appeared in the 12th century and served as a fortress to protect the settlement founded on the hill. Initially, the walls were built of wood; later, in the 14th century, it was rebuilt using white stone. In the 15th century, Italian architects reconstructed the entire complex, giving it much of its modern appearance.
At the end of the 15th century, under the leadership of Ivan III, the Kremlin was rebuilt again. The new walls and towers were higher and thicker and were tiled with red bricks. A deep moat was also dug around the Kremlin.
During the war with Napoleon, the Kremlin was occupied by French troops. As they prepared to leave Moscow, Napoleon ordered its destruction. Although many cartridges did not explode, the damage was extensive, and rebuilding took 20 years.
In the center of the Kremlin, on Cathedral Square, are located the Church of the Assumption, the Cathedral of the Annunciation, the Palace of Facets, and the Cathedral of Archangel, which are key religious and imperial sites.
Between the 17th and 19th centuries, several secular buildings, such as the Terem Palace, the Big Arsenal, and the Senate, were added to the complex, reflecting the evolving political and cultural importance of the Kremlin.
Nearby, visitors can see the impressive Tsar Bell, the largest bell in the world, which was never rung due to its size and weight. Also on display is the Tsar Cannon, one of the largest cannons ever made, weighing around 40 tons and adorned with intricate decorations. Both these monuments showcase the grandeur and craftsmanship of Russia's historical era.
In the mid-19th century, the construction of the Armory was completed in the southern part of the Kremlin. Today, the Armory is one of the most famous museums on the Kremlin grounds, housing weapons, clothing, carriages, and other historic items belonging to royal families. The Armory also hosts the Diamond Fund, which features a collection of the most precious jewelry.
During Soviet times, the Kremlin became a symbol of the new power. The double-headed eagles on the towers were replaced with large red stars, and in the 1950s, the Big Kremlin Palace of Congresses was added. In 1955, the territory of the Kremlin was opened to the public as an open-air museum. In 1990, the Kremlin and Red Square were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
- Kremlin territory and cathedrals: 10:00–17:00
- Kremlin Armory: fixed hours at 10:00, 12:00, 14:30, and 16:30
- Closed: Thursdays
Please note that the timetable is subject to change without prior notice.
Red Square
Red Square is the most famous square in Russia. It appeared at the end of the 15th century and was initially called the "Merchant Place." Several significant buildings are located on Red Square, including the Cathedral of St. Basil the Blessed, Lenin’s Mausoleum, GUM department store, Kazan Cathedral, and the State Historical Museum.
Saint Basil's Cathedral
Located at the southeast end of Red Square, the Cathedral of St. Basil the Blessed, also known as the Church of the Intercession of the Virgin on the Moat, is a multi-tented church distinguished by its onion domes. It is traditionally seen as a symbol of Russia's unique position between Europe and Asia. Built between 1551 and 1561 under the orders of Ivan IV (Ivan the Terrible) to commemorate the capture of Kazan, the interior comprises multiple chapels filled with icons, medieval painted walls, and artwork on the domes’ interior.
Near the main entrance, there are statues of Dmitry Pozharsky and Kuzma Minin, leaders of the volunteer army that fought Polish invaders during the Time of Troubles in the early 17th century.
Nearby is the “Lobnoye Mesto,” a circular platform used for public ceremonies and where tsar decrees were read aloud.
Lenin's Mausoleum
In the western part of Red Square is Lenin’s Mausoleum, where the embalmed body of Vladimir Lenin, founder of the Soviet Union, is displayed. The original wooden mausoleum was built in 1924, shortly after Lenin’s death, and was reconstructed in stone, marble, and granite between 1929 and 1930.
After the death of Stalin in 1953, his body was also placed in the mausoleum and remained there until 1961. Following the ongoing de-Stalinization campaign, Stalin’s corpse was reburied in the Kremlin Wall Necropolis.
During the Soviet era, soldiers stood guard at the mausoleum, known as Post #1. In the 1990s, the guard post was moved to the Alexandrovsky Garden, near the Eternal Flame and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
GUM Department Store and Other Attractions
Opposite Lenin’s Mausoleum, the building of the GUM department store is located. Built in 1893, in the Russian Revival style, it currently hosts luxury boutiques, as well as cafes and restaurants.
Next to GUM is Kazan Cathedral, originally constructed in 1630 to honor Russia’s victory over Polish invaders during the Time of Troubles. It was destroyed in the 1930s by Stalin but was rebuilt in 1993.
The northern part of Red Square is occupied by the large, Russian-style building of the State Historical Museum. Established in 1872 and opened in 1883, the museum houses invaluable collections of relics spanning from prehistoric times to modern-day Russia, along with priceless artworks and millions of other exhibits.
